Mike Ko’cass finds us a winner at Menangle Saturday night

RACE ONE:

Placed in three of his past four starts since greeting the judge over this course and distance, RAYS CHOICE (7), despite the class of his opposition, appears suitably placed in this company following recent encounters in tougher events. Prior to his latest effort a week ago, Rays Choice finished 3rd behind Double Encounter and Pump The Brakes, respectively, before posting a solid 2.6m 3rd behind Max Delight after leading out, then taking a sit on the Victorian. Holding his ground gamely over the final 200m, the Jason Grimson-trained 8yo was game in defeat. Although gate seven is tricky, Rays Choice has the gate speed to be prominently placed from the outset, and if young Lleyton Green so desires, the role as pacemaker isn’t out of the question. That will depend on his three main rivals, which have all drawn inside, commencing with the Cameron Ross-prepared UROC SKINNY JEANS (3). Racing in peak form the mare has won three of her past four, the past two under the card of Ross, with a 24.3m 3rd to Rocknroll Angel sandwiched between those efforts. The 4yo daughter of Mach Three is coming off a convincing win over Divine Diva and Bronski Belle and another competitive showing will be offer. Jack Trainor has NEVER BEEN SAID (2) and MIGHTY FLYING ART (1) representing his stable with the pair both capable of making their presence felt, especially after drawing ideally close to the pegs. Never Been Said appears the stronger of the two runners with the Well Said mare coming off a gritty, but costly, 6m 4th to Uroc Skinny Jeans a couple of weeks ago when a wide draw and a rearward role played a role in her ultimate finishing spot. The draw this time around will allow Blake Fitzpatrick the opportunity to have Never Been Said in a striking role from the outset. ALWAYS ROCKIN (6) and SWAGGIE SHANNON (9), along with MAJOR BOB (4), which joins the David Aiken team on the back of four-consecutive wins at Newcastle, all capable of playing a pro-active role in the finish, particularly when it comes to the exotics.

RAYS CHOICE 1, Uroc Skinny Jeans 2, Never Been Said 3, Mighty Flying Art 4.

RACE TWO:

With the benefit of two solid displays since a spell, and an ideal draw, gate one, FAR OUT BRO (1) should take a power of beating in what appears to be an open contest. Prepared by Michael Doltoff and to be driven by rising star Jack Callaghan, Far Out Bro kicked-off his latest term of racing with a pleasing 3.2m 3rd to Joes A Character before contesting the G3 August Gift Final last week. Three back in the running line, the 4yo was doing his best work over the final 100m, resulting in a closing 1.8m 4th to Spirit Of Anzac. With his level of fitness tracking in the right direction and a perfect draw, Jack will have Far Out Bro in the mix from the outset and that will ensure that the son of Mach Three plays a big role in the outcome. A recent addition to the Jack Trainor team, MASTER CATCH (4) recorded a moderate 64.6m last to Gimmefiveminutesmore on Aug 21, then followed that run with a pleasing 2.9m 5th to Petes Said So a week ago when he managed to dictate the terms. Handily drawn in three, which is less the reserve, Master Catch has the chance to again be close to the action in what will be a slightly harder test. RANGER BOMB (9) was having his first outing in a month, following a creditable Queensland campaign, when he posted a 16m 4th to Spirit Of Anzac two weeks ago. Another wide gate awaits the Belinda McCarthy-trained 4yo, but the added fitness should assist the son of Sportswriter in recording a far more competitive effort. JOES A CHARACTER (11) can’t be left out of the equation due to the tough draw. The 5yo scored with authority two starts back, then had every chance in the one-one when a 7.9m 9th to Spirit Of Anzac a week ago. The son of Roll With Joe is better than that effort. When it comes to exotic investments ENK SPOT SHANNON (6) should be included as the 6yo faces the starter for the first time since coming under the care of Jason Grimson. The son of Million Dollar Cam is yet to be placed at Headquarters following three previous attempts but he is in good form and deserves attention. BANKERS GOLD (7) and BEAU CISHOLM (5) also have claims in that regard.

FAR OUT BRO 1, Master Catch 2, Ranger Bomb 3, Joes A Character 4.

RACE THREE:

Former Kiwi mare SMOOTH DEBATE (1) will be looking to have the final say when the well-named daughter of Well Said faces the starter for the first time since coming under the care of Jason Grimson. The 5yo ended her career back home on a winning note when she overcame a back row draw in scoring at Addington on Aug 6. Gate one awaits the mare and with Cam Hart back from a week off, and with another strong book of drives, Smooth Debate appears to have found an ideal assignment to commence her career on this side of the Tasman. The Simon Ellul-trained MISS MACH (2) has the form on the board and a suitable draw, which entitles the daughter of Mach Three to a high-level of respect. From her past four Menangle engagements Miss Mach has posted a win and three placings, with her latest effort resulting in a 3.2m 3rd behind Zanadu and Cherishthememories. Miss Mach will be in the mix from the outset and with her confidence ‘sky high’, another strong showing can be expected. PLATINUM REVOLUTION (11) justified the confident support last week when the mare bounced back to form with a strong display in defeating Yuko and Mustang Milly. A cool, calm and collected drive by Ash Hart enabled the daughter of Changeover to enjoy a kind run back in the back, prior to exploding home over the final 200m. Ash will need to produce a ‘carbon copy’ effort in the sulky, if Platinum Revolution is to overcome the outside gate, something both horse and driver are more than capable of achieving. MUSTANG MILLY (4) draws well and is an ideal exotic player while ZANADU, SMOOTH STYLE (8) and BRONSKI BELLE (10) are also worthy of consideration when it comes to the multiples.

SMOOTH DEBATE 1, Miss Mach 2, Platinum Revolution 3, Mustang Milly 4.

RACE FOUR:

Boasting a hat-trick of wins next to his name, vastly improved 4yo CLOUD NINE (6) should continue of his winning way for the Jason Grimson stable. Dominant in two of those wins, Cloud Nine then led throughout in defeating Hes Chiming by 1.5m with Swaggie Shannon a further half-neck away. Cloud Nine managed to place his rivals under pressure with a 26.7 final sectional and with the prospect of again dictating, the son of Bettors Delight will again take a power of running down in what will be another rise in grade. While suggesting that Cloud Nine looks hard to beat, the in-form Darren Binskin stable will be represented by the consistent ARDENS ACE (2) which is more than capable of coming up ‘trumps’ after drawing ideally in two. In eight runs since resuming from a spell, the Art Major 3yo hasn’t finished further back than fourth, with two wins and four placings coming his way. Contesting the G3 August Gift Final a week ago, Ardens Ace hit the line with intent from his midfield role, which resulted in a 1.2m 3rd to Spirit Of Anzac. Over the longer trip of 2300m, whether Cam Hart looks to set the tempo or take cover, may depend on Binskin’s plans for Ardens Ace through the opening stages. Despite the outside gate OUR MADIBA (10) stays under notice, although the 7yo has been unplaced in each of his past four outings. The son of Bettors Delight hasn’t had a great deal of luck in a couple of those outings, and although luck will be required here, the 2300m should be appealing. MAJOR OBAHMA (7) is racing in peak form and although a harder task awaits the 5yo, he certainly remains the multiple mix. ELROY JETSON (8) strips fitter for a closing 3.9m 3rd to Rockabella Starz a week ago and claims as an exotic contender can’t be overlooked while SOHO TSUMANI (9) also has claims in that department.

CLOUD NINE 1, Ardens Ace 2, Our Madiba 3, Major Obahma 4.

RACE FIVE:

This is a ‘lottery’ with a host of chances due to the fact that the entire field have been ‘shy’ when it comes to greeting the judge for an extended period. Although coming off a costly defeat at Penrith a couple of weeks ago, the Peter Russo-trained PROSECUTION WITNESS (2) is capable of putting forward a reasonable case for his claims. The 5yo had no excuses when he led in finishing a 4.8m 6th to Bettor To Be Tricky, which came on the back of three useful efforts at Menangle. If, Prosecution Witness can produce the form he displayed back in late June, early July when he recorded a back-to-back wins, then this appears to be a suitable challenge from an ideal draw. Veteran gelding JEDI MIND (1) will be backing-up from his creditable 14.6m 4th to The Raconteur here on Tuesday when he enjoyed a kind, four peg role. From the pole the son of Real Desire, which hasn’t won since last November, will again enjoy a comfortable trip and that will certainly play a role in his attempt to end the drought. HELD TO RANSOM (4) followed two sound placings with a creditable 4.7m 7th to Spirit Of Anzac in a G3 assignment last week. Like Jedi Mind, the mare hasn’t been seen in the winner’s circle since last November, but her recent form is certainly good enough to ‘right that stat’. Things were far better when BATTLE BORN (10) last made an appearance in the winner’s circle. It was back in December/2018, which now seems a life-time ago, when the son of Art Major won at Albion Park. Always an above-average type, Battle Born hasn’t done a great deal since a solid 2nd to Double Encounter five starts ago, but he has been competing in far harder races, the latest when last behind Pump The Brakes. Despite drawing the outside gate, Battle Born is capable of giving this a shake. Despite the lack of recent winning form, BETTORS POCKET (5), GOTTASHOPEARLY (6) and BENALONG VALLEY (8) could assist as value exotic players.

PROSECUTION WITNESS 1, Jedi Mind 2, Held To Ransom 3, Battle Born.

RACE SIX:

This race is named after one of the ‘greats’ in Kevin Newman. The G3 challenge has attracted a similar line-up to the majority of G3 events. Since joining the stables of Jason Grimson, former Victorian MAJESTIC CRUISER (4) has certainly enjoyed racing on the spacious Menangle circuit where he has collected three wins from his four starts to date. Content to sit off the pace and be saved for a late surge, the 6yo son of Art Major has won with authority, with his latest effort resulting in a comfortable win over Pocket Of Terror and Golden Year in the G3 Paul Fitzpatrick, another Hall Of Famer. Majestic Cruiser has an improved draw for this challenge, and that will allow Cam Hart to secure a suitable run, which will allow the pair to complete the third leg of a hat-trick of wins. POCKET OF TERROR (6) is always competitive in races of this nature and that will again be the case. Close-up when 4th to Double Encounter and Rocknroll Angel, respectively, the Jack Trainor-conditioned son of Western Terror then chased gamely when a 4.4m 2nd to Majestic Cruiser. Jack Callaghan will again take the reins while Trainor remains on the suspended list. BRIGHT ENERGY (7) trialled strongly in finishing 2nd to Lets Katchmeifucan at Menangle a week ago when the race was wrapped-up in a blistering 25.8 final quarter, which came on the back of a 26.6 3rd 400m. The 6yo returns after a mixed Queensland campaign, culminating in a 2.2m 4th to Alta Orlando on July 31. With that trial under his belt, Bright Energy appears ‘full of energy’ for his return so respect his claims. MALCOLMS RHYTHM (10) continues to produce a solid effort on a weekly basis and he was certainly brave in defeat last week when a half-neck 2nd to his classy stablemate Max Delight. Despite the tougher, wider gate, the Art Major 5yo will make a bold play for a role in the finish. PUMP THE BRAKES (9) made up good metres from a five-peg role in recording a 7m 5th to Max Delight last week so include the Sean Grayling trained and driven 7yo when forming exotic transactions. GOLDEN YEAR (5) is another with minor claims if you wish to throw the net a touch wider.

MAJESTIC CRUISER 1, Pocket Of Terror 2, Bright Energy 3, Malcolms Rhythm 4.

RACE SEVEN:

Everything being equal, and we know that’s not always the case, then MAFUTA VAUTIN (6) should have this race at his mercy. Hitting peak condition following four sound efforts from a spell, and dropping suitably in grade, which is a big plus, the Belinda McCarthy-trained veteran should enjoy this challenge, compared to a 15m 3rd to Max Delight, which was followed by solid 6.8m 4th a week ago, again behind the former NSW Derby winner. A repeat of either one of those efforts in this field should result in Mafuta Vautin greeting the judge. Jack Callaghan will again jump the ‘bike’, just one more outstanding drive for this exceptional talent. ESCALERA (4) is certainly a talented type in his own right but the 5yo has been ‘out of sorts’ since resuming from a spell back in late June while campaigning in Queensland. Unplaced in all five starts, the latest when a $1.80 chance in recording a 9.6m 4th to Warfare at this venue on his return to home base. The Jarrod Alchin-trained son of Bettors Delight will benefit from his first run in a month and he did work home steadily last time out. On his best form, Escalera would give this race a big shake. HICKSTEAD (5) has been thereabouts in the majority of his recent starts, the latest resulting in a solid-finishing 1.7m 3rd to stablemate Petes Said So last week. Trainer KerryAnn Morris will again take the reins, and although the 8yo hasn’t experienced that ‘winning feeling’ since last November, he will make his presence felt. UNDER WORKED (2) has a hat-trick of handy placings next to his name, along with an ideal draw. As a result, the Narelle McCarthy-prepared, 192 veteran is worthy of attention when it comes to forming multiple investments. LOORRIM CREEK (9), WARFARE (8) and POWER OF RED (7) are also in the mix when it comes to placing exotic bets.

MAFUTA VAUTIN 1, Escalera 2, Hickstead 3, Under Worked 4.

RACE EIGHT:

The ‘trot’ should develop into an intriguing clash between established star DROP THE HAMMER (7) and rising star and cult figure, FUNKY MONKEY (4), with race fitness giving the former the edge he requires to greet the judge for the 27th time in his career, with each and every win recorded at Headquarters, along with, all but one of his 22 minors, also coming via trips to Menangle. Talk about ‘horses for courses’! Following a gritty 3m 2nd to Tough Monarch two starts ago, the Darren Hancock trained and driven, former pacer, turned the tables on his arch rival when he stalked the short-priced elect, prior to having far too much ‘dash’ up the running in posting a stylish 7.3m win. With only a small field of seven runners, the 6yo son of Bettors Delight won’t be concerned about drawing the outside marble, as the gelding has the gate speed to make his own luck, whether dictating or taking the ‘drop’ on his main threat. Either way Drop The Hammer has also the necessary ‘tools’ to greet the judge, with his higher level of fitness being the key. Since joining the KerryAnn team, FUNKY MONKEY (4) has been impressive and her future is bright. Since making the trip across the ‘ditch’ the Monkey Bones mare has contested five races and remains unbeaten, as she goes about her business with a professional attitude. The 4yo has been off the scene since early April when she accounted for Gimondi and Fox Trot Hill. KerryAnn has given her rising star two trials, and each have resulted in solid wins, so her level of fitness is definitely in order as she tackles, what will be, her toughest test since joining the Morris family. MONARO MIA (6) is an honest mare and another competitive showing will be forthcoming from the stablemate of Drop The Hammer. The Imperial Count 6yo has been placed in each of her past four encounters, the latest a week ago when she again tried hard in finishing 3rd to Drop The Hammer and Tough Monarch. MAJOR THOMAS (5) is a reliable type so include the 7yo when it comes to forming exotic transactions. ‘Team Morris’ will also have AGENT MAORI (1) and DONT TOUCH THIS (2) involved and although the task will be demanding, when it comes to ‘value’ players for the multiples, the pair are capable of assisting in that regard.

DROP THE HAMMER 1, Funky Monkey 2, Monaro Mia 3, Major Thomas 4.