Mike Ko’cass previews Menangle

RACE ONE:

Consistent, but costly, and a shade disappointing in not converting more handy efforts into wins, LETSPENDANITETOGETHA (4) has the chance to play an important role in the finish after drawing ideally in an open race. Less the reserve and gate three awaits the former Kiwi, who has just the two wins to show for his efforts and a host of placings, the best of them a solid 3rd to Colt Thirty One in the Blacks A Fake at Albion Park back in July. The 7yo is coming off a solid 3.5m 4th to Power Of Red back on Jan 6 when he appeared to have every chance, courtesy of a handy midfield run. The slightly better draw should allow Letspendanitetogetha to receive a suitable, forward role, and that will allow him to be productive. FRANCO LANDRY (10) posted a determined win last week in defeating Dance For Glory in the last couple of strides. The reliable 5yo has drawn out deep in a tougher contest but certainly has the ability to again be involved in the finish. POCKET OF TERROR (8) has had an interesting change of stables since scoring a solid win here a couple of weeks ago when too good for Cant Refuse and Real Stride. The 5yo now faces the starter under the care of Craig Cross and he is bound to make a bold play for the top spot. Resuming from a spell with a gritty 2nd to the exciting Balraj at Goulbourn on Jan 3, the consistent PRESTONPANS (5) stays under notice as an exotic chance while GOTTA GO YA HU (2) and THE BACHELOR (3) also warrant attention.

LETSPENDANITETOGETHA 1, Franco Landry 2, Pocket Of Terror 3, Prestonspans 4.

RACE TWO:

Following a stellar term of racing last season, when he recorded 10 wins and six placings from just 18 starts, COURTSINSESSION (3) will be looking to bounce back to that type of form after four unplaced, and disappointing runs since resuming. The 7yo has had mixed luck in running but has been safely held just the same, although he did show improvement last time out on Jan 6. After securing the one-one, Courtsinsession led the three wide lane from the 400m, however, he failed to make an impression in finishing a useful, grinding 12.2m 6th to Cash N Flow. If the reserve doesn’t gain a run, Courtsinsession will launch his claim from gate two, which is ideal, and in a suitable but open assignment, the son of Art Major should be involved in the outcome. LITTLE RASCAL (8) has posted a number of sound efforts since scoring here, surprisingly, back on Oct 27. After spoiling his consistent record with a 23.6m last to Alta Orlando, the 8yo started favourite when a solid 3.9m 2nd to Let it Ride on Jan 6. Drawing slightly deep for this suitable challenge, Little Rascal is bound to make his presence felt and clearly looks the one to beat. CONVICTION (7) returned from his Inter Dominion campaign with a safely-held 13.5m 7th to Alta Orlando at Bathurst, just two weeks after his NZ trip, prior to giving his rivals a lesson over the 1609m of the Menangle track when he led from start to finish in posting a time of 1:50.2 in defeating Fouroeight and Blazin N Cullen. The 6yo has drawn the middle of the line, and although this will be a slightly harder test, expect him to again be a serious contender. When it comes to forming exotic investments the consistent MATCH IN HEAVEN (11) is entitled to a spot after a host of solid runs since a spell, with the wide gate being the main concern. A fitter EXPRESSIONIST (4) stays under notice, along with MOTU GATECRASHER (10) and LUCKY LOMBO (9).

COURTSINSESSION 1, Little Rascal 2, Conviction 3, Match In Heaven 4.

RACE THREE:

Tough and open race for the mares, with last-start winner REDBANK ADDI (5) more than capable of going back-to-back. After posting a couple of creditable efforts, Redbank Addi bounced back to winning form with a narrow but determined win over a fast-finishing Scarlet Babe while Rocking filled 3rd spot, also coming from a rearward role. On that occasion the mare was presented with the one-one, with Robert Morris timing his run to perfection. With a slightly better draw assisting her this time, Redbank Addi is bound to be in the mix from the outset in again proving hard to beat. There will be no shortage of threats, headed by the consistent and fitter IDEAL PLEASURE (8) who is on the verge of a winning effort. The mare opened her latest campaign with a couple of solid placings, prior to recording a 4.4m 4th to Tralee Bromac on Jan 6. From her midfield role the mare kept finding the line gamely, with the outing, her first in three weeks, topping her off nicely for this assignment. BETTOR ENFORCE (11) is racing in peak form but has again drawn the outside gate, which was the case when a tough 1.4m 3rd to Tralee Bromac last time out. Despite the obvious hurdle, the tough and talented 7yo will again take a power of beating. ART SERIES (2) was never a factor at Temora last week when she resumed from a long spell with a lack-lustre 8th to Rusty Crackers. That was her first run since a solid 9.5m 3rd to Goodtime Heaven in the Crown 4YO Mares Championship at Melton last August. Stripping fitter and drawing ideally in two, Art Series is bound to improve sharply, and although she may need another run, claims as an exotic runner can’t be ignored. Others to consider include the ‘bonny’ mare TRALEE BROMAC (10), FAME ASSURED (1), ISLAND BANNER (7) and HOWS THE MEMORY (9).

REDBANK ADDI 1, Ideal Pleasure 2, Bettor Enforce 3, Art Series 4.

RACE FOUR:

Following another tough and determined run here last week, although in defeat, DANCE FOR GLORY (8) appeals as the one to beat once again, with a slightly better draw being a plus. The gritty 6yo started from the outside gate last week when he worked across the face of the field in finding the lead role. Defeat came in the final couple of strides when Franco Landry managed to nail him in gaining a narrow verdict. Dance For Glory will launch his claim from gate 8, and although that is tricky, the gelding should again make a bold play for a role in the thick of the action. And, once again, Dance For Glory won’t go down without a fight. Quality Queensland mare AQUA MISS (4) is coming off a solid all-the-way win here last week when she managed to survive a late surge by Wattlebank Flyer. The 5yo has again drawn suitably and will be in the firing line from the outset in again making her presence felt. MY RUEBE STAR (2) will appreciate the return to a far more suitable draw, gate two, following a wide draw last week, which resulted in the mare racing in a rearward role, en route to a handy 19.6m 4th to the classy Bright Energy, who won by a big space. The 5yo will give a good account from a far more forward role. IDEAL STAR (5) win three on end before a tiring 9th to Bright Energy last week after working from the outset. The 5yo is bound to have plenty to offer and should be included in the multiples, along with the consistent duo, BALLACHULISH (1) and SAMS A BLAST (3).

DANCE FOR GLORY 1, Aqua Miss 2, My Ruebe Star 3, Ideal Star 4.

RACE FIVE:

The G3 event for mares appears to be the toughest race on the card, with the all-important draw tipping the scales in favour of the Peter Trevor-Jones-trained MATAMUA (1) who has the prized pole position next to her name. The mare has been drifting in and out of form for some time, however, the switch has again been turned on of late, resulting in solid win at Bathurst on Dec 26, where she defeated Lilymadimac, who has won since, prior to heading to Penrith on Jan 9. The 4yo led from start to finish in easily defeating Ideal Fantasy and Frankies Tooth. This will be a harder test for Matamua, but the draw is a big plus and also the fact that Cameron Hart is driving in such fine fashion, that combination should result in the mare being given every chance to complete the hat-trick. There could be plenty of ‘hart’ shown in the finish as Ashley Hart will take the reins behind the main threat to Matamua. And, she won’t be required to look too hard for Cameron as her drive, DIAMOND STRIDE (2) has drawn perfectly in gate two. Ashley will take over the driving duties after trainer Anthony Butt had the reins when Diamond Stride finished a fading 13.9m 5th to Matamua at Penrith a week ago. Prior to that disappointing effort, Diamond Stride had been racing in fine style since a spell, posting a couple of wins and a solid 2nd to Crystal Stride, all on the Penrith circuit. The consistent CELERINA (8) is coming off a gritty 2nd to Yourockanna at Leeton on Jan 10, following a 2nd row draw and a tough run outside of the leader and eventual winner. The Victorian has drawn a touch deep, but she is a Menangle winner and that is a plus. IDEAL FANTASY (11) is a model of consistency and although confronted by a difficult draw, the mare can’t be taken lightly. It is hard to ignore the form of YOUROCKANNA (9) but this will be a slightly harder challenge, but, one she is more than capable of taking out. Exotic players should also look at MY MELS PLACE (6) when forming combinations.

MATAMUA 1, Diamond Stride 2, Celerina 3, Ideal Fantasy 4.

 RACE SIX:

There are a few runners here on the verge of a winning performance, with BLAZIN N CULLEN (6) definitely one of them. The John McCarthy trained and driven veteran strips fitter for two eye-catching efforts since a spell, with the former Miracle Mile player also drawing handily in the middle of the pack. The son of Christian Cullen resumed with a pleasing 5.3m 3rd to Conviction here on Jan 7, after being held up for a clear run, then again hit the line with plenty of ‘zest’ when 3m 4th to Spare Me Days a week ago. Both efforts indicated that the 10yo had returned to racing in fine fashion and he still had the desire to perform, despite chalking up 190 starts. In a race of many chances, Blazin N Cullen is entitled to be regarded as a major player as he looks to record his first win in nearly a year. RAYS CHOICE (10) has drawn wide but the 7yo does possess the required gate speed to cross his rivals, as he did last week when run down late by Spare Me Days, who secured a peg run in doing so. The 7yo, who is prepared by John’s wife Narelle, will appreciate the shorter trip, compared to the 2300m. With the benefit of three runs back from a spell, all handy efforts, SAPPHIRE SWAYZE (5) is ready to make a bold bid for victory, with the suitable draw likely to see him actively involved in the race from the outset. UNDER WORKED (4), who is also prepared by Narelle, has been close up in three of his past four runs, and with the benefit of a good draw, it will come as no surprise to see him give this a big shake at a suitable quote. Exotic players should also consider the reliable DOUBLE ENCOUNTER (7) and YAYAS HOT SPOT (8) who is proving hard to follow these days.

BLAZIN N CULLEN 1, Rays Choice 2, Sapphire Swayze 3, Under Worked 4.

RACE SEVEN:

With the Miracle Mile carnival now on the horizon, the ‘big guns’ will start to roll out, with the Kevin Pizzuto trained and driven speedster MAJORDAN (11) facing the starter for the first time since last July. Boasting a 1:49.6 effort when successful in the G1 Len Smith Mile on June 30, Majordan then suffered a surprise defeat when 3rd to Courtsinsession, the 7yo then ended his previous season of racing with a typical all-the-way win over the 1609m of the Menangle track, despite the outside gate. The son of Art Major will launch his claim from the outside gate, however, he has the chance to follow CASH N FLOW (10), which has drawn next to him, across to the pegs, enroute to taking up the running and once again, proving to be the one to run down. CASH N FLOW is clearly the main threat to Majordan. Luke McCarthy takes the reins behind the Craig Cross 7yo, and, he will have the option of ‘parking’ Majordan, or, the more likely scenario would be to take a sit and look to run down his brother (Todd and the Major) over the final stages. Racing in superb form, Cash N Flow does have a vital edge on Majordan, a far higher level of fitness. The classy LET IT RIDE (6) returned from a lengthy spell with a solid win over Little Rascal and The Bachelor, and although a harder task awaits, he has the talent to be in the mix. Multiple investors should include JACK FARTHING (3) as the draw is appealing, plus, the 5yo has been a reliable performer in this type of race over the past few months. FLAMING FLUTTER (4), BAD BILLY (9) and WRANGLER (8) can’t be ignored as exotic players.

MAJORDAN 1, Cash N Flow 2, Let It Ride 3, Jack Farthing 4.

RACE EIGHT:

Despite contesting a harder assignment, compared to his most recent challenge, it is hard to go past ELDERBERRY STRIDE (5) as the one to beat in what appears to be another open and tough event. One of three Team Tritton runners, the 6yo will again be partnered by Lauren, who is driving in fine fashion, particularly when it comes to dictating the terms. That was the case concerning Elderberry Stride last time out when the pair secured the lead in dominating from the front in recording an effortless win over Elect To Rock and Red Terror. The prospect of again finding the role as pacemaker is a distinct possibility, and, if that is the case, the son of Bettors Delight will prove to be a ‘betting delight’. MACKERAL (7) is close to greeting the judge after being placed in four of his past five starts, the latest when an 18.3m 3rd to Bright Energy last week. The margin could be misleading as the 5yo was held up for a run until late and also, the winner did score by a big space. This type of race should suit Mackeral so don’t dismiss him as a serious player. BOHANNAN (1) and OHOKA JOHNNY (2) have been creditable performers for the Tritton barn and courtesy of drawing ideally, the pair are bound to be in the mix for a long way so include then in exotic discussions. TEAM OF STARZZZ (9) has a wide draw to overcome, however, the 9yo has been thereabouts in most of his recent outings, making the 9yo a handy exotic contender at a suitable quote. BITCOIN (10) has been costly in two runs for the Narelle McCarthy stable since coming from WA, however, a fitter 4yo stays under notice when multiple combinations come into play, despite the tricky draw. HEZA BROMAC (8) drops back to a suitable contest and also warrants consideration as the 7yo has been racing consistently before finishing last behind Bright Energy a week ago.

ELDERBERRY STRIDE 1, Mackeral 2, Bohannan 3, Team Of Starzzz 4.

RACE NINE:

With the benefit of three runs since a spell, CALLMEQUEENBEE (5) and a suitable draw, gate four with the reserve out, will again look to reign over her rivals after a costly period of racing. After opening her 5yo career with unplaced efforts at Bathurst and Menangle, both creditable displays despite being safely held, the mare then enjoyed the one-one, prior to looming up three deep in the final bend, when a grinding 2nd to Royal Lincoln last week, with the Queenslander gaining the verdict in the final stride. That was a clear indication that the Mat Rue-trained daughter of Shadow Play was finding her ‘mojo’ once again and a win was just around the corner. This will be a similar assignment and with the prospect of being in the thick of the action from the outest, Callmequeenbee is ready to go one better. ROCKNROLL ANGEL (2), less the reserve, will launch her claim from the pole and that is a big plus for the Paul Fitzpatrick-trained daughter of Rock N Roll Heaven. The mare was resuming from a lengthy spell when a pleasing neck 2nd to Jonah Jones at Penrith recently, with a 2nd row draw her starting position on that occasion. Boasting a fine record at this venue, the 7yo can’t be taken lightly. After a period of safely-held efforts, SCARLET BABE (7) showed a return to form with a fast-finishing half-head 2nd to Redbank Addi a couple of weeks ago. This appears to be a far more suitable challenge for the 5yo and, going one better wouldn’t surprise. DRIVE THE DREAM (6) has been mixing her form of late but her last-start 10m 6th to Aqua Miss was useful enough to warrant further consideration. Suitably drawn, BRIDGET BLUE CHIP (3) should be linked to the exotics while WRITE ABOUT LEXY (8) and NEW YORK RAIN (10), who has been trialling nicely, also have claims in the multiples.

CALLMEQUEENBEE 1, Rocknroll Angel 2, Scarlet Babe 3, Drive The Dream 4.

RACE 10:

After selecting ABITMOREBLISS (8) last week, I’m sticking with the Shane Sanderson-trained 6yo, despite drawing awkwardly out in gate eight. Abitmorebliss had no luck here two starts ago when a 10m last to Bright Energy, who again won brilliantly last week, prior to having every chance last time out when a grinding 2.4m 3rd behind Aqua Miss. Presented with the one-one by Cameron Hart, the chestnut loomed up menacingly on the home turn, but was unable to ‘dash’, instead battling on stoutly over the final 200m. This is a suitable assignment for Abitmorebliss so give him one more chance to reedem himself. PUMP THE BRAKES (3) was having his second run back from a spell when a respectable 7.4m 4th to Franco Landry last week, with the 6yo coming from a five peg role, and four back in the running line on the turn, in making up many metres in the process. The Sean Grayling trained and driven entire strips fitter and also draws ideally after starting from deep draws in each of his two runs back. WATTLEBANK FLYER (9) goes from the pole to a wide draw for this challenge, however, it is hard to ignore his fast-finishing 2m 2nd to Aqua Miss last week. That was his second run for Darren Binskin since coming from Queensland and further improvement, particularly in this type of assignment, is a possibility. IM FEELING FIREY (2) wasn’t disgraced when a 10.2m 7th to Aqua Miss and from the far better draw he stays under notice as an exotic contender while RED TERROR (1), BLUE MOON RISING (6) and I AM SERENGETI (7) also remain in the multiple mix.

ABITMOREBLISS 1, Pump The Brakes 2, Wattlebank Flyer 3, Im Feeling Firey 4.