Mike Ko’cass with a race-by-race guide to Menangle Saturday night
RACE ONE:
Following a successful assignment at Headquarters back on June 1, NOTA REPLICA (4) has recorded four-consecutive placings at the same venue, and on that basis, it is hard to go past the Kevin Pizzuto-trained son of Courage Under Fire. In what appears to be a tough and open challenge, Nota Replica, apart from his high-level of consistency, has also drawn suitably in three, providing the reserve doesn’t gain entry. Regardless, gate four is still a suitable position for the bay. During the course of his opening three placings, the 6yo drew deep and was beaten 3.6m or less in races won by Delightful Dude, Ziggy Rocks and Chubby Checker, respectively. Then a week ago Nota Replica drew gate three and was left exposed outside of the leader, prior to posting a brave neck 3rd to Mighty Flying Art, which enjoyed a ‘cold’ sit on the leader and eventual runner-up, his stablemate Never Been Said. With the prospect of again being in the mix from the outset, Nota Replica will again be proactive when it comes to fighting out the finish. NEVER BEEN SAID (6) has been placed in each of her past three Menangle starts, all for new mentor Jack Trainor. Last week the daughter of Well Said attempted to lead throughout, only to surrender the top spot in the last few strides of the 1609m assignment. The mare has drawn wider on this occasion, with the pole position assisting her last time around. However, her confident attitude is bound to see her post another competitive effort. WAHS FIRE BUG (8) has also regained her confidence of late in posting wins either side of a last to Chubby Checker, but that finishing position came courtesy of striking plenty of trouble. Due to the number of scratchings last week only four runs faced the starter in the race won by Wahs Fire Bug, however, she still did the job in fine fashion. The Peter Hanson-trained daughter of Mach Three has always shown talent and another bold showing can be expected. I AM SERENGETI (7) has had plenty of work in recent times, but the son of art major continues to post solid numbers. Following a gritty 2nd to Mister Magic Man at Penrith last week, the 7yo backed-up at Menangle five days later in easily accounting for Our Money Rocks and Major Obahma, leading throughout just five days after his previous assignment. The 7yo is bound to make his presence felt once again as he continues to race with renewed zest. Exotic players should consider MADAZALWAYS (9), which wasn’t disgraced by his 6.8m 6th to Mighty Flying Art a week ago, MISTER MAGIC MAN (11), although the draw is a concern but with a hat-trick of wins next to his name, the Joe Conolly-trained 8yo can’t be taken lightly, and SWAGGIE SHANNON (10), with his past two run being more than useful.
NOTA REPLICA 1, Never Been Said 2, Wahs Fire Bug 3, I Am Serengeti 4.
RACE TWO:
Another Kevin Pizzuto-trained runner appeals as the one to beat with TOP THE ACE (8) capable of serving up another win. The Aces N Sevens gelding managed to come up ‘trumps’ with a deserving win at Bankstown two starts ago when he finished strongly from a midfield role in defeating Kezzamac and Masons Delight, the latter then posting an eye-catching 2nd to Mister Magic Man at Menangle. The 8yo then recorded a solid 5.3m 5th, again to the Joe Conolly-trained Mister Magic Man, this time at Headquarters five weeks after his previous encounter. With the benefit of that run and tackling a tough and evenly graded field, Top The Ace will be competitive. BENALONG VALLEY (6) has been mixing his form since scoring at Canberra back in early February, but his rivals have a similar story to tell. Recent sound efforts include placings behind Hidden Courage and Ronaldo, respectively, with a creditable 9m 6th to Wahs Fire Bug and a disappointing 26m 7th to Mister Magic Man his next two engagements. The return to a useful draw will assist Benalong Valley in making his presence felt when the judge calls a halt. JAZZY STAR (10) finished runner-up in each of his three starts on this side of the Tasman, twice for Tim Butt while the latter for Belinda McCarthy, prior to a disappointing and costly display here three weeks ago. After leading but given little peace, the son of Auckland Reactor faded to finish an 11m 9th to Rocky Creed. The 6yo is capable of better and although confronted by a wide gate, don’t write him off as a threat. With the benefit of two runs back from a spell, CHRISTMAS TOYBOY (5) is capable of being involved in the finish. Prepared by Lisa Fitzpatrick, the son of Christian Cullen has had two runs back from a break, the former resulting in a creditable 5m 6th to Tippitinya while the latter was a sound 8m 3rd to Our Madiba and Jedi Mind a week ago, when the 7yo attempted to dictate from start to finish. From his suitable draw and with a higher level of fitness, Christmas Toyboy should be in the firing line from the outset. HARPS (7) joined the Jack Trainor on the back of a moderate set of numbers in Queensland, however, the 7yo managed to post a solid all-the-way win at Goulburn on June 18, defeating Zambia and Bronski Belle. Contesting a harder event at Penrith a week later, the Well Said gelding posted a 19.3m 6th to Mister Magic Man. Expect a better effort from Harps this time around and at least consider his claims when it comes to the multiples. Other multiple payers include BRONSKI BELLE (1) and TRIPLE VC (2).
TOP THE ACE 1, Benalong Valley 2, Jazzy Star 3, Christmas Toyboy 4.
RACE THREE:
Boasting five number one hits and two, top three efforts from his past seven engagements, CHUBBY CHECKER (5) will again face the starter as the one most likely to finish at the top of the charts. After ending his previous term of racing on a winning note, Chubby Checker then resumed from his seven-week holiday with a sound 13.3m 3rd to Rockin Marty, prior to creeping one spot closer to the top, courtesy of a gripping three-way photo finish, which resulted in Ziggy Rocks defeating Chubby Checker and Nota Replica. With the benefit of those two encounters the classy 4yo managed to work to the lead and dictate, en route to defeating Mighty Flying Art, which has won since, and Nota Replica. The opportunity to set the tempo is again a distinct possibility and with his level of fitness now nearing its peak, Chubby Checker will again take a power of beating. However, THE STUNNING NUN (7) is bound to make things interesting for the son of A Rocknroll Dance. The mare completed four wins on the ‘trot’ when she produced a career best effort in posting a time of 1:49.7 in defeating Rocknroll Angel and Belladonna. On that occasion the Bettors Delight mare enjoyed a kind run behind the leader, and those tactics were again in use when the 5yo hit the lead in the straight, only to be overpowered by the classy Kiwi Spellbound. In posting a 2.7m 2nd, The Stunning Nun was game in defeat, with the winner headed down the path of further success and in feature company. ARDEN MESSI (9) has always shown immense talent, but the Bettors Delight gelding has gone to another level since a spell. The 4yo has faced the starter on seven occasions for three wins and the same number of placings, all as runner-up, while collecting a 5th to Jimmy Locke a long the way. Brave in defeat when nabbed in the final two strides by stablemate Loorrim Lake in the Treuer Memorial, Arden Messi then worked outside of the leader when a brave winner over Rays Choice and Burnham Boy last week. A wider gate awaits Arden Messi, but he is bound to give another strong showing. JIMMY LOCKE (6) had been putting up solid numbers before posting a fading 18m 7th to Arden Messi last week. The 6yo is entitled to another chance when it comes to sorting out exotic players. ELROY JETSON (1) has drawn ideally in one and with the benefit of a soft peg run the chance to compete for a role in the exotics should be on offer. RED REACTOR (3) can never be ignored and he will again be hitting the line with determination so don’t rule him out while ALWAYS ROCKIN (2) could be a value contender.
CHUBBY CHECKER 1, The Stunning Nun 2, Arden Messi 3, Jimmy Locke 4.
RACE FOUR:
The Club Menangle G3 Golden Mile is overflowing with class and definite winning chances, and although ALTA ORLANDO (11) has the outside gate to overcome, as well as, numerous dangers, the former Miracle Mile placegetter is worth the gamble. The Belinda McCarthy-trained 9yo greeted the judge four starts ago over the longer trip of 2300m, with Rubies For Tash and Ignatius being his victims on that occasion. Those two particular players managed to turn the tables on Alta Orlando when Ignatius accounted for Rubies For Task and Alta Orlando. The son of Courage Under Fire was then rated to perfection by Jack Callaghan but the 92-start veteran was unable to take advantage of the situation in finishing a disappointing 13m 4th to Pocket Of Terror. Contesting the G3 Alf Phillis a couple of weeks ago, Alta Orlando again had no excuses, courtesy of another fine tactical drive by Callaghan. With the winning post well within his reach, Alta Orlando was unable to withstand the late charge by Bundoran, with the judge posting the head margin in favour of the Amanda Turnbull trained and driven, emerging star. With plenty of speed drawn inside, particularly, his star stablemate Cash N Flow, Alta Orlando may have the option of playing the ‘waiting game’ and allowing the race to unfold before making his presence felt in the run home. There are any number of threats, including the Kevin Pizzuto-conditioned BURNHAM BOY (9). Unplaced in both the Hondo Grattan and the Paleface Adios, but far from being disgraced, the 4yo was given his chance to qualify for the Miracle Mile, courtesy of the G1 Allied Express, with the son of Bettors Delight posting a sound 7.4m 9th to Wolf Stride. Contesting the G1 2400m Ainsworth FFA, Burnham Boy indicated his potential by recording a solid 9.7m 3rd to Mach Shard and Star Galleria. Spelled after that appearance, Burnham Boy caught the eye with a 3.8m 3rd to stablemate Arden Messi last week, coming from a rearward role in making up many metres over the final 100m. Fitter, but confronted by a tricky draw, Burnham Boy will create interest. LOORRIM LAKE (10), which is also under the care of Kevin Pizzuto, is also in the mix, despite coming off a distant last behind Pocket Of Terror a week ago. After winning the Treuer the outstanding on of Roll With Joe was purchased by Jersey Komorowski, however, Loorrim Lake didn’t want to play the game in the score-up, and from that point onwards the 4yo was always in a hopeless position. On his previous quality form, Loorrim Lake is more than capable of greeting the judge. POCKET OF TERROR (7) is coming off an impressive win just a week ago and is bound to make his presence felt in a big way. It is hard to leave CASH N FLOW (8) out of the top tips, but the 8yo did appear to have every chance when a 1.4m 2nd to Pocket Of Terror after a clever front-running drive by Jack Callaghan. RAYS CHOICE (4) and HIDDEN COURAGE (5) remain in the mix when it comes to multiple transactions.
ALTA ORLANDO 1, Burnham Boy 2, Loorrim Lake 3, Pocket Of Terror 4.
RACE FIVE:
Classy squaregaiter TOUGH MONARCH (7) returns from a spell, and once again, the Rickie Alchin-trained son of Monarchy appears poised to greet the judge. Robert Morris has been booked to guide the 9yo to the 26th win of his career and his 18th from 39 starts on his home surface. Competing against the best on offer from both sides of the Tasman on a regular basis, Tough Monarch ended his previous term of racing with a 23.2m 4th to the classy Kiwi Majestic Man in the G1 Aquagait Equine Mile on March 6, Miracle Mile night. Alchin has given his star a searching trial win in readiness for his return, and although his upcoming assignment contains a few smart rivals, Tough Monarch should rule with authority over his subjects. DROP THE HAMMER (8), which finished 2nd to Tough Monarch in the trial, will be out keep his arch-rival honest. The Darren Hancock trained and driven 6yo also contested the above-mentioned race on Miracle Mile night, but the former pacer drifted back in time and paced before breaking when a distant last. Like Tough Monarch, Drop The Hammer has a wonderful record at this venue, in fact, all his 24 career wins have been at this venue. MONARO MIA (6) is a stablemate of Drop The Hammer and it will come as no surprise to see the mare again play an active role in the finish. From her past five starts the daughter of Imperial Count has collected three wins while finishing runner-up on the other two occasions. This will be a tougher test but Monaro Mia won’t shirk the task. Exotic combinations should then include ROYAL GLENFERRIE (4), CALIGULA (10) and IN THE VALLEY (5).
TOUGH MONARCH 1, Drop The Hammer 2, Monaro Mia 3, Royal Glenferrie 4.
RACE SIX:
Intriguing contest due to the presence of the former Victorian QUICK DAN (1), which will be looking to recapture his best form under the care of Jason Grimson. As a youngster, Quick Dan opened his career with a couple of runner-up displays before greeting the judge at Shepparton. However, from that point onwards, things went south for the son of American Deal as his remaining five runs have all resulted in unplaced efforts. Starting his career with David Miles, then with Amanda Grieve, Quick Dan had his next four starts under the care of Emma Stewart, culminating in a costly 15m 5th to Pray Tell at Bendigo on June 22. Ideally drawn in gate one the 3yo is capable of better and with a fresh start, Quick Dan has the opportunity to bounce back strongly in this suitable assignment. Prior to greeting the judge, Quick Dan must fend off the challenge of ISLAND FIRE DANCE (7), his latest stablemate. Also, a former Victorian, Island Fire Dance has won her only two starts since joining Grimson, the latter over two months ago when she led throughout in easily defeating Marmitta and Im Desirable. This challenge will be a shade tougher, with a tricky draw also a factor, however, the daughter of A Rocknroll Dance is bound to be ready for the occasion. TITIAN RAIDER (6) has been off the scene since April 13 when a 1.2m 2nd to Our Megastar at Headquarters. Prepared by the astute Harry Martin, Titian Raider won a Penrith trial in fine fashion and he will again be ready to ‘hit the ground running’ so don’t ignore him as a winning contender. CHERISHTHEMEMORIES (5) strips fitter for a 2nd to War Club at Penrith and claims as an exotic player should be respected while BLACK EDITION (3) and JAY GEES DEVIL (4) are also in contention as value contenders.
QUICK DAN 1, Island Fire Dance 2, Titian Raider 3, Cherishthememories 4.
RACE SEVEN:
Open race to end proceedings but, if MASONS DELIGHT (9) produces a ‘carbon copy’ effort to that of a week ago, then, the new addition to the Jack Trainor stable should improve one spot and greet the judge. Formerly under the care of owner Billy Muscat, the son of American Ideal opened his latest term of racing with seven unplaced displays before catching the eye with a fast-finishing half-head 2nd to Mister Magic Man at Menangle last week. Trainor will jump in the sulky after Ash Hart produced a quality drive a week ago. TRUE CONFESSIONS (6) had little luck in a few assignments prior to a safely held 16.2m 5th to Our Madiba last week. The 6yo should be suited in this type of challenge and a far better showing is a distinct possibility. MOST HAPPY CULLEN (4) has been mixing his form of late, but on the strength of a solid 2nd to Bettors Pocket at Penrith recently, the Debra Holt-trained son of Christian Cullen is capable of again being involved when the judge calls a halt. BOLTA (5) has managed just one minor placing from his past 11 trips to the races but stays under notice as a value exotic player, along with HAS THE COURAGE (1) and PROSECUTION WITNESS (2), with the former Queenslander now joining the in-form Peter Russo team, as a result, stays under notice as a potential threat, but a definite exotic contender.
MASONS DELIGHT 1, True Confessions 2, Most Happy Cullen 3, Bolta 4.