Mike’s Menangle Mail

RACE ONE:

Despite coming off a costly and slightly disappointing effort a week ago, classy Victorian colt HEZA SON OF AGUN (1) is perfectly poised to come out ‘all guns blazing’ after drawing ideally in gate one. Following a hat-trick of impressive wins, which culminated in G1 Glory at Melton, when successful in the Caduceus 3YO Classic, the Matty Craven-prepared son of Art Major faced the starter for a 2300m challenge at his most recent assignment at headquarters and, after crossing to the pegs, with the minimum of fuss, favourite players were certainly on good terms with themselves, even that far from home. Maybe, the 33.3 opening quarter and a 31.3 second, allowed the remaining five runners the opportunity to stay within striking distance when the sprint went on. The end result was a 2.5m 4th to Duggee Sloy, however, the shorter trip of 1609m will allow Sofia Arvidsson to keep the pressure ticking over and that should allow Heza Son Of Agun to keep his rivals at bay when the judge calls a halt. The consistent DOUBTLESS BAY (2) has also drawn ideally next to the southern visitor and that may assist in Cam Hart attempting to secure the role behind the likely favourite. The son of Bettors Delight also dictated the terms of his assignment last week and when he also faded on his effort in recording a 5m 4th to Bettor Call Me, another from the powerful Matty Craven team. Returning to a suitable draw is the Amanda Turnbull trained and driven SMOOTH BAHT (4) which managed to overcome a wide gate in finishing powerfully to defeat Stravinsky and Double Act last week. The draw should allow Smooth Baht to settle closer to the action and that will enhance his claims in this strong and competitive event. BAD TO THE BONE (11) has drawn the outside gate and although he hasn’t been at his best, which was the case this time a year ago, the Paul Fitzpatrick-prepared 5yo is entitled to further consideration, particularly when it comes to the exotics. When forming such investments, JAZZY STAR (3) must be included as Trevor Munday has the 7yo racing in fine fashion while SUMMIT SPECIAL (9) and SOMEBEACHSHADOW (7) also stay in the mix.

HEZA SON OFA GUN 1, Doubtless Bay 2, Smooth Baht 3, Bad To The Bone 4.

RACE TWO:

Brilliant mare ANNTONIA (6), despite finishing unplaced for the first time in her career a week ago, should be regarded as the one to beat, courtesy of that run, her first since late Oct when she collected further silverware in taking out the G1 NSWBC 3YO Fillies Final. Astutely prepared by David Thorn, Anntonia was given two comfortable trials before commencing her latest campaign with a solid 4m 4th to Stylish Memphis in the G2 Sibelia. Closing with

a solid display over the final 100m, courtesy of the one-one, the mare gave every indication that she was tracking towards another success term of racing, with the G1 Ladyship Mile being her main objection. From gate six Blake Fitzpatrick, who will be taking the reins behind the 4yo for the first time, should be able to follow across to the pegs the speed runners drawn to the left in the hope of securing the perfect, stalking role. DOUBLE ACT (5) is the main threat to the mare, but he will need to be at his beat to lower her colours. Forget the Newcastle run when he struck early trouble and lost all chance, then last week the Harry Martin-trained 4yo led out before taking a sit when a gritty 4.2m 3rd behind Smooth Baht and Stravinsky. Rickie Alchin will be represented by CRUNCH TIME (4) and CAPTAIN CRUSADER (7), the latter to be driven by Luke McCarthy, and also, the best of his chances. The 4yo son of Captaintreacherous has had the benefit of two runs from a spell, the latter in the G2 Paleface Adios when a creditable 7.6m 6th to Rock N Roll Doo. Fitter, and back to a suitable challenge, Captain Crusader is capable of making his presence felt. IDEAL DAN (9) led and was untroubled in defeating Modern Attitude and Jedi Mind when first-up from a spell and for new mentor Jason Grimson. A more than useful type, the former Victorian strips fitter but draws deep for this tougher test. Suitably drawn close to the pegs, THE MUSTANG (2) is a worthy inclusion in multiple transactions while CRUNCH TIME (4) can’t be left out of the equation as he did have excuses here on Tuesday, which resulted in a poor last to I Cast No Shadows in a blistering 1:49.3, with the 5yo working hard to find the top in a 26.9 opening quarter. IYLAC BEACH (11) has been mixing his form and the draw is certainly a hinderence, however, as an exotic player the 4yo is worth another chance.

ANNTONIA 1, Double Act 2, Captain Crusader 3, Ideal Dan 4.

RACE THREE:

Legendary mentor Paul Fitzpatrick holds the key to this particular, courtesy of two classy performers in JAY OK (8) and ZEUSS BROMAC (5), with the former gaining the verdict. With usual driver Gavin required to partner Zeuss Bromac, brother Blake will take the reins for the first time since guiding the son of A Rocknroll Dance to victory at Menangle in early December. Following three runs in Victorian, which culminated in a brave 2.7m 3rd to Honolua Bay in the Vicbred 4YO E&G’s Final at Melton at the end of the year, Jay OK resumed from a spell with a superb, closing half-neck 3rd to Majestic Cruiser and Malcolms Rhythm a week ago. While the draw is tricky, the extra fitness level will be a plus, along with the extended trip of 2300m. ZEUSS BROMAC (5) has drawn a few spots closer to the pegs but will be confronted by an interesting challenge from the outset as there is speed drawn to his inside. The Bettors Delight 5yo resumed from a brief break with a solid 1.4m 2nd behind The King Of Swing, then had little trouble leading throughout when too good for Bad To The Bone and Make Mine Memphis a couple of weeks ago. Gav will no doubt like to make his presence known from the outset. BUNDORAN (9) is a definite knock-out chance, especially if the speed is on from the outset. Coming off a strong win over Colt Thirty One and Art Tutor, the Amanda Turnbull trained and driven 5yo enjoys such a situation, being allowed to ‘find his rhythm’ back in the field, before coming with a late surge. MALCOLMS RHYTHM (11) had little luck in the Hunter Cup when a 13m 8th to King Of Swing, but a subsequent close 2nd to Majestic Cruiser here last week, has the 6yo ready to again be in the mix, despite the presence of a wide gate. BE MAJOR THREAT (2) could be exactly that after a solid display in finishing a 5.4m 5th to Majestic Cruiser a week ago, with the 7yo drawing ideally in gate two. That was his first run for Jack Trainor and he can only improve on that run. When forming exotic investments COLT THIRTY ONE (10) is entitled to attention while the Joe Conolly ART TUTOR (4) has drawn handily in four and with two outstanding efforts in defeat next to his name, the 7yo is bound to be in this for a long way. BACK IN TWENTY (3) is also capable of adding some ‘spice’ to the dividend.

JAY OK 1, Zeuss Bromac 2, Bundoran 3, Malcolms Rhythm 4.

RACE FOUR:

Heat of the NSW Oaks and the star Victorian filly AMORE VITA (7) should continue on her winning way. Boasting seven wins and three placings from just 11 appearances, the Nathan Purdon-conditioned daughter of Art Major stretched her current winning sequence to four with a brave display in taking out the Gold Chalice at Melton two weeks ago, defeating her main rival once again, Just Hope. With Chris Alford remaining in Victorian, star NSW reinsman Cam Hart has been booked for the drive behind the short-priced elect. JUST HOPE (2) led when overhauled in the final 500m by Amore Vita in the Gold Chalice, with the Russell Jack-prepared filly having little trouble in taking out her next assignment at Albury last week, winning by 17.7m. Nathan Jack will be keen to make full use of gate two, but it will be interesting to see how the opening stages unfold as the 2400m comes into play. JO AN JO (1) has been thereabouts on numerous occasions and is coming off a rspectable 10m 3rd to Amore Vita in the Vicbred 2YO Fillies Final back on Dec 31. From the pole the Emma Stewart-trained daughter of Bettors Delight will be presented with a kind run by Greg Sugars and that will enhance her claims of booking a spot in the Final. MISS EX (9) returned from a spell with a determined win at Penrith and although tackling a harder assignment, the David Thorn-trained well Said filly will strip fitter and the extended trip should suit. MARTINI STRIDE (11) did a fine job when she resumed with a gritty 6m 2nd to the star Kiwi filly Just Remember and while the wide draw is a hurdle, the longer trip should help offset that negative.

AMORE VITA 1, Just Hope 2, Jo And Jo 3, Miss Ex 4.

RACE FIVE:

This is heat of the NSW Oaks and it is impossible to go past the Cran Dalgety-prepared JUST REMEMBER ME (1), which has remained unbeaten in three starts since crossing the Tasman, with the Captaintreacherous filly impressive on each occasion. Just Remember Me wrapped-up her Oaks preparation with a solid all-the-way win over the 2300m, accounting for Martini Stride and The Iron Lady. Carter Dalgety has guided Just Remember Me to victory in her past two, but will hand the reins back over to Jack Trainor. Although the wide gate looks to be a

concern, the filly does have the gate speed to be in, or near the lead, from the outset. MADRID (4) is yet to finish out of the money in eight starts, six of those resulting in trips to the winner’s circle. Back from a break with a pleasing and unlucky 1.9m 2nd to Just Remember Me in the G2 Raith Memorial, the Jarrod Alchin-trained daughter of Bling It On had little trouble scoring at Penrith, as expected. The draw is certainly favourable and that will see Cam Hart look to secure the front before looking to present Madrid with a kind run, maybe, on the back of Just Remember Me. CAPTAINS QUEEN (8) contested her latest assignment at Albury a week ago as a $1.45 chance, but failed to justify the support when grabbed by Sporting Robyn in the shadows of the post. That was just her second from a spell and while her fitness levels have gone up a notch, this will be a tougher test. However, the daughter of Captain Treacherous remains in the mix when it comes to forming exotic investments. THE IRON LADY (3) has been progressing nicely since coming from NZ to join the Jason Grimson yard and with an ideal draw assisting her, the Somebeachsomewhere filly should be included in multiple transactions. With the benefit of the pole position SILK CLOUD (1) stays in the exotic mix, along with MYKORONA (5), COCORA (7) and SOHO RHAPSODY (11).

JUST REMEMBER ME 1, Madrid 2, Captains Queen 3, The Iron Lady 4.

RACE SIX:

The G2 Robin Dundee Stakes is just one of a number of highlights on the card. Star Victorian filly MAAJIDA (3) gained a vital edge over some of the major players when she drew ideally, with gate two to be the release point, providing the first reserve doesn’t come off the bench. Following a brilliant drive by Greg Sugars, Maajida added the Vicbred 4YO Mares title to her list of credits, then produced a brave effort, despite the 11.2m margin, when she did a power of work in finishing 2nd to the brilliant Spellbound in the Ladyship Cup at Melton on Feb 5. facing the starter for the G2 Sibelia Stakes at Menangle last week, the Emma Stewart-conditioned 5yo led out before taking cover when a grinding 4m 5th to Stylish Memphis. Greg Sugars will have options from the draw, with a favoured, forward role a distinct possibility. THE HONEY QUEEN (7) was most impressive here last week when first-up for the powerful Belinda McCarthy stable. The former Kiwi left the gate with intent, crossing the pegs before carving out a slick 26.6 opening quarter. Despite the early ‘burn’, the daughter of Rock N Roll Heaven then powered through the final 400m in 26.7, en route to defeating Uroc Skinny Jeans and Our Road To Mecca. Of course, this is a far tougher test of of character, but Luke McCarthy was full of praise for the mare and she will be the one to run down. BE MY ROSE (12) has drawn closer to the grandstand than the pegs, but the mare hasn’t been involved in the early ‘hustle and bustle’ in any of her four starts since leaving NZ and joining the Paul Fitzpatrick barn. Following a hat-trick of impressive winning displays, each time producing a powerful sprint, the daughter of American Ideal was unable to make her presence felt when a closing, but safely held, 7.7m 4th to The Honey Queen last week. Given a ‘hot’ tempo, and Be My Rose is capable of producing the finish required to carry her to victory. WAINUI CREEK (6) has been ticking over nicely since joining the Paul Fitzpatrick yard from WA and the Bettors Delight mare could be the ‘surprise packet’. It is hard to see the winner coming from outside of the top four chances, but when it comes to exotic combinations the consistent FAIRY TINKABELL (9) must be included while DIAMOND PARTY (11) and B K SWY (5) fall into the category of value players.

MAAJIDA 1, The Honey Queen 2, Be My Rose 3, Wainui Creek 4.

RACE SEVEN:

The Heavyweight Championship for 4YO’s, otherwise known as the G1 Cordina Chicken Farms Chariots Of Fire will result in an epoc battle, fitting of such race, from the moment the green light is activated by starter Mr Todd Clarke, then right up until the judge calls a halt to the 1609m battle for supremacy. The all-important draw has split the main rivals into two divisions, with BETTER ECLIPSE (1), TITIAN RAIDER (2) and KRUG (3) drawing ideally, leaving BEYOND DELIGHT (9), BONDI LOCKDOWN (11) and ROCK N ROLL DOO (12) to make their own luck. Kiwi sensation KRUG (3) has the draw to add this title to his impressive list of credits and although the Cran Dalgety-trained son of Bettors Delight has been costly in each of his past two engagements at Menangle, the son of Bettors Delight is ready to step up to the plate and produce a special effort. After breaking early and losing all chance in the Hondo Grattan two weeks ago, Krug was left with little option but to contest the Paleface Adios last week. Dictating the terms, courtesy of the pole position, Krug had his chance when beaten 3.3m into 2nd spot behind Rock N Roll Doo, however, Jack Trainor was of the opinion that he may have ‘switched off’ for a few strides, prior to chasing hard when Rock N Roll Doo started to throw down the challenge. The opening charge into the first turn will be intriguing as Glenn McElhinney will be ultra-keen to hold the inside running with TITIAN RAIDER (2). That could see Krug ‘parked’ early, but he could easily be presented with a spot in the running line, as both BONDI

LOCKDOWN and ROCK N ROLL DOO won’t be sitting back and wondering, ‘what if’. Courtesy of gate one and an eye-catching run here last week, the Jess Tubbs-conditioned BETTER ECLIPSE (1) is worthy of attention. Greg Sugars will have the Betterthancheddar 4yo enjoying a kind, stalking role, either behind Titain Raider, or at the very least – three pegs, which is also a suitable role. With any luck over the final, testing 200m, Better Eclipse will have the chance to add his name to the honour roll. ROCKNROLL N ROLL DOO has been responsible for two mighty efforts in recent weeks, the first in defeat when he lost an enormous amount of ground when a brave 6.8m 4th to Bondi Lockdown in the 4YO Bonanza at Melton, then a week ago in victory when he worked  from the outset, courtesy of the outside gate, in proving too tough for Krug in the Paleface Adios. The ‘battle within the battle’ between Rock N Roll Doo and Bondi Lockdown will be enthralling as they via for early supremcy. BONDI LOCKDOWN (11) has shown that he is tough, brave and above all, an exceptional talent, as his record of 13 wins and eight placings from 27 starts would suggest. The spacious Menangle track will suit, but there is still the outside gate factor. Trainer-drive Aaron Dunn won’t waste an opportunity to showcase the exciting son of Somebeachsomewhere from the outset, knowing he has the ‘firepower’. Bondi Lockdown stretched his winning sequence to five when driven aggressively in winning the 4YO Bonanza over Beyond Delight and Kimble. Although contesting such a ‘high pressure’ race at his first Menangle assignment, Bondi Lockdown will take a power of beating. The ‘sneaky’ player is BETTORS DELIGHT (9), which is prepared by Emma Stewart and to be driven by Cam Hart, whose cool, calm, collected skill in the sulky will be a huge plus for the son of Bettors Delight. The harder they go will suit Beyond Delight perfectly and he is the one that will be hitting the line with momentum. It is hard to leave TITIAN RAIDER out of the main bracket after his outstanding win in the Hondo Grattan, but this will be a tougher test with so many ‘attackers’ involved. That said, it won’t come as a suprise if he he salutes, as his ‘will to compete and succeed, will take him along way. BETTOR CALL ME (4) is a professional and his suitable draw will give him the platform to be in the finish so look to him as a player for the multiples.

KRUG 1, Better Eclipse 2, Rock N Roll Do 3, Bondi Lockdown 4.

RACE EIGHT:

Although in the veteran class, although contesting 59 races due to long periods on the sidelines, 10yo CRUZ BROMAC (10) is entitled to top billing after a superb effort in scoring when first-up for the Jason Grimson stable. A class-act throughout his career, the son of Falcon Seelster left Victoria following an 11.3m 8th to Major Roll on Jan 22, prior to apearing at Menangle on Feb 8. A dominant favourite for that assignment, Cruz Bromac was in ‘cruise control’ as he easily accounted for Rubies For Tash and Cant Refuse. This will be a harder challenge and the wide draw is concern, however, Cruz Bromac does not have to lead – to win. ALPINE STRIDE (2) did a superb job during the Inter Dominion series, with a gallant half-head 3rd behind Pocket Of Terror and Mach Dan in thre ID Consolation, a fitting reward. The 8yo may have been feeling the carnival pressure when he finished a solid 2m 3rd to Somebeachsomewhere a week later, resulting in Darren Binskin sending him to the paddock. With the benefit of two trials, the latter a pleasing effort, Alpine Stride should make his presence felt from gate two. EGODAN (11) has drawn the outside gate, but he is rarely far away and can’t be dismissed as a threat while ATOMIC RED (7) is coming off a 8.3m 3rd to Line Up, and although mixing his form, this does appear to be a suitable challenge. ROCKIN MARTY (3) was hindered in the score up and did a huge job in working to the lead, then handing up when a gallant 19.5m 2nd to I Cast No Shadows in a blistering 1: 49.3. The margin isn’t a true indication of the run. Fitter for the that run and draw well, Rockin Marty can’t be taken lightly. GOLDEN YEAR (4) has been trialling the ‘house down’ and from four is more than capable of giving his rivals something to catch and with the Joe Conolly stable enjoying plenty of success, expect the son of Art Major to be competitive. MAKE MINE MEMPHIS (5) and DOUBLE ENCOUNTER (6) remain in the multiple mix.

CRUZ BROMAC 1, Alpine Stride 2, Egodan 3, Atomic Red 4.

RACE NINE:

TOUGH MONARCH (6) celebrated his 50th Menangle outing in style last week, chalking up his 24th win on his home track. Accounting for a similar field last week, Tough Monarch powered his way to the front, and from that point onwards, the end result was never in doubt as he accounted for Empire Bay and Aleppo Murphy. On the basis of that run alone, it is hard to see his rivals bridging the gap in the space of a week. SON OF PATRICK (2), however, could be another story as the former Kiwi arrives with sound form. Now under the care of Paul Fitzpatrick, the 4yo son of Father Patrick is coming off a strong win over 2700m at Cambridge on Feb 11, overcoming a 30m hcp in the process. Suitably drawn in two, Son Of Patrick is capable of making things interesting for Tough Monarch. CREDIT MASTER (4) was having his first outing for the Matty Craven stable in the race won by Tough Monarch, with the 8yo posting a 19.5m 4th after running his race in patches. That was his first run in two months so he will strip fitter so expect a better showing. CALIGULA (8) will be thereabouts as an exotic runner while BACARDI BARMAID (1) also has claims in that regard.

TOUGH MONARCH 1, Son Of Patrick 2, Credit Master 3, Caligula 4.