One Two Many winners for a big night at Menangle
RACE ONE:
A vastly improved barrier draw has enhanced the claims of the Amanda Turnbull trained and driven ONE TWO MANY (2) in what appears to be an open contest to start proceedings. Successful from this draw three starts ago, when he proved too good for Total Diva and Chevron Art, the former winning since, One Two Many hasn’t been a factor in each of his two subsequent starts, the latter when he drew deep a couple of weeks ago in the race won by Little Bliss. Drifting back to a five peg role, the 4yo son of Captain Treacherous worked to the line in an encouraging manner, resulting in a 9.3m sixth behind the Troy Williams-trained mare. With the prospect of securing a favourable role, closer to the action, One Two Many has the talent to ensure a competitive display. NERANO (1) will also enjoy the opportunity to launch his claim from the pole position. Prepared and driven by James Rattray, the son of Tintin In America posted a couple of solid efforts in races won by Focus Stride and A Gs White Socks, respectively, before taking advantage of a suitable challenge when he finished strongly in defeating Pump The Brakes and Hidden Courage a couple of weeks ago. James will have the opportunity to secure a kind run with Nerano and that should see him being involved in the finish. ARTILLERY (3) peaks in condition following three runs back, finishing just behind the placegetters on each occasion. The Belinda McCarthy-trained son of Art Major led and appeared to have every chance when a 6.2m 4th to Little Bliss recently, and although he has ‘fired’ as expected, Artillery is drawn to be the ‘dictator’ and he should be ready to be far more pro-active when the winning post comes into play. Other contenders such as BRAEDOS LAD (9), PUMP THE BRAKES (10) and ROSSINI (11) have drawn the outside gates, but are more than capable of being in the mix when the judge calls a halt so don’t ignore their claims, especially when it comes to forming multiple transactions. FEAR CRUISIN (8) and DOUBLE ENCOUNTER (5) aren’t without exotic claims as well.
ONE TWO MANY 1, Nerano 2, Artillery 3, Braedos Lad 4.
RACE TWO:
Another race overflowing with contenders for the top spot, including the Cameron Ross-conditioned IDEAL ESCAPE (6). Following back-to-back wins at Headquarters, the son of American Ideal went within a head of completing the hat-trick a week ago, when nabbed in the final bound or two by Cassius Deck. Left facing the breeze from the outset, Ideal Escape battled on stoutly down the running and, if Jack Callaghan can secure a kinder run, then Ideal Escape should be able to escape the clutches of his rivals over the final stages. KINGMAKER (9) returned to racing with a solid all-the-way win at Newcastle just over two weeks ago, with Chris Geary dictating the terms to perfection with the Belinda McCarthy-trained son of Mach Three. The 6yo will strip fitter, and although a wide gate awaits Kingmaker, he does have the gate speed to make a play for the lead role. Boasting six wins from 12 starts at this venue, the prospect of a bold showing is a distinct possibility. HE BETTOR STEP ASIDE (4) has been thereabouts in each of his past five starts, three resulting in creditable placings. The Blake Fitzpatrick trained and driven 7yo is coming off an 11m 5th to Fear Cruisin, with the son of Bettors Delight drawing the outside gate on that occasion, resulting in a rearward role coming his way. The vastly improved starting position this time around should result in He Bettor Step Aside racing in a far more position role. Blake is confident that He Bettor Step Aside will be competitive as a result.
SHADY AZZ (1) was debuting for Belinda McCarthy when he ‘blew’ the start and lost all chance in recording a 39.8m last to King Tiger on Nov 5. The former Victorian had sound form prior to that display of bad manners and if he is on his best behaviour this time, then expect the 5yo son of Shadow Play to give this a shake from the pole position. Exotic players should also consider BLUE CHIP DELIGHT (3), LOYALIST (10) and BE MY ROSE (11), with the mare coming off a ‘forget’ run a week when a 20m last to Total Diva, with the 5yo carrying a flat tyre for the final 1200m of the race.
IDEAL ESCAPE 1, Kingmaker 2, He Bettor Step Aside 3, Shady Azz 4.
RACE THREE:
Former Kiwi ITS ALL ABOUT FAITH (6) will face the starter as the ‘x-factor’, with the recent addition to the Jack Trainor team bound to create a great deal of attention at his first run for the astute mentor. Crossing the Tasman as the veteran of 28 starts, the son of Captain Treacherous has recorded eight wins and 10 placings, and although he hasn’t been competitive in two runs back from a spell, the latter a 12th to B D Joe at Addington a month ago, he should be suited in this field. Back in late March, early April, Its All About Faith had been posting creditable efforts in races won by Self Assured, Kango and Spankem, respectively, with the likes of South Coast Arden and Old Town Road involved in the placings. Despite being without an official trial, it will be a matter of ‘its all about the faith’ in Jack having him ready for a bold first-up showing. WESTERN STYLE (110 looms as the main threat to the former Kiwi, although the Chris Judd-trained son of Western Terror will be launching his claim from gate 10. After posting a win at Penrith four starts ago, the 5yo recorded a couple of useful efforts at this venue before working home stoutly in finishing a closing head 2nd to Fear Cruisin at Headquarters a couple of weeks ago. Cam Hart will allow Western Style to settle back in the pack, prior to making his play for the top straight when the home straight comes into play. Ideally drawn in two is TAKINGCAREOFBUSINESS (2), with the KerryAnn Morris-trained colt poised to be in the mix from the outset. The son of The Gold Ace has won three of his past five, the most recent recorded at AP on Nov 3 when he led throughout in defeating Mossdale Mac and Brigadiers Son. That was a heat of the Peak of the Creek, with the Final conducted at AP two days later. Enjoying a kind run behind the leader, Takingcareofbusiness finished a game 1.2m 2nd behind Speed Dating. WATTLEBANK LASS (5) worked home nicely in recording a 1.6m 3rd to Total Diva last week and from her suitable draw the mare can’t be ignored as a threat, although she doesn’t win out of turn. LUCKY BEACH BOY (9) has won his past two at Penrith, each time coming from a three-peg role, courtesy of a fine drive by Lucas Rando. This will be a harder task, with the wide gate also a hurdle, but the 5yo is racing with plenty of confidence so include the Paul Fitzpatrick-trained son of Somebeachsomewhere in multiple investments.
ITS ALL ABOUT FAITH 1, Western Style 2, Takingcareofbusiness 3, Wattlebank Lass 4.
RACE FOUR:
Those looking to have a bet in this race won’t have to worry about ‘punting away’ their money but retaining possession of their ‘hard earned’ and converting into some extra spending cash. PUNT AWAY (7), a talented David Kennedy-trained mare has won her past three and with a suitable draw, gate five, if the reserves don’t come off the bench, adding to her winning sequence appears a mere formality. Three different drivers have guided the daughter of Sportswriter to victory during her winning run, commencing with Jackson Painting, then Rodney Coelli and finally, Jack Trainor, who replaced the suspended Painting when Punt Away narrowly accounted for Constantina and Whats Your Secret on Nov 5. Left exposed outside of the leader, Punt Away fought on bravely in greeting the judge, however, this time Painting will be looking to secure a kinder trip with the mare. SIR RICHARD LEE (1) has drawn ideally in the pole position and that will enhance his claims of a competitive showing. The Jake Mitchell-trained 4yo drew deep at his most recent Menangle outing, which resulted in a 14.8m 9th to Fear Cruisin back on Nov 5. Returning to his favoured Newcastle circuit a week later, Sir Richard Lee stalked the leader and eventual winner in Mustang Milly from the outset, resulting in a gritty 3m second. Will Rixon will be looking to present Sir Richard Lee with a ‘carbon copy’ run. MUSTANG MILLY (6) has won three of her past four, with a solid 3.9m 4th to Punt Away at this venue included in her recent bracket of solid displays. Prepared by Bevan Pringle and to be driven by Blake Hughes, the Heston Blue Chip mare is again capable of making her presence felt. Exotic investors should consider INFINITY BEACH (8), IRVINE (9), TINKA TERROR (10) and HIDDEN DELIGHT (11) when looking to add some ‘value’ to the dividend.
PUNT AWAY 1, Sir Richard Lee 2, Mustang Milly 3, Irvine 4.
RACE FIVE:
Suitably drawn and coming off a game effort in defeat, the Darren Binskin trained and driven WOLF STRIDE (3) appeals as the one to beat. Resuming from a spell with a stylish win in the G3 Les Chant on Oct 8, defeating subsequent winner Stingray Tara in the process, the classy son of Rock N Roll Heaven then wasn’t disgraced by his 7m 5th behind I Cast No Shadow in the G1 Len Smith three weeks later. Competing from a midfield role, Wolf Stride, with Josh Gallagher in the sulky, hit the line with intent over the final stages and he will derive a great deal of benefit from the outing. With the prospect of being in a far more prominent role this time, Wolf Stride will take a power of beating. Fitter for one run back and drawing ideally in gate one is the Paul Fitzpatrick-conditioned JAY OK (1) which posted a pleasing first-up effort in the Nick Robin G3 a couple of weeks ago. Drawing out in nine, Jay OK was restrained at the start, which resulted in the talented son of A Rocknroll Dance securing a midfield role. Although he finished the race off nicely, Jay OK was never a factor in recording a 10m 5th to Expensive Ego. Boasting nine wins and 13 placings from his 27 starts at this venue, a chart-topping performance by Jay OK is a distinct possibility. The tempo of the 1609m challenge will be set by WHEREYABINBOPPIN (8) as the James Rattray trained and driven speedster enjoys the opportunity to play the ‘catch me if you can’ game with his rivals. That was the case when the 6yo recorded a hat-trick of wins, prior to posting two unplaced outings, each time giving plenty of cheek in being far from disgraced. Dictating the terms of his latest engagement on Nov 12, Whereyabinboppin was run down over the final 200m by the multi-award winning star, Spirit Of St Louis, which returned to racing with a stylish performance in readiness for his Inter Dominion campaign in coming weeks. BURNHAM BOY (4) has managed just the one minor placing from his past five encounters, but the 5yo has been in the mix on most occasions. The 5yo didn’t have the best of luck in the Nick Robin G3, recording a creditable 7m 4th to Expensive Ego. The son of Bettors Delight is entitled to exotic attention, along with A GS WHITE SOCKS (5), with the former star Kiwi looking to bounce back from a 13.5m 9th to stablemate Expensive Ego.
WOLF STRIDE 1, Jay OK 2, Whereyabinboppin 3, Burnham Boy 4.
RACE SIX:
Only seven runners will face the starter for the G3 Sue Kelly Ladyship Stakes, however, at least four, possibly five, mares entitled to serious consideration. If FAIRY TINKABELL (5) arrived on course in the form she displayed earlier in the year, then the daughter of Big Jim would take a power of beating. However, it is hard to get a good guide on her form since a spell, with both resulting in unplaced efforts at AP. Resuming from a break on Nov 5, the Belinda McCarthy-trained 6yo drew the back row for the Queen of the Creek over 1660m, and as a result was never a factor when a moderate 15.4m last to Delightful Reason, as an odds-on elect. With Luke McCarthy replacing Angus Garrard in the sulky, Fairy Tinkabell stepped at AP last week, and with another back row awaiting the 6yo. The mare didn’t have the best of luck, with a vastly improved 4.9m 45th behind Speed Dating coming her way. With the benefit of those two runs and the return to a front line draw, Fairy Tinkabell is capable of making a bold bid for victory. Although drawn out in seven, the Peter Hanson-trained TOTAL DIVA (7) is bound to take a power of beating as the small field will off-set the draw. The daughter of Terror To Love drew deep last week, but that didn’t prevent the 5yo from progressing forward and racing without cover, a role that doesn’t both her. The end result was a determined win over Whats Your Secret and Wattlebank Lass. When the judge calls a halt, expect to see Total Diva fighting out the finish. LITTLE BLISS (1) is an honest, determined mare who has drawn ideally in one. Troy Williams has done a big job with the daughter of Art Major and a win wouldn’t come as a surprise. Following a narrow win here two starts ago, defeating Chevron Art and Total Diva, Little Bliss stepped out at AP last week, with a 9m 6th to Speed Dating coming her way, but she did work from the outset and also locked wheels, which added to the degree of difficulty. Forget that run and respect the claims of Little Bliss as she is poised to receive a handy stalking role. Like her stablemate, THE HONEY QUEEN (3) will be looking to make her presence felt after mixing her form during the latter stages of her previous term of racing. The mare resumed at Headquarters a week ago in recording an 18.2m 8th to her classy stablemate Spirit Of St Louis. Apart from stripping fitter, The Honey Queen will appreciate the return to a contest against her own sex so don’t write her off. WHATS YOUR SECRET (6) hit the line strongly last week in finishing a head 2nd to Total Diva. The Bettors Delight mare is racing with plenty confidence and it won’t be an upset of she crossed the line in first place.
FAIRY TINKABELL 1, Total Diva 2, Little Bliss 3, The Honey Queen 4.
RACE SEVEN:
WOW HES A ROCK STAR (4) hasn’t had as many number one hits as he would have liked at this stage of his career, however, the Blake Fitzpatrick trained and driven 4yo has been a more than useful performer to date. With the benefit of two runs back from a break, and a more than handy draw, Wow Hes A Rock Star has the chance to return to the ‘top of the pops’. Resuming with an 8.9m 4th to the talented Unfazed when driven by Bryson Grima, the son of Rock N Roll Heaven didn’t have the best of luck from a three peg role. Contesting his second run a week ago, Wow Hes A Rock Star enjoyed a useful run in transit, three back in the running line, before working home stoutly in recording a pleasing 2.3m 4th behind Cassius Deck. This appears to be a slightly easier assignment for Wow Hes A Rock Star. ALWAYS ROCKIN (6) has drawn a couple of spots wider than Wow Hes A Rock Star, and although he won since early August, the Joe Conolly-trained 8yo has been in the mix or more occasions than not. Also a son of Rock N Roll Heaven, Always Rockin led when a fading 13.4m 5th to Nerano a couple of weeks ago, but compared to his recent encounters, this looks a far more suitable challenge so expect a better showing. BACK IN TWENTY (8) is on the improve following two runs from a spell for new mentor Cameron Ross. The son of Sportswriter posted a creditable effort when a 2m 4th to Jimartee at Penrith recently, and with that run lifting his level of fitness, a competitive showing should be forthcoming. IZAHA (10) has a tricky draw to overcome but the James Rattray trained and driven 7yo will appreciate the big drop in class after being safely held in races won by Wolf Stride, Zeuss Bromac, Alta Orlando, Expensive Ego and a week ago, Spirit Of St Louis, respectively, the latest when beaten just 7m in running a gallant seventh. ROYAL GAMBLE (9) is coming off a solid win here on Tuesday and while this will be harder, the ‘Team Callaghan’ runner will give another good account.
WOW HES A ROCK STAR 1, Always Rockin 2, Back In Twenty 3, Izaha 4.
RACE EIGHT:
At the corresponding meeting a week ago, ALDEBARAN TESS (3) and ANDOVERLOV (5) greeted the judge as one. This time around ALDEBARAN TESS should be able to cross the line, without being required to share the prize. Trained and driven by Sofia Arvidsson, the talented mare has been successful in both her runs since resuming, the first when she dominated proceedings, courtesy of finishing strongly in defeating Right Moves and Gunner. Sofia again allowed the 5yo daughter of Muscle Hill 5yo relax and be saved for one shot at the prize when she looked poised for victory. However, Andoverlov managed to rally over the final 100m in making his presence felt. Runner-up in five of his previous seven starts, Andoverlov hit the line with far more intent. Compared to last week, this will be a harder test as REGAL ATTIRE (8) returns from an unsuccessful trip to Albion Park a week ago. Contesting the G2 Trotters Sprint, the Jarrod Alchin-trained 4yo son of Muscle Hill was required to work outside of the leader, which resulted in a fading 11m 8th to Majestic Harry. The former Kiwi made an immediate impression when he posted a couple of wins and two placings from his opening four starts on this side of the ditch, and although he has been unplaced in each of his past two, he has the ability to bounce back strongly so respect his claims. Then, there is CALIGULA (9), who can be brilliant one day, and a problem the next. Or, as Forest Gump would say, ‘Caligula is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get.” Granted, poetic licence, but that’s what Forest would have said if he was a punter. It has been a matter of ‘hit or miss’ , as far as, Caligula is concerned, with a brilliant all-the-way win two starts back, following a moderate run, then back to being moderate and costly last time out when favourite and down the track behind Van Sank. Trainer-driver Blake Fitzpatrick is the first to admit that the 6yo causes him sleepless nights, but he also knows just how good he can be. Blake will be allowing Caligula to run from the outset and it may well be a case of, “Run Caligula, run.”
ALDEBARAN TESS 1, Andoverlov 2, Regal Attire 3, Caligula 4.
– FORM ASSESSED BY MIKE KO’CASS