The stars are out for Sunday’s rich Breeders Challenge finals

RACE ONE:

After spoiling her recent run of fine performances with a rare display of bad manners, FUNKY MONKEY (4) is deserving of another chance after drawing gate four, the mares best draw for some time. Recently, the daughter of Monkey Bones had drawn deep in mobile events, which was the case last time out, or has been confronted by difficult handicap in stand events. However, this time around the Elizabeth Heath-trained 6yo will enjoy a far better starting role. Two weeks ago when contesting a similar 1609m mobile challenge, Funky Monkey went off stride in the opening stages when Josh Gallagher attempted to ease her back in the pack. From that point onwards the $1.70 favourite was never a factor in posting a 69.7m last behind Doff Your Cap. Providing that was just an overreaction to that particular situation, then Funky Monkey will play a far more active role in the finish as she has the early speed to take control of the race from the outset. There will be no shortage of dangers with the Jarrod Alchin-trained pair of DOFF YOUR CAP (8) and ALBIZIA (6) heading the list. Cam Hart’s decision on which one will be his drive will be an important guide. DOFF YOUR CAP (8) has now had the benefit of two runs back from a spell, the latter resulting in a comfortable all-the-way display in defeating Aldebaran Tess and Sunny Gee. The 7yo son of Peak DNK has drawn one spot wider this time in eight, but that won’t be enough to prevent the 7yo from making his presence felt from the moment the green light is activated. ALBIZIA (6) has won six of ten while being placed on four occasions, and although the mare is starting to face stronger opposition, the talented daughter of Creatine warrants plenty of respect. The 4yo has justified the odds-on quote in winning her past two, the latter defeating Simone Lindenny and Valley Star. The least experienced runner in the contest, Albizia will give a bold showing. MAJESTIC TRIO (1) has been off her game in each of her past two assignments, but if the G1 Qld Trotters Cup winner finds that form again, then she will be right in the finish, especially after drawing the prized pole position. Beaten 21m by Constantinople two back, the Brad Hewitt trained and driven daughter of Majestic Son then broke when in a prominent role in finishing a 55.4m 7th to Doff Your Cap. The 5yo may well hold the key to the opening stages as the Goulburn visitor is capable of holding the inside running and that will make things interesting for the balance of the race. When it comes to exotic combinations ALDEBARAN TESS (7) is capable of assisting in that regard now that her level of fitness is starting to hit its peak. Second-up from a spell and the Sofia Arvidsson trained and driven daughter of Muscle Hill produced a solid finishing 8.6m 2nd behind Doff Your Cap. TORO STRIDE (9) is coming off a solid win but has drawn deep in a harder race. However, the 4yo son of Love You has the talent to be involved in the placings. ONE MAJIC KENNY (10) has the talent, but can also be harder to follow than a shopping trolley with a wonky wheel. Take the 6yo on trust from the wide gate.

FUNKY MONEY 1, Doff Your Cap 2, Albizia 3, Majestic Trio 4.

RACE TWO:

This race is set aside for the Rising Stars, the young drivers of the future who are already laying the foundations for a productive career. As always, the all-important draw goes a long way towards deciding the race, both with starting positions, but mainly which horse you draw. This edition has attracted a solid line-up while the draw has been evenly spread so the race does take on an open appearance. However, it is hard to go past the Jack Chapple drive ARDENS DELIGHT (8), which is prepared by another Jack in Jack Trainor. The 5yo mare will start one spot closer to the pegs if the first reserve remains benched. Following a hat-trick of wins the daughter of Bettors Delight posted a pleasing 7.5m 4th to her classy stablemate Braeview Kelly three weeks ago, with a repeat of that run in this field, likely to see her again greeting the judge. The mare has been lead or sit parked in scoring of late, so that versatility will be a plus. CRIME DONT PAY (6) has three unplaced runs next to his name but the son of Sportswriter hasn’t had a great deal go his way of late. Prior to his latest effort, a 13.4m 7th to Our Uncle Jim a week ago, the Seaton Grima-trained 6yo had been racing in fine fashion, with a race of this nature certainly well within his reach. With Jett Turnbull securing the drive, the pair must be rated highly. With her driving skills going to another level or two this season, Taylah Osmond will take the reins behind the classy BLAZING HOME (4). Prepared by David Kennedy the highly-regarded 3yo son of Rock N Roll Heaven will strip fitter following an 11.7m 5th, as an odds-on elect, behind Terryrama in the West Wyalong Cup a week ago. Dictating the terms of the 2540m challenge, Blazing Home was under pressure on the home turn, but the higher level of fitness and the shorter trip, which will be to his liking, should result in a bold showing. OUR UNCLE JIM (2) is coming off some solid form against strong opposition, with his latest effort resulting in gritty win over Lightning Dan and Theresa Love just a week ago. To be driven by Jemma Coney, the son of Western Terror has the chance to be a factor from the outset after drawing close to the pegs. DON LOU (5) will be partnered by Harrison Ross and following a pleasing display here last week in finishing a closing 4m 4th to Our Uncle Jim, the Mark Rolfe-trained 4yo, which scored here three runs ago, must be included as a definite winning chance. THERESA LOVE (11), which is also under the care of Jack Trainor, is another serious player, despite the wide gate. To be driven by Travis Bullock, Theresa Love led when a gritty 2.7m 3rd behind Our Uncle Jim last start, and although the draw is a hurdle, the daughter of Terror To Love has the talent to be a factor in the finish.

ARDENS DELIGHT 1, Crime Dont Pay 2, Blazing Home 3, Our Uncle Jim 4.

RACE THREE:

The first NSW Breeders Challenge title on the line for the various age groups is the 4YO Entires and Geldings Final. And, the trophy goes to MY ULTIMATE RONNIE (7), Jarrod Alchin and Cam Hart. That particular trio will again prove superior and the price next to the classy son of Bettors Delight will reflect his dominance over this field. The winner of 18 of his 33 assignments, the classy 4yo contested the inaugural running of the $2m Eureka on September 2, finishing a 16.7m 6th to Encipher, before bouncing back strongly with an eye-catching 2m 3rd behind Spirit Of St Louis, prior to winning his next two, comfortably, the latter a semi-final of this series a week ago when he defeated Allstarzzz Frankie and Im In Trouble. Cam will again find the lead and dictate and then greet the judge, with the margin depending on how ruthless the pair are feeling on the day. With the benefit of drawing the pole, ALLSTARZZZ FRANKIE (1) has the perfect opportunity to again fill second spot behind My Ultimate Ronnie. The Steve Turnbull-trained 4yo was able to enjoy a kind run behind My Ultimate Ronnie last week, and no doubt Amanda Turnbull will again be looking to secure the same spot again, ort, at least a three peg role as BLACK ONYX (3) is capable of leaving the machine with intent after drawing well. The Kerry and Dean McDowell-trained son of Bettors Delight Lleyton Green attempted to dictate the terms from start to finish last week, only to fade in posting an 8.5m 4th behind then long-shot Dance And Deliver. Black Onyx will again give a good sight when it comes to exotic betting. SAINT CRUSADER (12) has drawn badly in the outside gate, however, the Jarrod Alchin-trained son of Courage Under Fire is likely to be driven quietly, regardless. Placed in his past three Menangle assignments, the past two by Cam Hart, Saint Crusader worked outside of the leader in finishing a nose 2nd to Dance And Deliver a week ago. The 4yo remains in the multiple mix, which also includes ONE FOR THE RODI (10), IM IN TROUBLE (9), and DANCE AND DELIVER (5).

MY ULTIMATE RONNIE 1, Allstarzzz Frankie 2, Black Onyx 3, Saint Crusader 4.

RACE FOUR:

IDEAL IN DREAMS (9) is coming off two sensational performances since resuming from a spell for the astute David Thorn. Following a form slump and change of scenery has done wonders for this outstanding talent, who is looking to complete a hat-trick of wins by taking out the NSW Breeders Challenge 4YO Mares Final. Coming from nowhere with a barnstorming run in defeating Freddy Singh and Saint Crusader, the daughter of Warrawee Needy enjoyed a kinder run in the one-one before again coming with a whirlwind burst of speed in accounting for Captains Queen and Kates Virtue in her semi-final a couple of weeks ago. The mare has drawn deep, but will come in a couple of spots if both reserves aren’t required. Regardless, Ideal In Dreams will be allowed to again find her rhythm by Jack Trainor, who will again time his run to perfection. The main danger, if there is one, is the ultra-consistent Nathan Jack-conditioned CAPTAINS QUEEN (6), who will be driven by Amanda Turnbull. Since resuming the Captaintreacherous mare has been placed in five of her seven starts, and although she hasn’t greeted the judge, her form is hard to fault. In finishing a head 2nd to Ideal in Dreams last time out, Captains Queen, which has a solid record at this venue, led until he grabbed in the shadows of the post. Amanda will again look to find the top in the hope of going one better with the former Group One winner. The draw has added to the degree of difficulty when it comes to the Jake Stockton-conditioned MY SWEET SABRINA (11). However, the daughter of Always B Miki must be respected as her recent form, which includes six wins from her past nine starts, can’t be ignored. Taylah Osmond, who has driven the 4yo mare to her past three wins, will again take the reins as she goes in search of an important career win. My Sweet Sabrina has led in two of those wins while racing outside the leader in scoring at Wagga in a tough and determined manner. While the draw is a hurdle, My Sweet Sabrina can’t be dismissed as a threat on that basis. The consistent Peter Rixon-trained BEAUTY PLAY (4) had drawn handily and that will present the daughter of Sweet Lou with the opportunity to make a play for a role in the exotics. SUGAR FOR MY HONEY (1), KATES VIRTUE (2) and LA VISTA (10) have been thereabouts on a regular basis and are value players for the multiples.

IDEAL IN DREAMS 1, Captains Queen 2, My Sweet Sabrina 3, Beauty Play 4.

RACE FIVE:

The G1 NSW Breeders Challenge 2YO Fillies Final is next up and the unbeaten LUX AETERNA (5) from the Rickie Alchin stable will go head-to-head with the might of the Emma Stewart team and RENEWAL (3). Lux Aeterna has drawn handily in five and that will result in Rickie looking to take control of the Final from  the outset, which was the case in her semi-final a couple of weeks ago when the daughter of Captaintreacherous stretched her winning sequence to eight when she accounted for a game Elusive with Our Ultimate Luka back in third spot. The Bathurst Gold Tiara winner added the Nutrient 2YO Fillies Final to her growing list of credits when she won the feature event at Bendigo when first-up this campaign on August 11. The presence of Renewal will certainly present Lux Aeterna with an intriguing challenge. The daughter of American Ideal has won five of her seven engagements while being placed on two occasions. Runner-up to her exciting stablemate Draw A Dream in the 2YO Fillies Vicbred Final at Melton in mid-September, the filly then easily accounted for Eye Believe and Tapanga Miss in her Wagga heat before leading throughout in defeating Luvareschs and Libby Lou in her semi-final appearance. The early battle for supremacy will go a long way towards deciding the winner. And, if the two ‘power players’ leave themselves vulnerable, then the Geoff Webster-conditioned ELUSIVE (10) will be the one swooping. To be driven by Connor Clarke, the ultra-consistent daughter of Million Dollar Cam has faced the starter 13 times for four wins and eight placings, her only miss resulting in a 38.6m 11th to Renewal in a semi-final of the Vicbred series on September 9. Following a solid all-the-way heat win at this venue, Elusive then tried hard when a gritty 3m 2nd to Lux Aeterna in her semi-final. The draw has added to the degree of difficulty, but Elusive that won’t stop this honest mare from trying to turn the tables on the other pair. AROMET GIRL (7) is another young filly who continues to try from start to finish. Prepared at Temora by Garry Harpley, the daughter of Alta Christiano followed a 30.7m 3rd to Elusive in her heat, with a solid 7.5m 4th behind Renewal. The filly should be included in exotic combinations with SARA TA SLOY (1) are LUVARESCHS (4), which are both talented types, also worthy of attention in that regard, especially as they have fared well at the start.

LUX AETERNA 1, Renewal 2, Elusive 3, Aromet Girl 4.

RACE SIX:

The 2YO Colts and Geldings G1 title is next up and NATHAN STREET (8) appeals as the one to beat following stylish displays in winning both his heat and semi-final. Prepared by Freddy Taiba and to be driven by the in-form Jack Trainor, the son of Lazarus has showed immense improvement on his opening two starts since resuming from a break. With experience and maturity, Nathan Street has won three of his past four since returning, following two unplaced efforts in commencing his career. The Victorian-based youngster led in scoring by 19.3m in defeating Wipeout and Beachride before again dictating the terms when successful over American Spirit and Harmony. The colt will commence his journey on the road to victory from gate six, providing the two reserves stay at home. That will ensure that Jack makes it known that he wants to dictate the terms. Such a role should then result in the pair greeting the judge. WAR DAN BUDDY (7), which has drawn one spot the better at the start, looms as the main obstacle. A member of the powerful Emma Stewart yard, War Dan Buddy will be driven by stable mainstay in Mark Pitt. The pair combined for a comfortable heat win at Wagga before losing the top spot on protest to Royal Cruiser a couple of weeks ago in his semi-final appearance. The Art Major colt will provide Nathan Street with an interesting challenge at the start and also the finish. ROYAL CRUISER (11) has had his claims dented somewhat by the tricky draw. Runner-up in both heat engagements behind Kick The Switch and Ravishing Sloy, respectively, Royal Cruiser then did a power of work outside of War Dan Buddy in the semi-final, with the Victorian drifting out over the final 60m or so, resulting in the pair locking wheels and the ultimate decision of the protest being upheld. Bernie Hewitt has this fellow racing in fine fashion and he can’t be taken lightly, despite the draw. WIPEOUT (1) has been racing consistently since resuming for the Dean Atkinson stable. The Downbytheseaside colt tried hard when a 19.3m 2nd to Nathan Street before a creditable 13.2m 4th to Royal Cruiser. Blake Fitzpatrick will present Wipeout with a kind run from the outside and that will enhance his claims of assisting as an exotic player. Other chances when it comes to multiple transactions include AMERICAN SPIRIT (2), PARADISE POINT (3) and IRON CLAD (12).

NATHAN STREET 1, War Dan Buddy 2, Royal Cruiser 3, Wipeout 4.

RACE SEVEN:

The G1 NSW Breeders Challenge for 3YO Fillies is bound to be a thrilling contest from start to finish as two of the major players, if not the two contenders for the title have drawn side-by-side at the start. Leaving the mobile from gate two, which is less a reserve, is the Emma Stewart star MAJOR DELIGHT (3) while the Belinda McCarthy EYE KEEP SMILING (4) is also a star in her own right. In a toss of the coin, MAJOR DELIGHT (3) gains the nod as this brilliant daughter of Bettors Delight looks to make it 14 wins and two placings, both as runner-up, from a mere 16 appearances. The winner of the Bathurst Gold Bracelet back in March, Major Delight then resumed in late September with a heat win of this series at Wagga before leading throughout in a heat of the Victoria Oaks at Melton. Drawing the back row for the feature event on October 7, the filly worked mid-race to occupy the role outside of the leader, prior to showing plenty of grit and determination in finishing a gallant head 2nd to one of her stables in Sweet Bella. After drawing gate 10 for her semi-final appearance, Major Delight worked across to the pegs in dictating the terms, with Mark Pitt producing a kind drive over the final stages, leaving her pair with a 2.4m margin over a game Sky Blu and Windy Hill Tara. The Victorian combination will again be keen to stamp their authority on this race from the outset. Boasting seven wins and a second from just nine trips to the races, EYE KEEP SMILING (4) was simply sensational in greeting the judge in her semi-final as she powered home in a time of 1:49.9, despite doing the bulk of the hard work outside of the leader and runner-up Tin Tin Jo. Formerly under the care of Mark Hewitt, who guided the daughter of Sweet Lou to a perfect five-from-five to start her career, Eye Keep Smiling has had three starts for Belinda McCarthy, with the new pairing suffering their first lose when Eye Keep smiling found trouble in finishing a well-beaten last in the race won by Magic Matteo a few weeks back. That was a ‘forget’ run against older rivals. From gate three Luke McCarthy will be keen to be in the thick of the action from the outset. While Major Delight and Eye Keep Smiling will attract plenty of attention, TIN TIN JO (5) can’t be taken lightly as the filly is racing in fine fashion for mentor Jason Grimson. From her past 11 starts the daughter of Tintin In America has collected five wins and the same number of placings, four as runner-up. That was the case in her semi-final when the filly led in finishing behind ye Keep smiling after setting a solid tempo from the outset, which resulted in a 1:49.9 being posted. Suitably drawn in four, Tin Tin Jo does possess good gat speed and Cam Hart will be looking to put that to good use from the outset. LUDACROUS (1) has drawn ideally in one and a kind peg run should be forthcoming for the Kate Hargreaves-trained daughter of Art Major. The filly has been solid in both her heat and semi-final engagement, the latter resulting in a 19.4m 3rd to Eye Keep Smiling. With three wins and 12 placings, eight as runner-up, from 18 starts, Ludacrous is an ideal type for the multiples. With all of the major players all drawing suitably, it will make it tough for their rivals to force their way into the minor placings. Value exotic chances are given to the ultra-consistent SKY BLU (10), PROMISELAND (11) and the NSW Oaks winner, WINDY HILL TARA (12).

MAJOR DELIGHT 1, Eye Keep Smiling 2, Tin Tin Jo 3, Ludacrous 4.

RACE EIGHT:

The G1 NSW Breeders Challenge for the 3YO Colts & Geldings promises to be an intriguing contest, although BETTER BE THE BEST (4) is clearly the one to beat. Apart from boasting 16 wins from 21 starts, plus two placings, the exciting Nathan Turnbull trained and driven star has also drawn suitably in gate four. Unbeaten in six runs since resuming from a spell, Better Be The Best was untroubled in taking out his heat, as you would expect, prior to taking on older rivals at Bathurst and treating them with contempt. Back to Menangle a week ago for his semi-final assignment and the son of Shoobees Place led in defeating Sweetheart Bart and My Ultimate Snowy. The battle for the top spot will be interesting as the Brad Hewitt trained and driven CAPTAINS KNOCK (1) has drawn ideally in one. A year ago in the 2YO version of this series, Captains Knock led throughout after drawing suitably in defeating a luckless Better Be The Best. Expected to take out the title, Better Be The Best drew the outside gate, but broke in the score up, losing many metres before making up many metres and more, in finishing a mere 2.6m away. That one was the one that got away from Better Be The Best, while taking nothing away from Captains Knock. Brad has been pleased with the work of the son of Captaintreacherous since his win and, is confident that the colt will be in the fight from the outset. After leading, then being headed for the majority of the long Menangle straight, Captains Knock fought back bravely in defeating an equally brave Oliver Dan in his semi-final win. Whether Captains Knock allows Better Be The Best to own the pegs and the lead will be interesting. OLIVER DAN (5) can’t be taken lightly as there is always the Emma Stewart factor to be considered and respected. A gritty 9.6m 4th to star stablemate Petracca in the Victory Derby at Melton a couple of weeks ago, the classy son of Bettors Delight worked outside of Captains Knock in finishing a head behind him after being a head in front for the majority of the run home. Handily drawn in five, Oliver Dan can’t be ignored. BAINBRIDGE (3) went off stride in the opening stages when in a prominent role, which resulted in the James Rattray trained and driven 34yo being eased to recover his gait. After losing a dozen metres or so, Bainbridge recovered to be handily placed in finishing a respectable 7.7m 56th to Better Be The Best. Usually a swift beginner the son of Captaintreacherous is more than capable of being involved in the finish. Although it is hard to go past the top four, when it comes to the multiples IL BANDITO (6), SWEETHEART BART (9), MY ULTIMATE SNOWY (11) and CAPTAINS CATCH (12) could sneak a role in adding some value, but the task has been made even more difficult by the fact they have all drawn wider than the major players.

BETTER BE THE BEST 1, Captains Knock 2, Oliver Dan 3, Bainbridge 4.

RACE NINE:

The Battle Of Beersheba FFA will see the Jason Grimson-trained SWAYZEE (4) attempt to stretch his winning sequence to eight since joining his training establishment. And, after drawing suitably three, which is less one of the reserves, it is hard to see the son of Rock N Roll Dance suffering his first defeat since coming under his care. Following of his brilliant defeat of Leap To Fame and Hot And Treacherous in the Black A Fake at AP back on July 22, Swayzee was given time off before resuming at Menangle on October 14 over 2300m. Taken straight to the front by Cam Hart, the race turned into a one act affair, with Swayzee greeting the judge with a margin of 5.6m to spare over a game Our Money Rocks while Zeuss Bromac was a further 1.6m astern. An extra 100m will apply to this assignment, but is hard to see anything but another all-the-way win being recorded by Swayzee. SPIRIT OF ST LOUIS (8) is the only possible threat as the son of Sweet Lou is a tough competitor in any race he is assigned to. Boasting nine wins and eight placings, seven as runner-up, at this venue, the Belinda McCarthy-prepared 6yo is coming off a superb performance in the 2240m Victoria Cup at Melton on October 14. Drawing the second line, Spirit Of St Louis contested the race, four back in the running line, prior to ‘ducking and diving’ in the straight to secure a suitable run. Crowded for room close to the line, Spirit Of St Louis was an eye-catching 3.3m 7th to Act Now. Providing the reserves stay benched, the classy 6yo will leave the mobile from behind gate six, which should result in Jack Callaghan having the gelding prominently placed from the outset. Both Swayzee and Spirit Of St Louis contested a trial at Menangle on Wednesday, with the former posting a 25.8 final quarter in defeating Mach Shard by 2.2m while Spirit Of St Louis was a further 1.3m away.

TASTY DELIGHT (3) was responsible for a fine return in the Kevin Robinson FFA at Headquarters a week ago in posting a 9.2m 3rd to Mach Da Vinci. With the benefit of that run, which came on the back of three solid trial outings. From the good draw the classy 5yo is capable of running a bold race. OUR MONEY ROCKS (1) will appreciate gate one in this class of contest. The David Thorn-trained 6yo was runner-up to Swayzee two starts ago, then hit the line strongly when a 1.3m 2nd to Mach da Vinci last week. The prospect of a kind peg role will enhance the claims of Our Money Rocks when it comes to the multiples. TAIPO (7) is ready to produce a bold showing according to trainer-driver Brad Hewitt. Second behind Hi Manameisjeff four runs ago, the 6yo son of American Ideal has been unplaced since, however, his efforts have still be sound, without a great deal of luck coming his way. Contesting the Kevin Robinson FFA a week ago, Taipo enjoyed a good run behind the leader, but became baulked for a suitable run in the straight, gaining some room late in recording a closing 11.6m 5th to Mach Da Vinci. The wider gate may assist Taipo in securing a handy run before staking his claim in the run home. MACH DA VINCI (10) is coming off a career best in recording a time of 1:49.4 in taking out the Kevin Robinson FFA over Our Money Rocks and Tasty Delight last week. Prepared by Peter Hanson and driven to perfection by Jim Douglass, the 6yo son of Art Major will again be storming home so don’t dismiss him from the exotics. ZEUSS BROMAC (11) is rarely far away, and although awkwardly drawn out deep, the 6yo remains in the multiple mix.

SWAYZEE 1, Spirit Of St Louis 2, Tasty Delight 3, Our Money Rocks 4.

RACE 10:

An open and what should be a competitive race to end proceedings, and despite the presence of the outside gate, the Elizabeth Heath-conditioned KANENA PROVLIMA (11) appeals as a worthy investment. Successful at this venue five runs ago, the talented 7yo has been placed once in four subsequent starts, with a solid 4.3m 3rd behind the highly-regarded My Ultimate Ronnie coming his way. The son of A Rocknroll Dance has finished 6th in each of his past two encounters, beaten 16.4m by Hi Manameisjeff and 14.2m by Mach Da Vinci last week, respectively. Both efforts were creditable under the circumstances. Kanena Provlima should, despite the draw, find this to be an easier assignment and if allowed to have a kind run back in the pack, then Robbie Morris is bound to time his finishing run to perfection. The main threats have all drawn ideally, commencing with DANGERZONE (4). Prepared by Belinda McCarthy and to be driven by Luke, the 4yo son of Gotta Go Cullect posted a couple of solid placings, the latter a gritty 2.7m 2nd to the classy Queenslander Sure Thing Captain before leading throughout in defeating Boom and Little Bliss. Drawing gate 10 for his next challenge, Dangerzone raced in a midfield role before finishing a useful 6.5m 6th to Star Major. From his good draw Dangerzone will be able to stake a claim for a role a lot closer to the action. ARDENS ACE (1) has drawn ideally in gate one and that will again result in the consistent son of Art Major making his presence felt. Recording a deserving win here four runs ago, the Tony Bertwistle-trained 5yo has been beaten 5m or less in his next three runs, the latest when 4.3m away in recording a solid 4.3m 4th to Firestorm Red last week. The prospect of a similar run here, or at the very least, three pegs, will allow Ardens Ace with the energy required to be pro-active in the finish. SAGINAW (3) has registered three wins and five placings from his past eight trips to the races and with the advantage of a suitable draw, the Seaton Grima trained and driven 7yo is poised to again make his presence felt. There was a lot to like about the manner in which the son of Well said hit the line last week in the race won by Firestorm Red, with a solid head second coming his way. JANARTY (2) also contested the same race as Saginaw, settling back in the pack before working home well when a 4.7m 5th, beaten 4.7m. That was his first unplaced run in six starts so the Jarrod Alchin-trained son of Art Major is more than capable of bouncing back strongly from his good draw. The chances don’t stop there as BOOM (5), BRAEDOS LAD (6) and ROMANEE (7) are more than capable of being involved in the finish. The exotics should be loaded with most of these runners.

KANENA PROVLIMA 1, Dangerzone 2, Ardens Ace 3, Saginaw 4.

  – FORM ASSESSED BY MIKE KO’CASS