A Never Ending victory will highlight a massive Eureka night
RACE ONE:
On what will be an action-packed night at Club Menangle, both on and off the track, the Jason Grimson-trained CURLY JAMES (6) will be looking to kick-off proceedings on a successful note, following a solid display at this venue last week. After holding the inside running, courtesy of drawing the pole position, Jack Callaghan then allowed the star Queenslander Speak The Truth to take over the role as pacemaker. With Adam Sanderson dictating the terms to perfection, Curly James was held up for a suitable run until passing the 200m maker. While Speak The Truth went on to greet the judge, Curly James was cutting back the margin with every stride, with his work over the final 100m enabling the 6yo to record a pleasing 2nd, beaten 1.5m in the process. The son of A Rocknroll Dance will be confronted by another tough assignment, but Curly James does appear poised to go one better. The Shane Sanderson-condition PERFECT STRIDE (1) has drawn perfectly in gate one and, as a result, his son Ryan, who is driving in fine form, will be able to present the 7yo with a kind run from the outset. Drawing wide for his assignment at this venue a week ago, the son of Bettors Delight settled into the one-one, prior to working three deep on the point of the home turn. The end result was a comfortable victory over Double Act and Loyalist, and although the task will be tougher this time around, Perfect Stride has handle similar assignments in the past while his record at this track is also worth noting. From 25 starts, Perfect Stride has collected seven wins and eight placings. ARDENS ACE (2) has also drawn ideally in two and that will result in Will Rixon having the Tony Bertwistle-trained son of Art Major in the mix from the outset, with a suitable stalking role set to come his way. The 6yo is coming off a creditable 8m 5th to Speak The Truth, and with the prospect of another suitable run, Ardens Ace is again capable of playing an active role in the finish, At the very least, Ardens Ace is an ideal runner for exotic players. Having just celebrated their 150th winner (Leaf Stride) a week ago, as a training combination, Joe and Mary Rando will be represented by the classy, but sparingly-raced 7yo, LINE UP (9). With an interrupted career spanning just 39 starts, the son of Bettors Delight has posted 10 wins and 15 placings. Line Up will be having his first run since a 10.4m 5th to Whereyabinboppin over the 2300m of the Menangle track on May 11. Line Up has had the benefit of two solid trials, the latter resulting in a 2nd to Max Delight. Despite being first-up from a deep draw, Line Up is worthy of more than a passing thought. STAR MAJOR (7) has recorded back-to-back wins at Menangle, on each occasion displaying plenty of grit in greeting the judge. Expect a similar determined effort from the James Rattray trained and driven son of Art Major. Exotic investors should also consider CANTFINDABETTORMAN (4) as the Luke McCarthy trained and driven 5yo has drawn well and his last start 2.5m 3rd to Speak The Truth and Curly James was a determined effort. PETES SAID SO (5) had been racing in fine fashion before having little luck when a 20.7m 8th to Major Moth a couple of weeks ago. Expect a far more competitive showing from the son of Well Said.
CURLY JAMES 1, Perfect Stride 2, Ardens Ace 3, Line Up 4.
RACE TWO:
The Jarrod Alchin-trained CAPTAIN TOM (5) was able to lead throughout in greeting the judge at Menangle a couple of weeks ago, and although confronted by a slightly harder challenge, the consistent son of Captaintreacherous again appeals as the one to beat. Runner-up in three of his previous three assignments, Captain Tom received a far kinder run, which paved the way for a solid display in defeating Mick Danger and Ourmatemenko. Cam Hart was able to dictate the terms to perfection on that occasion and he will be hoping to do the same here, although the Darren Binskin-conditioned TERRY (3) may be keen to take control of the tempo, which was the case when successful here last week. Captain Tom doesn’t have to lead to win, with the 4yo more than capable of proving just as lethal off a sit. OUTSIDE FIGHTER (2) must be regarded as the main threat to Captain tom after providing another knock-out blow to his rivals last week. Extending his winning run to four, the 7yo son of Art Major refused to throw in the towel when under pressure in the home straight, as he held on bravely to defeat De Goey and Mick Danger. Gate two is a plus and that will assist Jack Callaghan in his quest to have Outside Fighter ready to come out fighting when the green light is activated. OURMATEMENKO (6) worked when a costly and disappointing last to Hy Voltage here three starts ago, when having his first Menangle assignment. However, the Shane Sanderson-trained 4yo was able to build on that effort with a solid win, then a last-start 4.7m 3rd to Captain Tom. The talented son of Downbytheseaside has drawn the middle of the line, but does have the gate speed to occupy a role close to the action if Ryan Sanderson so desires. Always boasting plenty of talent and creating a good impression when successful in four of his opening five starts, Ourmatemenko is again worthy of attention. GLENLEDI ELVIS (10) has a tricky draw to overcome, however, the 5yo can’t be ignored as a threat following a pleasing first-up run following a spell and since becoming a member of the Luke McCarthy team. The winner of the Wangaratta Cup three starts ago, Glenledi Elvis was having his first outing since finishing a 21m 7th to Dangerous in the Mildura Cup on April 2, when he held on stoutly in recording a gritty 5.5m 5th to Terry here a week ago. The son of A Rocknroll Dance has drawn wide, but he strips fitter and that is a plus. There are a number of worthy and consistent players when it comes to exotic transactions. CAULONIA COURAGE (9), MAEBEE (11) and HAS THE COURAGE (7) have been reliable of late so don’t dismiss them without consideration while TERRY (3) is coming off a solid all-the-way win, accounting for the talented Major Major in the process. On the subject of MAJOR MAJOR (8), if, the talented son of Art Major comes of the benched and secures a run, then the 5yo must be regarded as one of the major contenders for the top spot. Resuming from a spell here last week, Major Major settled in a midfield role, prior to finding the line with intent, resulting in a solid 1.3m 2nd to Terry. Fitter, Major Major is more than capable of going one better.
CAPTAIN TOM 1, Outside Fighter 2, Ourmatemenko 3, Glenledi Elvis 4.
RACE THREE:
Unbeaten in five starts this season, exciting prospect DANGEROUS THREATS (9), despite the presence of a wide gate, looks poised to continue on his winning way when he faces the starter for the running of the Cobbitty Equine NSW Breeders Challenge Blue for 3YO Colts and Geldings. Prepared by KerryAnn Morris and to be driven by Robert, the son of For A Reason has ‘come of age’ after greeting the judge on just one occasion during his first season of racing. In four of his five wins this time in, the colt has been responsible for stamping his authority on the contest from the outset and maintaining his advantage from that point onwards. As a result, Dangerous Threats has posted margins of 32.6m, 9.9m and 8.6m, respectively, in greeting the judge of late. Mindful that Dangerous Threats can ‘switch off’ and become lazy, Robbie has kept his star colt focused on the job at hand, making sure that he attacks the line with intent. Despite the tougher challenge on the table this time around, Robbie will again be keen to have Dangerous Threat, threatening his rivals from the outset and beyond in his quest for victory. LETTUCE NIPYA (8) will be a worthy opponent as the Brad Hewitt trained and driven son of Tintin In America is also in winning form. Leading throughout in defeating Keepers Ideal and Carrera Sunset, the 3yo again dictated the terms in a heat of this series in proving far too good for Our Goat and Memphis Fury. Brad is likely to attack from the outset in search of a dominant role from the outset. OUR GOAT (7) resumed from a spell with a hat-trick of wins before working when a fading 18.2m 4th to Dangerous Threats. Sent out as an odds-on elect in a heat of this Final, the 3yo son of Warrawee Needy was unable to match strides with Lettuce Nipya, resulting in a 16.3m second. Prepared by Bernie Hewitt and to be driven by Will Rixon, Our Goat has done his best work from the front, so it will be intriguing so see how the three main characters handle the opening stages. KICK THE SWITCH (1), which is also under the care of Bernie Hewitt, who will also handle the driving duties, has drawn ideally in one and that is the break he needed to be in the mix when the judge callas a halt. Returning from a disappointing Queensland campaign, the 3yo son of Lazarus rose to the occasion when he worked home stoutly in defeating Paradise Point and Larrikin Lenny in his heat. Bernie will be able to secure a kind run and then hope that the ‘big guns’ fail to fire over the final stages. Exotic combinations should include the consistent LARRIKIN LENNY (3), who may lack the class of the featured runners, but his honesty will again result in a bold showing. WAMBOYNEINAMERICA (6) followed a hat-trick of winning performances with two solid efforts as runner-up, the latter when he worked home stoutly when beaten 8.6m by Dangerous Threats. The Rickie Alchin trained and driven son of Tintin In America warrants exotic attention.
DANGEROUS THREATS 1, Lettuce Nipya 2, Our Goat 3, Kick The Switch 4.
RACE FOUR:
This event is the G2 2YO Fillies Final- for the Cobbitty Equine NSW Breeders Challenge Blue and it is hard to go past the David Thorn-conditioned VIOLET HANOVER (9) as the one to beat, despite the presence of a tricky draw. Debuting just three runs ago at Penrith on August 1, with a pleasing metre 2nd to The County Sheriff, the young daughter of Lazarus overcame a back row draw in winning her next start, which was also at Penrith, before drawing well at Menangle for a heat of this series. This time around Will Rixon was able to dictate the terms and that allowed Violet Stride to record a comfortable win over Personified and Dolly Rocket. The filly continues to improve with experience and while the draw is a concern, Violet Hanover looks to have a bright future and win is there for the taking. PERSONIFIED (11) has been approached the early stages of her career with a professional attitude, which has resulted in seven placings coming her way from eight appearances. Prepared by Paul Fitzpatrick and to be driven by his son Cam, the Warrawee Needy filly was trapped three deep in working to race outside of Violet Hanover, then battled on stoutly to go down by a margin of 1.6m. Personified has drawn wider than before and will start from the position nine, which is less the reserves, but expect another competitive showing. It is hard to ignore the claims of BABY YOUR THE ONE (10), despite drawing wide as well. Prepared by Amanda Turnbull, who will also take the reins, the For A Reason filly opened her career with three sound efforts at Bathurst, with her debut resulting in a decisive win. Facing the starter for the first time at Menangle a couple of weeks ago, Baby Your The One settled three pegs when a solid-finishing neck 2nd to The Swift One. Amanda is likely to allow the filly to settle back in the pack, due to the draw, but expect to see her working into the race strongly over the final 200m. The draw is tailor made for THE SWIFT ONE (3) who showed a welcome return to winning form when she converted a kind run behind the leader into a gritty display. Will Rixon was able to present the Renaissance Man filly with a kind run behind the leader, prior to pouncing on the lead in the straight and then holding off the late surge by Baby Your The One. Will be eyeing off an economical run for The Swift One and if that scenario plays out, then The Swift One is capable of proving too swift for her rivals. OUR ULTIMATE JANE (1) debuted with a creditable 7.7m 4th to Violet Hanover, and although more was expected, due to starting favourite, the Lazarus filly will benefit from the run. Another plus is gate one, so don’t write her off as the Jarrod Alchin-Cam Hart combination must always be respected. TWO CRACKED CORN (6) and WICKED SUSAN (12) are both prepared by Keith McDeed and their claims as exotic runners should be given more than a passing thought while DOLLY ROCKET (7) has done enough throughout the course of her brief career that she is a more than capable of type. Prepared by Bernie Hewitt and to be driven by Dean Cernovskis, the daughter of For A Reason worked home stoutly in finishing a 5m 3rd to Violet Hanover in her heat so expect a competitive showing.
VIOLET HANOVER 1, Personified 2, Baby Your The One 3, The Swift One 4.
RACE FIVE:
The 3yo fillies will take centre stage for their opportunity to secure G2 glory, and although the quality Queensland filly SOAP OPERA (12) will line up behind gate 10, the Darren Weeks-trained daughter of Warrawee Needy is entitled to top billing. Following an outstanding juvenile career, which resulted in two wins and five placings from just seven starts, the filly opened her three-year-old career in a flurry, claiming victory in the APG Gold Bullion 3YO Fillies Final at Albion Park. Spelled after that feature win, Soap Opera managed just a single placing from her next seven assignments. Instead of her career becoming a soap opera, the filly bounced back to winning form with a strong display at AP on August 10, just in time for a trip to Menangle two weeks later. Drawing wide for her heat, Soap Opera was allowed to settler into her work before Angus Garrard sent her forward to occupy the role outside of the leader. Maintaining a cool, calm and collected approach to the situation, Angus allowed Soap Opera to wait until the final 300m came into play before asking her for an effort. The filly responded in fine style, and although the winning margin was just 1.7m in defeating Aromet Girl, Angus and Soap Opera appeared to have something left in the locker if required. Angus, who produced a superb drive in guiding The Vicar Of Dibley to victory at Menangle last week, will be called upon for a similar stylish performance in the sulky while Soap Opera is likely to be called upon to again do the ‘hard yards’ if success is to come their way. Both are more than capable of doing exactly that. AROMET GIRL (2) also went through the middle part of her career with mixed performances, but she has also shown a return to form in recent starts. Recording the fourth win of her career at Wagga two starts ago, the daughter of Alta Christiano then led when beaten 1.7m by Soap Opera at Menangle. The draw is certainly in favour of Aromet Girl, who is capable of reversing the previous result. MY BULA BUS (9) has won two of her past three for trainer-driver Neil Day, the latest in her heat when she worked home stoutly in proving too good for Bouganvillea and Shes Some Lexy. Although confronted by a wide draw, the daughter of Warrawee Needy is entitled to be include in the main bracket of chances. In finishing a 9.6m 4th to Soap Opera at Menangle a couple of weeks ago, the Len Clement-trained SHES BELIEVABLE (10) is capable of improving further on that effort. Settling in a rearward role the filly kept working home in a stout fashion and there is no doubt that she will be better for her Menangle experience. With the prospect of more speed being on offer, Shes Believable could spring a surprise. At the very least the filly should be included in exotic transactions. DIVINE GIRL (1) also has a wide gate to overcome, but the Lazarus filly has done enough in recent times to be included exotic discussions while SHES SOME LEXY (6), TWO BLUES BLING (4) and BOUGANVILLEA (3) also fall into that category.
SOAP OPERA 1, Aromet Girl 2, My Bula Bus 3, Shes Believable 4.
RACE SIX:
This race has been reduced to eight runners at this stage after Nyack and Wisper A Secret came out, the latter securing a spot in the Eureka after Fighter Command was forced to be scratched due to illness. The race is certainly an intriguing contest with the majority capable of putting forward a good case regarding the claims on the prize. Ideally drawn and coming off an eye-catching run in the Racenet Discovery Stakes a week ago, the final selection trial for the Eureka, DANGEROUS (3) is capable of going one better this time. Prepared by Shane Sanderson and to be driven by his son Ryan, the 4yo son of Sweet Lou has always shown immense talent after commencing his career with back-to-back wins. Contesting 29 races, Dangerous has collected nine wins and 10 placings, seven of those as runner-up. Resuming from a spell with a solid, and slightly unlucky 4m 4th to Keayang Tokyo at Melton on August 17, Dangerous drew out wide for his latest challenge at Menangle last week, resulting in Ryan restraining the entire, resulting in a midfield role coming his way. With Adam Sanderson dictating the terms to perfection with the ultimate winner Sure Thing Captain, Dangerous worked home strongly in finishing within 5.9m of the Queensland star. The 26.3 third quarter paved the way for Sure Thing Captain to greet the judge. The run of Dangerous was outstanding under the circumstances. The prospect of receiving a kinder trip should and will make all the difference, as far as, Dangerous is concerned while a higher level of fitness will also be a plus. DOUGS PLATTER (6) led and then handed the lead role over to Sure Thing Captain, prior to battling on stoutly in recording an 8.3m 4th to Sure Thing Captain. The classy 4yo son of Betterthancheddar will line up behind the five gate and is bound to be coming out with intent in search of a role in, or near, the lead. Driver Josh Gallagher was keen on the prospects of Dougs Platter in an interview for the Nationaltrotguide.online service. I BREAK THE LINE (2), which will be driven by Luke McCarthy, has drawn ideally in two. Prepared by Michael Xuereb, I Break The Line settled three pegs when a creditable 11.2m 6th to Sure Thing Captain as the son of Betting Line continues his pathway into the better class events. The winner of 10 of his 27 starts, the 4yo is capable of giving a good account so don’t ignore his claims. A fitter OLIVER DAN (4) can’t be taken lightly, which is always a dangerous thing to do, when it involves an Emma Stewart-trained runner. Runner-up behind Le Belle Bijoux and Keayang Tokyo, respectively, in his opening two starts this campaign, the talented 4yo son of Bettors Delight was left in a three deep role before Cam Hart sent him forward to the role outside of the leader, initially hoping to secure the one-one. However, none of his rivals were keen to take him up on the offer. In finishing an 11.4m 7th to Sure Thing Captain, Oliver Dan wasn’t disgraced and he will attack this race with a higher level of fitness. The Daren Garrard-conditioned REGAZZO DI TILLY (1) has drawn ideally in gate one and that is a big plus on his previous starting role a week ago. Drifting back in the field, the Changeover 4yo worked home steadily, despite posting a safely held 10.7m fifth. However, driver Angus Garrard, who is driving in superb fashion, was delighted with the run and is confident that Regazzo Di Tilly, who has a big opinion of, will be right in the finish. Angus’s opinion must be respected. MICK DANGER (7), CRAFTSMAN CHARLIE (9) and DE GOEY (10) are the remaining three runners and when looking for value in the multiples, they’re not the roughest when it comes to sneaking a spot in the top four.
DANGEROUS 1, Dougs Platter 2, I Break The Line 3, Oliver Dan 4.
RACE SEVEN:
The G1 Len Smith Mile has attracted a field of any feature race, with major players for three states coming together for what should be an explosive and thrilling challenge. With the field overflowing with speed and power, the race should be run to suit the Jess Tubbs-trained star BETTER ECLIPSE (10) who will be driven to perfection by her husband, Greg Sugars. Jess and Greg will be hoping to enjoy some success after their star Fighter Command fell ill and required immediate surgery last week, forcing him out of the $2.1m Eureka. Following a solid New Zealand campaign back in April and May, Better Eclipse returned to racing with a stylish display at Melton on August 31 when he overcame a back row draw, a three wide trip home, and the class of Catch A Wave in defeating the Miracle Mile winner by a margin of 1.2m. Contesting 11 races at Menangle, the outstanding son of Betterthancheddar has two wins to his credit, commencing with the G2 Carousel Fina before claiming the trophy as the winner of the prestigious Chariots of Fire, which gained him entry into the Miracle, with a gallant 3rd to King Of Swing coming his way. A year ago, Better Eclipse finished a 5.3m 5th to Rock N Roll Doo in the Len Smith. The 6yo has drawn out wide, but Greg will produce one of his specialties, a typical cool, calm and collected drive, and that will ensure that Better Eclipse is powering home over the final 200m, which will result in the 24th win of his outstanding career. CATCH A WAVE (6) has two wins next to his name, the first being the 2023 Chariots of Fire, the second being the Miracle Mile two weeks later. Prepared by Andy Gath and to be driven by Kate, the multi-award winning son of Captaintreacherous added the G1 $1,250,000 Nullarbor to his exciting list of achievements back in April, then a week later the G1 Fremantle Cup at Gloucester Park on April 26 became the 22nd win of his 40-start, illustrious career. After resuming with a disappointing 16m 7th to Mach Dan at Melton on August 10, the 5yo indicated he was working back to his best with a determined 1.2m 2nd to better Eclipse at Melton in the Popular Alm and Vin Knight FFA. With his level of fitness now heading in the right direction, Catch A Wave is again ready to make his presence felt as he goes in search of another Group One title at Menangle. SPEAK THE TRUTH (3) following a demanding New Zealand campaign, which culminated with a 7th to Self Assured at Alexandra Park on May 17, a fresh term of racing commenced with a tough and determined display from the Shannon Price-conditioned son of Bettors Delight at Menangle last week. Working forward from a wide gate, the 5yo was taken to the lead by Adam Sanderson, who then rated the gelding to perfection in defeating Curly James and a game Cantfindabettorman. Headed at one stage in the run home, Speak The Truth fought back bravely to score the 17th win of his career and in the process, boast a 50% winning strike rate. Ideally drawn in three, Adam will be keen to have Speak The Truth crossing to the pegs and setting the tempo once again, this time with a fitter Queenslander. Despite drawing the outside gate and being the only female in the race, the brilliant AARDIES EXPRESS (12) can’t be overlooked as the winner. Cam hart will take the reins behind the Jason Grimson-trained daughter of Always B Miki, and although the champion NSW reinsman was disappointed when the draw came out, he is confident that the outstanding 5yo can make her presence felt. As Cam explained the mare is no stranger to being driven back in the pack, and still greeting the judge in feature events. Aardies Express returned from a successful Queensland campaign with an emphatic win in the Ranji Bill Stakes at Menangle on August 24 when she led for most of the 2300m. The pace will be on from the outset which will assist Aardies Express in her quest to upstage the ‘boys’. And she is more than capable of doing just that. MAJOR MOTH (1) has been in outstanding form since resuming from a spell and under the care of Jason Grimson, with the new combination - three from three – with the promise of more to come. Along with Aardies Express, Major Moth is one of four from the same stable, the others being DISTRICT ATTORNEY (5), and HECTOR (11). Major Moth is drawn to make things interesting at the start as the 6yo son of Art Major enjoys leading, which has been the game plan in his three of late, two at Albion Park during the carnival, the latest when he defeated the boom WA pacer, and current Eureka favourite, Never Ending over 2300m a couple of weeks ago. Jack Callaghan will have options but leading is likely to be his number one choice. MAX DELIGHT (2) has drawn two and is racing in great spirit for David Aiken, with the veteran completing a hat-trick of Menangle wins when he narrowly defeated Taipo and Captains Knock a few weeks back. The 8yo is drawn to secure a stalking role and it is hard to ignore him as a threat to the major players. MAGICIAN (4) arrived from Tasmania in outstanding form and his 6.2m 4th to Speak The Truth was an encouraging run. The Todd Rattray-trained 5yo is worthy of exotic involvement, with brother James to handle the driving duties. DISTRICT ATTORNEY (5) was the last runner to lower the colours of Leap To Fame when he won the G3 Chris Garrard’s Patron’s Purse at Redcliffe on June 21. The 5yo son of Courage Under Fire then posted a gritty 6.2m 3rd to Leap to Fame before running a gallant 2.5m 2nd to the champ in the G1 Sunshine Sprint at AP on July 20. Drawing the back role for the 2680m Blacks A Fake, District Attorney didn’t have great deal go his way in recording a well-beaten 11th to Leap to Fame. Freshened and handily drawn, District Attorney has a strong case to argue that he will be a serious contender in his quest to greet the judge. And, with Will Rixon driving in brilliant, he may have a strong case at that.
BETTER ECLIPSE 1, Catch A Wave 2, Speak The Truth 3, Aardies Express 4.
RACE 8:
The running of the $2.1m Eureka, up until a couple of weeks ago, appeared to be a wide-open affair, and it still maybe come race time. However, the star West Australian 4yo NEVER ENDING (14) has surged to the top of the markets after a sensational performance at Menangle a couple of weeks ago. On the strength of that exciting display, the Justin Prentice-trained son of Sweet Lou will face the starter as the one to beat. Arriving with 15 wins and four placings to show for his 21 starts to date, which features three Group victories, Never Ending was also gallant in defeat when 2nd to Skylou in the WA Derby before taking out the G3 Winter Cup at Gloucester Park in mid-July. With his reputation on an upward spiral, Never Ending was further enhanced his growing list of fans when he produced a huge effort in finishing a fast-finishing, 3.7m 2nd to his older rival, Major Moth at this venue. Courtesy of an astute front-running drive by Jack Callaghan, Major Moth was able to steal a couple of comfortable quarters before placing pressure on his rivals, in particular the WA star, which was back last, in recording a 26.8 third quarter. That allowed Major Moth to secure victory, but Never Ending was the story coming out of the event. It was just the precise effort Justin and Gary Hall Jnr wanted from Never Ending, with the long Menangle straight being tailor made for he his explosive sprint. Gary wasn’t perturbed about the wide draw, indicating that Never Ending would be driven in a similar manner, regardless, being saved for one shot at Eureka glory. Looking for dangers and it is hard to split the Emma Stewart-trained collective of stars in BAY OF BISCAY (2), MAJOR DELIGHT (3) and HIGH ABOVE (9) while SURE THING CAPTAIN (5) is also a serious contender for the major share of the prizemoney on offer. However, the sparingly-raced HIGH ABOVE (9) gains the nod. Still learning his craft, the son of Captaintreacherous brings an ‘x-factor’ to the race as he has an exciting level of potential and raw ability. With just nine starts next to his name, High Above has greeted the judge on five occasions while finishing placed twice. The half-brother to Ride High, who was another exciting performer for Emma, has won his past two starts at Melton, the latter a week ago when he worked home stoutly in defeating Heza Punk Rocker and Exotic Bushranger. If, the power is switched on from the outset, then High Above, who will be driven by record-breaking reinswoman Kerry Manning, will be able to utilize his brilliance to full effect. The long Menangle run home looks tailor made for High Above. MAJOR DELIGHT (3) is drawn to receive a kind run, courtesy of Ash Delosa. From her 27 starts, the daughter of Bettors Delight has greeted the judge on 22 occasions, rarely by a big margin, but she does win. Combining a determined attitude and a great ‘will to win’, Major Delight will step aside from her comfort zone in taking on the ‘boys’, but that won’t worry this mare. And, what a story it will be if Ash cam guide her to victory. Not on the same scale as Michelle Payne winning the Melbourne Cup on Pirates Of Penzance in 2015, but from a young lady with, little to no harness racing experience, taking out the richest race in the world when it comes to harness story, well, such a feat is deserving of similar headlines. BAY OF BISCAY (2), now starts from the pole after the disappointing scratching of Fighter Command, who was undergoing surgery for a twisted bowel on Monday. Fingers crossed that the Jess Tubbs-trained star recovers and has a big future in the game. Prepared by Emma Stewart and to be driven by Cam Hart, Bay Of Biscay has an imposing record, with the son of Somebeachsomewhere posting seven wins, four seconds and a third from just 13 starts. Runner-up to Major Hot in the G1 Queensland Derby at AP back on July 27, when he worked from a back row draw, the colt returned to Victorian and a month later produced a stylish display in defeating his outstanding stablemate Sweet Bella, who has won since in fine fashion. Cam will be looking to use the pole position to full advantage and dictating the terms remains part of his plans. Although, he will have the option of taking a sit. SURE THING CAPTAIN (5) has also drawn suitably and Adam Sanderson won’t be shy in coming forward with the Shannon Price-prepared son of Captaintreacherous. An emphatic all-the-way winner at Albion Park in readiness for his trip to Menangle, Sure Thing Captain contested the Racenet Discovery Stakes (2300m) last week, the final selection event for a spot in this event. Dictating the race from the outset, Sure Thing Captain was a ‘sure thing’ a long way from home in defeating a fast-finishing Dangerous while Wisper A Secret grabbed third. Boasting four wins and two placings from his 10 Menangle assignments, Sure Thing Captain will be in the mix from the outset in again proving hard to beat. CAPTAINS KNOCK (11), one time major contender for the trophy, has drifted to be one of the outsiders, with the wide draw adding to his woes. However, the Brad Hewitt trained and driven 4yo has been racing a lot better than his numbers may suggest. At the very least, Captains Knock is worthy of attention as an exotic runner as he will be going around at a generous quote.
NEVER ENDING 1, High Above 2, Major Delight 3, Bay Of Biscay 4.
RACE NINE:
Prepared by Jamie Cassar and to be driven by Jack Callaghan, MATT GREGORS BOY (3) is ideally placed to take out theG2 Cobbitty Equine NSW Breeders Challenge Blue for the 2YO Colts and Geldings and in the process wrap=up what will be an outstanding night of action on the track. After opening his career with consecutive wins at Newcastle, the Modern Art colt headed to Menangle for his third assignment, and although comfortably beaten into 3rd spot behind Hezatreacherous and Petes Crunch Time, the run was still more than acceptable after being asked to work from his wide gate. Taking full advantage of gate three, the same number he will carry into this race, Matt Gregors Boy led in taking out his heat, accounting for Walter Warlock and Flash Azarat. Jack and Matt again look destined to find the lead and ultimately the winning post, although it won’t be a stroll in the park. WALTER WARLOCK (6) broke his maiden status with a narrow, but gritty win at Newcastle at start number four and has been on the improve in two subsequent efforts, despite finishing runner-up on each occasion. Working in finishing 2.6m behind Dance With Carmer at Newcastle, the Geoff Dorn trained and driven McWicked gelding settled four pegs during the early stages of his heat appearance, prior to being without cover for the second half of the challenge. Over the final 100m of the race, Walter Warlock continued to grind away gamely in fighting back to secure second spot behind Matt Gregors Boy. There were promising signs shown by the gelding, suggesting he was capable of being right in the finish. Geoff has elected to stand down as the driver, instead booking the in-form Will Rixon to take over the driving duties, a selfless decision that could reap its rewards. DOWN WARD DOG (8) is coming off a creditable 3.6m 3rd to Soho Darknstormy and had littler luck in the process. The colt drew three on that occasion, and although a wider draw awaits and in a tougher assignment, the Luke McCarthy trained and driven son of Bling It On is worthy more than a passing thought. It would also see Luke head off to North America next week on a winning note. THE COUNTY SHERIFF (9) posted an all-the-way debut win when he defeated Violet Hanover and Chlobro at Penrith, then had mixed luck in the run home when a 4.8m 2nd to Zeron at Headquarters. A wide draw awaits the Peter Hanson-trained son of My General Lee but he looks to be a progressive type so don’t ignore him as a value threat. ZERON (10) was able to dictate the terms in scoring here, but the task becomes tougher and the draw hasn’t been kind. The Amanda Turnbull trained and driven Village Jolt gelding should be linked to the multiples. FLASH AZARAT (7), JUST BLING IT (5) and SOHO DARKNSTORMY (4) all warrant exotic attention in what should be a competitive betting race.
MATT GREGORS BOY 1, Walter Warlock 2, Down Ward Dog 3, The County Sheriff 4.
That’s a look at what will be an exciting nine-event card. Good punting.
Now it’s over to Jess Mauboy for her exciting concert.
- FORM ASSESSED BY MIKE KO’CASS
