Aiken, Rixon eyeing another feature FFA

MIKE KO'CASS FINDS US A WINNER AT TABCORP PARK MENANGLE SATURDAY NIGHT:

RACE ONE:

Despite being costly in his past three trips to the races, JORDY (2) is entitled to top billing, courtesy of an ideal draw, which will be a big plus as his main threats have drawn wide for the 2300m challenge. Prepared by Kevin Pizzuto and to be driven Josh Gallagher, Jordy has been placed in his past three Menangle assignments, always in the market and always competitive. Runner-up behind King Tintin and Tooram Magic, respectively, the 7yo son of Bettors Delight then raced without cover when a gritty 2.2m 3rd behind King Tintin and Supersede a week ago. Jordy has led, taken cover while also working on the odd occasion, in recording just one win from his 14 runs since resuming from a spell. However, Jordy has recorded eight placings as well. Josh will be keen to take full advantage of the draw and at least the field early before deciding to take a sit on either DOM TORETTO (7) or LAVER (9). Either way, Jordy will again be in contention for the top spot. DOM TORETTO (7) has also been consistent of late with another competitive display forthcoming. The 5yo son of Sweet Lou scored over this course and distance two starts ago when he was able to stalk the leaders in finishing too well for Laver and Major Major. Two weeks ago, Dom Toretto was able to dictate the terms over the shorter trip of 1609m, however, he was unable to fend off the late surge from Major Major in finishing a creditable 9.3m second. Jack Callaghan will be looking to eye off another prominent role with Dom Toretto. LAVER (9) scored first-up from NZ for Brad Hewitt, prior to being placed in his next two assignments. On each occasion the 8yo son of Art Major has been caught without cover, finishing a determined 2.7m 2nd to Dom Toretto, followed by a gritty 3.9m 3rd to Bainbridge last week. With Brad heading to Melton for the Hunter Cup with Captains Knock, Harry Ross will take over the driving duties. Despite the tricky draw, Laver can't be ignored as a serious player. Also drawing deep is MAJOR MAJOR (10) who worked home gamely when a 6.5m 4th to Bainbridge last week. Prior to that effort the Peter Rixon-trained 6yo charged home to account for Dom Toretto and Bluto. Due to his recent racing pattern, Major Major shouldn't be concerned by the wide gate as he is likely to compete from a rearward role before coming with a rush over the final 200m. MONTALBANO (8) will be having his first run for Chris Judd after a successful career under the guidance of Rickie Alchin. The 5yo has been mixing his form of late but is worth considering when it comes to the multiples. JOE NIEN (1) is coming off a win, in an easier event, however, from the pole the veteran is a handy type to include in the exotics. DOUBLE ACT (5) and a fitter MAJOR PERRY (6) also have claims in that regard.

JORDY 1, Dom Toretto 2, Laver 3, Major Major 4.

RACE TWO:

Victorian mentor Stephen O'Donoghue heads to Headquarters with his sparingly raced, but exciting 6yo, FOLLOWTHEACE (6), which should come up 'trumps' in proving one of the 'better bets' on the card. Contesting a mere 11 races, the son of Art major has been successful on five occasions while also posting three placings. Off the scene since scoring at Kilmore last July, Followtheace resumed with a solid win at Shepparton before peeling off stylish wins at Echuca and Shepparton, the latter when he led in comfortably defeating Night School and Bubby To Base. Ryan Sanderson, who has been in fine form, will take over the driving duties from James Herbertson, and with a middle of the line draw appearing to be acceptable, Followtheace will be looking to show his hand from the outset in attempting an all-the-way win. MAJOR HOT (10), as he did last time out, has drawn the outside gate, however, the Paul Fitzpatrick-trained 4yo will definitely play a role in the finish. Still searching for that elusive win since joining the legendary mentor, Major Hot has been runner-up in three of his past four, the latest when beaten 4.7m by Vite Monet a week ago. Once again, the son of Art Major hit the line strongly from a midfield role, with a similar game plan likely to play out again. Busting to win a race, which will be his first since the Queensland Derby last July, Major Hot must be respected. DASHING (9) has been in dashing form on the country circuit for trainer-driver Bruce Harpley. The pair have combined for a hat-trick of wins, with the final leg recorded at Junee last week. Overcoming a back row draw and a tough run, the 4yo son of Art Major proved too good for Moneys On Matilda and Rebounder. Dashing has now won five of his past six, and although confronted by a tougher test, another bold showing can be expected as looks to record his first Menangle win after placings in four of his six starts here to date. SHEFFIELD SPARKY (8) has been consistent of late for Dean Atkinson and again appeals as a handy type to include in multiple transactions. The 9yo found some trouble when a creditable 8m 5th to Tooram Magic a couple of weeks ago. While the draw is a concern, Sheffield Sparky is capable of adding some value to the exotics. SWEETHEART BART (7) won first-up for KerryAnn Morris when he returned to racing with a win at Tamworth in a heat of the Golden Guitar. Contesting the Final on January 24, the 5yo son of Sweet Lou drew the inside of the back row in racing in a three-peg role, prior to finishing a 5.9m 4th to Supa American. Robert Morris was unable to secure a suitable, clear run and as a result, Sweetheart Bart didn't have a great deal of luck in the straight. Fitter and back to a bigger track, Sweetheart Bart is also a suitable player for the multiples. Looking wider for value and CAPTAIN BLOOD (4) and KATES VIRTUE (3) could assist in that regard.

FOLLOWTHEACE 1, Major Hot 2, Dashing 3, Sheffield Sparky 4.

RACE THREE:

With the benefit of two runs from an extended period on the sidelines, SUPERSEDE (8) appeals as the top seed in this event. After ending his previous term of racing with a win at Melton in June/2023, when in the stables of Emma Stewart, the talented 7yo resumed as a member of the Jarrod Alchin team when a pleasing 12m 6th to Tooram Magic on January 18. With the benefit of that outing, plus two solid trials, a fitter Supersede indicated he was ready to add to his tally of five wins when he worked home stoutly in recording a solid 1.3m 2nd to King Tintin last week. The 7yo son of Bettors Delight has drawn deeper in eight, however, that will be offset by his higher level of fitness and growing confidence in his body. With Cam Hart heading to Melton for the Hunter Cup, Will Rixon has picked up the drive, one of many good bookings for this quality reinsman. Supersede certainly has the ability to prove a good investment. JOELITA (7), who will be driven by Will's twin sister, Hannah, is entitled to be looked upon as a threat. The mare has been in the mix on a number of occasions as she looks to record her first win since leaving Victorian to link up with Peter Rixon. The daughter of Roll With Joe has been placed in four of her past six, the latest when she worked home gamely in finishing a creditable 20m 2nd to Pandaia. Joelita is more than capable of going one better this time. HE AINT FAKIN (2) has been racing consistently on his home track of Bathurst, with the 7yo posting a win and five placings in eight runs since a spell. Following a deserving win two starts ago, the Anthony Frisby trained and driven son of Art Major then posted a solid neck 2nd behind Chiseled a couple of weeks ago. Ideally drawn in two, He Aint Fakin is capable of being the 'real deal' so don't ignore as a contender for the top spot. DEBONAIRE (8) has a wide gate to overcome, but that shouldn't be enough to stop the Blake Fitzpatrick trained and driven entire from being a potential threat. Resuming in a heat of the Golden guitar at Tamworth a couple of weeks ago, the 4yo son of Sweet Lou worked home stoutly, without threatening, in finishing a 19.9m 3rd to Sweethheart Bart. Drawing the inside of the back row and racing three pegs, Debonaire was trapped behind tired horses before getting into clear air approaching the home turn, but the bird had flown by that time. Fitter and better suited on the bigger circuit, Debonaire isn't the roughest by any means. TOORAM MAGIC (6) has won his past two in fine fashion and the 4yo son of For A Reason again warrants attention. Prepared by James Rattray, who also handles the driving duties, Tooram Magic finished too well for Jordy and Allstarzzz Frankie at this venue a couple of weeks ago. Despite drawing wider in an open race, Tooram Magic is bound to be a serious player once again. TALLULAH LEE (5) is coming off an improved 3.5m 2nd behind Matt Gregors Boy and while this will be a slightly harder test, the 5yo mare is a suitable type to include when it comes to the multiples.

SUPERSEDE 1, Joelita 2, He Aint Fakin 3, Debonaire 4.

RACE FOUR:

Nathan Turnbull has BORROWED TIME (5) competing in the best form of his career and with a suitable draw assisting his claims, the son of Caribbean Blaster is poised to record his initial Menangle win. Following an emphatic all-the-way win in the Soldiers Saddle two starts ago, when he defeated A Lil Bit of Love and Hall Cash, the 7yo drew the back row for his next assignment at Junee. Working to obtain the role outside of the leader, Borrowed Time battled on stoutly in finishing a respectable 3.9m 2nd to Kissed By A Rose, who will again loom as a serious threat. However, Borrowed Time will enjoy the important move back to a handy starting point on the front row. That will enable talented youngster Jye Coney to waste no time in having Borrowed Time prominently placed from the outset. That should allow Borrowed Time to reverse the previous result. KISSED BY A ROSE (6) has drawn suitably, as well, just one spot wider than Borrowed Time. A member of the Dean Atkinson team and to be driven by Harry Ross, the 7yo daughter of Sunshine Beach led in scoring at Goulburn before producing a carbon copy display at Junee last week. Harry will again be keen to have Kissed By A Rose prominently placed from the outset. MOP (3) is a model of consistency, but the mare certainly doesn't win out of turn. Ideally drawn, compared to the back row when a 7m 3rd to Village Area at Junee recently, the 7yo mare will have the chance to occupy a prominent role and with the bigger Menangle track being a plus. Mop is capable of cleaning up. UNCLE TONY (4) posted a couple of Bathurst wins before a moderate 9th to Four Star Lincoln, prior to bouncing back with a close 2nd to Kingston Shannon. The 5yo son of Well Said has a handy draw and that will assist his claims of being a contender for a role in the finish. Along with Uncle Tony, another suitable exotic runner is HAPPY REG (7), which followed a big win at Temora with a creditable 5.3m 2nd to Im Desirable at Bathurst. IGNITE THE FIRE (8) had been racing well, courtesy of two wins and a couple of placings, prior to a costly 88.5m last to Sweetly Spoken at Newcastle. The 4yo son of Vincent is deserving of another chance when it comes to the multiples. WILL I AM (1) strips fitter fort a couple of runs back, the latter resulting in a 3.8m 2nd to Major Huss at Goulburn. The draw will boost the place claims of the 7yo, so include the son of bettors Delight in multiple transactions.

BORROWED TIME 1, Kissed By A Rose 2, Mop 3, Uncle Tony 4.

RACE FIVE:

WASA HEAT SEEKER (7) appears locked onto a win following a strong display when having his first outing in five weeks on January 18. The USA-bound 6yo led when a game 6.6m 3rd to Nyack, following an opening quarter of 26.3 in securing the lead, then a 26.6 final 400m in attempting to defend his advantage. However, the early 'burn' took its toll on the son of Sweet Lou, resulting him in fading out of contention over the final stages. The lightly-raced 6yo has again drawn a touch wide, but with the speed to overcome such a hurdle, Wasa Heat Seeker will again target the role as pacemaker. The David Aiken-trained gelding is another top booking for Will Rixon. Inter-Dominion finalist, TERRY (1) has drawn ideally for Darren Binskin, with the son of Terror To Love looking to record his first win since late November. The reliable 8yo settled midfield when he posted a useful 20.2m 5th to an outstanding trio of performers, Max Delight, Captains Knock and Don Hugo, respectively. All three will be facing the starter for the A.G Hunter Cup at Melton on Saturday night. With an easier assignment awaiting him, Terry is capable of playing an active role in the finish, courtesy of receiving a kind run in transit from Josh Gallagher. PETES SAID SO (6) followed a couple, typical honest placings with a creditable 11.2m 5th to Nyack a couple of weeks ago. The 9yo son of Well Said has drawn the middle of the line and that will enable Robert Morris to have him well placed from the outset. This is the type of race well within the reach of Petes Said So. ILLAVABUBBLES (10) has drawn deep for this harder contest against the 'boys', however, the mare is coming off two solid displays and is entitled to be taken into account. Following back-to-back wins against her own sex, the daughter of Always B Miki then posted a solid 3.7m 4th to Im The Falcon, prior to working hard to find the lead when a game 2.4m 5th to Promiseland in the Adore Me at Menangle recently. The draw in this class of contest may result in a more conservative drive, allowing the 6yo to make one sweeping run to the judge. TAY TAY (8) has been placed in her past two assignments, the latter also in the Adore me when the daughter of Rock N Roll Heaven finished strongly in recording a quality neck second. Like her stablemate illavabubbles, the 7yo will be confronted by an interesting challenge, but a competitive showing is again on the cards. NYACK (5) has been impressive winning his past two, the latter defeating Captains Knock and Wasa Heat Seeker in 1:49.0. James Rattray will be hoping to secure another stalking role with the 5yo son of Sweet Lou in the hope of again ambushing his rivals over the final 200m. A fitter DOUGS PLATTER (4) is worthy of a spot in multiple transactions following his 22.3m 7th to max delight last week. The quality 5yo was having his first outing since last September, so his level of fitness will now be heading in the right direction.

WASA HEAT SEEKER 1, Terry 2, Petes Said So 3, Illavabubbles 4.

RACE SIX:

He has had numerous chances in recent months to greet the judge for the eighth time in his career, however, CASH AND BLING (2) keeps finding a suitable contest, resulting in the Darren Binskin-trained 5yo receiving another chance. Without a win since last September, Cash And Bling has been in the mix, more times than not, which was the case two starts ago when a 4.3m 3rd to Bartello, prior to his latest effort which resulted in a closing 112.4m 4th behind Joe Nien, when he did find some trouble. The son of Bling It On again has the chance to secure the run he enjoys, near or on the pegs and in a stalking role. Will Rixon has the draw to obtain such a run and hopefully, Cash And Bling will do the rest in what is an open race. TITIAN RAIDER (4) has been mixing his form, but the 7yo hasn't been disgraced, despite posting just one placing from his past 11 starts. The Harry martin-trained son of Sunshine Beach led and tried hard when an 8.9m 4th to Bartello, then drew wider in settling midfield when a useful 11.6m 5th to Joe Nien. Back to a favourable draw and Glenn McElhinney is likely to make a play for the lead role. That will give Titian raider the chance to be in the mix when the judge calls a halt. JALANEEL (6) will appreciate the return to the bigger track and a better draw. Trained and driven by Blake Fitzpatrick, the 6yo is coming off a 6.3m 3rd to Supa American in a heat of the Golden Guitar at Tamworth after competing from a four-peg role. The son of Heston Blue Chip will have the chance to sit off the pace before launching down the long, home straight. HAS THE COURAGE (8) has found the line with intent in each of his past two starts, commencing with a 3m 2nd to Bartello. A week ago, the 10yo son of Courage Under Fire came from a five-g position when a 10.2m 3rd to Joe Nien, with the veteran also finding some trouble. Another wide gate awaits Has The Courage but don't dismiss his claims. Due to drawing favourably, PORT AU PRINCE (1) and CAULONIA COURAGE (3) stay in the mix, as far as, exotic investments are concerned while MARATHON MAN (7) is coming off a better effort in finishing a head 2nd to Horn Player last week. The Graeme Watts-trained 8yo has a wider draw in a slightly harder contest, but he is also in the mix when it comes to the multiples. SURF ACE (9) is another with mixed performances of late, however, he did find trouble when a 12.6m 6th to Joe Nien, so he is also worthy of another chance in exotic discussions.

CASH AND BLING 1, Titian Raider 2, Jalaneel 3, Has The Courage 4.

RACE SEVEN:

Following a disappointing Inter Dominion campaign, which resulted in three unplaced displays, CONSTANINOPLE (8) returned to racing in a far better place when he posted a solid win at this venue a week ago. Midfield early, then outside of the leader, the Luke McCarthy trained and driven 8yo held on gamely in defeating Sunny Gee and Affaire De Cover. Confronted by a similar assignment, but with a higher level of fitness, Constantinople is again the one to beat, although this time around the son of Trixton will be without Luke, who will be involved in the Hunter Cup with his super-star, Don Hugo. ROYAL DAN (7) also contested the Inter Dominion, but with better success, with the 6yo making the final in posting a respectable 19.3m 4th to The Locomotive. The 6yo son of Orlando Vici led, but raced keenly, when a gritty 5.3m 6th to Constantinople last week. Better for the outing, Royal Dan is capable of giving this contest a big shake, so respect his claims. AFFAIRE DE COVER (4) posted a couple of wins in Tuesday company before working home stoutly to finish a pleasing half-head 2nd to Constantinople last week. The Troy Williams-conditioned 7yo son of Love You has a better draw and that will assist in a suitable trip coming his way. SHES RUBY ROO (6) has been safely held since scoring at Melton three runs back. Following a 12.4m 7th to Arcee Phoenix at Bendigo in the Maori Mile, the quality daughter of Creatine then had her first run for Blake Fitzpatrick in recording a 10.2m 7th to Constantinople. If, Shes Ruby Roo can find just something like her best form, then this type of assignment is well within her reach. The Peter Rixon-trained SUPER SERVICE (3) is the 'x-factor' as the 7yo faces the starter for the first time since a well-beaten 8th to Aldebaran Zeus at Menangle last October. The son of Majestic Son had a slow start to his previous term of racing, then hit his straps with four wins in the space of six starts before again struggling. Super Service won a Goulburn trial in readiness for his return so don't ignore him, especially after drawing well.

CONSTANTINOPLE 1, Royal Dan 2, Affaire De Cover 3, Shes Ruby Roo 4.

RACE EIGHT:

Another open race to end the card, but the return to racing of SMALTESE (3) may well be the key to the race. Prepared by Brian Portelli, the 6yo hasn't raced since last March when he finished a 27m last to Just Rollyourown at Bathurst. The 6yo son of Sweet Lou has had his issues and Brian has been patient in preparing the entire for his comeback. Smaltese has had two trials, the latter resulting in a solid win at Menangle in good time. Suitably graded and well-drawn, Smaltese is worth the gamble. LOCHIEL (2) has drawn well and also has the added bonus of race-fitness over Smaltese. However, the son of Lincoln Royal doesn't win out of turn, with his last win posted back in early November/2024. Prepared by Leon Jurd and yet another fine drive for Will Rixon, Lochiel enjoyed a good run behind the leader in posting a solid 3m 3rd to Horn Player a week ago. Lochiel is again poised to receive a kind, stalking role, so expect a similar competitive showing. CROWN MOJO (5) followed a consistent period of racing at Penrith with a couple of solid displays at this venue, commencing with a 2.6m 3rd behind Major Statement and Nitro Danny. The Simon Bigeni-trained son of Mr Feelgood drew wide for his next assignment a couple of weeks ago when a closing 1.8m 4th behind Gimme A Reason. The 9yo is up in grade, but his consistency must be considered when assessing chances. RED REACTOR (9) is another which has been thereabouts, without being a serious contender. Prepared by Ian Wilson and to be driven by Jim Douglass, the 10yo son of Auckland Reactor had been close-up in finishing 5th on three consecutive occasions before working home steadily for a 5.7m 4th to Horn Player a week ago. The veteran has drawn the outside gate, but a cool, calm and collected drive by Jim could see him playing a role in the finish. ONE FOR THE RODI (8) is yet another which has been thereabouts but safely held in the process. The 6yo is coming off a 14.3m 6th to Horn Player, however, when it comes to forming multiple transactions, the son of Shoobees Place is worth considering, along with a fitter MAJOR JELLIS (7).

SMALTESE 1, Lochiel 2, Crown Mojo 3, Red Reactor 4.