Arden ready to go on his winning way

MIKE KO'CASS LOOKS AT MENANGLE SATURDAY NIGHT:

RACE ONE:

Racing with a high degree of confidence and determination, MICK DANGER (10) will again play an important role in the opening event. Returning to a suitable assignment after a gallant 18m 2nd to Captains Knock in a semi-final of the NSWBC 4YO E&G’s series, then a 22.7m 4th in the Final behind the Brad Hewitt trained and driven, multiple Group One winner, Mick Danger was again back in the winners’ circle. Securing the one-one, courtesy of Jim Douglass, the Ian Wilson-trained son of Captaintreacherous hit the line gamely in defeating Whiskey Cavalier and Double Act, with the pair again going around in this event. Mick Danger has drawn a wider gate this time, however, the 4yo has managed to overcome similar starting roles in recent times in making his presence known. One thing for sure, Mick Danger won’t give in without a fight. WHISKEY CAVALIER (11) again appears to be the one to beat, despite drawing the outside gate. The 6yo son of Lincoln Royal led from his wide draw when beaten a half-head by Mick Danger, with Jett Turnbull in the sulky on that occasion. Whiskey Cavalier has been placed in his past three, following a win at Headquarters, and there is no doubt that he will be in the mix once again when the judge calls a halt. Jack Callaghan will take over the driving duties for this assignment. MAJOR MAJOR (7) was having his first run for Peter Rixon last week when an 11.2m 6th to Craftmans Charlie. Drawing deep and settling in a rearward role, the son of Art Major was able to work his way into the one-one, but was unable to make his presence felt when called upon by Hannah Rixon. With the benefit of his first run in a month, Major Major is capable of a far more competitive showing. TERRY (5) finished runner-up to Star Major three starts when beaten a half-head, with his past two starts resulting in unplaced efforts. Safely held when a 16.2m 9th to Max Delight in the Italian Cup, the son of Terror To Love then worked home stoutly from a five peg role in posting a useful 11.4m 8th to Don Lou. This will be a more suitable assignment for the Darren Binskin trained and driven 7yo so don’t overlook his claims, especially when it comes to exotic transactions. FOXY DADA (8) is coming off a gritty 2.3m 2nd to Ideal Marquess a week ago and is another to warrant exotic involvement, along with DOUBLE ACT (6), who has been mixing his form of late but is capable of making his way into a top four role.

MICK DANGER 1, Whiskey Cavalier 2, Major Major 3, Terry 4.

RACE TWO:

Luke McCarthy is back in town after returning to Australia following a stint in the States. The champion reinsman made an immediate impact when he combined with Mac Bon to take out a feature event at Melton last week. Luke will partner the talented ROCKNROLL HAMMER (4), who returns to racing following a 21.4m 9th to Blazing Home in the G3 4YO Championship at Albion Park in late July. Drawing suitably in gate four, the son of A Rocknroll Dance has had the benefit of two trials, the latter when an 8.2m 3rd to his Eureka winning stablemate Don Hugo in a time of 1:51.9. The talented Gawn, who will face the starter later in the night for new mentor Jason Grimson, split the McCarthy pair. Despite giving away race fitness to his rivals, Rocknroll Hammer has the class to see him home. The main threat is MAEBEE (2) who will be out to secure his first Menangle win following five placings, four as runner-up, from his nine attempts to greet the judge. The former Tasmanian has been on the verge of a winning display on a few occasions, the latest when he worked from the outside gate in keeping the leader company. The end result was a gallant head 2nd to Hy Poactive. The 5yo son of Bettors Delight has drawn deep on a number of occasions but this time around will have his claims enhanced by starting from gate two. That will enable trainer-driver James Rattray to secure a far kinder run for Maebee, and, maybe, that will make the difference from posting another placing and being first past the post. MIKI PINS (5) has been racing consistently and is coming off a solid 4.8m 4th to Our Princess Kennedy when in the care of Ben Matthews. The 4yo son of Always B Miki will face the starter as a member of the Jason Grimson team this time around, with Jack Callaghan securing the drive. Handily drawn in the middle of the line, Miki Pins is capable of playing an active role in the finish. The main contenders fall away with a number of runners having claims when it comes to the multiples. CAPTAIN RITCHIE (9) finished runner-up behind Titian Raider and Eagle Watch, respectively, at this venue before recording an 11.2m 5th to Hy Poactive a week ago. The son of Captaintreacherous has drawn wide but remains an exotic player. LOCHINVAR JAG (8) enjoyed some success while campaigning in Queensland before returning home with a useful 8.2m 5th to Eagle Watch. The Mark Callaghan-trained 5yo will be confronted by a tougher task, but with son Tom driving in fine style, Lochinvar Jag represents some value. Last start Albury winner THE EX HORSEIST (8), along with COOL NIGHT (1) and MAJOR STATEMENT (3) are also in the multiple mix.

ROCKNROLL HAMMER 1, Maebee 2, Miki Pins 3, Captain Ritchie 4.

RACE THREE:

In a race of many chances, SPECULATING (8) is worth an investment. Prepared by Chris Judd and to be driven by Will Rixon, the son of Roll With Joe posted a solid win here five runs back and hasn’t been far away in his subsequent assignments. Two of those engagements resulted in a 1.7m 3rd to Ooga Chaka while another was also a 3rd, this time when beaten 7.9m by Catseye Beach. Last time out, which was a couple of weeks ago, Speculating drew well in securing a kind run behind the leader, prior to finishing a solid 4m 6th to First Class. The 4yo has drawn wide but in a race that appears a shade easier, As a result, Speculating is capable of proving hard to beat. The Paul Fitzpatrick-trained IDEAL MARQUESS (7) worked his way to the lead and from that point onwards was rated to perfection by Cam Fitzpatrick in defeating Foxy Dada and Has The Courage a week ago. Following three placings in his previous four starts, the win by the 6yo son of American Ideal was a deserving outcome. Despite drawing deeper for this challenge, Ideal Marquess will again make his presence felt so don’t ignore him as a contender for the top role. THE REAL MCCOY (5) followed a costly 3.4m 4th to Laceys Lad at Newcastle with a solid 5.2m effort when 4th to Ideal Marquess last week. The Seaton Grima trained and driven 4yo has drawn a couple of spots closer to the pegs and while he has managed just one placing from his five Menangle engagements, this looks to be his best opportunity to record a competitive showing. TITIAN RAIDER (6) has been mixing his form, but the same can be said about the majority of his rivals. Following an all-the-way win here three runs back, the 6yo son of Sunshine Beach then finished a 12m 8th to Dontletfearstopya before an 8.2m 4th behind Major Fire last week. Prepared by Harry Martin and to be driven by Glenn McElhinney, Titian Raider is capable of being involved in the finish. When it comes to the exotics DAN FERNANDO (1), which is another Seaton Grima entrant, must be considered after drawing gate one. Josh Gallagher will take the reins, and although his recent solid form has been on the Penrith circuit, the son 8yo son of Courage Under Fire is worthy of attention. RED REACTOR (4) had been racing consistently before a 12.3m last to Major Fire last week. Suitably drawn, the 9yo son of Auckland Reactor is worthy of another chance when it comes to exotic investments. The Leon Jurd-trained duo of LOCHIEL (3) and JOE NEIN (9) also have claims in that regard.

SPECULATING 1, Ideal Marquess 2, The Real McCoy 3, Titian Raider 4.

RACE FOUR:

Despite drawing wide in an open and what should be a competitive race, MAJOR FIRE (10) has bright prospects of completing a hat-trick of Menangle wins. Resuming from a spell with a disappointing 19.6m last to Heavenly Charm at Headquarters on September 14, her astute mentor Jarrod Alchin gave the lightly-raced 6yo a month off before sending her back to the races. The daughter of Art Major was able to convert the one-one, courtesy of Cam Hart, into a winning display in beating Stir Me Up and Joe Nien. A week ago, Major Fire worked home stoutly from a midfield role in defeating the Joe Conolly-trained duo of Obadiah Dragon and Dontletfearstopya. The win had plenty of merit and despite the tricky, wide draw, Major Fire will again take a power of beating Will Rixon will jump into the sulky for this engagement. PROMISELAND (9) has an awkward draw to overcome, however, the Peter Hanson-trained daughter of Bettors Delight must be treated with respect. The 4yo mare has been placed third in each of her past four assignments, twice behind the classy Eye Keep Smiling, then when beaten 5.2m by Ludacrous. A week ago and Promiseland came from a rearward role in finishing 16m behind Illavabubbles and My Moonlite Dream. The beaten margin wasn’t a clear indication of the effort. If Bailey McDonough can secure a role closer to the action with Promiseland, then the mare is capable of being a serious contender. GO OH MICKEY (7) is racing in the peak of her powers since joining the Seaton Grima stable from NZ. Placed once in her opening three runs for the team, Go Oh Mickey has since reeled off eights wins, the past seven in row, with a second thrown in for good measure before her winning sequence started. The 5yo daughter of Always B Miki was able to dictate the terms in defeating Maria Allegonda and Charlies Ace at Menangle a couple of weeks ago. This will be her toughest test to date, but confidence is a wonderful thing and Go Oh Mickey certainly has plenty of that and talent, so expect a bold showing. MARIA ALLEGONDA (4) has regained her composure following three disappointing runs in a brief return to racing. Sent back to the paddock by trainer David Thorn, the 4yo Sweet Lou mare overcome her issues with a solid win over Our Chiquitita and Major Jarod before recording a gritty 1.3m 2nd to Go Oh Mickey. Maria Allegonda takes another level of fitness into this assignment while gate four is also a positive. TOTAL DIVA (8) can never be taken lightly in an event of this nature, despite mixing her form these days. Prepared by Peter Hanson and to by driven by Lucas Rando, the 7yo daughter of Terror To Love finished strongly to score at Penrith four runs back, prior to a solid 5.3m effort in grabbing 3rd spot behind Go Oh Mickey and that same venue. Never a factor when a 15.8m 7th to Craftmans Charlie and Menangle, the veteran mare returned to Penrith in posting a 5.9m 6th to First Class when off a back row draw. Nearing 100 starts at this venue, Total Diva has a useful strike rate here so don’t ignore her as a threat. HEAVENLY HOLLY (6) was never a factor last week in finishing a 23.6m 4th to Illavabubbles, but wasn’t disgraced either. The 6yo mare returns to a far more suitable challenge, which should result in a far more competitive showing. WINONA WRITER (3) is also capable of a better showing in this company after a 31.9m last to Illavabubbles last week. The Sofia Arvidsson trained and driven daughter of Sportswriter has drawn ideally so don’t rule her out as an exotic runner.

MAJOR FIRE 1, Promiseland 2, Go Oh Mickey 3, Maria Allegonda 4.

RACE FIVE:

The presence of former Kiwi JIMMY JAMES MAGUIRE (8) is bound to create a great deal of interest, especially after his stylish Menangle trial win. Crossing the Tasman as the winner of six of his 39 starts, along with 16 placings, the 5yo son of Bettors Delight has been off the scene for a month following a 7.5m 3rd to Renegade at Addington. That was his third run back from a spell. In his trial, Jimmy James Maguire sat in behind the leader, prior to being eased around the cart of the leader with 150m to run. Trainer-driver Seaton Grima didn’t move a muscle in allowing Jimmy James Maguire to hit the line under his own steam in taking out the trial by 4m over Itzmineontheline and Black Onyx in a time of 1: 54.0, the final 400m covered in 27.6. Jimmy James Maguire will derive a great deal of benefit from the trial, and although confronted by a wide draw, the gelding looks poised for a bold first-up showing in what is a suitable assignment. JOELITA (6) is coming off a disappointing run when having her second outing since leaving Victoria to be a member of the Peter Rixon team. Starting a dominant favourite, following a pleasing, solid-finishing 4.2m 2nd to Ludacrous at Menangle when first-up for Peter, the daughter of Roll With Joe broke in the score-up, losing all chance in finishing a 29.6m 8th to Go Oh Mickey. The talented 5yo is more than capable of bouncing back strongly in proving hard to beat. And, if on her game, then Joelita is clearly the one to beat. The ultra-consistent HAS THE COURAGE (7) last greeted the judge back in late August and has been in the mix on a regular basis since that effort. Following a narrow 2nd to the talented Bainbridge, the 9yo son of Courage Under Fire then recorded a 2.7m 3rd behind Ideal marquess last week after working home stoutly from a midfield role. The reliable gelding again looms as a potential threat. DOM TORETTO (5) finished stoutly when a 1.4m 2nd to Dontletfearstopya before posting a 9.6m 5th to Major Fire last week after dictating the terms. The 4yo has been thereabouts in most of his latest engagements and is a suitable player when it comes to building exotic combinations. STIR ME UP (4) had been racing consistently before two safely held runs, the latter when a 13.2m 6th to Hy Poactive a week ago. Suitably drawn, Stir Me Up should be given another chance when it comes to the multiples. DIAMOND ECLIPSE (3) is another with mixed efforts of late but the John Newberry-trained son of Pet Rock remains in the multiple mix after coming up with a good draw. CASH AND BLING (1) is coming off two sound placings and from the pole is poised to receive the run her enjoys, a kind peg role, which will allow the Darren Binskin trained and driven son of Bling It On to be a suitable addition to exotic transactions.

JIMMY JAMES MAGUIRE 1, Joelita 2, Has The Courage 3, Dom Toretto 4.

RACE SIX:

The Nick Robin FFA will see the classy SOUTH COAST ARDEN (1)  favoured to make it two-from-two since resuming from a spell. Returning home to NZ following a 10.4m 5th to Its Merlin in the Light Horse FFA at Menangle on March 8, Miracle Mile night, the son of Somebeachsomewhere recorded three unplaced efforts, the latest when 9th to Mach Shard back in late April. Sent back across the Tasman to again link up with legendary mentor Paul Fitzpatrick, South Coast Arden recorded two solid Menangle trials before resuming at Bathurst last week. Taken to the front by Gav Fitzpatrick, the son of Somebeachsomewhere enjoyed a good run before working home stoutly over the final 400m in posting a final 400m in 27.1, although he was kept busy by Smooth Buzz, who made late ground in making the odds-on favourite earn the major share of the prizemoney. Fitter and regaining lost confidence, South Coast Arden has drawn ideally in gate one, so Gav will have the perfect opportunity to dictate the terms if he so desires. Whether South Coast Ardens accepts the opportunity to set the tempo, may well depend on STAR MAJOR (4) and what his trainer-driver James Rattray has in mind. Tough, durable and boasting a far higher level of fitness than South Coast Arden, Star Major is coming off a determined win over Terry and Ardens Ace a couple of weeks ago when driven by Jim Douglass. The 8yo son of Art major has drawn closer to the pegs, by two spots, for this challenge and no doubt he will be making his presence known from the outset, which was the case two starts ago when he was left parked in posting a gritty 5.6m 3rd behind the classy Captains Knock. Following a moderate first-up effort for the Jason Grimson stable, GAWN (6) appears poised to make his presence felt after a solid trial. Formerly under the care of Emma Stewart, the classy 4yo son of Captaintreacherous commenced his latest term of racing with a 115m last behind the champ, Leap To Fame in the Battle of Beersheba at Menangle on October 26. A pleasing 2nd behind Eureka winner Don Hugo has Gawn heading in the right direction so expect a competitive showing. I BREAK THE LINE (10) has drawn the outside gate, however, the quality 4yo son of Betting Line is capable of again being in the mix when the judge calls a halt. After leading throughout in accounting for Caulonia Courage and Jilliby Nitro, I Break The Line worked home stoutly in posting a pleasing 7.6m 5th to max Delight in the Italian Cup a week ago. Prepared by Michael Xuereb and to be driven by his son Nathan, I Break The Line should be included in exotic transactions. Mr Reliability or as he is known when he competes, ARDENS ACE (9) has also drawn deep but he must be included in multiple investments. The Tony Bertwistle-trained 6yo has finished fourth in his past four engagements, commencing with a 15.5m effort behind the dual NZ Trotting Cup winner, Swayzee, in the Cherry City Cup at Young. Twenty-four hours later and the son of Art Major was beaten 10.4m by Jilliby Nitro. After being prominent early, Ardens Ace was shuffled back to a four peg role when beaten 6.6m behind Don Lou. The draw is a hurdle and may result in Ardens Ace being driven back in the pack, although he has the gate speed to be in the mix if Will Rixon is instructed to do so. Either way, Ardens Ace won’t be far away when the race comes to an end. CYA ART (8) had been racing well before a 32.9m 8th to his stablemate Swayzee in the Cherry City Cup. The 6yo will appreciate returning to the bigger track so don’t ignore his exotic prospects.

SOUTH COAST ARDEN 1, Star Major 2, Gawn 3, I Break The Line 4.

ACE SEVEN:

The Arizona Blue 2YO Trot Final will see the quality Lucky Lodge representative LOTUS LOUISE (5) head around to the start and a long-odds favourite, and rightly so. The Volstead gelding has won four of his five starts, with a 21.3m 4th to Commodus at Melton also appearing on his stats sheet. Returning home following that challenge on September 14, after debuting with a win at Maryborough, Lotus Louise has won his next three in fine fashion, with the winning margin increasing with each appearance. Last time out the youngster scored by 30.7m in defeating San Juan Mountain and Jinan. Confronted by a similar field here, Lotus Louise will continue on his winning way, without too much fuss. SAN JUAN MOUNTAIN (3) has tried hard in finishing runner-up behind Lotus Louise in his past two outings. Prepared by John Ogden, who will also take the reins, the son of What The Hill led before being overtaken by Lotus Louise on the final bend, and although well beaten, he kept grinding away gamely. It would appear that San Juan Mountain is destined to again finish second for the fourth time in eight starts. JACKIES GIFT (4) has two placings to show for her eight engagements, the most recent when a 20.2m 3rd to Prohibited Grace at Melton a week ago. The Grant Forrest-conditioned filly remains in contention when it comes to multiple transactions. JINAN (6) was well-beaten in finishing 3rd to Lotus Louise, but the My High Expectations filly worked home stoutly and appears to be on the improve so keep her involved in the exotics. The remaining runners would need to show vast improvement to be in the mix.

LOTUS LOUISE 1, San Juan Mountain 2, Jackies Gift 3, Jinan 4.

RACE EIGHT:

The Luke McCarthy trained and driven MAJOR JELLIS (8) is capable of an improved performance when he faces the starter for the second time since resuming from a spell. The 7yo managed just two placings from his four runs when last in work, and that came off the back of a disappointing period of racing. The son of Art major was resuming from a spell when a 27.3m 9th to Jilliby Nitro at Menangle a couple of weeks ago when in a midfield role for most of the trip. Involved in a race where the majority of the field are in the same boat, Major Jellis is worth another chance now that his level of fitness is heading in the right direction. OUR UNCLE JIM (5) has been thereabouts on a regular basis and is more than capable of being a definite contender. Following a hat-track of wins, commencing at Goulburn before a couple here, the son of Western Terror has since recorded five unplaced runs, but hasn’t been far away, which was the case last time out when a 10m 6th to Major Fire last week. Handily drawn and to be driven by Will Rixon, who is nearing 150 winners for the season, the Leon Jurd-trained 8yo has definite winning prospects. PORT AU PRINCE (7) has definitely had numerous chance as he looks to secure his first win since July/2023. The 6yo has been unplaced in his past 11 starts after collecting just two placings from his past 18 appearances. Port Au Prince led and had every chance when a creditable 1.9m 5th to One For The Rodi a week ago. A repeat of that effort would see him go close again. KUZMA (6) has posted some handy efforts at this venue, however, the James Rattray trained and Taylah Osmond driven 7yo remains unplaced following six attempts. Following some creditable runs here, the son of Highview Tommy headed to Young a couple of weeks ago, but was never a serious threat in finishing a 21.9m 6th to Zambia. The former Tasmanian has the chance to record his first win since crossing Bass Strait. The pole position will assist the Ash Delosa-conditioned PARKED IN HEAVEN (1) to produce a useful effort so include the mare in multiple investments while ROYAL GAMBLE (3) and SAHARA SIROCCO (9) are also value exotic contenders.

MAJOR JELLIS 1, Our Uncle Jim 2, Kuzma 3, Port Au Prince 4.

  - FORM ASSESSED BY MIKE KO'CASS