Bainbridge holds sway as best bet on a strong Menangle card

RACE ONE:

With a career in the States awaiting him, WASA HEAT SEEKER (9) will face the starter for the first time since joining the David Aiken stable. After commencing his career in New Zealand, then moving on to West Australia, enhanced his reputation when he won five of his six starts in Queensland. Two starts back and the son of Sweet Lou was left facing the breeze when a gallant 7m 3rd to Always Smokin and Mossdale Terry in a time of 1:49.6 over the 1660m of the Albion Park circuit. Greeting the in his previous four starts, the 5yo was back in the winners’ circle at his next assignment. Dictating the terms from start to finish, Wasa Heat Seeker comfortably accounted for Inter Dominion hopeful Blacksadance with Turn It Up back in third spot. Posting a time of 1:50.4, Wasa Heat Seeker wasn’t in the mood to give anything else a chance. It has been nearly a month since Wasa Heat Seeker last faced the starter and, the gelding has drawn seven, which is less the two reserves, but with the in-form Will Rixon in the sulky, Wasa Heat Seeker is capable of seeking out another win. Formerly a member of the powerful Emma Stewart barn, GAWN (11) has now had two runs for Jason Grimson and a bold showing is on the cards following an encouraging 4.4m 6th to South Coast Arden last week. First-up for the  stable and the talented son of Captaintreacherous posted a moderate 115m last to Leap To Fame in the Battle of Beersheba at Menangle on October 26, but with a solid trial display, following that rare disappointing effort, Gawn looks ready to make his presence felt. The 4yo is one of a number of outstanding drives for Jack Callaghan. The consistent MAEBEE (4) has drawn well and is capable of again being involved in the finish. Since crossing Bass Strait to be trained by James Rattray, the 5yo son of Bettors delight has contested 10 races at Headquarters, with the gelding finishing runner on four occasions while finishing third on one occasion. Last week and from a three peg role Maebee posted a 16.5m 4th to Miki Pins and Rocknroll Hammer. The draw certainly gives Maebee the chance to secure a suitable role in running. Jett Turnbull will drive the Jason Grimson-trained ARMA XFACTOR (10) with the former West Australian looking to bounce back from a disappointing debut for the stable a few weeks ago. Crossing the Nullarbor with sound form next to his name, the 5yo son of American Ideal drew wide and, was always in a rearward role, when a 35.9m last to Max Delight in the Italian Cup. Arma Xfactor will derive benefit from that run, being his first in nearly two months, while the drop in grade will also be a plus. LACEYS LAD (8) followed a solid Newcastle win with a respectable 5m 8th to South Coast Arden a week ago. The Mark Callaghan-trained son of Lis Mara is also worthy of exotic involvement. THE TAX CULLECTOR (5) brings consistent Queensland form to this contest, with the 4yo now under the care of David Thorn. First-up since mid-August, the son of Gotta Go Cullect was safely held in a trial, however, the good draw will assist his claims of being a suitable exotic chance RICKOSHAY (7) is also in the mix when it comes to the multiples.

WASA HEAT SEEKER 1, Gawn 2, Maebee 3, Arma Xfactor 4.

RACE TWO:

With the benefit of a solid return to racing at Menangle last week, ROCKNROLL HAMMER (4) had drawn ideally in three, which is less a reserve, and with a higher level of fitness an added bonus, the Luke McCarthy trained and driven 4yo is poised for success. Contesting his first race since late July, when a 21.4m 9th to Blazing Home in the 4YO Championship at Albion Park, Rocknroll Hammer led until the final few bounds when a half-head 2md to Miki Pins, who was fitter and a shade too tough on the night. Luke will again be eyeing off the role as pacemaker with the son of A Rocknroll Dance, with the pair set to go one better this time around. Despite giving away age and race fitness to his rivals, the Queensland Derby winner MAJOR HOT (2) is bound to make his presence felt. Joining the stables of legendary mentor Paul Fitzpatrick, The 3yo G1 winner was having his first outing since his feature win back in late July, when a 32m last to Terry at Menangle on September 28. Following an early issue, thinking there was something wrong with Major Hot, Gavin eased the short-priced favourite to a walk before following the field around. With the benefit of two solid trials and an ideal draw, Major Hot must be given more than a passing thought. WHISKEY CAVALIER (5) greeted the judge here five runs back and has been responsible for four solid efforts in defeat since. Placed in each assignment, the son of Lincoln Royal drew wide but still managed to secure the one-one, when a 9.9m 3rd to Terry last week. With the benefit of a far better draw, Jack Callaghan will be looking to again have the consistent 6yo in the mix from the outset. The outside gate awaits OOGA CHAKA (12) but the David Aiken-trained son of Art Major is bound to run his usual honest race, making him an ideal type for multiple combinations. A winner here four runs ago, the 5yo has been thereabouts in his subsequent three runs, the latest resulting in a 4.9m 3rd to the talented Craftmans Charlie a couple of weeks ago. IAM THE CAPTAIN (9) has been posting handy efforts of late and is another exotic contender, along with JILLIBY SYLVSTER (6), JOE NIEN (10) and JIMMY JAMES MAGUIRE (7), which was a heavily supported favourite last week, when on debut for Seaton Grima. The 5yo posted a 1.9m 2nd to Dom Toretto and with the benefit of that outing, the 5yo remains in the multiple, despite being confronted by a harder challenge.

ROCKNROLL HAMMER 1, Major Hot 2, Whiskey Cavalier 3, Ooga Chaka 4.

RACE THREE:

Interest in this race will centre around the former Kiwi IM THE FALCON (4), which has had two runs for Jason Grimson during the recently conducted NZ carnival. Following a 4th to the Big Lebowski over 2600m of the Addington track, the 6yo son of Bettors Delight then recorded a 7th to Merlin and Better Eclipse in the FFA over 1980m three days later, November 15. Jack Callaghan, who will take the reins, has a good opinion of Im The Falcon and is expecting a bold showing, particularly after the gelding drew suitably in gate four. KOSIMO (3) will be having his first outing for Paddy lee, following a creditable career as a member of the Julie Douglas team. The 7yo has been competing in quality events back in Victoria, with a 7.4m 3rd to Bulletproof Boy and Helluva, with the latter going around in heats of the ID, prior to finishing a 17.4m 7th to Young Bluey at Melton a week ago. Claimed from that event, the 7yo son of Major Bronski has a suitable drawn and with Will Rixon booked to take the drive, Kosimo is bound to have his admirers. HY POACTIVE (2) worked from a wide draw in finding the lead before being perfectly rated by Cam Hart in defeating Maebee and Luvareschs. Although the 4yo has been mixing his form of late, gate two is a big plus and that should assist Hy Poactive in making his presence felt. SMOOTH BUZZ (1) has won two of his past four, both on his home track of Bathurst, with a solid 1.2m 2nd behind South Coast Arden, who scored here last week, also appearing on his recent list of credits. Prepared by Steve Turnbull and to be driven by his grandson Jett, the 4yo son of Huntsville should be linked to the multiples after drawing the pole role. IDEAL MARQUESS (7) has won his past two at this venue, courtesy of a couple of fine drives by Cam Fitzpatrick. The 6yo son of American Ideal will be confronted by a harder task, however, he certainly has the talent to figure in the finish and that makes him a suitable exotic player. Last-start winner SAHARA SIROCCO (10) and MONTALBANO (11) have tough draws to overcome but remain in the mix when it comes to forming multiple transactions.

IM THE FALCON 1, Kosimo 2, Hy Poactive 3, Smooth Buzz 4.

RACE FOUR:

The classy BAINBRIDGE (3) appeals as one of the ‘better bets’ on the card after his stylish return to racing a few weeks ago when resuming from an 13 month lay-off. Spelled after a distant last to Captains Knock in the NSWBC 3YO C&G’s Final at Menangle back in October/2023, when he had found trouble and then had little luck in running, the son of Captaintreacherous was off to the paddock for what turned out to be an extended break. With the benefit of two solid trials, the James Rattray trained and driven 4yo was able to overcome a wide draw and a rearward role in finishing stylishly in defeating Has The Courage and Surf Ace. The margin was a narrow one, but it was convincing and Bainbridge will strip a lot fitter for the outing and also, a further solid trial. The vastly improved draw is another positive factor, especially after his main threats drew wide. OBADIAH DRAGON (11) will launch his claim from gate nine, with the reserves remaining benched, and while that is a hurdle, the Joe Conolly-trained 3yo is capable of producing another competitive effort. The former Kiwi has contested three races for Joe, resulting in a solid first-up in the JC Caffyn Plate, then a 4.7m 4th to stablemate Don’tletfearstopya, followed by a photo 2nd behind Major Fire a couple of weeks ago. The son of Fear The Dragon has shown that he can be driven off the pace and come with a rush, and that is a likely game plan here, with Cam Hart booked to guide the gelding to victory. JORDY (10) has been placed in his past four starts, the latest when a gallant 3m 2nd to dual NZ Trotting Cup winner, Swayzee. First out for the running of the Cherry City Cup, Jordy then took cover behind Swayzee before finishing determinedly in running the race of his life so far. Swayzee was under a tight hold by Cam Hart, but still, Jordy didn’t shirk his task and was game all-the-way to the line. As a result, of that effort the 6yo son of Bettors Delight can’t be taken lightly. COMPETE (9) is another former Emma Stewart runner which has made its way to the Jason Grimson stable. The 4yo son of Sweet Lou has been off the scene since a 36.7m 11th to Heza Punk Rocker in the VSS 4YO E&G Final at Melton in mid-September. A pleasing 2nd to Bainbridge in a trial has Compete ready to compete. Looking to build exotic combinations and the Victorian DIAMOND ECLIPSE (4) has a suitable draw and reasonable form so include the John Newberry-trained son of Pet Rock while AMERICAN HAMMER (1) has been thereabouts on a regular basis and from the pole the 5yo should receive the run required to be in the mix. BETTER SHUSH (5) has won his past for Josh Turnbull, Bathurst and Penrith, respectively, and with Jett in the sulky the 5yo is worthy including in multiple transactions.

BAINBRIDGE 1, Obadiah Dragon 2, Jordy 3, Compete 4.

RACE FIVE:

The Teeny Teeny Stakes is the feature event on the card and ISTHISJUSTFANTASY (10) or

Is there an ‘escape from reality’  and we can ‘open our eyes and look to the skies’ and be thankful for another winner. It won’t be on the same scale as Bohemian Rhapsody, but a winner’s a winner at any level and price. ISTHISJUSTFANTASY arrives from Victoria and is an interesting runner from the stables of Paddy Lee. The daughter of Betting Line has had two previous Menangle assignments and has been unplaced on each occasion. Following a 5th to the Kiwi Kahlua Flybye in a heat of the NSW Oaks, Isthisjustfantasy then had little luck in the feature event, posting a last to Windy Hill Tara. The mare had been racing consistently prior to being held up for a suitable run when an 11.6m 9th to Rakero Rebel in the 2760m Queen of the pacific at Melton on October 12. The 4yo has had the benefit of a recent Terang trial, finishing 2nd to Code Bailey, with the final 800m covered in 56.0, the final 400m completed in 27.7, The outside gate is a concern, but Will Rixon is likely to allow the race to unfold, prior to bring Isthisjustfantasy with one determined shot in charting at number one. MAJOR FIRE (9) has drawn just one spot better but the Jarrod Alchin-trained daughter of Art Major is capable of overcoming such a hurdle in playing a role in the finish. Following a couple of determined wins the mare drew wide, but was able to secure the one-one, when a grinding 2.2m 3rd to Maria Allegonda a week ago. Cam Hart will again look to weave his magic from another tricky draw, but that what he does on a regular basis. PROMISELAND (7) is due for a change of luck after a run of consistent displays in her search for success. After a run of four placings, finishing third on each occasion, the 4yo daughter of Bettors Delight was exposed outside of the leader in recording a grinding 4m 4th to Maria Allegonda last week. The Peter Hanson-trained 4yo is more than capable of again making her presence felt. MARIA ALLEGONDA (4) enjoyed a kind run behind the leader, courtesy of Luke McCarthy, when she finished gamely in defeating Zenxena and Major Fire. The David Thorn-trained daughter of Sweet Lou will again carry the number four saddlecloth and a similar prominent role will result in another competitive showing. OUR CHIQUITITA (2) has been consistent since arriving from Victoria and joining the Jason Grimson stable. Drawing wide and striking some trouble, the daughter of Captaintreacherous posted a head 2nd to Maria Allegonda at this venue a month ago, prior to working home stoutly in defeating Alwaysbmypony and rebounder at Bathurst. This will be a tougher test, however, the good draw and her gritty determination will result in Our Chiquitita playing a role in the finish. JOELITA (3) has been below her best in her past two starts, but from the good draw the Peter Rixon-trained mare is worthy of exotic involvement. ZENXENA (5) worked home strongly in finishing a neck 2nd to Maria Allegonda last week after being well-supported. The mare stays in the mix when it comes to multiple discussions.

ISTHISJUSTFANTASY 1, Major Fire 2, Promiseland 3, Maria Allegonda 4.

RACE SIX:

Another Paddy Lee representative in ROCKNALLOVERTHEWORLD (1) is capable of a bold showing after drawing wide in a race of many chances. Following a comfortable all-the-way win at Geelong, the 5yo son of A Rocknroll Dance then worked home stoutly from a back row draw when a 1.2m 2nd to Heavenly Gipsy. Confronted by another awkward draw at Melton a few weeks ago, Rocknallovertheworld again hit the line with intent, resulting in a 3.2m 3rd to Wattlebank Arnie and Banksofthemurray. The prospect of being prominently placed from the outset, will ensure that Rocknallovertheworld has every chance to play an active role in the finish. OUTMATEMENKO (12) will face the starter from the outside gate, however, the Shane Sanderson-trained 4yo has the talent to be a factor in the finish. The 4yo greeted the judge at this venue back in mid-September, with four unplaced efforts following, the latest when a creditable 10.5m 6th to Skinnydip at Melton last week. Ourmatemenko has always shown above-average talent and is capable of again being a threat. EL CAMINO (10) has been gradually building towards a win, and although drawing deep, the son of American Ideal is worthy of attention. Resuming from a spell as a member of the Bailey McDonough team, the lightly-raced 4yo has been placed in his past three outings after resuming with a creditable 5.8m 4th to Hesashorething back in early October. Contesting a semi-final of the NSWBC 4YO E&G’s series, El Camino posted an encouraging 21.9m 3rd to Captains Knock, prior to again finishing 3rd, this time beaten 22.6m in the Final. It should be remembered that Captains Knock won each race by a big space so the effort of El Camino in both were pleasing. Back to a suitable contest and El Camino posted a 1.6m 3rd behind Eagle Watch after working home stoutly from a midfield role. The task will become harder once again, but he remains a threat and at the very least, a suitable exotic player. ALLSTARZZZ FRANKIE (4) has been runner-up in his past three starts, the latest when beaten 1.9m by Smooth Buzz at Bathurst. The 5yo son of Four Starzzz Shark has drawn suitably and that will enhance his claims of being in the finish. RAKERO ICE (7) and MAJOR MAL (2) are both prepared by Seaton Grima, with the pair coming off wins at Menangle on Tuesday. This will be a harder challenge for Rakero Ice and Major Mal, however, the former is now unbeaten in two runs for Seaton after arriving from NZ, and does show potential.

ROCKNALLOVERTHEOWRKD 1, Ourmatemenko 2, El Camino 3, Allstarzzz Frankie 4.

RACE SEVEN.

Ideally drawn in gate two, if the reserves remain home, DONTLETFEARSTOPYA (4) appeals as the one to beat. Prepared by Joe Conolly and to be driven by Cam Hart, the talented son of Fear The Dragon has two solid placings and an all-the-way win to show for his past three starts at this venue. Last time out the 3yo enjoyed the one-one before entering the home straight out three deep. Grinding away gamely down the Menangle straight, Dontletfearstopya posted a respectable 2m 3rd to Major Fire and his equally talented stablemate, Obadiah Dragon. Both recent wins, here and Penrith, have been recorded after dictating the terms and Cam will be looking to secure such a role once again. If, he does, then Dontletfearstopya will prove hard to beat. Between Dontletfearstopya and the winning post is the lightly-raced, but promising Victorian, KEAYANG WASABI (1). Prepared by Marg Lee, Keayang Wasabi has only had five assignments to date, with the 5yo son of Art Major collecting three wins and a second. Now three runs into his second term of racing, Keayang Wasabi overcame some interference. A three wide run and, then the role outside of the leader when he proved too good for Remi Lou and Topsies Bling. Gate one is a big plus and with Will Rixon securing another top drive on the card, Keayang Wasabi is bound to play an active role in the finish. Another Victorian in REPELLING (12) will also come in for plenty of attention, despite the 5yo drawing the outside gate. Prepared by Isabell Walsh and to be driven by Luke McCarthy, the son of Somebeachsomewhere has been off the scene since early April when a 7.7m 5th to Ludacrous at Cobram. Boasting a consistent period of racing prior to that performance, the 5yo was safely held in a recent, strong Shepparton trial, but is worthy of keeping safe, especially with Luke in the sulky. MR BONDI (9) resumed from a spell with two solid wins at Leeton and Wagga, respectively, while under the care of Ellen Jones. The 3yo son of Downbytheseaside now find himself in the stables of Jason Grimson, and boasting an impressive strike rate with new additions to his stable, Mr Bondi must be respected. The 3yo is also another quality drive for Jack Callaghan.

Throwing the exotic net out further and value runners in HAS THE COURAGE (5), GUILTY PARTY (6) and WEONA SIR VIVOR (7) could assist in that regard.

DONTLETFEARSTOPYA 1, Keayang Wasabi 2, Repelling 3, Mr Bondi 4.

RACE EIGHT:

MIKI PINS (7)  will make it two-from-two since joining the stables of Jason Grimson, following a stylish and determined win at Headquarters last week. Following a consistent record on the country arena, Miki Pins contested a Waratah Final two runs ago, posting a pleasing 4.8m 4th to Our Princess Kennedy. Two weeks alter and the 4yo son of Always B Miki accounted for the talented Rocknroll Hammer when he finished a shade too well for the Luke McCarthy runner. Race fitness played a big part in the win, but Miki Pins was stepping up in grade. Miki Pins will commence the race from the middle of the line, leaving Jack Callaghan with early options in allowing the race to unfold before making his move. HE AINT FAKIN (3) has had two runs back from a spell, with the Anthony Frisby trained and driven 6yo finishing third on each occasions. Resuming with a 7m 3rd to South Coast Arden, the son of Art Major was caught facing the breeze when beaten 8.9m by Smooth Buzz and Allstarzzz Frankie a couple of weeks ago, again on his home track of Bathurst. Fitter and receiving a kinder draw, He Aint Fakin should be ready to prove he is the ‘real deal’ this time. With the benefit of two runs from a spell, MAJOR JELLIS (6) is also in the mix as a contender for the top spot. Safely held when resuming, Major Jellis recorded an improved metre 3rd to Sahara Sirocco last week. Contesting this race with a higher level of fitness, the Luke McCarthy trained and driven 7yo has claims when it comes to forming multiple transactions. MAURLEN BOY (8) had little go his way when a 1.5m 3rd to Swedish Meatballs at Penrith last time out. Prepared by Blake Fitzpatrick, who will also take the drive, the 3yo is worthy of attention when it comes to exotic transactions. CAPTAIN CATCH (5) returned to racing with an 11.5m 5th to Mighty Flying Art at Wagga recently and he has the ability to in the mix when the judge calls a halt, with his handy draw being a big plus. CASH AND BLING (1) has posted some useful efforts of late and with gate one being a in his favour, the Darren Binskin trained and driven son of Bling It On should be included in the multiples.

MIKI PINS 1, He Aint Fakin 2, Major Jellis 3, Maurlen Boy 4.

  - FORM ASSESSED BY MIKE KO'CASS