'Bondi' ready to make some waves

RACE ONE:

BROOKLYN BRIDGE (10) has certainly made a big impression since joining the Jarrod Alchin team at Menangle, and although confronted by his first tricky draw for the stable, the son of Sweet Lou remains the one to beat. After finishing strongly, courtesy of competing from the one-one, the talented 4yo was able to comfortably account for subsequent winner Im In Trouble and Captain Ritchie, prior to leading throughout a week ago in easily defeating Double Encounter and Rickoshay, with both having been recent Menangle winners. The prospect of sitting back and waiting his turn to make his presence felt is the likely scenario as there is a number of ‘go-forward’ types drawn to his left. However, the sparingly-raced Brooklyn Bridge should continue on his winning way in making it ‘three from three’ since linking up with Alchin. The consistent Tony Bertwistle-trained ARDENS ACE (4) is drawn to again be in the mix, which he has been on a regular basis of late. The 5yo son of Art major went down by a narrow margin in posting a solid 2nd behind Zambia a week ago. David Morris will again have the 5yo in a forward position from the outset and he is more than capable of going one better. UNFAZED (8) recorded his first unplaced effort in five runs since a spell last week, but the 6yo wasn’t disgraced in recording a 9.7m 4th to Brooklyn Bridge. Drawing wide and working to be outside of the leader, the son of Auckland Reactor displayed his usual grit in defeat. Although confronted by another wide gate, Unfazed will remain unfazed in his quest for another competitive showing. LONGFELLOW (1) draws well and has been thereabouts of late since resuming. The Joe Conolly-trained 5yo appeals as an exotic prospect as he should receive a kind run from the pole. A fitter PUMP THE BRAKES (5) is also an ideal type for multiple players while the consistent JOE NIEN (6) and ONE FOR THE RODI (9) should also be included when it comes to exotic investments.

BROOKLYN BRIDGE 1, Ardens Ace 2, Unfazed 3, Longfellow 4.

RACE TWO:

Trainer Peter Hanson has MACH DA VINCI (2) racing in peak form of late and from gate two the son of Art Major is poised to again be involved in the finish. A brilliant winner at Headquarters five starts ago when he posted a ‘PB’ in stopping the clock at 1:49.4, Mach Da Vinci has continued to be competitive, with his past three runs all resulting in brave efforts in defeat. The 6yo has been runner-up to the classy Hi Manameisjeff on two occasions, with a 30.7m 3rd to Pas Guarantee in the Lachlan Valley Cup at Cowra, sandwiched between those efforts with the entire always well back in proceedings after starting from a back row draw. Certainly, the bigger Menangle circuit is far more to his liking. Jack Callaghan will have Mach Da Vinci staking a claim for a role close to the action from the outset in his quest for further success. CASH N FLOW (1) returns following a run of four unplaced efforts before heading to the paddock after finishing a 27.4m last behind My Ultimate Ronnie at this venue on September 30. He's the undisputed ‘king’ of the Menangle Mile, and the 10yo son of Mach Three indicated he was ready to return with a competitive effort after beating Bondi Lockdown and My Ultimate Ronnie in a trial, with the final two sectionals completed in 26.9s and 27.9s. While the placed runners were under a hold, Cash N Flow did hit the line with intent and is bound to give plenty of cheek from the pole. PORT AU PRINCE (6) failed to score-up with his rivals when a distant last behind Hi Manameisjeff last week. The talented 5yo is deserving of another chance as he has the talent to be a threat on his best form and behaviour. POLLY PUT KETTLEON (3) is coming out of mares company into a harder challenge, but the Sofia Arvidsson trained and driven daughter of Courage Under Fire is racing in fine fashion. The mare finished stoutly when a 2.5m 2nd to the classy Jess Tubbs-trained Rakero Rebel at this venue a couple of weeks ago. From gate three the 6yo should receive a kind role behind the speed and that will assist her finishing effort. THE CROUPIER (4) was responsible for a solid display in posting a 13m 4th to Hi Manameisjeff last week and he is again capable of staking a claim as an exotic contender. A fitter WOW HES A ROCK STAR 5), along with DOUBLE ENCOUNTER (8) also are worthy of consideration in that regard.

MACH DA VINCI 1, Cash N Flow 2, Port Au Prince 3, Polly Put Kettleon 4.

RACE THREE:

He has been somewhat of a forgotten horse of late, but BONDI LOCKDOWN (7) looks ready to recapture his form once again in proving to be the one to beat on his return. Spelled following three runs in Queensland, which culminated with a costly 16.5m 9th to Send It at AP on July 8, the classy son of Somebeachsomewhere produced a solid trial effort in recording a 2nd to stablemate Cash N Flow. Since taking out the Coronation Cup at Menangle back on May 6, the 5yo has been unplaced in five subsequent outings, but he is usually extremely competitive when first-up and this does appear to be an ideal race to bounce back as a winner. ALTA ORLANDO (8), his ageless stablemate, looms as the main threat. The 11yo son of Courage Under Fire produced a typical ‘whole-hearted’ effort in finishing an 11.7m 3rd to Hi Manameisjeff last time out when he came from a midfield role. Jack Callaghan will jump back into the sulky after David Morris had the reins for that outing. The pair, as per usual, won’t be far away when the judge calls a halt. FEAR CRUISIN (3) continues to race consistently and is coming off a solid win at Newcastle when he powered to the line after overcoming a back row draw in finding the lead. Suitably drawn in three and likely to receive a kind run, close to the action, the 7yo son of Christian Cullen will again be an ideal type for exotic players. After commencing his latest term of racing with four unplaced efforts, which is rare for this fellow, JAY OK (9) finally made it back on the charts with a solid photo 2nd behind Stingray Tara a couple of weeks ago. The 6yo has drawn the outside gate, however, he could be finding his voice again and another bold showing is on the cards. Exotic players should also consider BRAEDOS LAD (5) and TUPPENCE (4).

BONDI LOCKDOWN 1, Alta Orlando 2, Fear Cruisin 3, Jay OK 4.

RACE FOUR:

Suitably drawn in one, which was the case last week when unlucky, SAGINAW (1) should appreciate a slightly easier assignment in proving hard to beat. The consistent Seaton Grima-trained son of Well Said has been in the mix on a number of occasions since scoring at Headquarters back on October 7. Contesting his latest challenge from a four-peg role, Saginaw was held up for a suitable run until late, which resulted in a solid 5m 4th behind Denis William. A clearer passage 100m or so earlier and Saginaw would have been right in the finish. Seaton has booked Cam Hart to take over the driving duties in the hope of changing the luck of Saginaw. If anyone can, Cam can. DIAMOND ECLIPSE (6) is the ‘x-factor’ as the Victorian arrives in fine form, with a recent win at Melton over two talented types in Major Fire and Magic Mike. The John Newberry-trained son of Pet Rock followed that effort with an 18m 6th to the talented Private Eye, again at Melton nearly a month ago. Handily drawn, Diamond Eclipse will be driven by John’s son Matt. The 5yo certainly has the ability to be a definite contender for the top spot. BERANI (4) followed a creditable 7.2m 5th to The Fortunate Son at this venue with a 3.2m 4th to Magic Mike at Wagga last week. With recent creditable form behind him, the son of Sweet Lou is capable of giving a good account for his useful draw. CHASING THE WIND (2) blew his rivals away at Penrith recently when a long-shot, prior to a couple of sound efforts at Menangle, the latter being a 3.9m 3rd to Dance And Deliver and Katchar Shoobee last week. Prepared by Steph Morris and to be driven by husband David, the 6yo son of Fly Like An Eagle has the draw to again be a threat. Exotic players should include RYANS GANGSTER (3) and KENNY SAID (5) when forming combinations.

SAGINAW 1, Diamond Eclipse 2, Berani 3, Chasing The Wind 4.

RACE FIVE:

While the outside draw is a concern, it shouldn’t be enough to stop MISSED THE TRUTH (10) from making it back-to-back wins at Headquarters. Another recent addition to the Jarrod Alchin team, which has been an immediate success, the talented son of Somebeachsomewhere arrived with a win at Melton under his belt, prior to drawing deep and running on strongly when an eye-catching 3rd behind The Croupier. Stepping out a week later on November 11, the 4yo again hit the line strongly, but this time powering past One For The Rodi, which has won easily since, and Unfazed. Cam Hart will again be likely to keep energy in the legs of Missed The Truth for the run home, although this assignment does appear a shade easier. SAILOR GIRL (4) has been consistent of late and is coming off a solid display when she led throughout in defeating Nelly Bigtime and Jungle Baby. Trainer Scott Hewitt has stuck with Jack Callaghan, and although a harder task awaits, the 5yo daughter of Sportswriter should again be competitive from a prominent role. The consistent CONSTANTINA (5) has been placed in three of her past four starts, while finishing fourth on the other occasion . Third behind Rickoshay when she led at this venue, the 6yo mare then worked home stoutly in recording a creditable 11.7m 3rd to Talent Agent at Penrith. While she doesn’t win out of turn, Constantina will again be in the mix from the outset in giving another good account. MAGIC MATTEO (3) is racing in fine fashion and has drawn suitably. The 6yo is coming off a solid 5.2m win over Swell Time and Sir when first-up for Sofia Arvidsson. The son of Rock N Roll Heaven is capable of giving this a big shake. HAY THERE JOE (1) will create interest at his first run since scoring at Tamworth on October 5. The winner of four of his nine starts while being placed twice, the Dean Chapple-trained 3yo has two big trial wins to his credit in readiness for his return. Grace Panella (twice) and Luke Whittaker have guided Hay There Joe to his hat-trick of wins, but Dean has booked Luke McCarthy to handle this challenge. That in itself is a good guide so respect the claims of Hay There Joe. ULTIMATE BIRD (8) is two-from-two since coming from NZ and linking up with Allan Ellul. The former Kiwi will be confronted by a harder assignment but he has been impressive so far. The son of Sportswriter is entitled to be included in exotic investments. SIR RICHARD LEE (9) also has claims in that regard as his form was creditable before finishing down the track behind Im In Trouble a week ago.

MISSED THE TRUTH 1, Sailor Girl 2,  Constantina 3, Magic Matteo 4.

RACE SIX:

Back from a creditable Queensland campaign, SAINT CRUSADER (8) warrants a high rating in what appears to be an open contest. Following four-consecutive Menangle placings, the final three while under the care of Jarrod Alchin, the 4yo scored first-up at AP when back in the Clayton Harmey stable, prior to a 4.2m 2nd to Pocket The Cash and a gritty 8.4m 7th behind Holi Starzzz when in the stable of David Rodger. The wide draw shouldn’t be a major concern as Saint Crusader has been able to adapt to any situation of late and still be a contender. SHEFFIELD SPARKY (2) is on the verge of a winning display as the former Victorian has been in the mix in each of his four runs since joining the Darren Binskin barn. Runner-up behind Defiant and Rickoshay, respectively, the 7yo son of Art Major worked home stoutly in his most recent start, which resulted in a 4.4m 5th behind Zambia last week. Drawing closer to the pegs and that will assist Grace Panella to secure a role closer to the action and that should result in Sheffield Sparky playing a role in the finish. KIA ORA BEAUTY (4) will create a great deal of attention as the John Newberry-trained mare does boast plenty of ability. A Melton winner four runs ago, Kia Ora Beauty was never a factor when a 24m 9th to Our Vincent Can Gogh, prior to bouncing back strongly with two solid placings, the latter a 6.7m 3rd to Jilliby Jay Sea at Melton. Matt Newberry will be keen to have the daughter of Rock N Roll Heaven prominently placed from the outset. ROCKEY BOY (1) has been safely held of late but he returns to a favourable draw and that is a plus. Never a factor when a 24m 6th to Im In Trouble last week, the Art Major 5yo will have the opportunity to land closer to the action before launching a claim in the straight. TALENT AGENT (9) has won his past two, firstly at this venue when he led in defeating Red Reactor and Rock Of Delight, then at Penrith when he again dictated the terms in  proving too good for Colin Bromac and Constantina. The wide gate is an issue but the son of The Gold Ace is racing with plenty of confidence and can’t be ignored as a contender for the top spot. Exotic players should also consider SIR SIMON (3) and MURPHYS REWARD (7).

SAINT CRUSADER 1, Sheffield Sparky 2, Kia Ora Beauty 3, Rocket Boy 4.

RACE SEVEN:

Boasting a win and a placing from three previous visits to Menangle, the victory being a heat of the NSW Oaks in 2019, the classy Victorian mare TANGOINGWITHSIERRA (6) appeals as the one to beat. Prepared by Craig Hoban and to be driven by Michelle Phillips, the 7yo daughter of Sportswriter ended her previous term of racing with a quartet of placings, prior to resuming with a safely held 15.2m 9th to Better Eclipse in the FFA Pryde’s Easifeed Cup at Bendigo on November 17. Fitter for that outing and returning to a mares event at Melton last week, Tangoingwithsierra led out before taking a sit, prior to working home stoutly in recording a metre 2nd to Sew What. Stripping fitter and confronted by a suitable assignment, Tangoingwithsierra will be looking to secure the 15th win of her career. The in-form Peter Rixon stable should provide strong opposition, courtesy of IM PRESI BELLE (7). The winner of the Ranji Bill back in early August, Im Presi Belle then posted two solid placings, the latter a brave 6.3m 3rd to the classy Braeview Kelly before taking on FFA company when a safely held 18.9m last to Mach Da Vinci. The daughter of Mach Three then travelled to Melton to contest the 2760m Queen of the Pacific, but found the task beyond her in recording a 24m 7th to Ladies in Red. Back home and the 5yo gave a solid account when a 5m 6th behind the classy Jess Tubbs-trained mare Rakero Rebel, working to the line strongly over the final stages. This challenge will be more to her liking. IDEAL IN DREAMS (5) peeled off a stylish wins before finding Captains Queen a shade too good in the NSWBC 4YO Mares Final at Menangle on October 23. The David Thorn-trained mare then worked home soundly when a 2.2m 5th to Stellar Arden before leading and having every chance when a 7m 5th to Theresa Love. The daughter of Warrawee Needy has been freshened and the small field will suit so don’t rule her out. Jack Trainor will be represented by BOLOGNA (1) and THERESA LOVE (4), with his choice of drives to be taken into account. BOLOGNA is another mare from NZ, which enjoyed immediate success when she led in defeating Soviet Stunner and Parallel by a comfortable margin. This will be a rise in grade for the 4y daughter of A Rocknroll Dance, but as he has done on a regular basis, Jack takes these mares to another level or two. THERESA LOVE (4) is coming off a narrow but gritty win over Remy Brown and Splash Of Crimson so don’t take her lightly as she is a more than capable type.

TANGOINGWITHSIERRA 1, Im Presi Belle 2, Ideal In Dreams 3, Bologna 4.

RACE EIGHT:

The Belinda McCarthy-trained ALIBERTO (4) will step up in grade following his impressive debut performance, but he remains the one to beat. Following issues which hindered the start of his career, the 4yo backed up two solid trial displays with an impressive victory in defeating Ultimate Ad and Knight Walker, despite being left facing the breeze for the major of the trip. Taking control of the contest on the home turn, Aliberto peeled off a 27.4 in greeting the judge with a margin of 15.2m to spare over his nearest rival. The stable have a good opinion of the Somebeachsomewhere gelding and from gate four he is likely to pursue a forward role in again proving hard to beat. Luke McCarthy will take over from Jack Callaghan in the sulky. NEPTUNE (9) steps out for his first assignment since scoring at AP back in mid-July. The 3yo Bettors Delight colt has been a model of consistency since joining Lucky Lodge from NZ, and with the benefit of two solid trials behind him, Neptune is primed for a bold showing. Victorian trainer-driver Tony Xiriha has the consistent SUNSTAR (7) going around and it will come as no surprise if the pair aren’t seen to advantage. The 4yo has been placed in three of his past five starts, finishing fourth on the other two occasions. Last time out the son of Sunshine Beach led in recording a 7.9m 2nd to Michen Roy at Shepparton just over a week ago, and although confronted by a wide gate, Sunstar is capable of producing another bold showing. CELESTIAL GOSSIP (6) scored first-up for Bailey McDonough when he accounted for Keilor Baby Shark and Major Statement, and despite the harder test this time around, the 8yo has always been a more than  useful competitor, so this assignment isn’t out of reach. RED REACTOR (5), as per usual, was working home steadily when a 6.7m 7th to Zambia last week and he is also in the mix as a potential winner. JUNGLE BABY (1), CARLO GAMBINO (2), OUR UNCLE JIM (11) and DANCE AND DELIVER (8), which scored here last week, courtesy of a fine drive by Ellen Rixon, all have claims when it comes to sorting out multiple transactions.

ALIBERTO 1, Neptune 2, Sunstar 3, Celestial Gossip 4.

RACE NINE:

Victorian trainer-driver Tony Xiriha will again be looking to be involved in the finish, with his talented trotter BUSLIN BRODY (2) looking to stretch his winning sequence to six. Unbeaten since resuming from a spell, the 8yo son of Red Samurai continued on his winning way when he led throughout in defeating Speedy Lover and Abbie at Shepparton just over a week ago. The 8yo has drawn ideally in two and that will present Tony with the chance to again dictate. That role will certainly give Buslin Brody the opportunity to secure the major share of the prizemoney. Whether he leads or not will largely depend on the polemarker, KING OF LOVE (1), which led in his opening four runs for Joe Conolly, prior to taking a sit last time out. The 5yo scored when on debut for the stable then has collected placings in three of his next four starts, the latest when beaten 10m by Have No Fear. That particular assignment was behind the tapes when the son of Love You made up his 10m handicap in a hurry, then taking a sit before being shuffled back a further spot. With regular driver on the sidelines due to a suspension, Cam Hart will take over the driving duties. HAVE NO FEAR (6) is coming off a confidence-boosting win and is capable of going on with the job now that he has tasted success. That win was from the tapes but the 5yo is bound to make his presence felt once again. ONE MAJIC KENNY (10) posted a few moderate efforts before again bouncing back as a winner, prior to working home stoutly when a sound 6m 5th to Doff Your Cap. The Blake Fitzpatrick-trained 6yo is a bit like a box of chocolates, as Forrest Gump would say,” you just don’t know what you’re going to get’’. Take One Majic Kenny on trust. The recent efforts of SUNNY GEE (8) have been useful and he should be included in exotic investments while VALLEY STAR (5), KYVALLEY FINN (4) and GUNNER (7), which is resuming for Howard James, but has two solid trials behind him, also are worthy of exotic involvement.

BUSLIN BRODY 1, King Of Love 2, Have No Fear 3, One Majic Kenny 4.

  - FORM ASSESSED BY MIKE KO'CASS