Captain ready to take command
RACE ONE:With the benefit of a vastly improved barrier draw, coupled with a suitable assignment, SWEETHEART BART (1) is clearly the one to beat. Stepping out for his second assignment since joining the Seaton Grima stable, the son of Sweet Lou drew gate 10 for the Autumn Gift Final, with the 5yo also drawing deep for his heat. That particular challenge resulted in a gritty neck 2nd to Supa American after working to occupy the role outside of the leader. The same story unfolded in the Final last week when Sweetheart Bart was exposed outside of the leader. Battling on gamely, Sweetheart Bart recorded a pleasing 8m 4th to the exciting Timmy Rictor in a time of 1:49.2, following a blistering 25.7 opening quarter. This time around Seaton will be able to present Sweetheart Bart with a far more comfortable trip, likely in the lead role, and that will lay the foundations for a winning performance. Drawing next to Sweetheart Bart is the Joe Conolly-conditioned ITZMINEONTHELINE (2), which appears a suitable threat to Sweetheart Bart, if there is to be one. The Betting Line 5yo has been a consistent performer of late with the gelding recording a win and five placings from his past his past seven starts, four of those placings as runner-up. Following a solid finishing 2nd to Ravishing Sloy at Penrith, Itzmineontheline drew wide when he found some trouble before finishing a head 2nd to Speculating last week. The effort of Itzmineontheline over the final 200m was superb and a clear indication that he was on the verge of another winning display. KING TINTIN (7) resumed from a spell with three solid winning displays, the past two at this venue, before producing a moderate 31.8m last to Vite Monet back in early February. AZ couple of weeks later the 5yo should he was again heading in the right direction when he finished a creditable 7.8m 4th to Compete. Trained by Neil Day and to be driven by Will Rixon this time around, the son of Tintin In America is capable of a bold showing once again, particularly after having over a month off to freshen up. AMERICAN HAMMER (9) resumed with a solid win at Penrith before an unlucky 3.8m 4th to Ideal In Dreams at that same venue next time out, with a second row draw and a flat tyre hindering his claims. Contesting a heat of the Autumn Gift a couple of weeks ago, the David Aiken-trained 6yo came from a four-peg role in posting a creditable 10.8m 4th to Island Bouhinia. Despite the tricky, wide draw, American Hammer is capable of being involved in the finish. RYANS GANGSTER (8) has recent wins at Bathurst and Newcastle, respectively, to his credit, with a 2nd to Bettor Keppel at Bathurst sandwiched between those efforts to his credit. The son of Courage Under Fire will be exposed to a harder test this time, however, his form entitles him to be included in exotic discussions. JALANEEL (5) is coming off a creditable 5.6m 6th to Speculating after drawing wide so with the benefit of a better draw the 6yo is also in the multiple mix, along with ALIBERTO (4) and FRANCO TYSON (3), which has won four of his past five for Brian Portelli.SWEETEHEART BART 1, Itzmineontheline 2, King Tintin 3, American Hammer 4.RACE TWO:The appearance of the classy SOHO SPECTRE (8) will create a great deal of interest as the son of Art Major faces the starter for the first time as a member of the Luke McCarthy stable, which continues to build towards being a powerful force once again. Under the guidance of Rickie Alchin, Soho Spectre collected 10 wins and four placings from his 25 starts, with his NSW Derby trophy being the highlight. The 4yo resumed from a spell with consecutive runner-up roles, the latter when beaten by the classy Emma Stewart-trained The Narcissist, prior to three unplaced efforts, commencing with a 15.7m 6th to Bay Of Biscay in the G3 Hondo Grattan Stakes. Soho Spectre then posted a 6.6m 8th to Our Luciano in the G3 Paleface Adios Stakes before an 11m last to Caulonia Courage at this venue on March 4 when a short-priced favourite. The entire has drawn wide for this challenge, however, he remains the class runner and as such Soho Spectre will take a power of beating. The only threat will come from another classy type in BAINBRIDGE (11) which will launch his claim from the outside gate. Commencing his latest term of racing with a solid body of work, which included four wins and two placings, the James Rattray trained and driven 5yo then posted a 6.4m 6th to Wasa Heat Seeker when he failed to make a serious impression from a midfield role. That was back on February 8, with James electing to give Bainbridge a break. The son of Captain Treacherous will tackle this assignment without an official trial, however, there is no doubt that Bainbriudge will be ready for the challenge. Former Victorian CLASSIC MISSION (4) debuted for the Darren Binskin stable a week ago, and although he was never a serious threat, the run was pleasing. First-up since last October, the son of Vincent drew handily, but drifted back to a five-peg role before working home steadily in recording a 14.4m 5th to Major Perry. Handily drawn and stripping fitter for the outing, Classic Mission is a suitable exotic player. MICK DANGER (6) resumed with a solid 4.4m 4th to Montalbano before having every chance in the one-one last week when a disappointing 8.4m last to Royal Cruiser. However, driver Jim Douglass said later that he thought the run was a lot better than it may first appear on paper. With that said, a better showing from Mick Danger can be expected so don't leave him out of multiple combinations. DOM TORETTO (9) is one of four runners, which includes the reserve, backing up from an outing here on Tuesday. The 5yo has been consistent of late and is worthy of further consideration in this harder test as an exotic contender. MAJOR MAJOR (10) has a tough draw but the 6yo has been thereabouts on a regular basis of late and he is a value addition to exotic combinations.SOHO SPECTRE 1, Bainbridge 2, Classic Mission 3, Mick Danger 4.RACE THREE:Despite being first-up since last December, DONTLETFEARSTOPYA (7) appeals as the one to beat. Prepared by Joe Conolly and to be driven by Seaton Grima, the 4yo son of Fear The Dragon has created a good impression since coming from New Zealand. Dontletfearstopya ended his previous term of racing on a winning note when he led throughout in scoring at Penrith, defeating Denny Rocks and Swedish Meatballs in the process. In preparation for his return, Dontletfearstopya posted a solid trial win at Penrith. This does appear to be a suitable challenge for Dontletfearstopya. The main threat is likely to come from QUIET STORM (6) which was heavily supported when he greeted the judge at his third run for Jarrod Alchin. Crossing from a wide gate and landing the role outside of the leader, the 7yo son of Rock N Roll Heaven powered his way to a comfortable win over Charlies Ace and Niki Nah Nah. Peaking in condition as a result of those efforts, Quiet Storm is again capable of making plenty of noise so respect his claims. MONTEFIORE (1) drew gate one, which is again the case, when he found himself parked in posting a gritty 3.7m 5th to Speculating at this venue a week ago. The David Thorn-trained 6yo had been racing well before his past two unplaced efforts and a competitive showing should be forthcoming. RENROW LAD (3) was having his first start for Luke McCarthy when he appeared at Penrith on February 27. Beaten 30.2m in finishing last to Barnstormer, as an odds-on elect, the 4yo son of Roll With Joe struck plenty of trouble so the run should be overlooked when assessing his claims. Handily drawn, Renrow Lad is capable if a far better effort so include him when it comes to the multiples. BARNSTORMER (4), following his all-the-way win at Penrith, drew the inside of the back row when a 10.4m 6th to Ideal In Dreams at Newcastle after being trapped in a four-peg role. Suitably drawn, the 6yo is capable of assisting as a value exotic player. PROMISING (9) has drawn wide but is racing well so don't dismiss him from the multiples. The consistent Leon Jurd-prepared son of For A Reason finished strongly in defeating Whataboyjack and Surf ace at Penrith before a creditable 6.9m 6th behind Montalbano at this venue. Although the draw is tricky, Promising can't be overlooked.DONTLETFEARSTOPYA 1, Quiet Storm 2, Montefiore 3, Renrow Lad 4.RACE FOUR:The Waratah Final is overflowing with genuine winning hopes. Roy Roots Jnr has SINBINNED (7) racing in peak form with the 6yo facing the starter as the winner of three of his past four starts. A bold 2nd to Chevron Flies at Newcastle was his other appearance. Following a dominate all the-way-win at Newcastle, the son of Art Major qualified for this challenge with a solid-finishing heat win at Newcastle when he accounted for Sylvia Kay and Mister Poverty. To be driven by Ash Delosa, Sinbinned has drawn the middle of the line, and that will give Ash options, with dictating the terms being her likely first choice. HEAVENLY SONG (4) has been consistent of late and is deserving of attention after drawing well. Prepared by Tom Ison and to be driven by Anthony Varga, the 9yo daughter of Rock N Roll Heaven scored at Newcastle three starts ago before two recent placings, the latter a solid 2m 2nd to Smolenski at Tamworth. Heavenly Song has been unplaced in three previous Menangle trips but is capable of being involved in the finish this time around. MARIANNA BROMAC (12) came from a rearward role when she hit the line strongly in defeating Will I Am and Miki Moo at Menangle three runs ago, with that that effort coming on the back of a solid win at Goulburn. Unlucky when a 9m 5th to Nifty Ronald at Canberra before qualifying for this contest with a 4m 2nd to Rusty El at Leeton when the 9yo daughter of Art major didn't have luck on her side. The Steven Lee-conditioned mare will need luck from the outside gate, but James Locke is more than capable of giving Marianna Bromac the run she requires to again be a threat. KATLAS DREAM (6) is coming off a determined all-the-way win at Dubbo and is racing well enough to suggest another competitive showing. The Mat Rue trained and driven 8yo daughter of Cams Fool is by far the most experienced runner this venue when it comes to her rivals, with six wins and 13 placings the result of 69 assignments. That could be a big plus so don't overlook her claims. WATTOSBLAZEOFGLORY (5) has a useful draw and is the winner of his past two starts at Bathurst and Penrith, respectively, so expect a bold showing while MILLWOOD GRACE (3) and OUR ROCKY (2), which has been placed in his past six engagements, are also suitable types to include in multiple transactions.SINBINNED 1, Heavenly Song 2, Marianna Bromac 3, Katlas Dream 4.RACE FIVE:The FFA will see the exciting CAPTAIN RAVISHING (9) in action and at start 28, the lightly raced 6yo should have little trouble greeting the judge for the 13th time in his career. Resuming from a spell and for the first time as a member of the Jason Grimson stable, the brilliant son of Captaintreacherous recorded a solid 2.3m 3rd to his champion stablemate Swayzee in the G2 Cordina Sprint at Menangle on March 1, three months after his 2nd to Jawsoflincoln at Gloucester Park. The injury plagued 6yo then faced the starter for the running of the Miracle Mile a week later, and although he was unable to make his presence felt, Captain Ravishing still managed to record a respectable 10.2m 7th to Don Hugo in a time of 1:48.4. With his level of fitness now reaching an acceptable level, and coming back to a suitable challenge, Captain Ravishing should be welcomed back into the winners' circle. Drawing the outside gate won't be a concern for the 'Çaptain' or Jack Callaghan. Realistically, there shouldn't be a danger, but the great uncertainty of racing still applies. CYA ART (5), who was once a member of the Grimson stable, has been a model of consistency since joining the Lucky Lodge team. Four runs back and the 7yo, and the 7yo finished a gallant 16.6m 3rd to Captain Hammerhead and Swayzee in the Albury Murray Cup. The son of Art Major followed that effort with an 11m 5th to Kingmaker, then a 2nd to the exciting prospect The Janitor before a 20.6m 2rnd behind Swayzee in the G3 Renshaw Cup at Penrith. There is nothing wrong with that form or his commitment. Ideally drawn i two is the last-start winner MAJOR PERRY (2), who faces a tougher test but is capable of making a bold bid for a role in the finish. Breaking a lengthy drought as far as greeting the judge is concerned, the 6yo enjoyed a kind, stalking role, before finishing a shade too well for Fire Fox and Lochinvar Jag last week. Luke McCarthy will again be looking to secure a kind run with Major Perry and that will allow him the opportunity to be involved in the finish. FIRE FOX (6) is below his best these days but is peaking in condition following three runs back, with each outing being better than the previous. The 8yo remains in the multiple mix, along with the reliable PETES SAID SO (8), which is coming off a 32.7m 4th to Swayzee in the Renshaw Cup. The 9yo has drawn wide but the son of Well Said has the gate speed to be prominent or is equally at home when driven with cover.CAPTAIN RAVISHING 1, Cya Art 2, Major Perry 3, Fire Fox 4.RACE SIX:This won't take long. EYER KEEP SMILING (6) will again prove far too good for her rivals in collecting the 19th win of her outstanding career, which will span 30 starts following the running of this event. After finding the G2 Cordina Sprint a 'bridge too far' when a creditable 11.9m 7th to Swayzee, the brilliant daughter of Sweet Lou then appreciated the return to her own sex when she accounted for Illavabubbles and Im Presi Belle in the Baby Bling Stakes, despite being left posted outside of the leader. The Luke McCarthy trained and driven 5yo has drawn gate six in the field of seven, and although there is speed drawn to her left, Eye Keeping Smiling will no doubt look to stamp her authority on the race as soon as possible. The battle for the minors will, however, be keenly contested with the Rickie Alchin-conditioned PANDAIA (4) entitled to plenty of attention. Following a win over Maria Allegonda, which has won since, and Joelita, the 5yo daughter of Downbytheseaside has since finished an 11.8m 8th to Eye Keep Smiling, then a fast-finishing neck 3rd behind Royal Cruiser and Dashing last week when she competed from a five-peg role. Back to her own sex and drawing handily in four, Pandaia, who will again be driven by Ash Delosa, is capable of being in the thick of the action from the outset. The mare is no stranger to dictating the terms in getting the job done. BELLA DANZA (2) has won two of her past three encounters, the latter a couple of weeks ago when she justified her odds-on quote in defeating Platinum Jewel and Kia Ora Beauty. The 4yo daughter of Bettors Delight will be confronted by a harder assignment, but from the good draw the mare must be included in exotic transactions. JOELITA (3) continues to be thereabouts but is still looking for her first win since scoring at Terang last June. Since joining Peter Rixon, the 6yo daughter of Roll With Joe has been in the mix on numerous occasions, including her last start 4.9m 4th to Maria Allegonda a week ago when she finished strongly from her midfield role. Joelita has a suitable draw and is again capable of being a definite player to include when it comes to the multiples. TAY TAY (7) hasn't had a number hit since scoring at Albion Park last July, but the mare remains a consistent competitor in races of this nature. Beaten 3.6m when 4th in the Baby Bling, the Jason Grimson-conditioned mare then stepped out of her comfort zone in posting a 20m 4th to Don Hugo last week. In coming from a rearward role, Tay Tay found the line with plenty of grit so expect another solid showing. IM PRESI BELLE (5) finished a 21.9m 6th behind Don Hugo and is a suitable, value exotic player.EYE KEEP SMILING 1, Pandaia 2, Bella Danza 3, Joelita 4.RACE SEVEN:Following a dominant display when first-up for the in-form Chris Judd stable, JILLIBY FABIO (1) appeals as the winner to beat once again. Unplaced in his previous five encounters on the country circuit, the 4yo son of Jilliby Kung Fu was a heavily supported odds-on elect when he debuted for Chris at Menangle a couple of weeks ago. Taken straight to the front by Cam Hart, Jilliby Fabio was never in danger of defeat as he powered his way to a dominant 6.8m win over Surf Ace and Titian Raider. The task will become a shade harder this time around. However, Jilliby Fabio has drawn ideally in gate one, so Cam will again be looking to find the lead role and dictate the terms from start to finish. There are a number of consistent contenders who are looking to find that winning feeling once again. OUR UNCLE JIM (4) falls into that category as the consistent Leon Jurd-trained son of Western Terror looks to post his first win since last November. The 9yo is coming off a slightly unlucky 5.6m 5th to Port Au Prince at Penrith. Suitably drawn, Our Uncle Jim is capable of playing an active role in the finish so don't ignore his claims. TITIAN RAIDER (5) has also been missing from the top spot since last November, with a number of consistent efforts also appearing on his sheet. Working home stoutly for a handy 10.9m 3rd to Jilliby Fabio two starts ago, the Harry Martin-trained 7yo son of Sunshine Beach then finished a 17.3m 6th to Major Perry last week. Stepping out for his 100th start, Titian Raider will be far better suited in this type of assignment so expect a bold showing. RED REACTOR (9) greeted the judge five runs ago, and has been unplaced in four subsequent encounters, but hasn't been disgraced in the process. Contesting a heat of the Autumn Gift, Red Reactor posted a solid and respectable 7.8m 5th to the exciting Timmy Rictor, who then went on to take out the Final in fine fashion. A week ago, and the Ian Wilson-conditioned 10yo then struck some trouble but still managed to record a solid-finishing 3.2m 4th to Speculating. Red Reactor has drawn deep, but the chestnut has been confronted by a number of wide draws so he is well aware of what he will be confronting. Expect him to get back in the field before Jim Douglass looks to time his finishing run to perfection. SAHARA SIROCCO (10) will be required to overcome the outside gate but the Trevor Monday-trained son of Courage Under Fire can't be taken lightly as he is rarely too far away when the judge calls a halt. The 8yo worked home steadily, without threatening, when a 14.7m 4th to Jilliby Fabio here a couple of weeks ago. Despite being reliable, Sahara Sirocco hasn't been successful since last November, however, he is close to a win so don't jump ship just yet. HES A MEISTER (7) had his first run for Darren Binskin in finishing a solid 1.6m 2nd to Aliberto at this venue on February 25, then finished a safely held 20.7m 7th to Jilliby Fabio. The former Victorian is worthy of another chance when it comes to forming multiple investments.JILLIBY FABIO 1, Our Uncle Jim 2, Titian Raider 3, Red Reactor 4.RACE EIGHT:Racing in the peak of his powers, HANOVER DA MOON (7) is on target to collect his fourth win from his past six starts, which also includes two quality placings. Following back-to-back wins at Headquarters the Leon Jurd-trained 7yo then finished a gritty 5.7m 3rd to the classy Kiwi, Oscar Bonavena, before returning to the top spot when he led throughout in defeating Courage Stride and Spedy LOver. Contesting another tougher assignment a week ago, the son of One Over Da Moon battled on gamely in finishing a 12.9m 2nd to the Inter Dominion champion, The Locomotive. Returning a far more suitable assignment, Hanover Da Moon will contest a stand event from behind the 10m tape, and in this company, that doesn't appear a difficult hurdle to overcome. Cam Hart has guided the gelding to a couple of stylish wins and that again appears to be the likely scenario once again. SPEEDY LOVER (1) has a fair stand record and with the benefit of a handy return to racing, which resulted in a 9.6m 3rd to Hanover Da Moon a couple of weeks ago, the 6yo son of Love You is capable of giving cheek. The David Aiken-trained gelding lost his way last campaign but was a consistent competitor prior to that form slump. AFFAIRE DE COVER (6) has been thereabouts in recent assignments, including his 21.5m 4th to Foottapper at Menangle on Tuesday. The Troy Williams-conditioned 7yo has five wins and eight placings to show for his 36 starts from behind the tapes and from his front line draw the son of Love You is capable of a bold showing. COURAGE STRIDE (9) is the 20m back maker, however, the 6yo has a handy stand record and he will be looking to celebrate his 5th career start in style. Fitter for two runs since a spell, the latter being a creditable 7.6m 2nd to Hanover Da Moon two weeks ago under mobile conditions. This challenge isn't beyond the Joe and Mary Rando-trained son of Muscle Hill. SUNNY GEE (8) is worthy including as a value exotic runner while ALDEBARAN JENSEN (5) is also in the mix when it comes to the multiples.HANOVER DA MOON 1, Speedy Lover 2, Affaire De Cover 3, Courage Stride 4.- MIKE KOCASS
