Captain to take charge in the race of the night

MIKE KO'CASS ANALYSES MENANGLE SATURDAY NIGHT AND FINDS US A WINNER . . .  OR EIGHT

RACE ONE:

An intriguing contest to start proceedings, courtesy of an outstanding local, two quality Kiwi's and a highly regarded Victorian. Plus, a strong support cast. The leading role goes to the southern visitor in ROCK N ROLL DOO (10), which is a member of the in-form Michael Stanley team. The former star isn't at his brilliant best these days, however, his first run back from a spell indicated the 7yo was ready to strike winning form once again. Spelled back in February following a 9.2m 2nd behind Catch A Wave at Terang and a gritty 1.2m effort when beaten by Triple Eight at Geelong, the son of Rock N Roll Heaven resumed with 2.8m 3rd behind his stablemate, Ubetcha Tigerpie at Menangle on June 7. Drawing wide, which is again the case, Rock N Roll Doo worked over to find the role as pacemaker, but his condition, or lack of it, resulted in the 7yo fading on his run. Fitter, but tackling a tougher test, Rock N Roll Doo, who surprisingly, hasn't won since September 2023, is worth the gamble at what should be a suitable quote. With the benefit of an outing last week, his first since early March, OUR LUCIANO (5) looks the one to beat. After missing his return to racing the previous week due to a slight abrasion, the James Rattray trained and driven 4yo led out before taking a sit in posting a solid 1.9m 2nd to Horn Player. The son of Sweet Lou will strip fitter for the run and with a handy draw next to his name, Our Luciano will be ready for action. The two 'x factors' are BETTERTHANCASH (3) and PINSEEKER (4). Prepared by David and Stacey White, BETTERTHANCASH is the winner of seven of his 25 starts while being placed on four occasions. The 4yo son of Art Major finished 4th to Cocktails and Caviar at Addington just a week ago in a 2600m stand start event. Most of his recent racing has been in long distance stand events, so the hustle and bustle of a 1609m Menangle assignment will present him with an interesting challenge. PINSEEKER (4) is prepared by Jonny Cox and has won six of his 25 starts while also collecting 12 placings. The 5yo son of Downbytheseaside is coming off a 3.75m 3rd to Betterthancash in a 3200m stand event at Addington on May 23. Like, Betterthancash, Pinseeker will be confronted by the same interesting challenge. And, for those looking for a

topical quinella, Betterthancash and Pinseeker fit the bill. ARDENS ACE (6) was held up for a run when a 3.9m 4th to Horn Player a week ago, and with that being his second run from a break, the 7yo has exotic prospects. TERRY (9) is always thereabouts and despite the wide gate the 8yo remains a suitable exotic runner. VITE MONET (1) battled on stoutly when a 5.9m 2nd to Hesitate a week ago, and with gate one being a plus, the Chris Judd-trained 4yo stays in the mix as an exotic player. The consistent QUIET STORM (2) has been freshened since a 17.3m 4th to The Narcissist at this venue back on May 10. The 7yo resumes from gate two and is a value player for multiple investors.

ROCK N ROLL DOO 1, Our Luciano 2, Betterthancash 3, Pinseeker 4.

RACE TWO:

FRANCO TYSON (3) appeals as a suitable investment in this event, courtesy of solid form, a slightly easier assignment, compared to a week ago and a favourable draw. Trained and driven by Brian Portelli, the 4yo son of Rock N Roll Heaven posted a couple of fine wins and two solid placings before his past couple of unplaced efforts. However, Franco Tyson wasn't disgraced by either run, in particular the latter a week ago. After recording a useful 6.3m 6th to Ubetcha Tigerpie, Franco Tyson filled the same role behind Horn Player, but at no stage did the gelding receive sufficient room to stretch his legs in an attempt to make his presence known. That was the result of a four-peg role. This time around Brian will have the opportunity to make a play for a far more favourable role from the outset and if that scenario plays out, then Franco Tyson will prove hard to beat. TOMAHAWK BART (9), which has a tough draw to overcome, looms as a serious threat as the 4yo is racing in probably the best form of his career. A winner here three starts ago, the Seaton Grima trained and driven 4yo then finished a useful 11.4m 5th to Fashion Icon before a solid 11.6 3rd to Hesitate last week. The wider draw is a hurdle, but Tomahawk Bart is likely to be in the mix, regardless, so respect his claims. MONTEFIORE (6) is coming off a 6.7m 6th behind Alta Sierra last week after failing to secure a suitable run in the straight. The David Thorn-conditioned 6yo had been in the money in his previous seven starts, which included a win, so with better luck this time around the son of Art Major will make a serious play for the major share of the prizemoney. Exotic investors should take into account LAMANDIER (5), HAS THE COURAGE (4), GUILTY PARTY (2) and FASHION ICON (10) when forming combinations.

FRANCO TYSON 1, Tomahawk Bart 2, Montefiore 3, Lamandier 4.

RACE THREE:

Following a solid display in greeting the judge when first-up for Jason Grimson, former Kiwi MIRACULOUS (2) again looks the one to beat. Drawing wide for his first run since crossing the Tasman, the 4yo competed from a midfield role in the running line before finishing too well for Stormtide and Montefiore. That was his first run in a month and, coupled with an extra two-weeks work, the son of Bettors Delight will strip even fitter. The better draw is also a plus, making Miraculous an appealing investment, despite the harder assignment which awaits him. DOUBLE ACT (1) will be backing up from his solid all-the-way win on Tuesday, courtesy of a clever drive by Ash Delosa. The task will be slightly harder for the Harry Martin-conditioned 7yo however he is racing well and gate one is again a big plus so expect another bold showing. I BREAK THE LINE (6) will find this a suitable contest after being unplaced in his past three assignments in harder events, commencing with a 15.4m 7th to Kingmaker. The Michael Xuereb-conditioned son of Betting Line then posted a creditable 8.6m 7th to Pandaia before working hard when a fading 12.5m 8th to Ubetcha Tigerpie a couple of weeks ago. The 5yo did greet the judge four runs back and with better luck in running, I Break The Line has the ability to make his presence felt. MIKI PINS (8) posted a determined win at this venue before again working when a poor 26.6m last to Pandaia. The 5yo is better than that run would suggest, so don't overlook him when it comes to the exotics. UNFAZED (7) had every chance in finishing a 19.6m 8th to Roclea Image a couple of weeks ago, but he is also capable of better, and his form prior was good enough to suggest the 8yo will be right in the mix. PITCH PERFECT (9) draws wide but is coming off a solid Newcastle win and he remains in the multiple mix, along with OOGA CHAKA (5).

MIRACULOUS 1, Double Act 2, I Break The Line 3, Miki Pins 4.

RACE FOUR:

Despite drawing wide, the David Thorn-conditioned EVER ART (9) remains the one to beat in what looks to be an open contest for the mares. The daughter of Art Major finished strongly in defeating Maria Allegonda and Bella Danza three starts ago, in a similar assignment at Menangle, prior to working from a wide draw in posting a determined 1.4m 2nd to Carrera Sunset. Tackling a tougher mares FFA last time out, Ever Art was again confronted with a tough run outside of the leader, which just happened to the be the outstanding mare, Eye Keep Smiling. Dictating the terms from start to finish, as expected, Eye Keep Smiling won the race named in her honour, with Ever Art far from being disgraced by her 13m fifth. Back to a suitable assignment, Ever Art is bound to play an active role in the finish so respect her claims. BELLA DANZA (5). providing the reserve remains on the sidelines, will launch her claim from four and that is appealing. The Jason Grimson-conditioned daughter of Bettors Delight had been racing in fine fashion, courtesy of three wins and the same number of placings from her previous eight starts, before a 15.3m 7th behind Eye Keep Smiling. The 4yo will have the chance to be prominently placed from the outset and like Ever Art, contesting a race without Eye Keep Smiling in the mix, becomes a far more suitable challenge. The outside gate will be occupied by PANDAIA (11), but the mare can't be dismissed as a threat due to the number on the saddlecloth. Prepared by Rickie Alchin and to be driven by Declan Murphy, who has been adding to his list of wins on a weekly basis, the mare scored here in fine fashion two starts ago when she accounted for subsequent winner Ubetcha Tigerpie and Franco Tyson. The daughter of Downbytheseaside was never a serious factor in finishing a 14.6m 6th to Eye Keep Smiling, but she was alone in that regard. A kind drive, off the pace, could result in Pandaia producing a big finish. CARRERA SUNSET (8) won two on end before a 21m 9th to Eye Keep Smiling and she will also be far happier in this race. So, once again, expect a far more competitive showing from Carrera Sunset. BOULEVARDOFDREAMS (6) and MY CRACKLING ROSIE (4) can't be overlooked when it comes to the multiples. There is also a watch of the former Kiwi mare ONYX SHARD (1), with the 4yo daughter of Sweet Lou stepping out for the first time as a member of the Jason Grimson stable. The winner of three of her 28 starts, with a further six placings, Onyx Shard last raced on May 23 when 5th to Allets at Alexandria Park. Cam Hart has been booked so respect any positive market move.

EVER ART 1, Bella Danza 2, Pandaia 3, Carrera Sunset 4.

RACE FIVE:

This is the race of the night and with an eye-catching effort next to his name, CAPTAINS KNOCK (3) is the way to go. Building towards another Inter Dominion campaign, the Brad Hewitt trained and driven star was having his first outing since his 16.9m 8th behind Don Hugo in the G2 Cordina Sprint at Menangle on March 1, when he appeared at this venue a week ago. With just one, comfortable Goulburn trial under his belt, the high-profile 5yo settled into a five-peg role before being four back in the running line on the final bend. Although the son of Captaintreacherous was never a serious threat to Don Hugo, which cleared out to win by a big margin, Captains Knock hit the line strongly in recording a pleasing 18m 3rd to the multiple-award winner. Beach Ball, who will go around at Albion park on Saturday against Leap To Fame, was also responsible for a big effort in claiming 2nd prize behind his new stable mate. The run certainly had Brad beaming after the race. Fitter, and drawing ideally in two, which is minus the reserve, Captains Knock will have the chance to occupy a suitable run from the outset, which will be vital to his claims, and that should pave the way for a winning performance, hopefully. As always, MAX DELIGHT (6) will have an important role to play in the outcome of the race. The tough, resilient son of Bettors Delight has two wins and four placings, finishing third each time, to show for his past five engagements. His recent hat-trick of placings commenced with a 4.3m 3rd to Nyack before finishing placed behind Kingmaker on two occasions, working hard in each of his past two. Drawing the middle of the line, Will Rixon will have the David Aiken-conditioned 9yo in the mix from the outset. From that point onwards, his rivals will know they have a tough challenge if success is to come their way. The James Rattray trained and driven NYACK (8) is also in the zone, with the 5yo posting a couple of wins and a strong win over Kingmaker in recent times. Possessed with a powerful sprint, the 5yo son of Sweet Lou used his main weapon to good use in defeating Kingmaker and Max Delight two starts back before hitting the line with intent in posting a head 2nd behind Kingmaker. A keenly contested race from the outset will certainly suit Nyack. KINGMAKER (10) is 'flying' at the moment with the Luke McCarthy-conditioned 9yo son of Mach Three greeting the judge in fine fashion in each of his past two starts. On each occasion Luke has been able to position Kingmaker in the one-one, prior to timing his run to perfection, the latter when he accounted for Nyack and Max Delight. With Luke in Queensland, Chris Geary will take over the driving duties, and although the draw is tricky, Chris will have Kingmaker poised and ready to pounce from a suitable striking role. The 'big four' should dominant the race, which leaves MAJOR HOT (11), UBETCHA TIGERPIE (7) and DOM TORETTO (5) as value exotic runners.

CAPTAINS KNOCK 1, Max Delight 2, Nyack 3, Kingmaker 4.

RACE SIX:

Unbeaten filly GLADIATRIX (7) is poised to continue on her winning run and in the process claim the most important victory of her brief career to date. Boasting four wins from as many starts, the Dean and Kerry McDowell-prepared daughter of Elite Stride and Maximiser, with mum being an outstanding type in her own right, the 2yo has won three of her wins to date by narrow margins, but she does know how to get the job done when 'push comes to shove'. Two starts ago in a heat of this series, Gladiatrix worked in powering her way to a 13.2m defeat of Cee Cee In Paris and Cartacalha. Leading throughout in defeating Cee Cee In Paris and Superior Stride when last presented at the track, Gladiatrix will tackle this event as clearly the one to beat again. A task which looks beyond her rivals. CEE CEE IN PARIS (5) has been on the improve as her career unfolds, with a win two starts ago, sandwiched between two roles as runner-up behind Gladiatrix. Prepared by Lisa Fitzpatrick, who also bred and owns the filly, daughter Zara will take the reins behind the daughter of Classic Connection. Expect another competitive showing from Cee Cee In Paris. CARTACALHA (4) opened her career with four placings before posting a fading 14.5m 4th to Gladiatrix. The Aldebaran Eagle filly has drawn handily and is capable of again being involved in the finish. ADELAIDE RED (3) has been safely held in each of her past two, following a couple of tidy placings to open her career. The daughter of Pastor Stephen has the draw to at least assist as a value exotic player. ALDEBARAN TUCKER (6) scored on debuted at Bendigo before a 4.4m 3rd to Truscotts Elegance at that same venue in March. First-up for The Anton Golino and the Helpisontheway gelding resumed with a 5th, beaten 16.2m, behind Gladiatrix at Menangle. Fitter, Aldebaran Tucker should be linked to the multiples. The balance of the field will be required to show plenty of improvement to be involved in the finish.

GLADIATRIX 1, Cee Cee In Paris 2, Cartacalha 3, Adelaide Red 4.

RACE SEVEN:

This appears to be a match in two between the classy Victorian HARRY STAMPER and the highly regarded Kiwi, BET N WIN (5). Successful in the 2022 G1 NSW Trotters Derby, HARRY STAMPER (6) has been a model of consistency in recent in months, with a solid 3.7m 3rd to London To A Brick and Constantinople at this venue four runs ago. Returning to his home state, the Joe Pace-trained 6yo Majestic Son gelding finished runner-up in his next two Melton assignments before a gritty 3.9m 4th to Watts Up Partytime after working for the majority of the 1720m challenge. Champion reinsman Anthony Butt will make the trip to continue his association with Harry Stamper, and although drawn a shade deep, the pair look to be the testing material. BET N WIN (5) has been successful in a dozen of his 22 starts, with a further four placings also in the mix. Prepared by David White and his wide Stacey, the 5yo son of What The Hill arrives on the back of a gritty win at Alexandria Park on May 2 when he accounted for Mr Love and Queen Elida in a 3200m stand start assignment. Bet N Win is more than capable of living up to his name so respect his claims of greeting the judge. The race takes on an open appearance with the two major players already accounted for. COURAGE STRIDE (3) has been thereabouts in his past three, although he has managed just one placed effort, a 3.4m 3rd to Sunny Gee. The Blake Fitzpatrick-trained 6yo son of Muscle Hill is coming off a creditable 4.6m 5th to Leaf Stride in a 2300m stand event on June 7. Suitably drawn, Courage Stride is a suitable exotic runner. ALDEBARAN JENSEN (2) has also been thereabouts in recent encounters and with a good draw next to his name, the 5yo should also be linked to the exotics. G O A T (1) is a lot better than his 25.5m 7th to Constantinople a week ago. The 4yo son of Walner was resuming from a spell, with back-to-back wins at Menangle coming his way before that break. Prepared by Rickie Alchin, G O A T is open to a vastly better effort so keep him safe in the exotics, especially from gate one. Last start winner LEAF STRIDE (9), along with SUNNY GEE (4) and SPEEDY LOVER (11) are also value exotic chances.

HARRY STAMPER 1, Bet N Win 2, Courage Stride 3, Aldebaran Jensen 4.

RACE EIGHT:

A beaten favourite at Headquarters a week ago, LONDON TO A BRICK (4) will again start with an odds-on quote next to his name. But this time the James Rattray trained and driven 5yo will be greeting the judge. Following a stylish win at this venue over Toro Stride and Rakero Blaze before working to occupy the role outside of the leader, which was Constantinople, when a gritty 2.7m 2nd behind the Luke McCarthy trained and driven entrant. With three wins and four placings from his past seven starts, London To A Brick will again be seen to advantage. Looming as the main threat is the Ken Tippet trained and driven HILLWINSOME (5), which has won a couple of late, so he is more than capable. The 4yo son of What The Hill managed to win back-to-back races at Cranbourne before a well-beaten last to Blanco Canyon when he began badly from behind the mobile, prior to a determined 1.9m 2nd to Exasperation at Warragul a week ago. The southern visitor is bound to be in the mix for a long way. MALIBUU (2) led in scoring here two starts ago before a useful 8.6m 6th to Leaf Stride when involved in a stand start event. Suitably drawn in two, the daughter of Sebastian K is bound to give a good account. ALPHA STRIDE (6) scored here back in May, then was never in the hunt when a distant last to Malibuu in late May. The 4yo son of Captaintreacherous was having his first assignment as a trotter on that occasion and at this stage he remains a minor exotic player.

LONDON TO A BRICK 1, Hillwinsome 2, Malibuu 3, Alpha Stride 4.