Captains Knock on target for Alf Phillis

RACE ONE:

Although three unplaced efforts appear next to his name, the recent form of LOYALIST (7) is a lot better than it appears on paper. Following a determined 4.3m 3rd to Hector and Jay Ok in the Paul Fitzpatrick FFA at Menangle Four runs ago, when second-up from a spell, Loyalist then headed to Queensland for the Winter carnival, with a 9.2m 8th to Jimartee in the consolation of the Sunshine Sprint being his opening encounter. Drawing the back row and Striking some interference, Loyalist then stepped out in the Blacks A Fake consolation at Albion Park. The Joe Conolly-trained 7yo was again confronted by a 2nd line draw, which resulted in a four peg role coming his way. The son of Bettors Delight had little go his way in posting a closing 5.4m 5th to Don Hugo. Returning home after that encounter. Loyalist faced the starter at Menangle last week and, once again he caught the eye in finishing a 7.3m 7th to Whereyabinboppin. Drawing wide and settling in a rearward role, the gelding found the line with intent over the concluding 100m. There is no doubt that Loyalist is racing well, and with better luck in running, a winning display in what looks to be an open contest, is well within his reach. KANENA PROVLIMA (10) also contested the race won by Whereyabinboppin, but the 8yo had every chance after drawing the pole position. With Robert Morris dictating the terms, the 8yo son of A Rocknroll Dance battled on stoutly in finishing 5th, beaten 2.8m. The Lucky Lodge representative has drawn the outside gate this time, however, his form is hard to ignore so respect his claims. With the benefit of two runs back from a spell, and for new mentor Sofia Arvidsson, ABOUTTIME (5) must be included as one of the major contenders for the top spot. The talented son of Art Major resumed with a lack-lustre 18.7m 9th to Max Delight, but hit the line strongly last week in recording a 1.6m 4th to Whereyabinboppin. Abouttime has drawn reasonably in five and with a higher level of fitness is capable of launching an attack from the outset. With a positive run, Abouttime has the ability to make his presence felt. Since greeting the judge at this venue six runs ago, STAR MAJOR (9) has finished out of the money, however, he hasn’t been far away on each occasion. From a midfield role last week, the James Rattray trained and driven 8yo battled on stoutly when beaten 8.6m in finishing 8th to his stablemate, Whereyabinboppin. The draw will add to the degree of difficulty, but Star Major is capable of being in the mix when the judge calls a halt. MISSED THE TRUTH (6) posted a solid 2.3m 2nd to Max Delight two starts ago, following three unplaced, but sound efforts from a spell. Nestled five pegs last week, Missed The Truth was never a factor in posting a 15.6m 7th behind Max Delight. The Jarrod Alchin-trained son of Somebeachsomewhere is capable of better so don’t leave the 5yo out of multiple combinations. BOOM (4) has been thereabouts of late and stays in the multiple mix while MACH DA VINCI (8), despite his struggles of late, also has claims in that department.

LOYALIST 1, Kanena Provlima 2, Abouttime 3, Star Major 4.

RACE TWO:

Following a disappointing previous term of racing, talented mare TOTAL DIVA (6) has returned to form this campaign with four solid displays, indicating that she was poised to greet the judge once again. Prepared by Peter Hanson, Total Diva posted a hat-trick of placings, twice in races won by the brilliant Victorian mare, Major Delight. Contesting the Norms Daughter at Headquarters a week ago, the daughter of Terror To Love was again up against the might of the Emma Stewart stable in Major Delight, which again produced superior, albeit, by a narrow margin. Total Diva worked home stoutly from a four peg role in posting a game 6m and pleasing, 6m 4th to the Eureka hopeful. Without a win since November 2022, Total Diva will contest a suitable assignment, compared to her four runs since a break, and with her confidence receiving a big boost, this race is well within her reach. Always in the mix and also returning to a suitable challenge is the Tony Bertwistle-trained ARDENS ACE (4), with a suitable draw being an added plus. The 6yo son of Art Major led out before taking a sit, which is his usual game plan, when a 1.6m 3rd behind Malcolms Rhythm and Serg Blanco a week ago. Drawn ideally in three, which is less the reserve, and once again the 6yo will cross and then it will interesting to see if Ardens Ace attempts to hold and dictate this time around. Either way, Ardens Ace will be in the finish. UNFAZED (9) came from  four back in the running line when a solid 3m 6th to Whereyabinboppin last week. The 7yo son of Auckland Reactor has been racing consistently since returning from a  spell and this event appears to be a suitable challenge for the Paul Fitzpatrick-trained gelding. Despite the wide draw, Unfazed will again make his presence known. Following three safely held unplaced efforts, JILLIBY NITRO (10) powered home over the final stages in defeating Dougs Platter and Pitch Perfect last week. The Peter Rixon-prepared son of Bettors Delight has drawn deep for this challenge, but that shouldn’t be a major hurdle. Previously driven by Ellen, then Will, Jilliby Nitro will have the services of Hannah this time around. PITCH PERFECT (11) has been in fine form since joining the KerryAnn team at Lucky Lodge. The 8yo has finished 3rd in two of his outings, the latter a week ago when he led in finishing 6.5m behind Jilliby Nitro and Dougs Platter. Sandwiched between those runs was a solid all-the-way win over Vanquish Stride and Craftsman Charlie. Despite drawing the outside gate Robbie Morris may look to send the son of Bettors Delight forward once again , and attempt to set the tempo. LITTLE BLISS (5) again tried hard in posting a 6.4m 5th to Major Delight in the Norms Daughter Stakes at Menangle last week. The Troy Williams-conditioned daughter of Art Major is bound to be charging late once again, so don’t ignore her claims. Minor exotic claims are given to DOUBLE ACT (2) and ROLL UP (8), which is coming off a solid win over Total Diva and Boots Electric here a few weeks ago when under the care of Luke McCarthy. Roll Up will be having his first run for David Waite, following an unplaced Penrith trial outing.

TOTAL DIVA 1, Ardens Ace 2, Jilliby Nitro 3, Pitch Perfect 4.

RACE THREE:

On the back of an eye-catching run here last week, the Jarrod Alchin-trained CAPTAIN TOM (10) is favoured to greet the judge, despite the presence of the outside draw. Following a determined all-the-way win in the Temora Cup four starts ago, Captain Tom then finished a solid 5.7m 2nd to Craftsman Charlie at Menangle, with the 4yo then transferred to the astute Menangle mentor. Safely held when a 12.7m 8th to Ooga Chaka when always in a rearward role, the son of Captain Treacherous drew wide last week, but remained the popular pick, when an eye-catching 2.2m 2nd behind Ideal Marquess. Once again, Captain Tom came from back in the pack in making up many metres over the final 200m. With Cam hart electing to drive the stablemate MY ULTIMATE SNOWY (9), which should be looked upon as a good guide to that particular runners claims, Jack Callaghan has been snapped up for the drive. In an open and tough contest, Captain Tom is worthy of another chance. Troy Williams has CAULONIA COURAGE (5) racing in peak for with the son of Courage Under Fire following back-to-back wins at this venue, with a couple of solid efforts in defeat. Beaten 1.3m by the former Kiwi mare Treacherous Gall, the 6yo then worked outside of the leader when a determined head 2nd to Ourmatemenko last week. Caulonia Courage has drawn a few spots kinder and with the prospect of being in the mix from the outset, another competitive showing will be forthcoming. CASH AND BLING (3) worked home nicely from a four peg role in posting a 5.8m 5th to Ourmatemenko and is capable of playing a bigger role in the finish. The Darren Binskin trained and driven son of Bling It On hasn’t been far away in each of his past four starts, following a solid win here. The 4yo has again drawn suitably so expect Cash And Bling to be involved in the finish. MY ULTIMATE SNOWY (9) has been in the mix in each of his past five starts, following a couple, and although confronted by a wide gate, the son of Sweet Lou can’t be overlooked as a serious threat. After enjoying the one-one, the 4yo kept grinding away when a 5m 5th to Dance And Deliver back on June 22. A recent Menangle trial winner, My Ultimate Snowy can’t be taken lightly. IDEAL MARQUESS (8) is coming off a solid win a week ago when he powered home in defeating Captain Tom and Kaitoa. The Paul Fitzpatrick-conditioned son of American Ideal has drawn wider for this tougher contest, however, the 6yo is in fine form, with two wins and three placings the result of his past five appearances. That makes Ideal Marquess at least an ideal exotic runner. Following two solid wins, OOGA CHAKA (7) has been unplaced in his past two, but the 5yo son of Art Major should be considered when forming multiple investments, along with MICK DANGER (6), which is racing in fine fashion, with the slightly better draw to assist his claims of being a threat. Gate one will enhance the claims of VINKE B (1) producing another consistent display, which makes him a suitable exotic player as well.

CAPTAIN TOM 1, Caulonia Courage 2, Cash And Bling 3, My Ultimate Snowy 4.

RACE FOUR:

Former Kiwi mare MY MOONLITE DREAM (11) has the chance to record her initial Menangle win, despite drawing the outside gate. After crossing the Tasman to join the Jack Trainor team, the daughter of Always B Miki posted a first-up second, prior to a couple of unplaced displays. Transferred to the stables of Seaton Grima, My Moonlite Dream enjoyed immediate success when she recorded back-to-back wins at Albion Park, the latter when she led throughout in defeating Madrigal and Sporty Dancer. Contesting the G3 Fleur Del Lil and then the G1 Golden Girl, My Moonlite Dream posted two respectable efforts in finishing a 6m 5th to Aardies Express and an 8.5m 8th behind Eye Keep Smiling, respectively. The 5yo then led when a gritty 1.7m 3rd to Tay Tay at AP. Facing the starter in the Norms Daughter at Menangle last week, My Moonlite Dream led when a gallant head 2nd to the classy Major Delight. Josh Gallagher had the reins on that occasion, but Seaton returns from a suspension and will again partner My Moonlite Dream. The draw aside and compared to her recent appearances, this will be a lot easier and My Moonlite Dream will take a power of beating. WINONA WRITER (8) had been on the verge of a winning display for over a month with the mare recording a run of five placings before a creditable 7.3m 7th to Im Rockin It. The Sofia Arvidsson, trained, owned and driven daughter of Sportswriter then was rewarded for her consistency when she powered home in defeating Saveeon and Dieing Art a couple of weeks ago. The 6yo mare has a wider draw to overcome, however, Sofia is likely to again drive her ‘cold’ in making a late surge to the winning post. MARIA ALLEGONDA (4) is coming off a baffling, moderate effort when she led and faded in recording a costly 9m 9th to Winona Writer. Trainer David Thorn has had the mare checked out and everything appears to be ‘spot on’, so it is back to business with the daughter of Sweet Lou. Suitably drawn in four and with solid form behind her, prior to her previous effort, Maria Allegonda remains a serious contender. ELOUISA DALE (7) led when a comfortable Penrith win where she accounted for Polka Delight and Gimmefiveminutesmore. The 6yo daughter of Lincoln Royal will be confronted by a tougher test, but is a suitable runner for exotic investors. Also in the mix when it comes to multiple transactions are CHARLIES ACE (2), MINI MINE YET (3) and NOR WESTA (5). Include SAVEEON (6) as a threat if the Ash Grives trained and driven mare is required to come off the bench. The 4yo is racing in fine style of late and is more than capable of making her presence felt in this type of contest.

MY MOONLITE DREAM 1, Winona Writer 2, Maria Allegonda 3, Elouisa Dale 4.

RACE FIVE:

After drawing the back row in each of his three Albion Park assignments, CAPTAINS KNOCK (1) will appreciate the return to a far more enjoyable starting role when he faces the starter for the Alf Phillis FFA. The classy 4yo opened his Queensland campaign in the G1 Rising Sun on July 13, and after striking some trouble, posted a solid 4.8m 4th to Wisper A Secret. Next stop was the consolation of the Sunshine Sprint and with trainer-driver Brad Hewitt managing to secure the one-one, Captains Knock worked to the line strongly in recording a photo 2nd to Jimartee. Little luck went the way of the son of Captaintreacherous when he tackled the G3 4YO Championship at AP on July 27. Working three deep in eventually securing the role outside of the leader, captains Knock faded over the final stages in recording an 11m 6th to Blazing Home. The last time Captains Knock greeted the judge was when he resumed over this course and distance on June 8, with Stravinsky and Tuppence filling the minors. With the Eureka less than a month away, Brad will be keen to see his star back in a winning frame of mind, and although taking on older rivals, Captains Knock should be able to get the job done. It is hard to go past MAX DELIGHT (6) as the one to beat as the  David Aiken-trained 8yo is racing with plenty of confidence. The son of Bettors Delight has overcome gate 8 in both wins, with the gelding finding the lead role, and dictating the terms to perfection, courtesy of Amanda Turnbull. Accounting for Missed The truth and Petes Said So first time around, Max Delight then proved too good for Petes Said So and Total Diva. For this assignment Max Delight will move two spots closer to the markers and Amanda will again be keen to have the veteran making his presence known from the outset. The role as pacemaker, at least during the opening stages, is likely to be PETES SAID SO (9), which has the gate speed to overcome his wide draw, as per usual. The son of Well Said is racing in peak form, having won two-on-end, prior to a gritty 2.8m 3rd to Max Delight, then a 4m 2nd behind that same pacer on August 3. Each time the 8yo has been first to the pegs, prior to handy over the lead role. That could leave Captains Knock in a tricky, three peg role, if Petes Said So then, hands the lead over to Max Delight, and that scenario is likely to unfold. The consistent JAY OK (2) is coming off a two unplaced efforts behind Max Delight, following a run of six solid placings, which came on the back of a Newcastle win. Ideally drawn and poised to be presented with a stalking role, the 7yo is a suitable exotic player. MALCOLMS RHYTHM (3) finally broke an extended losing run when he greeted the judge last week in defeating Serg Blanco and Ardens Ace. Despite competing from outside the leader the 8yo son of Art Major was able to grind out a tough win, his first since winning a heat of the Inter Dominion back in November 2021. From his kinder draw the David Aiken-trained gelding must be linked to exotic investments. BROOKLYN BRIDGE (4) has been improving with each outing since a spell, with his fourth run back resulting in a 1.5m 3rd to Whereyabinboppin a week ago. Prepared by Jarrod Alchin and to be driven by Cam Hart, the Sweet Lou 5yo is another to consider when it comes to multiple transactions. SIMPLY SAM (7) had been at this venue, then during the course of his Queensland campaign, prior to a 50m 5th to Leap To Fame in the G1 Blacks A Fake over 2680m. The 5yo son of American Ideal can be forgiven in finishing so far behind the champ. Back home and Simply Sam is also in the mix when it comes to forming exotic combinations.

CAPTAINS KNOCK 1, Max Delight 2, Petes Said So 3, Jay OK 4.

RACE SIX:

It is impossible to go past DANGEROUS THREATS (9) as the one to beat after his destroyed his rivals last time out in the 3YO NSW Bred Final at this venue on August 3. Taking charge of the contest from the outset, the KerryAnn Morris-conditioned son of For A Reason powered to the line and when the judge called a halt to proceedings, the 3yo colt had a margin of 32.6m to spare over Rocku and Glitter Aint Gold, both talented performers in their own right. The win by Dangerous Threats was his third on end, and as he continues to thrive with race experience, this assignment should see him extend his winning run, despite the presence of a wide gate. IF, his winning run is to come to an end, then OUR GOAT (10) is the one to bring about such a result. Under the care of Bernie Hewitt when he scored by 14.9m at Young on June 21, the 3yo son of Warrawee Needy continued his career as a member of the Peter Rixon team at Penrith a few weeks later, and once again, Our Goat was anything but when he led in scoring by 10m over his new stablemate Denny Rocks. Facing the starter for a 3YO NSW Bred Final at Headquarters on July 13, Our Goat dictated the terms from start to finish in defeating A Lot Of Luvin and Humble. Once again Our Goat was untroubled in scoring. With the two ‘power players’ both heading into this contest with a hat-trick of wins behind them, there will be a ‘power play’ from the outset as these two promising youngsters look to continue on their winning way. Which one will it be ? COLLECTIVE WORKS (2) has won his past two at Newcastle and Bankstown, respectively, the latter coming from back in the field to take out a far easier assignment. The good draw will at least give the son of Art Major the chance to be involved as an exotic runner. SARA TA SLOY (4) posted a solid Penrith trial placing before resuming from a spell as a member of the Nathan Xuereb team. Working to find the role outside of the leader the daughter of My General Lee faded over the final stages in recording a 22m 6th to Sally Bigtime. Fitter and handily drawn, Sara Ta Sloy is also in the mix when it comes to the multiples. Jack Brown will be hoping that his sister Rebecca can deliver him a belated 20th birthday present after the talented young driver left his teen years behind him on Monday. Jack will partner the consistent APPLIED (3), which has contested 10 races for two wins and six placings, five of those as runner-up. The promising son of Sweet Lou will be leaving his comfort zone of the Penrith track, but Jack is confident that the long Menangle straight will assist Applied in giving a good account of himself. With the benefit of a suitable draw, Applied will have the chance to secure a handy run behind the speed and that will assist his claims of being involved in the finish. MONDELLO BEACH (5) is also an exotic player, along with DEBONAIRE (8), which was a shade disappointing last time, but the Sweet Lou colt is capable of a better effort.

DANGEROUS THREATS 1, Our Goat 2, Collective Works 3, Sara Ta Sloy 4.

RACE SEVEN:

The consistent LEAF STRIDE (10) appears poised for another strong showing, and although the Joe and Mary Rando-conditioned son of Love You has drawn deep, that won’t stop him from greeting the judge. The 6yo was able to overcome a 40m handicap in defeating Down Under Earl and Valley Star, prior to working home stoutly in posting a 9m 2nd to The Locomotive under mobile conditions a couple of weeks ago. Jim Douglass will jump back into the sulky after Blake Fitzpatrick had the reins last time out. SUPER SERVICE (7) is bound to make his presence felt after another solid showing a week ago. Following a hat-trick of wins, the son of Majestic Son followed those solid displays with a disappointing 19m 6th behind The Locomotive. However, the Peter Rixon-trained 6yo bounced back with a solid-finishing 3.9m 2nd to Toro Stride, coming from a five peg role. Super Service will be driven by Jack Callaghan this time around as Will Rixon will be driving at the Albion Park meeting.

The David Aiken-trained SPEEDY LOVER (11) has drawn the outside gate, however, the 5yo must be rated as a threat. The son of Love You continued his run of minor placings when he worked home stoutly in finishing a 2.5m 2nd to Itzfergietime at this venue on Tuesday. The 5yo drew the outside gate on that occasion, which resulted in a rearward role coming his way. Speedy Lover will again settle back in the pack, but is bound to finishing hard over the final stages. The Troy Williams-conditioned DOWN UNDER EARL (3) will be backing up from his effort here on Tuesday, which resulted in another consistent effort. Following a couple of sound wins the 9yo son of Down Under Muscles finished a 2.9m 3rd to Itzfergietime and Speedy Lover. When forming exotic investments SHEZA PLEASURE (6) has claims as the mare continues to be thereabouts and is capable of again being in the mix when the judge calls a halt. ONE MAJIC KENNY (9) is proving hard to follow of late but he is capable of better so don’t write him off when it comes to the multiples.

LEAF STRIDE 1, Super Service 2, Speedy Lover 3, Down Under Earl 4.

RACE EIGHT:

A race of many chances to end proceedings with the consistent HAS THE COURAGE (5) worthy of further attention. A member of the KerryAnn Morris team at Lucky Lodge, the son of Courage Under Fire continues to be in the mix but, doesn’t win out of turn in doing so. The 9yo last greeted the judge back in early June, however, he has continued to be in contention on a regular basis. Beaten a half-neck when 3rd to Caulonia Courage and Titian Raider two starts back, Has The Courage finished a gritty 3.6m 4th to Outside Fighter at Headquarters on Tuesday. Handily drawn in five, Has The Courage will again make his presence felt and only needs a suitable run to be seen to advantage. TERRY (1) was having his first run for Darren Binskin last week, following a creditable career with Andy and Kate Gath. The 7yo settled five pegs and didn’t have a great deal of luck in the straight and his 12.5m last to Malcolms Rhythm was a lot better than it appears at first glance. Held up behind a wall of horse flesh, DJ was able to switch around numerous carts to get to the middle of the track. Over the final 100m, the son of Terror To Love started to stretch out boldly and made up good ground as a result. Terry was finding the line in a manner which would suggest that in this grade and from the good draw, a winning display isn’t out of the question. SHEFFIELD SPARKY (2) is also under the care of Darren and from his good draw, the 8yo son of Art Major is capable of being a threat. Sheffield Sparky has been thereabouts on a number of occasions of late as he attempts to register his first win since May 2023. Held up for a suitable run when a 5.4m 4th to Whataboyjack, the 8yo son of Art Major then worked home stoutly in posting a creditable 7.7m 5th to Ideal Marquess a week ago. That form is good enough to result in another competitive showing from Sheffield Sparky, especially after drawing gate two. TITIAN RAIDER (10) will be required to overcome the outside alley, but the Harry Martin-conditioned son of Sunshine Beach has solid form of late and is capable of again being a contender. Placed in two of his previous three runs, the 6yo is coming off a 7m 5th to Malcolms Rhythm last week. To assist in offsetting the draw, Titian Raider will appreciate the return to a far more suitable assignment. RYANS GANGSTER (9) followed a Newcastle win with a solid 5.6m 4th to Ourmatemenko last week and with an easier challenge awaiting him, the 6yo Courage Under Fire gelding is a suitable runner for multiple combinations. LOCHIEL (8), SUNDAY MORNINGS (7) and SURF ACE (4) are also contenders in that regard in what should be an open betting race.

HAS THE COURAGE 1, Terry 2, Sheffield Sparky 3, Titian Raider 4.

  - FORM ASSESSED BY MIKE KO'CASS