Champion mare looks to have 'Ranji Bill' covered

RACE ONE:

Following two eye-catching performances in recent weeks, CAPTAIN TOM (6) is poised to greet the judge for the first time at Menangle. Prepared by Jarrod Alchin and to be driven by Cam Hart, Captain Tom has finished runner-up in three of his four attempts at Headquarters, the first just over a month ago when he chased home Craftsman Charlie, coming from a deep peg role in doing so. Transferred to the stables of Jarrod following that run, the son of Captaintreacherous then finished a 12.7m 8th behind Ooga Shaka before again finishing strongly in recording a 2.2m 2nd to Ideal Marquess. Drawing wide for his latest assignment last week, the 4yo settled into a comfortable midfield role, prior to stretching out boldly in finishing 1.8m behind his stablemate My Ultimate Snowy. With the benefit of a slightly better draw, Captain Tom will have the opportunity to secure a role closer to the action and if that eventuates, then a deserving win will be within reach. The Shane Sanderson-trained OURMATEMENKO (7) will be looking to secure back-to-back wins at this venue following a solid effort against similar opposition last time out. First out, then taking a sit, Ourmatemenko finished a shade too well for Caulonia Courage and Speculating. Ryan Duffy had the drive on that occasion and is again likely to fill that role. Despite drawing a couple of spots wider for this assignment, the 4yo son of Downbytheseaside should be in the mix from the outset. CAULONIA COURAGE (5) followed a couple of narrow wins with two solid efforts in defeat, finishing runner-up to Treacherous Gall and Ourmatemenko, respectively. Caught facing the breeze last week, the Troy Williams-prepared son of Courage Under Fire faded in finishing a 15m 7th to My Ultimate Snowy. Handily drawn., the 6yo is capable of again playing a role in the finish. MICK DANGER (4) is racing in fine fashion and is more than capable of again being involved in the finish. Greeting the judge four runs back, the Ian Wilson-trained son of Captaintreacherous has been finishing his races off in a determined fashion, with his latest effort resulting a closing 5.6m 3rd to My Ultimate Snowy. With the benefit of a suitable draw, Jim Douglass will be looking to secure a role closer to the action, which will then allow Mick Danger to be a serious threat. The interesting runner is the Tasmanian DE GOEY (1), which has drawn the pole position. Formerly with Rohan Hadley and now under the care of James Rattray, the 4yo son of Captaintreacherous scored at Launceston three runs ago before a gritty 8m 2nd to Nyack. Next assignment for the gelding was the Eureka qualifying event, The Beautide, at Hobart on August 3. Settling in a rearward role De Goey worked home stoutly but was no match for the classy Victorian Fighter Command, with the Jess Tubbs-trained and  Greg Sugars exciting prospect greeting the judge with a margin of 21.5m to spare over Nyack and De Goey. This will be an interesting challenge for De Goey and in a race of numerous winning chances, he is entitled to be included in the mix, especially when it comes to multiple combinations. WINOA WRITER (3) is racing consistently and must be involved in multiple transactions while a fitter ALTA BILLY (2) is coming off a 7.8m 8th to Huta at Bathurst recently when resuming from a spell. The draw should result in the son of Alta Christiano receiving a kind run and that will assist his exotic prospects. SPECULATING (10) has drawn the outside gate and while he has been mixing his form, the Chris Judd-trained 4yo should be included in the exotics.

CAPTAIN TOM 1, Ourmatemenko 2, Caulonia Courage 3, Mick Danger 4.

RACE TWO:

With the $2.1m Eureka just weeks away, Brad Hewitt will be looking for a winning display from his star 4yo, CAPTAINS KNOCK (3) , which hasn’t won a race since opening his latest term of racing with a strong finishing display in defeating Stravinsky and Tuppence on June 8. However, his subsequent six runs have all been quality efforts, despite being placed just twice. Following his first-up win, Captains Knock then finished close up in two unplaced Menangle encounters before heading north for the Queensland Winter carnival. In all three engagements, the G1 Rising Sun, Sunshine Sprint consolation and the G3 4YO Championship, respectively, the classy son of Captaintreacherous drew the second row, adding to the degree of difficulty. Checked and working three wide in the Rising Sun, Captains Knock posted a gritty 4.8m 4th to Wisper Secret before again coming with a three deep run when beaten a nose by Jimartee. The Goulburn visitor then wrapped-up his visit to the Sunshine State with a gritty 11m 6th to Blazing Home when he worked in securing the role outside of the leader. Returning to this venue last week, Captains Knock drew gate one and that allowed Brad to present the 4yo with a kind peg role, firstly behind Max Delight, prior to being shuffled back a further spot when his stablemate Taipo crossed over to the pegs in taking up the role as pacemaker. Held up for a clear run until the 200m marker, Captain Knock hit the line strongly in recording a 2m 3rd to Max Delight and Taipo. The work of Captain Knock over the final 100m was superb. Once again the entire will be confronted by older rivals, but Captains Knock will be looking to head into the Eureka on a winning note. The Kyle Marshall-trained BACH (4) arrives from Victoria in fine form with the 5yo  accounting for Yambukian and Bulletproof Boy at Melton back in late June. The son of Bettors Delight has been in the mix in his subsequent three encounters won by Like A Wildfire, Ladies In Red and finally, an 8.8m 5th to Mach Dan last week. On each occasion Bach has faced the starter from a back row draw, so the move into gate four is a positive. Another positive is the booking of Cam Hart. When successful four runs back, Bach was able to use his gate speed in securing a soft run behind the leader, prior to finishing strongly. Cam will be looking to have Bach in a challenging role form the outset. Apart from Captains Knock the other ‘big ticket’ attraction in this race is the star WA pacer, NEVER ENDING (10), which is also heading for a date with destiny when he faces the starter for the Eureka. Prepared by Justin Prentice and to be driven by Gary hall Jnr, the son of Sweet Lou has drawn the outside gate for his first Menangle assignment. Boasting a superb record, which consists of 16 wins and three placings from just 21 starts, Never Ending is coming off a solid 4.4m 2nd to Tenzing Bromac at Gloucester Park on August 2 when he drew wide and was restrained to a midfield role. The 4yo must be treated with respect despite facing older rivals from a tricky draw. MAJOR MOTH (6) contested two races during the Queensland carnival, winning both of his Albion park assignments in fine style. Formerly a member of the Emma Stewart team, the 6yo son of Art Major resumed from a spell under the care of Jason Grimson when he comfortably defeated Sure Thing Captain and Collect A Dime. Major Moth was again able to dictate the terms when he was untroubled in accounting for Mymatepog and Targaryen a couple of weeks ago. Compared to those two appearances, this will be a lot harder, but nothing he has faced in the past, during the course of his 30-start career which has resulted in 15 wins and six placings. As always, PETES SAID SO (9) won’t be far away from the outset as the son of Well Said is bound to leave the machine with intent. The 8yo is coming off a 9.7m 5th to Max Delight a week ago, so when it comes to exotic investments Peters Said So must be taken into account. CURLY JAMES (8) has had two runs for Jason Grimson, scoring first-up at Albion Park before a creditable 7.5m 4th to Jimartee at that same venue. The former Victorian is worthy of exotic attention, along with another current southern visitor in BULLETPROOF BOY (7) for Scott Ewen. The 9yo led in defeating Perfect Class and Sew What at Melton three runs ago, before starting from the back row when a 13.2m 6th to Mach Dan and a 15.8m 9th to Mach once again, just a week ago. The front line will enable Bulletproof Boy to make his own luck so don’t ignore his exotic prospects.

CAPTAINS KNOCK 1, Bach 2, Never Ending 3, Major Moth 4.

RACE THREE:

The Geoffrey Harding-trained CRAFTSMAN CHARLIE (4) has been in superb form since resuming from a spell and with a suitable assignment awaiting him, the son of Art Major is poised to break through the $100,000 in prizemoney barrier, courtesy of his 10th career win. A dominant all-the-way winner over Captain Tom and King Tiger three runs ago, the 4yo then recorded a solid 9.5m 3rd to older rivals in Pitch Perfect and Vanquish Stride before heading back to Headquarters on August 3 for his latest challenge. After being the first over to the pegs, driver Matthew Harding elected to take a sit when a gritty 2.3m 2nd behind the classy Dougs Platter, which worked over from a middle of the line draw in taking over the lead role. The same trip applies (2300m) and once again, Craftsman Charlie will be looking to cross those inside before Matthew again makes the decision to hold or take cover. Either way, Craftsman Charlie will be involved in the finish. DOUGS PLATTER (10) has drawn the outside gate, compared to six when he last accounted for Craftsman Charlie. The 4yo son of Betterthancheddar was left facing the breeze at his next assignment, which resulted in a determined 2nd to Jilliby Nitro. Still hoping to secure a role in the Eureka, Dougs Platter will have to win this event in a convincing manner to grab the attention of a slot holder. TERRY (5) was having his second run for Darren Binskin when he led in comfortably accounted for Wavethebill and Has The Courage in what was a welcome return to form. The former Victorian has recorded just two placings from his previous 15 starts and with this confidence-boosting display, the 7yo son of Terror To Love will again give a bold in what will be a harder assignment. CYA RT (8) resumed from a spell with a 2.4m 3rd to Mymatepog at Albion Park before posting a 15m 5th to stablemate Major Moth at that venue once again on August 10. Fitter and capable of handling this assignment with a bold showing, Cya Art should be linked to the multiples. BOOM (6) returns to a suitable challenge after four unplaced efforts in races won by Petes Said So, Max Delight and Jilliby Nitro, respectively, and a week ago, when an 11.7m 8th to his stablemate, Star Major. The 7yo son of Alta Christiano is capable of a far more competitive showing so don’t ignore his exotic prospects. DOUBLE ACT (7) has been responsible for two recent sound efforts, firstly in finishing a 6.5m 4th to Malcolms Rhythm while a week ago the Harry Martin-trained 6yo produced a gritty effort in finishing a 1.6m 4th to Ardens Ace. Double Act is also worthy of exotic involvement.

CRAFTMANS CHARLIE 1, Dougs Platter 2, Terry 3, Cya Art 4.

RACE FOUR:

The Steven Duffy-conditioned SERG BLANCO ( 6) will be looking to go one better on his previous and only Menangle assignment when he faces the starter in what appears to be a suitable challenge for the Victorian. Following four unplaced efforts to open his latest term of racing, the 6yo son of Bettors Delight headed to Menangle on August 10, with the classy gelding sent out favourite for the 1609m challenge. Drawing gate eight, Serg Blanco was allowed to begin comfortably before driver Ryan Duffy pushed the ‘go button’ which resulted in the popular elect taking up the role as pacemaker. Comfortable middle sectionals allowed Serg Blanco to swing for home with a useful break. However, after three years in the wildness, Malcoms Rhythm managed to greet the judge, 1.5m ahead of Serg Blanco. With the benefit of his Menangle experience and a suitable draw, Serg Blanco will be ready to go one better this time around. MISSED THE TRUTH (3) has been runner-up either side of a 15.6m 7th to Max Delight. The Jarrod Alchin-trained 5yo is coming off a solid-finishing 2.8m 2nd here last week behind Star Major. After enjoying a productive period of racing when last in work, Missed The Truth has been below that standard. However, the son of Somebeachsomewhere has also been up against older and talented rivals this time. Suitably drawn in three, Missed The Truth is worthy of more than a passing thought. KANENA PROVLIMA (7) has just two placings to show for his nine runs since resuming from a spell, but there are a number of solid unplaced efforts included in his stats. Returning to home base following a creditable Queensland campaign, the Lucky Lodge representative led in finishing a gritty 2.8m 5th to Whereyabinboppin before drawing the outside gate in settling in a rearward role here last week. Making up steady ground over the final stages, the 8yo son of A Rocknroll Dance posted a solid 6.7m 4th to Star Major. Moving in a few spots at the start for this engagement, Kanena Provlima will have the opportunity to secure a role closer to the front than the rear, and that will enhance his winning prospects. STAR MAJOR (8) thrived on the tough challenge last week in defeating Missed The Truth and Loyalist. Drawing wide, then working to race without cover, the James Rattray trained and driven 8yo son of Art Major refused to throw in the towel. Star Major will again launch his claims from a wide draw, but don’t disrespect the Exeter entrant. When it comes to the multiples both MACH DA VINCI (5) and OUR MONEY ROCKS (4) should be given another chance.

SERG BLANCO 1, Missed The Truth 2, Kanena Provlima 3, Star Major 4.

RACE FIVE:

The Scott Ewen trained and driven TARA VICTORY (2) arrives from Victorian with the form required to take a power of beating in this field, especially after the mare drew gate one. From her past five starts the daughter of Vincent has collected two wins, Cranbourne and Melton, respectively, the latter when she finished strongly in defeating Always Be Blakey and Steel Ruler. The 4yo mare has been unplaced in each of her past two Melton encounters, but hasn’t been disgraced in posting a 9m 6th to Rockandance, prior to a 6.5m 7th behind Tallaras Shadow a couple of weeks ago. Lining up behind gate two, Tara Victory will have the opportunity to secure a suitable run from the outset and with the lengthy Menangle straight likely to benefit her finishing burst, Scott will have the opportunity to present the mare with a kind run before making his move. OUTSIDE FIGHTER (4) is looking to complete a hat-trick of wins after determined performances in Tuesday company. The 7yo son of Art Major overcame a wide gate and midfield role in defeating Mini Mine Yet and Bettors Hope, prior to working early in finding the role as pacemaker when he held on bravely in defeating Stir Me Up and Red Reactor. The draw is suitable and Jack Callaghan will be keen to have Outside Fighter throwing punches from the outset in an attempt to land a knock-out blow by the time the judge calls a halt. MURPHYS REWARD (3) had been racing consistently prior to a disappointing 19.7m 6th to Major Reason at Newcastle last week. Sent out as an odds-on favourite, the Seaton Grima-trained, Ash Delosa driven 6yo was never a factor from his four peg role after racing keenly. The draw is a plus and a far better showing from the son of Somebeachsomewhere wouldn’t surprise. DONNIE MAC (6) has been in fine form of late, winning two of his past three starts at Headquarters. The Kristie O’Sullivan-trained 4yo son of Tintin In America received a kind run behind the leader, courtesy of Dean Cernovskis, en route to easily accounting for Michael Caine and Mini Mine Yet. The task becomes a shade more difficult, but, certainly not out of the reach of Donnie Mac. MAEBEE (7) is an interesting runner as the Tasmanian arrives with creditable form. A member of the Todd Rattray team, the 5yo son of Bettors Delight scored at Hobart two starts back, prior to ending back to that venue on August 3 in posting a 13.4m 6th to his outstanding stablemate, Magician. Maebee is at least worthy of exotic involvement. The consistent KATES VIRTUE (1) has drawn ideally in one and that means that Jim Douglass will have the Ian Wilson-trained mare in a comfortable stalking role from the outset. The 5yo daughter of Well Said hasn’t won since this time last year when she scored at Penrith. However, the mare has been a consistent performer since and that makes her an ideal exotic player. OURTREACHEROUS REIGN (5) and THE METAL FLYER (8) remain in the mix when it comes to multiple transactions.

TARA VICTORY 1, Outside Fighter 2, Murphys Reward 3, Donnie Mac 4.

RACE SIX:

The running of the Ranji Bill Stakes is next up and despite drawing the outside gate in the field of eight, it is hard to go past the brilliant AARDIES EXPRESS (8) as the one to beat. The winner of four of her six starts since a spell, the G1 Queen Elizabeth 1 being the highlight, and of her outstanding career, Aardies Express faced the starter in two Albion Park assignments during July, with a gritty all-the-way win coming her way in the G3 Fleur Del Lil, with Manhattan and Tay Tay chasing her home, prior to lining up in the G1 Golden Girl a month ago. Caught facing the breeze, the 5yo daughter of Always B Miki fought on bravely, but was unable to fend off the finishing burst of Eye Keep Smiling, which enjoyed a kind run in the one-one when Aardies Express made her move. Boasting three wins from four starts at this venue, her only defeat coming four runs ago when the mare finished an unlucky 6.8m 4th to hector in the Paul Fitzpatrick FFA, Aardies Express will enjoy being back in the bigger track. Looming as a threat to Aardies Express will be the Brad Hewitt trained and driven MILLWOOD BLISS (6), a quality mare in her own right. Following a hat-trick of wins, culminating with her last-stride effort in taking out the consolation of the Rising Sun at AP, where she accounted for subsequent G1 Golden Girl winner Eye Keep Smiling, the 3yo daughter of Sweet Lou then contested the G1 Queensland Oaks at Albion Park. With Brad dictating the terms, Millwood bliss fought on bravely in recording a 2m 3rd to Aardie N Miki and Look Like Diamonds. Unbeaten in three runs at this venue, Millwood Bliss will definitely five her older rival a run for her money. MY MOONLITE DREAM (2) performed well during her Queensland campaign, wining a couple at Albion Park before an 8th to Eye Keep Smiling in the G1 Golden Girl. Following a 1.7m 3rd to Tay Tay and Manhattan at AP, the Seaton Grima-conditioned mare returned home and posted an impressive head 2nd to the classy Victorian mare and Eureka contender, Major Delight. Confronted by an easier assignment last week. My Moonlite Dream led and was never out of second gear in easily beating Mini Mine Yet and Winona Writer. Ideally drawn in two, Seaton will have My Moonlite Dream prominently placed from the outset. Talented Queenslander GIRL FROM ROSEDALE (5) stepping out for her first assignment as a member of the astute Rickie Alchin team. The 4yo Hurrikane Kingcole mare is coming off a 1.3m 2nd to lady Digby at Albion park a week ago, and although her recent form has been mixed, Girl From Rosedale does boast a win at this track when she recorded an impressive win for her then mentor, Ryan Veivers. While this will be a tough task, Girl From Rosedale remains in the mix as an exotic runner. LITTLE BLISS (4) will enjoy the 2300m and is also a value chance for multiple players while TREACHEROUS GALL (1) and TOTAL DIVA (7), which had four solid efforts before a tiring 21.3m last to Ardens Ace a week ago, is also an exotic player.

AARDIES EXPRESS 1, Millwood Bliss 2, My Moonlite Dream 3, Girl From Rosedale 4.

RACE SEVEN:

SUPER SERVICE (5) has been providing punters with a ‘super service’ since becoming a member of the Peter Rixon team. After striking with a hat-trick of wins, the former Victorian then posted a disappointing 19m 6th to another former Victorian in The Locomotive, prior to hitting the line strongly when a 3.9m 2nd to Toro Stride. Crossing from gate seven and finding the lead last week, Super Service was rated to perfection by Jack Callaghan, with the pair then going on to easily defeat Speedy Lover and Aldebaran Jensen. Suitably drawn in five ands up against similar opposition, the 6yo son of Majestic Son should continue on his winning way. TORO STRIDE (6) looms as the main threat to Super Service. The Joe and Mary Rando-trained 5yo has won three of his past four, with a 14.3m 4th to The Locomotive in the mix after the chestnut started from a 20m handicap. Following that appearance, Toro Stride was able to comfortably account for Super Service when he enjoyed a kind run behind the leader. Jim Douglass will again be keen to have the son of Love You prominently placed from the outset, mindful of keeping Super Service within his sights. CALIGULA (8) led when a solid 5m 3rd behind Toro Stride and Super Service, and he again favoured to fill that role. The Paul Fitzpatrick led from gate eight on that occasion, the same saddlecloth he will carry into this contest. Although he can be hard to follow, the 8yo son of Majestic Son is capable of again being in the mix from the outset in giving plenty of cheek. ONE MAJIC KENNY (7) is prepared by Lisa Fitzpatrick, so Blake may have a decision to make. Drive for dad or the wife. ONE MAJIC KENNY hasn’t won since last November, with the 7yo finishing unplaced in his past five starts, the latest when a 13.8m 5th to Super Service a week ago. One Majic Kenny is at least worthy of exotic consideration. DOWN UNDER EARL (2) had been racing consistently, posting two wins and a couple of placings, prior to breaking early and losing all chance when a 58m last behind Super Service last week. The Troy Williams-prepared 9yo son of Down Under Muscles has drawn well and is entitled to further attention when it comes to forming multiple combinations. CHIEF RUNNINGCLOUD (4) and SHEZA PLEASURE (3) are value players at best when it comes to the exotics.

SUPER SERVICE 1, Toro Stride 2, Caligula 3, One Majic Kenny 4.

RACE EIGHT:

Despite taking his place behind the outside gate, CASH AND BLING (10) is capable of producing a winning display in what appeals as a suitable assignment for the Darren Binskin trained and driven son of Bling It On. Since greeting the judge six runs back, Cash And Bling hasn’t been far away in defeat, with two placings and three consecutive unplaced appearances coming his way. The 4yo posted a solid finishing 5.8m 5th to Ourmatemenko, then again settled in a rearward role on the pegs when he finished stoutly in recording an 8.4m 5th behind My Ultimate Snowy last week. DJ is likely to allow Cash And Bling to again settle in the second half of the field, saving him for one final shot at the cash. In an open and tough contest, Cash And Bling is capable of proving hard to hold out. Former Victorian AMERICAN LEGACY (7) will create a great deal of interest as he steps out for the first time as a member of the Sofia Arvidsson team. The 6yo greeted the judge at Bendigo and Melton, respectively, prior to a solid 3rd to Vee Em Gee Macray at Melton, beaten 3.6m. Recent encounters include a 10.4m 4th behind Eureka hopeful, Fighter Command, then a 5.9m 6th to Clymenus and a 14m 6th behind the talented Hes From Heaven at Melton a couple of weeks ago. That form is certainly good enough to be a major player at his first Menangle engagement. Rarely far away when the judge calls a halt, HAS THE COURAGE (3) is again favoured to play a role in the outcome after drawing comfortably in three. The son of Courage Under Fire hit the line strongly when a 3.6m 4th to Outside Fighter two starts ago, then followed that with another solid effort in coming from a four peg role in claiming 3rd spot behind Terry and Wavethebill last week, beaten 8.6m in the process. Capable of being a contender for the top spot, Has The Courage is an ideal type when it comes to forming multiple transactions. SURF ACE (2) narrowly accounted for Red Reactor and Captain Ritchie before finishing a useful 12.2m 6th to Terry last week. Prepared by Kerry Towers, the 6yo son of Somebeachsomewhere has been mixing his form, but from gate two the gelding is capable of making a play for a role in the finish so include him when giving thought to exotic investments. CONSTANTINA (1) has been thereabouts, without being a serious threat, however, the mare has drawn well and is a value player for the exotics. KING TIGER (4) hasn’t been far away in his past three assignments, the latest resulting in an 11.4m 5th to Terry last week. Like his stablemate Constantina, the son of Tiger Tara remains in the mix as an exotic runner. RED REACTOR (8) was always in a rearward peg role in finishing a creditable 8.2m 5th to Lettuce Nipya on Tuesday. The veteran had been placed in his previous two encounters and a bold showing wouldn’t come as a surprise.

CASH AND BLING 1, American Legacy 2, Has The Courage 3, Surf Ace 4.

  - FORM ASSESSED BY MIKE KO'CASS