David's ready for another 'Goliath' effort at Menangle

MIKE KO'CASS FINDS US A WINNER O N ANOTHER MASSIVE FEATURE NIGHT AT TABCORP PARK MENANGLE:

RACE ONE:

Drawing the back row for the Riverina Championship at Wagga a month ago. DASHING (9) had little luck in recording a 17.9m 5th to Captain Hammerhead. Settling in a rearward role before working to be outside of the leader, prior to being shuffled back to a midfield role. Under pressure on the home turn, the son of Art Major was unable to make another run when called upon. Prior to that display, Dashing had recorded a win and three placings, with his trip to the winners' circle coming courtesy of a solid display in defeating Our Luciano and Better Knuckle Up at Headquarters. The 4yo has a tough draw to overcome, but with the Luke McCarthy stable enjoying plenty of success of late, Dashing is capable of adding to the joy. Drawing wide spot is the Michael Stanley trained and driven UBETCHA TIGER (10), who strips fitter following two runs from a spell. Never a threat when resuming at Terang, the 6yo son of Betting Line then overcame a back row draw in finishing strongly to defeat Le Belle Bijoux and Smoken Ace at Melton last week. The Victorian has always shown above-average ability and must be respected. NO HEART THROB (7) continues to racer consistently with the 5yo finishing runner-up in four of his past five starts, with a solid all-the-way win over Cassius Deck and Ravishing Sloy sandwiched between those efforts. The son of Sweet Lou is coming off a big effort when he lost ground in the score up before finishing strongly in finishing 13.7m behind the classy, The Narcissist at Menangle on May 10. Better manners will assist No Heart Throb in making a bold bid for victory. MY MOONLITE DREAM (8) is a quality mare and with the benefit of two runs from a spell. Resuming with a creditable 8.2m 4th to Eye Keep Smiling in the G3 Robin Dundee Stakes, the Seaton Grima trained and driven 6yo then settled five pegs when an 18.5m 9th to Eye Keep Smiling in the G1 Queen Elizabeth 11 Stakes. The daughter of Always Be Miki is bound to leave the machine with intent so expect My Moonlite Dream giving this a big shake. FRANCO TYSON (2) is racing in the peak of his powers, having won four of his past five, but the Brian Portelli-trained 4yo will be confronted by a harder challenge. The draw is a plus and that will assist his claims of being an exotic runner. SPRINGFIELD AFFAIR (1) is a newcomer to the Peter Rixon team and with gate one next to his name the 7yo son of Shadow Play also warrants exotic involvement. Racing consistently in SA, Springfield Affair then contested the Ouyen Pacing Cup a couple of weeks ago, with a 38m 10th to Crime Writer coming his way.

DASHING 1, Ubetcha Tigerpie 2, No Heart Throb 3, My Moonlite Dream 4.

RACE TWO:

With the benefit of two runs since a break, DISTRICT ATTORTNEY (9) is worth an investment, despite the presence of a wide gate. Resuming from his disappointing Inter Dominion campaign, the 6yo finished a creditable 11.7m 9th to Im The Falcon at Menangle, with the son of Courage Under Fire fading on his run over the final stages. Facing the starter here last week, District Attorney raced with cover when a gritty 7.5m 4th to Kanena Provlima. With his level of fitness now heading in the right direction, District Attorney will contest and open a tricky event, but if he can find something like the form, he is capable of producing, then he is capable of producing, then District Attorney will argue a strong case for his support in greeting the judge. TERRY (8) accounted for Petes Said So and Max Delight four runs ago, then posted three unplaced efforts. Despite his fluctuating form, the Darren Binskin-trained 8yo remains a contender once again. Four-pegs in the race won by Nyack last week, the son of Terror To Love posted a 12.3m ninth. Terry has drawn just one spot better than District Attorney, but Terry has the versatility to be a factor from any role. RAVISHING SLOY (6) hasn't been disgraced by his recent unplaced efforts, with a 7m 6th to Im The Falcon, followed by a 9.8m 6th to Nyack last week. From a three-peg role, Josh Gallagher kept 'ducking and weaving' on numerous occasions in an attempt to secure clear running, however, the 4yo son of Bettors Delight failed to secure a suitable passage. As a result, Ravishing Sloy appeared unlucky not to have been involved in the finish. MIKI PINS (6) has been placed in three of his past four assignments and is also in the mix as a winning hope. Third behind Chevron Art and No Heart Throb two starts ago, the 5yo son of Always Be Miki then worked when a grinding 4.8m 3rd to I Break The Line and Skylord a couple of weeks ago. Expect another competitive showing. UNFAZED (5), courtesy of a clever drive by Gavin Fitzpatrick, was able to produce a gritty effort in defeating Pitch Perfect and Mick Danger last time out. The 8yo son of Auckland Reactor will be confronted by a harder test this time, but he is up to the task. MACH DA VINCI (4), SAHARA SIROCCO (1) and DOUBLE FEAR (2) have outside chances when it comes to the multiples.

DISTRICT ATTORNEY 1, Terry 2, Ravishing Sloy 3, Miki Pins 4.

RACE THREE:

Sparingly raced 4yo SUPA AMERCIAN (4), who is the winner of six of his 13 starts, has the chance to boast a 50% winning strike following this challenge. Prepared by Jason Grimson, the son of American Ideal led in scoring at this venue five starts ago, with his form being mixed since, having been placed in two of his subsequent four starts. Those two unplaced efforts were in races won by Timmy Rictor and Captain Hammerhead, so he does have an excuse. Last time Supa American was a shade disappointing when he worked to the front, then had every chance when a metre 2nd to Seve, as an odds-on elect at Newcastle a week ago. Suitably drawn in four, Supa American can make things great again by greeting the judge. DONEGAL LUTHER (7) caught the eye at his first appearance since being outclassed during the Inter Dominion series. Spelled following his final heat finishing a 38.7m last to Captains Knock on December 7, the 8yo resumed at Headquarters on May 3, finishing a pleasing 1.8m 2nd to Guilty Party. The 6yo son of Bettors Creek strips fitter, and although he has won since last April, a bold showing this time around is a distinct possibility. HAS THE COURAGE (1) has drawn ideally in one and he warrants attention as a result. The 10yo went from a four-peg role into a midfield position approaching the final bend, when a solid finishing 3.9m 2nd to Franco Tyson last week. The son of Courage Under Fire should receive a kind run, leaving him with plenty of energy for the run home. A win is well within the reach of Has The Courage. ALIBERTO (6) has been down on form and confidence of late, which is rare for a Luke McCarthy runner in recent months. The 6yo son of Somebeachsomewhere scored here four runs back, but has been unplaced since, with his latest run being a 31.5m 8th to Ryans Gangster back in late March. Fresh and capable of better, Aliberto has claims when it comes to the multiples. VINKE B (10) has been racing consistently in recent months so don't ignore him as a potential threat. Prepared by Trevor Munday and to be driven by the in-form Chris Geary, the 5yo was rewarded for recent placings with a solid win over Montefiore and Scared Stiff, prior to a 22.2m 4th to Franco Tyson last week. The draw adds to the degree of difficulty, but Vinke B remains a threat. GUILTY PARTY (11) has the outside gate to overcome; however, Scott Hewitt has the son of Vincent racing in fine fashion. The son of Village Jolt accounted for Donegal Luther and Red Reactor two starts back, finishing runner-up either side. The latest was a solid 6.6m effort behind Franco Tyson two weeks ago. Include Guilty Party in exotic combinations, along with SHEFFIELD SPARKY (2) and JALANEEL (3), due to the pair drawing well.

SUPA AMERICAN 1, Donegal Luther 2, Has The Courage 3, Aliberto 4.

RACE FOUR:

Still searching for his first win since winning the Queensland Derby back in July/2024, MAJOR HOT (2) returns from a spell, but this time under the care of Jason Grimson. Following 11 starts for Paul Fitzpatrick, which resulted in six placings, a few being frustrating close to greeting the judge, the former Kiwi will be having his first assignment since a superb 3.4m 3rd to Bay Of Biscay in the G1 Chariots Of Fire at Menangle on March 1. Prior to that run the 4yo also posted a solid 8m to Bay Of Biscay in the G3 Hondo Grattan. Contesting a trial at Menangle on Saturday, Major Hot finished a 10.6m 2nd to his star stablemate Captain Ravishing. Quarters of 27.3, 29.0, 27.5 and 27.1 resulted in a time of 1:50.9. Major Hot looked sharp in finding the line in fine style in chasing Captain Ravishing down the straight. Ideally drawn and confronted by a suitable contest, Major Hot is ready to greet the judge once again. ARNIES ARMY (1) debuted for Lucky Lodge with a useful 7.6m 7th to Vinke B at Menangle on May 13, following a win at Shepparton. The 8yo son of American Ideal went around at Headquarters on Tuesday, resulting in a handy 2nd to Carrera Sunset. The task will be tougher this time around, but gate one is a plus and a kind peg role should be on offer. Posted out in gate 10 is FASHION ICON (11) and while that is a big hurdle, the son of Betting Line is capable of a competitive showing. The Amanda Turnbull-trained 5yo was having his second run back from a spell when he worked in finding the role outside of the leader, prior to pulling clear for an easy win over Kick The Switch and Alwaysbminnie at Bathurst on May 14. The negative, apart from the draw, is the fact that Fashion Icon was unplaced in all eight starts at this venue. However, keep him in mind when it comes to the exotics. AMERICAN HAMMER (7) has been thereabouts on a regular basis and is also a suitable type to include in the multiples. The David Aiken-trained 6yo is coming off a 20.7m 5th to Franco Tyson when he drew wide in competing from a rearward role. MONTEFIORE (6) is racing consistently and is  coming off a determined win over Harrys Deal and Son Of The Shark at this venue on Tuesday. The son of Art Major will be faced with a tougher task however he is rarely far away these days and can't be taken lightly. KETO (5) resumed from a long spell with a 21.3m 9th to Kia Ora Beauty at Wagga on May 9. The lightly raced Ellen Jones-trained 4yo has five wins to show for his 13 starts, plus four placings, so a fitter son of Sweet Lou is also in the multiple mix. Quality mare RENEWAL (8) was having her first run for KerryAnn Morris when she finished a disappointing 96.8m last to Eye Keep Smiling in the Robin Dundee Stakes at Menangle on May 3. Formerly with Emma Stewart, the daughter will strip fitter for here first run since last October and as her reveals, Renewal has outstanding ability, having won 10 of 19, while being placed on six occasions. On most occasions Renewal competed against quality opposition back in Victoria, usually against her high-profile stablemates. Keep the mare safe in exotic transactions.

MAJOR HOT 1, Arnies Army 2, Fashion Icon 3, American Hammer 4.

RACE FIVE:

Contesting the State consolation of the Regional Championship, VITE MONET (4) appeals strongly as the horse to beat. Prepared by Chris Judd and to be driven by Cam Hart, the 4yo resumed from a spell with a solid win over this course and distance when he overcame a back row draw in finding the lead, then the winning post ahead of Tomahawk Bart and Tardelli. Confronted by another second line draw at Menangle last week, Vite Monet struck early interference in working to the role outside of the leader before posting a fading 17.9m 7th to Horn Player. Apart from the draw being a big plus, the sparingly raced son of Warrawee Needy will also benefit from a higher level of fitness. That combination should pave the way for Vite Monet to secure the seventh win of his career from just 15 starts. TURBO TOMMY (5) has drawn next to Vite Monet in five, and although he hasn't won since last June, the son of Art Major is capable of being a threat. Following a couple of tidy efforts at Penrith, Turbo Tommy then finished a a creditable 8.2m 4th to Mister Bluechip at this venue before a 16.3m 5th to Horn Player last week. Back to a suitable contest and the 6yo son of Art Major is capable of playing an active role in the finish. NIFTY STUDLEIGH (3) has also been thereabouts on a regular basis with the 9yo coming off a 9.8m 5th to Rock Fisherman at Newcastle. Trained by Darren Elder and to be driven by his son, Brad, Nifty Studleigh has the right draw to assist when it comes to the multiples. The Peter Payne-conditioned SPIRIT KING (2) contested the same race as Nifty Studleigh in finishing a useful 9m fourth. Peaking in condition following a spell, the 7yo son of Captaintreacherous is drawn to be a contender for a role in the finish. BANDIT EYES (8) has drawn wide but the Bailey McDonough-conditioned 5yo is capable of a competitive showing. Second to Protagonist at Penrith three runs ago, Bandit Eyes has since finished a solid 4.9m 3rd to Mister Bluechip before a last start 16m 4th to Horn Player last week. Breaking at the start and drifting back to a six-peg role, Bandit Eyes was still in that role swinging for home when he was held up for a suitable run until the final 80 metres or so. The run was better than it appears on paper.

The race has numerous contenders for a spot in multiple combinations, including MISTER BLUECHIP (12), LOVE YOU (9), CAPTAIN TOM (10) and CORTEZ (6), with value bound to be on offer.

VITE MONET 1, Turbo Tommy 2, Nifty Studleigh 3, Spirit King 4.

RACE SIX:

One of the star attractions on the card will be CAPTAIN RAVISHING (10) who will be looking to bounce back from a costly and disappointing performance at Goulburn on April 13. Slightly inconvenienced from his back row draw when the green light was activated, the $1.07 favourite managed to eventually secure the one-one, but he was never a serious threat on the home turn in finishing a 21.3m 6th to Whereyabinboppin in the Cup. A stylish trial win at Menangle on Saturday night would clearly indicate that the exciting 6yo is back and ready to record the 14th win of his career from a mere 30 starts. The outside gate will be occupied by MAX DELIGHT (11), who is also coming off a last start defeat with red figures next to his name. Leading from gate one last week, the 9yo marvel fought on stoutly in the run  home, however, he was unable to repel the brilliant finish by Nyack while Kingmaker also finished strongly in claiming second. The ultra-consistent son of Bettors Delight won his previous contest in fine fashion, and he will make sure Captain Ravishing doesn't have an easy passage to the winning post. KINGMAKER (8) in the words of Luke McCarthy is 'flying at present and busting to win a race' Luke also added that a good draw would be welcomed. However, Kingmaker has again drawn wide, but he must be given more than a passing thought. Resuming from a two-month break and without a trial, the 9yo hit the line strongly in posting a 1.3m 2nd to Im The Falcon before again working home in fine style for a closing 3.6m 2nd to Nyack. If the two-star attractions don't bring their Á game', then Kingmaker will be crowned as the winner. MAJOR PERRY (6) has also been racing well for Luke and is coming off a creditable 11.8m 3rd to Max Delight and Petes Said So. The 6yo son of Art Major has been racing consistently and while he finished a 12.4m last to Terry two starts back, at no stage did Major Perry receive a clear run from his role, five back on the pegs. Major Perry is an ideal exotic player. KANENA PROVLIMA (9) has won two of his past three, the latest a week ago when he defeated Double Act and Mach Da Vinci. A tougher task awaits the 9yo but include him when it comes to wider exotic chances. ROYAL CRUISER (7) and I BREAK THE LINE (5) also have claims in that department.

CAPTAIN RAVISHING 1, Max Delight 2, Kingmaker 3, Major Perry 4.

RACE SEVEN:

David Hewitt will again be looking to orchestrate another all-the-way win with the 5yo HORN PLAYER (6) in the TAB Regional Championship - State Final. Prepared by his son Brad, David has guided the son of Sweet Lou to his past two wins, the first by a convincing margin of 10.2m  in a heat of the Regional final, then a week ago when the pair accounted for Tomahawk Bart and Duggee Sloy in the Metro - Regional Final at Menangle. Horn Player has again drawn six so David will be keen to stamp his authority from the outset once again. DUGGEE SLOY (5) has finished third to Horn Player on each occasion, and each time the Dylan Xerri-conditioned 6yo has hit the line strongly from a five-peg role. Slicing his way through the field when clear running finely appeared, the son of Somebeachsomewhere only hit top speed nearing the 50m marker, with his work from that point onwards resulting in the margin being cut back to 5.3m A suitable trip and Duggee Sloy is ready to make it very difficult for Horn Player to be blowing his own trumpet. GLITTER AINT GOLD (11) drew the back row for the feature event, but the son of Bling It On has been impressive in both runs since a spell. Prepared by Nathan Turnbull and to be driven by Jett, the 4yo overcame a back row draw in easily defeating his rivals at Bathurst in a heat of the Western Region before taking out the Final by 18m in defeating Novanta Rising and Rebounder. Glitter Aint Gold has the talent to make a bold bid for victory. The consistent TOMAHAWK BART (3) has a win and placings, all as runner-up, to show for his past six appearances. Prepared by Seaton Grima, who will also take the reins, the 4yo finished a sound 3.2m 2nd behind Vite Monet before working over from a wide gate in finding the lead, prior to taking a sit in the eventual winner, Horn Player. The 4yo son of Sweet Lou battled on gamely in posting a gritty 3.2m second. Suitably drawn in three, Tomahawk Bart will again be in the thick of the action from the outset, making him a potential threat and an ideal exotic player. TICK A LOCH (4) is racing consistently and is coming off a solid win in taking out the Regional Championship at Wagga a week ago. Prepared by Bruce Harpley and driven by Cam Hart, the 4yo daughter of Always B Miki was able to take full advantage of a comfortable trip behind the leader in finishing too well for her stablemate Needbee and Im Dustee. Despite the tougher task, Tick A Loch remains in the mix when it comes to forming multiple transactions. NEEDBEE (7) and ROCK FISHERMAN (8) have drawn wide for this harder challenge, however, claims as value exotic chances should be taken into account.

HORN PLAYER 1, Duggee Sloy 2, Glitter Aint Gold 3, Tomahawk Bart 4.

RACE EIGHT:

Talented 3yo HEZATREACHEROUS (7) will be looking to complete a hat-trick of wins, and although confronted by a wide draw, the son of Captaintreacherous is poised to continue of his winning way. Always boasting plenty raw ability, Hezatreacherous had a mixed start to his latest term of racing but following two placings from his opening four starts as a 3yo, the colt then greeted the judge by a margin of 19.3m at Newcastle before leading throughout in defeating Halsey Nicole by 5.7m while subsequent Penrith winner, Aureus was a further 2.3m astern in claiming third. Prepared by KerryAnn Morris and to be driven by Robbie, who is driving in superb fashion, Hezatreacherous enjoys racing on his home track, having won four of eight, while collecting three placings. COASTAL DRIVE (11), despite drawing the outside gate, remains a major concern for Hezatreacherous. Formerly with Andy and Kate Gath, the Downbytheseaside colt has always promised plenty, but he has only won three from 16 while being placed on eight occasions. The latest win was for his new trained, Michael Stanley. First-up for the stable and Coastal Drive overcame a back row draw and a tough three wide trip home when he proved too good in scoring by 13.3m over Lenneth and Waves Of Chance at Wagga. Another back row draw awaited the 3yo colt when he faced the starter at Terang on April 28. Settling in a midfield role, Coastal Drive hit the line with intent, resulting in a solid 1.9m 3rd to Jilliby Illuminate and Kwick Sand. The big Menangle straight should appeal to Coastal Drive. Alex Alchin has a talented filly on his books in POPS BOY (4). Boasting five wins from 10 starts, with three placings also coming her way, the daughter of Soho Tribeca ended her first season of racing with a hat-trick of wins before heading to Newcastle for her return to the track. Drawing the second row, Pops Boy settled in as rearward role before working around the field in a three wide role, The end result was a determined win over Bring Your Best and Sweet Rocky. Robert Morris has been in the sulky for her past three wins, but with his commitment to Hezatreacherous, Will Rixon has been booked to keep the winning run going. Nicely drawn in four and stripping fitter, Pops Boy can't be taken lightly. Of course, Will is also driving in outstanding form and that is always a plus. Jarrod Alchin also has a talented type representing his stable with MY ULTIMATE FREDDIE (8) looking to add to his impressive tally of six wins from eight starts. The Captaintreacherous colt opened his latest term of racing with a well-beaten last to Jacks Ultimate Fury at Bathurst back in late March when he broke when dictating the terms. The 3yo has done everything right in both subsequent runs, leading throughout for two effortless wins at Headquarters, the latter defeating Montefiore and Major Statement. Montefiore conforming the form with a win here on Tuesday. Despite the presence of a wide gate, My Ultimate Freddie will be in the mix from the outset. The top four look set to fill the placings, with outside exotic claims given to STAY FOOLISH (1), SEASIDER (2) and JUNGLE DRAGON (3), courtesy of their good draws.

HEZATREACHEROUS 1, Coastal Drive 2, Pops Boy 3, My Ultimate Freddie 4.

RACE NINE:

BOULEVARDOFDREAMS (7) is definitely worthy of another chance after a costly appearance at Headquarters a week ago. Stepping out for her second assignment since leaving Mat Rue to become a member of the Luke McCarthy team, the mare followed an unlucky 2.2m 2nd to Bella Danza with a 16m 7th behind Ever Art. Engaged in a couple of battles for the lead role, the Sweet Lou 4yo eventually faded out of the fight. In what appears to be a slightly easier assignment, Boulevardofdreams is capable of turning last week's nightmare result for punters into a far more pleasant outcome. MY CRACKLING ROSIE (8) also contested the race won by Ever Art in recording a creditable 8.3m fifth. Drawing gate one, but ending up in a four-peg role, the Peter Rixon-trained daughter of Art Major wasn't disgraced. The 6yo has been in the mix on numerous occasions of late and is again capable of being pro-active in the finish. Gate one is a big plus for the Tony Bertwistle-trained HARLEEQUIN (1). The filly has been growing in confidence of late, picking up a couple of wins and two placings from her past five starts. Following a solid Penrith win when driven to perfection by Bailey McDonough, the daughter of Betting Line then worked from a back row draw in finding the role outside of the leader. Battling on stoutly, Harleequin posted a determined 1.6m 2nd to Duty Of Care. Robert Morris has been booked to drive the filly and from gate one, a far kinder run will be on offer so don't ignore her as a threat. The outside gate will be occupied by JOELITA (11), which was disappointing here on Tuesday, when she finished a 22.5m last to Carrera Sunset. The mare, who had been racing well prior to that failure, was always in a rearward role in failing to pass a runner. The 6yo is better than that and deserves another chance when it comes to the multiples. TWILIGHT HEAVEN (9) has been responsible for three solid efforts at this venue in recent weeks, with a gritty win over Soho Americano and Zenxena, sandwiched between two placings. The 6yo mare is a suitable type to include when it comes to the multiples. AUREUS (2) is coming off a confidence-boosting Penrith win and from gate two the Art Major mare is in the exotic mix.

BOULEVARDOFDREAMS 1, My Crackling Rosie 2, Harleequin 3, Joelita 4.