Don't 'Knock' this for an Inter Dominion warm-up

RACE ONE.

Returning to a suitable assignment, MICK DANGER (4) is capable of again playing an active role in the finish. The Carousel winner has been confronted by two tough assignments in four subsequent runs since his feature win and, on each occasion the Ian Wilson-trained 4yo hasn’t been disgraced. Contesting the semi-final of the NSWBC 4YO E&G’s series, Mick Danger worked home gamely from a three peg role in posting a determined 18m 2nd to Captains Knock. A week later and after enjoying a similar run during the middle stages before being in a middle role in the running line, Mick Danger again tried in recording a 22.7m 4th, once again behind the brilliant Captains Knock who had as margin of 22.7m to spare over second, which was the quality Victorian, Oliver Dan. The son of Captaintreacherous had drawn handily in four and that will allow Jim Douglass, who is driving in fine form as he nears 950m career wins, the opportunity to have Mick Danger in the mix and ready to make his move when heads are turned for home. Looming as a serious threat is the Geoff Harding-trained CRAFTMANS CHARLIE (10), who had drawn the outside gate, which is a concern, however, the son of Art Major has the gate speed to overcome that obstacle. Had the entire drawn closer, then Craftmans Charlie would have been the top tip. After a number of consistent displays the 4yo was rewarded with a comfortable win, following an ideal trip behind the leader, when he accounted for Whiskey Cavalier and Maebee in the Rising Stars event at Menangle recently. Ash Delosa was able to take full advantage of gate one on that occasion. Matthew Harding return to the sulky and he is bound to have Craftmans Charlie making his presence felt from the outset. WHISKEY CAVALIER (9) has drawn just one spot better than the Newcastle visitor, but he also has the gate speed to be prominently. An all-the-way winner at Headquarters three runs back, the son of Lincoln Royal followed that effort with a 3.2m 3rd to Terry before a 4.5m 2nd to Craftmans Charlie. On both occasions the 6yo has managed to dictate the terms and that will again  be the likely game plan. CAULONIA COURAGE (5) is coming of a gritty 2.3m 2nd to I Break The Line last week, following a kind run behind the leader and eventual winner. The 5yo son of Courage Under Fire has been thereabouts in recent assignments and is a worthy addition to the exotics. JOE NIEN (2) draws well and is racing with confidence following a win and a 5.5m 4th to I Break The Line a week ago. Nicely drawn in two, Joe Nien should be considered when it comes to the multiples. FOXY DADA (3) tried hard when a head 2nd behind First Class last week and he is a value exotic player while a fitter IAM THE CAPTAIN (8) has posted two solid Bathurst placings of late and is another with exotic claims.

MICK DANGER 1, Craftmans Charlie 2, Whiskey Cavalier 3, Caulonia Courage 4.

RACE TWO:

ARDENS ACE (7) will be hoping to sneak up the Inter Dominion ratings with another win. Trainer Tony Bertwistle has entered Ardens Ace for the Young Cup on Friday, as well as, this event, so monitor his performance. The 6yo son of Art Major had been racing consistently at this venue, as per usual, before heading to Bathurst a few weeks ago. Taken to the lead by Will Rixon, Ardens Ace was able to come up ‘trumps’ in defeating Cassius Deck and Corbie Stumbler. Back to Menangle for start 101 at this venue and the 6yo worked at various stages of the contest in posting a determined head 3rd behind Star Major and Terry. Cam Fitzpatrick will take over the driving duties and from gate six, which is less the reserve, Ardens Ace will again be making his presence known from the outset and, that will result in another competitive showing. The interesting runner is the Paul Fitzpatrick-trained ZEUSS BROMAC (11), with the 7yo stepping out for his first engagement since scoring at Newcastle back in early April, which was a welcome return to winning form. The son of Bettors Delight has been a wonderful performer for the stable over a number of seasons, but has struggled to be at his best. In readiness for his return, Paul has given the entire three solid trial assignments, the latest resulting in a gritty win. Zeuss Bromac has drawn the outside gate and while that is a hurdle, the bay has the class to overcome that obstacle and post a solid effort. LINE UP (6) resumed here last week with a creditable 5.8m 7th behind Star Major after being in a three peg role after drawing the pole. Despite the best efforts of Cam Hart, the classy 7yo was held up for a suitable run for the entire length of the Menangle straight. Fitter, but drawing out wider in the middle of the line, the son of Bettors Delight, with better luck in running, will prove hard to beat. WHEREYABINBOPPIN (10) produced a typical front-running display when he finished a creditable 2.9m 5th to stablemate Star Major. The James Rattray-trained 8yo son of A Rocknroll Dance has drawn deeper this time but Taylah Osmond won’t waste anytime sending the gelding forward in search of the lead role, despite the extended trip of 2300m. JILLIBY NITRO (5) worked home nicely when a 3m 3rd to I Break The Line and Caulonia Courage a week ago. This will be a harder task for the 7yo, however, he remains in contention as a suitable exotic addition. The Lucky Lodge pair of KANENA PROVLIMA (8) and PETES SAID SO (9) have been mixing their form, but the duo are more than capable of being involved in the finish so include them when forming multiple transactions.

ARDENS ACE 1, Zeuss Bromac 2, Line Up 3, Whereyabinboppin 4.

RACE THREE:

The running of the Italian Cup will likely be the final hit-out for the brilliant 4yo CAPTAINS KNOCK (8) as he prepares to compete in the upcoming Inter Dominion which commences at the end of the month. Prepared in outstanding fashion by Brad Hewitt, who will also be in the sulky, Captains Knock completed the ‘gram slam’ of NSWBC titles when he effortlessly won the 4YO crown a couple of weeks ago, leading throughout in defeating Oliver Dan and El Camino. That completed a hat-trick of emphatic victories for the son of Captaintreacherous. The Goulburn visitor will carry the number eight saddlecloth, but with the two reserves drawing inside of him, Captains Knock will launch his claim from six if the pair remain on the bench. Despite having some class opposition drawn inside of him, Captains Knock has the speed to stamp his authority on this field from the outset in collecting the 17th win of his career from just 38 starts. MAX DELIGHT (6) deserves to be respected as a potential threat to Captains Knock. The David Aiken-conditioned 8yo, as the saying goes, ‘just keeps on – keeping on’ with the son of Bettors Delight coming off a gallant 7.2m 2nd to the best pacer in the land, and beyond, Leap To Fame. From his past seven trips to the races, Max Delight has collected three wins and the same number of placings while finishing a sound 6.6m 4th to Swayzee in the Victorian Cup. David describes Max Delight as a horse who just ‘loves to race’ so expect him to again make his presence known when the judge calls a halt. MAGICIAN (10) resumed from a spell with a solid 4th to stablemate Star major after working from a wide draw in finding the role outside of another room-mate in Whereyabinboppin. Beaten a mere 1.6m, the son of Sweet Lou was game in defeat, with the quality 5yo stripping fitter as a result. However, the James Rattray trained and driven, former Eureka runner, has again drawn nearer the car park than the pegs. Magician has contested 11 races at Headquarters with the former Tasmanian posting three placings. The gelding will need to ‘pull out something special’ to defeat Captains Knock, but he does appeal as a solid exotic player. Prior to his 61.4m last to stablemate Swayzee in the Victoria Cup at M Elton on October 12, DISTRICT ATTORNEY (7) had been racing in fine form, recording four placings from his previous five starts. The 5yo was runner-up in three of those performances behind Leap To Fame in the G1 Sunshine Sprint, to Catch A Wave in the G1 Len Smith Mile and beaten 8.8m by Major Moth in the Kilmore Cup. The 5yo son of Courage Under Fire must be forgiven for his latest effort, with the entire more than capable of bouncing back strongly so expect a far better display from District Attorney. When it comes to forming multiple transactions NYACK (2) has been racing consistently of late in recording three sound efforts, the latest when a 10.9m 4th to Leap To Fame. Ideally drawn in two, which will assist in  kind trip, the 4yo son of Sweet Lou will again be thereabouts when the 1609m assignment comes to an end. DON LOU (5) defeated Cya Art and Nyack before working home stoutly in finishing a respectable 8m 3rd to Leap To Fame and Max delight. Suitably drawn and likely to be prominently placed, the Seaton Grima trained and driven son of Sweet Lou is also a suitable inclusion when it comes to multiple combinations. Seaton’s outstanding mare MY MOONLITE DREAM (11) has drawn awkwardly out wide for her intriguing assignment against this class of horse. That may be enough to keep her out of contention. The ‘x-factor’ runner is the former WA performer ARMA XFACTOR (12), who is now a member of the Jason Grimson team. The 5yo son of American Ideal crosses the Nullarbor as the winner of 15 of his 55 races, with 10 placings also on his stats sheet. Arma Xfactor last raced just under two months ago when a 2.2m 2nd to Carana at Gloucester Park. Safely held in a Menangle trial, Arma XFactor has a tough task awaiting him in this class of field and from the outside gate.

CAPTAINS KNOCK 1, Max Delight 2, Magician 3, District Attorney 4.

RACE FOUR:

Ideally drawn in gate two and racing in fine form of late, SCARED STIFF (2) appeals as the one to beat in an open and competitive Waratah Final. Prepared by Jackson Painting and to be driven by Brad Hewitt, the son of Terror To Love has been placed in three of his past four starts while finishing a 5.5m 4th to the talented Spyglass in his other recent assignment. The 7yo qualified for another trip to Menangle with a solid-finishing 5.6m 2nd to Here Comes Bobby at Leeton on November 3. Coming from a rearward role after starting the race from a back row draw. This time around Scared Stiff will have the ideal opportunity to secure a far kinder trip from gate two and that will prove vital to his claims of greeting the judge. The main threat to the Narrandera visitor appears to be the pole marker, HERE COMES BOBBY (1), who finished strongly from a midfield role in comfortably accounting for Scared Stiff and Spirit And Soul. The consistent Steven Lee-conditioned 6yo son of Western Terror has been consistent of late and he should enjoy a good trip, courtesy of James Locke, who takes over the reins from Peter McRae. The outside draw awaits MAMMALS ALIBI (12), however, the Nathan Turnbull-trained son of For A Reason is racing in peak form and must be included in the main bracket of contenders for the top spot. From his past six encounters the 4yo has been successful on five occasions with his only failure coming in a Waratah Final back in October when he posted a 29.6m last to King Tintin after being trapped three deep for the majority of the trip. All of his recent wins have been recorded on his home track of Bathurst, but with better luck in running this time around, Mammals Alibi and Jett Turnbull will be far more active in the finish this time around. MIKI PINS (6) is coming off a determined win at West Wyalong when a shade too strong for Take Out and Major Mucha. The Ben Matthews-conditioned 4yo has been consistent of late and has a reasonable draw and with the in-form Blake Jones in the sulky, the son of Always B Miki is worth more than a passing thought. THE CREEK (9) has won two of his past four Newcastle assignments and the 6yo has claims in exotic investments, along with ROUGE BLING (10) and FAR OUT RINGO (7).

SCARED STIFF 1, Here Comes Bobby 2, Mammals Alibi 3, Miki Pins 4.

RACE FIVE:

In an open event the former Tasmanian MAEBEE (9) definitely has winning claims in what appears to be an ideal challenge for the son of Bettors Delight, despite the presence of a wide draw. The 4yo has been placed in four of his seven starts at this venue, all coming in the space of his past four encounters. Runner-up to Surfers Delight two runs ago, the James Rattray trained and driven gelding then worked home stoutly in recording a creditable 5.6m 3rd to Craftmans Charlie and Whiskey Cavalier, with that particular duo likely to figure prominently in the finish of the opening event. Maebee, maybe, driven off the speed once again, which has been the case from wide gates, however, this does look his race to win. EL CAMINO (6) is gradually building towards another win following three runs from a spell for his new mentor Bailey McDonough. The 4yo has contested the NSWBC 4YO E&G’s semi-final and Final in recent starts, with a 21.9m 3rd to Captains Knock in the semi, followed by a 22.6m 3rd to the brilliant 4yo once again in the Final. The son of American Ideal returns to a far more favourable challenge and he can be expected to be far more pro-active in the finish this time. Trainer Peter Rixon has DENNY ROCKS (3) racing consistently with the 5yo posting two wins and four placings from his past six starts, mainly on the Penrith circuit. Enjoying a kind run behind the leader at Penrith last time out, the son of Rock N Roll Heaven finished too well for Rosberg and Polka Delight. From his good draw, Hannah Rixon will again be looking to secure a comfortable trip for Denny Rocks as he attempts to play a role in the finish for the first time in four Menangle appearances. The consistent WEONA SIR VIVOR (7) was also racing in fine form on the provincial circuit, with his latest effort resulting in a win at Penrith. The Stephen Farrugia-trained 5yo headed to Menangle last week and was responsible for a sound display in recording a 6.8m 4th to Titian Raider. The son of Always B Miki is capable of another bold showing. CAPTAIN RITCHIE (4) has been mixing his form of late but his last-start 4m 2nd to Titian Raider last week was a gritty display so at least consider the 4yo when making exotic investments. HALLOWEEN (8) has been consistent in recent Tuesday assignments, and although the Brad Abbott-trained 6yo is confronted by a harder test, the son of Betterthancheddar should be linked to the exotics A win would give Brad his 100th career win as a trainer. The Seaton Grima trained and driven SWEET LOVIN (2) has won two of his three starts, the latter when he comfortably accounted for Eyeknow and Snakeskin. There is a lot more depth attached to this challenge, however, the 3yo has drawn ideally and he is an improving type so don’t ignore him when it comes to the multiples.

MAEBEE 1, El Camino 2, Denny Rocks 3, Weona Sir Vivor 4.

RACE SIX:

Astute mentor Joe Conolly holds the key to this event, courtesy of DONTLETFEARSTOPYA (2) and OBADIAH DRAGON (1), both former Kiwis who have greeted the judge on this side of the of the Tasman. DONTLETFEARSTOPYA led and finished a gritty 1.9m 3rd to his stablemate in the JC Caffyn at Menangle on October 26, with the 3yo Fear The Dragon gelding again drawing ideally in two. Robert Morris will replace James Sutton and no doubt the lead role will again be the made objective. Still learning his art after 13 starts, which has resulted in three wins and the same number of placings, Dontletfearstopya will again take plenty of running down. Like Dontletfearstopya, Joe has a particularly good opinion of OBADIAH DRAGON (1), which is also a 3yo by Fear The Dragon. First-up for the stable in the JC Caffyn Plate and since a 3rd to Frisco Bay at Alexandra Park on September 21, the gelding was impressive in greeting the judge. Driven a treat by young Tanner Brown, with Obadiah Dragon being his first career win, the gelding charged home in fine fashion to win in the final stride over Jordy and Dontletfearstopya. Fitter and with a vastly better draw, Obadiah Dragon has gate one next to his name, so the 3yo is bound to be a serious player once again. CAPTAIN TOM (10) also has been disappointing of late, but trainer Jarrod Alchin has given the talented son of Captaintreacherous a month off to freshen him up. Drawing wide and also in a rearward role, Captain Tom is coming off a 14m 9th to Caulonia Courage at Menangle on October 5. Another wide draw awaits the 4yo, however, there is no doubting his talent so don’t ignore Captain Tom as a threat. IDEAL MARQUESS (4) has been mixing his form but a last-start 1.7m 3rd to First Class is good enough to see the 6yo son of American Ideal has drawn well and that will assist him again being in the mix. RED REACTOR (5) followed a hat-trick of roles as runner-up before finishing stoutly in defeating Erupt Stride and Give Me A Minute. The Ian Wilson-trained 9yo son of Auckland Reactor steps up in grade from Tuesday assignments, however, he is racing too well to be taken lightly. From his handy draw, Jim Douglass will again be looking to tuck Red Reactor in behind the speed before making his move in the home straight. Last week’s winner TITlAN RAIDER (9) has a tougher task and a far trickier draw to overcome, but he remains in the multiple mix. LOCHIEL (7) and DOM TORETTO (3) also have claims in that regard.

DONTLETFEARSTOPYA 1, Obadiah Dragon 2, Captain Tom 3, Ideal Marquess 4.

RACE SEVEN:

Despite a disappointing and costly last-start effort, LEAF STRIDE (9) is capable of bouncing back to winning form, overcoming a wide gate in the process. The Joe and Mary Rando-trained 6yo had been racing well before his latest assignment with a win here three runs ago, followed by a solid photo 2nd to the talented Victorian, Virginia Clowers. The son of Love You then broke after the starter, despite the mobile conditions, when back in the field before posting a 22.6m 8th to Speedy Lover a few weeks ago. If, on his best behaviour from the outset, Leaf Stride is capable of making amends and squaring the ledger with punters. ALDEBARAN JENSEN (3) has been mixing his form but from a suitable draw and in an open contest, the 4yo Lucky Lodge runner is worth considering. The 4yo is coming off a 19.7m 4th to the talented Aldebaran Zeus a couple of weeks ago and, with this being a far more suitable assignment, expect the son of Aldebaran Jewel to play a bigger role in the outcome. AFFAIRE DE COVER (2) drops back to a suitable challenge following a creditable 28.7m 3rd behind the outstanding The Locomotive last week. Another plus for the Troy Williams-trained 6yo son of Love You is the good draw, gate two, so he will again have the chance to produce a competitive display. FOOTTAPPER (1) continues to race consistently for mentor Graeme Hartman. After posting back-to-back wins at Goulburn and Menangle, respectively, the 4yo has been thereabout in three subsequent engagements, the latest when a closing 3.9m 5th to Malibuu at this venue a couple of weeks ago. The draw is ideal for Foottapper, with a kind peg run set to be on offer. The Steven Lee-trained JUNGLE EYES (8) resumed from a spell with a dominant win at Canberra a couple of weeks ago, and although a tougher task awaits, the 5yo son of Peak DNK has the talent to be in the mix when the judge calls a halt. SPEEDY LOVER (11) can be hard to follow, with a win three starts ago, followed by a couple of unplaced displays. The outside draw is a tricky starting point, but the 5yo remains a threat on his best form.

LEAF STRIDE 1, Aldebaran Jensen 2, Affaire De Cover 3, Foottapper 3.

RACE EIGHT:

There was a lot to like about the performance of the former Victorian JOELITA (8) last week when the talented mare was having her first run for Peter Rixon. Stepping out for her initial Menangle assignment the daughter of Roll With Joe charged home from a midfield role in posting a closing 4.2m 2nd to her new stablemate, the exceptionally talented mare, Ludacrous. With the benefit of that experience at this venue and what should be a slightly more suitable challenge, Joelita is capable of proving to be one of the ‘better bets’ on the card. HEAVENLY HOLLY (10) worked home nicely from a six peg role in posting a 5.8m 6th to Obadiah Dragon at Menangle a couple of weeks ago. The Michael Formosa-trained mare has been performing consistently of late, and although the mare has a tough draw to overcome, Chloe Formosa is bound to have Heavenly Holly working into contention when the field sights the winning post. MARIA ALLEGONDA (6) ended her previous term of racing with a few disappointing efforts, but a sound trial before heading into her latest campaign had the mare heading in the right direction once again. As a result, the David Thorn-trained 4yo daughter of Sweet Lou was able to resume on a winning note when she accounted for Our Chiquitita and Major Jarod a couple of weeks ago. Fitter and regaining lost confidence. Maria Allegonda, as she has shown in the pass, has the ability to handle this type of assignment. HEAVENLY CHARM (11) has a tough draw to overcome as the mare attempts to bounce back from a couple of luckless displays after a number of solid efforts in races of this nature. In finishing last to Montalbano, beaten 9.9m in the process, Heavenly Charm failed to secure a clear run after being behind the leader, so put that run down to bad luck. A week ago and working to bed secure the role outside of the leader, Heavenly Charm faded on her run in finishing a 16.2m 8th to Ludacrous. Better luck in running will result in a far more productive effort from the Jarrod Alchin-trained daughter of Rock N Roll Heaven. GO OH MICKEY (9) has won her past six and seven of her past eight outings. A member of the Seaton Grima team, the 5yo mare is coming off a gritty all-the-way win at Penrith a few weeks ago when she accounted for Turbo Tommy and Total Diva. Apart from being confronted with a tougher test in this grade, Go Oh Mickey has also drawn wide, however, she is deserving of exotic involvement at what should be a useful quote. WINONA WRITER (7) was never a serious factor last time out in finishing a 14m 7th to Ludacrous last week. Prior to that effort the Sofia Arvidsson trained and driven daughter of Sportswriter had been in the mix on a number of occasions and she is a suitable exotic player.

JOELITA 1, Heavenly Holly 2, Maria Allegonda 3, Heavenly Charm 4.

  - FORM ASSESSED BY MIKE KO'CASS . . . the best 'judge' in the business