Finding you a winner for Menangle Saturday night

RACE ONE:

Despite finishing unplaced in the race won by the classy FIAMMA (7) last week, JILLIBY NITRO (7) is ready to explode back into action when he faces the starter in the opening event. Drawing suitably in four, the Peter Rixon-trained son of Bettors Delight settled three pegs, and that is where he remained for the majority of the 1609m challenge. With a flat tyre also hindering his claims, Jilliby Nitro remained behind a wall of horse flesh down the running, with Hannah Rixon unable to find clear air. Operating on three tyres wouldn’t have helped the cause even if the gap did appear. Despite having no luck on two fronts, the 7yo still managed to finish a creditable 7.7m 8th to the highly-regarded Emma Stewart-trained mare. Prior to that ‘forget’ run, Jilliby Nitro had won two of his previous four while being placed twice. Hannah will be looking to have Jilliby Nitro prominently placed after drawing in the middle of the starting grid. Such a role will result in Jilliby Nitro taking a power of beating. Drawing the outside gate is the horse to beat, CYA ART (11), a member of the Jason Grimson team which is back in action after a spell. Following a run of three roles as runner-up, which included one back home in NZ, Cya Art broke through for a solid win at Bathurst when he easily accounted for Taipo and Star Major in the Shirley Turnbull Memorial. The 6yo posted two more placings, the latter when a solid 6.7m 3rd to Kanena Provlima in the Ballarat Cup. Cya Art then had no luck when a tiring 26m 11th to Leap To Fame in the Hunter Cup before ending his first preparation on this side of the Tasman when a 32.9m 8th to Leap To Fame in the Cranbourne Cup.. The son of Art Major has had three trials, two unplaced, before posting a solid win, with the final 400m covered in 26.. Bailey McDonough will take the reins and with a suitable first-up assignment awaiting him, Cya Art appears ready to take a power of beating. The Shane Sanderson-trained VANQUISH STRIDE (9) has been a model of consistency for an extended period, with the 6yo finishing no further back then fifth from his past 1 starts, which has resulted in just the one win at Melton two starts back, plus six placings. Vanquish Stride is coming off a solid 6.4m 3rd behind Roadmaster and Exotic Bushranger, with the latter winning his next two starts in fine fashion, which adds further merit to the form. Chloe Formosa will partner the talented son of Bettors Delight and despite the wide draw, Vanquish Stride must be respected. Despite the rise in grade the Geoffrey Harding-conditioned CRAFTSMAN CHARLIE (2) is capable of a bold showing after the 4yo drew ideally in two. The son of Art major is coming off a stylish all-the-way win and from his good draw, Matthew Harding will have him in the mix from the outset, with the option to take a sit on one of the more seasoned runners. RICKOSHAY (1) has won his past three in a show of confidence, however, this will be a far tougher test. But, from gate one a soft run on the pegs will at least give him the chance to sneak a minor role in the exotics at a good quote. LITTLE BLISS (4) gave another wholehearted effort in finishing a 5.2m 2nd to the classy Major Delight last week. The Troy Williams-trained mare will be confronted by a harder task, but include her when forming multiple transactions. SURFERS DELIGHT (10) has a tough draw to overcome, but the 6yo is coming off a couple of solid placings and is another with exotic claims at a big price.

JILLIBY NITRO 1, Cya Art 2, Vanquish Stride 3, Craftsman Charlie 4.

RACE TWO:

The draw has certainly made this out to be a level playing field as the main characters in this contest have all drawn wide, commencing with the David Aiken-trained MAX DELIGHT (9), which has been on the verge of a winning performance for some time. Following his win in the Renshaw Cup at Penrith, the veteran has contested seven races, posting three placings while being in the mix on the other four occasions when the judge has called a halt. Such was the case two weeks ago when the son of Bettors Delight worked home stoutly in recording an 8m 4th to Petes Said So after looming up as a serious contender soon after straightening for home. With his regular driver Nathan Jack required to fulfil his commitments at the big Albion Park meeting, Amanda Turnbull will take the reins. PETES SAID SO (11), following a number of solid displays in defeat, has posted two strong wins after enjoying his share of luck in running. On each occasion Josh Gallagher has been able to take full advantage Petes Said So’s gate speed, which has then enabled him to find the pegs, then hand over the lead in enjoying a comfortable, stalking role. It has paid dividends as the son of Well said was able to win the Vic Frost FFA in defeating Jilliby Nitro before accounting for Whereyabinboppin and Jay OK last week. If Josh can again produce a carbon copy drive, then there is no reason why Petes  Said So can’t go on his winning way. JAY OK (10) extended his run of placings to six, following a win at Newcastle, when he again gave a gritty performance in finishing a 5.4m 3rd to Petes Said So last week. The Paul Fitzpatrick-trained 7yo will split his two main rivals at the start and that may result in Gav allowing Jay OK to settle back in the pack before coming with a late surge when heads are turned for home. With that particular trio likely to fight out the finish it doesn’t leave too many spots open for the rest of the field, as far as, exotic roles. Courtesy of gate one the consistent ARDENS ACE (1) should get the run required to stake a claim. The 6yo son of Art Major enjoyed a kind run when a solid 3.7m 5th to Fiamma a week ago, and with a similar run set to be on offer, the Tony Bertwistle-trained 6yo is an ideal type for multiple players. STAR MAJOR (8) did a fine job when a 5.5m 4th to Petes Said So last week and is a suitable exotic contender while UNFAZED (3), BOOM (2), ON DEADLINE (4) and PERFECT STRIDE (6), which brings solid Victorian form to the equation, are all capable of being in the mix.

MAX DELIGHT 1, Petes Said So 2, Jay OK 3, Ardens Ace 4.

RACE THREE:

Shepparton mentor Shane Sanderson has sent a few of his quality stable runners with one of his better chances on the card being OURMATEMENKO (4), which will be driven by his talented son, Ryan. The Downbytheseaside 4yo has always been a quality talent as his record of nine wins and six placings from 23 starts would suggest. A Melton winner three runs ago, Ourmatemenko then did plenty of extra work when a creditable 10m 5th to Bubba Scrub at Wagga before heading back to Melton for his latest challenge a couple of weeks ago. Racing keenly behind the leader, Ourmatemenko battled on gamely in finishing a 21.3m 3rd to Exotic Bushranger and the classy Very Pretty, which suffered her first defeat in the process. Stepping out for his first Menangle assignment, the gelding has drawn suitably in four and, coupled with the suitable assignment on the table, and Ourmatemenko has the chance to add a few more mates to his tally by greeting the judge. Former Victorian-based STIR ME UP (3) has drawn suitably in three as he prepares to face the starter for the first time since leaving Anthony Butt and Sonya Smith to become a member of the Sofia Arvidsson team. Following a safely held 6th to Bartello here recently, Sofia sent Stir Me Up to the trials a week ago, with the result being a solid 3.5m 4th to Cya Art. The 6yo son of Auckland Reactor has been out of sorts this preparation but is more than capable of making his presence felt. WAYOUTWEST (5) scored back-to-back wins at Newcastle before contesting his next engagements at this venue, with each run producing a solid display in defeat. Prepared by David Caffyn, the son of Western Terror was again hitting the line with intent on his way to posting a solid 1.4m 3rd to Speculating and Vinke B last week. The 7yo has a slightly better draw to assist his claims and it will come as no surprise if Ash Delosa can guide Wayoutwest into a winning role. WATCHMEDAZZLE (2) had every chance when a 10.2m 6th to Terryrama at Bathurst last time out, however, the Nathan Turnbull trained and driven son of Hes Watching is worthy of another chance when it comes to exotic combinations, due to his ideal draw. Last-start Menangle winner KAITOA (1) has also drawn ideally and that will assist the son of For A Reason in his quest to be involved in the finish. The consistent RACING TIME (6) also warrants attention when it comes to multiple transactions while THE EX HORSEIST (9) is another value player.

OURMATEMENKO 1, Stir Me Up 2, Wayoutwest 3, Watchmedazzle 4.

RACE FOUR:

Despite posting back-to-back unplaced efforts, BARTELLO (7) is worthy of another chance in what appears to be an open and suitable assignment for the Allan Ellul-trained son of Mr Feelgood. Following a hat-trick of wins and a gallant half-neck 2nd to Chase The Stars, Bartello drew wide and raced in a midfield role in finishing a useful 9.7m 7thg to Dance And Deliver. Caught wide early before working to the lead, Bartello then recorded a gritty 5m 6th to Mister Bluechip last week. The draw has again resulted in a tricky starting role for the 5yo but Chris Geary is again likely to be keen in making his presence known with Bartello and if the role ass pacemaker can come without a serious fight, then the pair well be well on their way to playing a big role in the finish. The Darren Binskin trained and driven CASH AND BLING (2) makes plenty of appeal as the one to beat after the 4yo drew suitably in two. The son of Bling It On has been in fine form of late, with a couple of wins and a number of solid displays included in his past s even appearances. Following a determined win here two starts ago, Cash And Bling then worked home stoutly in finishing a 2.6m 3rd to Mister Blue Chip last week. The prospect of DJ giving Cash And Bling the right run from the outset, should result in the pair proving hard to beat. MY ULTIMATE CARTER (5) scored at Headquarters three starts back, but has been unplaced since. The 4yo son of Captaintreacherous competed from outside of the leader when a grinding 5.9m 6th to Speculating last week. Capable of playing a far more active role in the finish with better luck in running, My Ultimate Carter is worthy of another chance. The outside gate awaits POPS BOY (10), however, the Alistair Copps-trained son of Blissfull Hall could be the value player. To be driven by Cam Fitzpatrick, the 6yo overcame a back row draw in posting a tough win at Penrith, then was able to enjoy a kind, three peg role, after drawing gate one, enroute to working home with intent in recording a closing 4m 4th to Ooga Chaka. The draw is a concern but with Ash driving in outstanding fashion, Pops Boy could spring a surprise. His stablemate ITS DOWN TO DIGGER (8) has also drawn wide, but with useful form of late, the 4yo son of Always B Miki is a useful type to include when it comes to the multiples. SELSEY BILL (1) has the pole role to assist his claims when it comes to the multiples, and although unplaced in his past three, following a Newcastle win, the son of Falcon Seelster should also be kept safe in exotic investments.

BARTELLO 1, Cash And Bling 2, My Ultimate Carter 3, Pops Boy 4.

RACE FIVE:

The David Aiken-trained OOGA CHAKA (8) continues to impress after remaining unbeaten in two starts for the master mentor. The decision by previous trainer and owner Ricky Thurlow to send the son of Art Major to his fellow, former Bankstown training centre conditioner, has paid off in a big way as Ooga Chaka has enjoyed racing at Menangle. First-up, and despite racing without cover, the 5yo displayed plenty of determination in fending off all rivals in defeating Sheffield Sparky and Titian Raider, Then, just a week ago, Ooga Chaka was able to dictate the terms in comfortably accounting for Killara Samurai and Winona Writer. While he has been solid in greeting the judge, his mentor still feels his best method of racing is with a sit, then pouncing. With both reserves drawn to his inside, and if they remain benched, then Ooga Chaka will occupy the position behind gate six and the role as ‘dictator’ may be on offer once again. And, if that is the way things play out, then Ooga Chaka will be well on his way to wrapping up the third leg of his hat-trick of wins. The consistent Peter Rixon-prepared WHATABOYJACK (4) is one of a handful of potential threats. Prepared by Peter Rixon and to be driven by Will, Whataboyjack has been a consistent performer of late and is coming off a solid 1.2m 2nd behind Mister Bluechip a week ago. Handily drawn in three, with one of the reserves out, the 6yo son pf Pet Rock will have the chance to fill a role closer to the action, compared to a deep peg role last time out. WINONA WRITER (2) is on the verge of a winning display and it won’t come as a surprise to see the mare greeting the judge. Owner, trained and to be driven by Sofia Arvidsson, the daughter of Sportswriter has been placed in her past four Menangle assignments, each time finding the line in a determined manner. The mare’s best effort was three runs ago when she started at ‘cricket score odds’ in finishing a 19,3m 3rd to Millwood Bliss and More Gooda. Following that effort the 6yo posted a fast-finishing 5.4m 2nd to Pas De Cheval, prior to a 2.9m 3rd to Ooga Chaka when she drew deep and was restrained at the start in settling in a rearward role. Reserve out and Winona Writer will slot into the pole position and that will be a big plus. A kind run behind the speed and Winona Writer could prove hard to hold out. SPECULATING (3) has also drawn well and can’t be ignored as a chance after accounting for Vinke B and Wayoutwest a week ago. Chris Judd has the son of Roll With Joe racing in fine fashion and with the in-form Peter McRae making the trip to take the reins, the 4yo is bound to give another bold showing. MISTER BLUECHIP (6) produced a whirlwind finish in coming from back in the pack to defeat Whataboyjack and Cash And Bling. The Daniel Rowell-conditioned 5yo drew the outside gate last week, resulting in James Locke driving him in a rearward role. This time around the son of Heston Blue Chip will launch his claim from the middle of the line. That will assist Mister Bluechip racing closer to the leading pack and that will be a plus in this stronger contest. MICK DANGER (12) produced a barnstorming finish to defeat Im Rockin It and Ultimate Bird in his qualifying race last week, but the wide draw will require the 4yo to receive plenty of luck to again be a threat. However, Jim Douglass is capable of such a drive so don’t ignore the claims of Mick Danger when it comes to exotic combinations., IM ROCKIN IT (9), ULTIMATE BIRD (10) and KILLARA SAMURAI (11) are all racing consistently and deserve exotic attention, despite the trio drawing wide.

OOGA CHAKA 1, Whataboyjack 2, Winona Writer 3, Speculating 4.

RACE SIX:

JOE NIEN (5), which has had numerous changes of address throughout, has had another one after he went around under the care of Leon Jurd last week. Leon is off on an overseas holiday and, the 9yo has since linked up with the in-form Troy Williams team. The pair could enjoy immediate success, as the son of Shadow Play strikes a suitable assignment. The past four runs of Joe Nien have all been sound efforts in finishing within 10m of the winner, despite finishing unplaced. Two starts ago and the 186-start veteran recorded a gritty 2.5m 4th to Ooga Chaka, then a week ago recorded a solid 5.2m 6th behind the classy Emma Stewart-prepared mare, Fiamma. Throw in a 6.3m 5th to Star Major and Petes Said So, which has won twice since, and the form of Joe Nien reads well for a race of this nature. Gate five is also a plus, compared to 10 a week ago,. Blake Fitzpatrick has been booked to handle the driving duties so Joe Nien becomes a worthy investment. The KerryAnn Morris stable will launch a three-pronged attack with HAS THE COURAGE (9) looking to be her best hope. A winner here back on June 8, Has The Courage has been placed just once since, and that was a close 3rd to Dance And Deliver and More Gooda, but the son of Courage Under Fire hasn’t been far away in his three runs since. Last week the 9yo again battled on stoutly in finishing a 6.7m 4th to Mick Danger so respect his claims in this slightly easier event. TITIAN RAIDER (7) is coming off a couple of improved runs, both behind Ooga Chaka, the latter when an 8.5m fifth. Despite his recent mixed displays, Titian Raider should find this race more to his liking. Peaking in condition and drawing ideally in one, BETTORS HOPE (1) is worthy of more than a passing thought. Stepping out for his third run for David Aiken, and a spell,  Bettors Hope hit the line strongly when a head 2nd to Caulonia Courage at Headquarters a couple of weeks ago. This will be a tougher test for the 6yo son of Bettors Delight, but the draw will give him the chance to be prominently placed and ready to strike when it matters. WAVETHEBILL (8) and RYANS GANGSTER (10) are the remaining two runners representing KerryAnn Morris, and both are capable of being in the mix. RYANS GANGSTER loomed up to be a serious contender for the top spot in the race won by Runfromterror at Newcastle last week, only to break on straightening for home and finishing a well-beaten last. This is a race of many chances and the son of Courage Under Fire is one of them. CAPTAIN RITCHIE (3) has been below his best since a spell. But the 4yo is capable of a vastly improved run of those three unplaced displays so don’t write him off, especially when it comes to the multiples.

JOE NIEN 1, Has The Courage 2, Titian Raider 3, Bettors Hope 4.

RACE SEVEN:

This should be an ideal assignment for MACH DA VINCI (8) with the Peter Hanson-trained poised to be the ‘best bet’ on the card. Down considerably in grade and confronted by only seven rivals, the son of Art Major won’t receive a better opportunity than this when  it comes to securing the 28th win of his career. Following three unplaced efforts to commence his latest term of racing, admittingly in races such as the JD Watts Memorial and the Treuer Memorial, Mach Da Vinci indicated he was on the improve in finishing an 8.2m 6th to Star Major at Menangle. The 7yo was able to follow that effort with a solid-finishing 2m 3rd to Taipo and Max Delight, a clear indication things were again heading in the right direction. Contesting his latest challenge from gate one, Mach Da Vinci was beaten for early speed, resulting in a four peg role coming his way. Passing the 200m and Mach Da Vinci received clear air, but he just kept grinding his way to the line in recording a useful 11.3m 7th to Petes Said So. The chance to avoid the early battle for supremacy, then making his presence felt, Mach Da Vinci should and will, take a power of beating and in the process assist Cam Fitzpatrick the opportunity to enjoy early success. Cam will return to the sulky at Penrith on Thursday night. With the benefit of three runs from a spell, and improvement each time, ROLL UP (5) could make things interesting for Mach Da Vinci. Prepared by Luke McCarthy and to be driven Chris Geary, the 6yo son of Roll With Joe led when a determined 3.2m 4th to Unfazed last week, with the run raising his level of fitness for this challenge. From gate five Roll Up will have the chance to put his gate speed to good use in securing a prominent role from the outset. TOTAL DIVA (6), which is a stablemate of Mach Da Vinci, is capable of giving her mentor the quinella following a pleasing return to racing at Headquarters last week. The 7yo daughter of Terror To Love was given two, short preparations, with just one placing coming her way from nine starts. Starting her latest challenge from gate nine and settling back in the pack, Total Diva was working to the line in fine fashion in recording a 7.3m 3rd to the classy Victorian mare, Major Delight, with the game Little Bliss splitting the pair. Fitter for that pleasing run, Total Diva is worthy of more than a passing thought when it comes to upsetting her more fancied stablemate. Fitter for a solid head 2nd to Rickoshay at Penrith when resuming from a break, BLACK ONYX (2) is also capable of giving a good account. The 5yo son of Bettors Delight hasn’t enjoyed success since scoring here last September, however, the Dean and Kerry McDowell-trained son of Bettors Delight has always shown above-average talent and he is a worthy of more than a passing thought. PORT AU PRINCE (4) continues to be thereabouts but the winning post remains out of his reach. A suitable runner when it comes to forming multiple transactions.

MACH DA VINCI 1, Roll Up 2, Total Diva 3, Black Onyx 4.

RACE EIGHT:

Ideally drawn in three and confronted by a suitable assignment, TORO STRIDE (3) looks poised to make it three wins from his past four trips to the races. Prepared by Joe and Mary Rando, the 5yo chestnut has had little trouble accounting for similar fields, with his latest challenge a couple of weeks ago resulting in a dominant all-the-way win over Caligula and Sunny Gee. Jim Douglass, who is driving with plenty of confidence, will again have the driving duties and no doubt the lead role will be his number one priority. Such a role will no doubt lay the foundations for another winning performance and, in the process edge Joe and Mary to a career highlight since becoming involved in a training partnership. The pair are on the verge of 150 wins. HOT TO TROT (6) first having his first run for Sofia Arvidsson when the son of Creatine recorded a gritty 3.6m 2nd to Super Service here a week ago. The 5yo has been mixing his form, however, he has the talent to be a serious threat. SUNNY GEE (5) overcame a 10m handicap in scoring at this venue two runs ago, then again did more work than most when a creditable 8.4m 3rd to Toro Stride at Headquarters a couple of weeks ago. Handily drawn, the 7yo is again capable of being a factor in the finish. SHEZA PLEASURE (1) worked forward early and found the lead role when a 4.9m 3rd to Super Service last week. The mare will appreciate the kinder draw and that will assist the daughter of Bacardi Lindy securing a good run while leaving a little more energy in reserve for the run home. ITZFERGIETIME (4) has been thereabouts on a regular basis and is worthy of exotic involvement while CHIEF RUNNINGCLOUD (7) is another which fits the bill as an exotic contender. ONE MAJIC KENNY (8) can be ‘hit and miss’, however, in this field the 7yo remains in the multiple mix.

TORO STRIDE 1, Hot To Trot 2, Sunny Gee 3, Sheza Pleasure 4.

  - FORM ASSESSED BY MIKE KO'CASS