Full steam ahead with Locomotive

RACE ONE:

Last-start winner DASHING (7) is poised to make it back-to-back wins at Headquarters despite drawing wider for his upcoming assignment. A member of the Luke McCarthy stable, the son of Art Major has been successful in four of his past seven starts, with a further two placings underlining his consistency. Contesting his latest challenge two weeks ago, the 4yo competed from a three-peg role, prior to receiving the necessary room to launch a strong finish when he narrowly defeated the classy pairing of Our Luciano and Better Knuckle Up. Our Luciano and Better Knuckle Up contested the Chariots Of Fire prior to this engagement, and that adds further merit to Dashing's win. Luke will be looking to take up a prominent role with Dashing, once again saving him for a final assault. Despite drawing wide for his return to racing, CRAFTSMAN CHARLIE (10) can't be overlooked as a serious contender for the top spot. The 5yo, who is prepared by Geoffrey Harding, completed his latest term of racing with a stylish all-the-way win over Caulonia Courage and Ooga Chaka back in mid-November. With the benefit of two pleasing trials at Newcastle. The son of Art Major is ready to attack his first run back with plenty of confidence. ROYAL CRUISER (6) opened his latest term of racing with a disappointing effort at Bathurst but has continued to improve with race fitness. Four runs into his campaign and the 4yo son of Sweet Lou was able to dictate the terms in defeating Major Perry and Terry. With a consistent record at the venue, the Bernie Hewitt trained and driven Royal Cruiser can't be taken lightly. MICK DANGER (3) enjoyed his best season of racing last year and returned with a pleasing 4.4m 4^th behind Montalbano at Menangle last week. Fitter for the outing and again drawing well, the Ian Wilson-conditioned 5yo is bound to receive a comfortable trip, courtesy of Jim Douglass, and that will assist Mick Danger in his quest for further success. Racing consistently, mainly on the country arena, is CAPTAINS CATCH (1), who will appreciate drawing the pole position. Prepared by Brett Woodhouse and to be driven by Blake Micallef, the son of Captaintreacherous opened his Menangle winning account when he finished strongly in defeating Debonaire and American Spirit back on February 8. The 5yo then defeated Repelling and Tick A Loch at Albury before leading when a gritty 4.3m 2^nd to Catalpa Rescue, which has since finished runner-up in the Charlton Pacing Cup behind his star stablemate, Dangerous last Sunday. Captains Catch should receive the run his likes to be a serious threat. The Seaton Grima trained and driven CHEVRON ART (5) found some trouble but tried valiantly when a 26.7m 3^rd behind Swayzee and Cya Art in the Renshaw Cup at Penrith last Saturday. The 7yo son of Art Major had won two of his previous three, including a comfortable defeat of Aliberto and Quiet Storm at this venue four starts ago. Handily drawn, Chevon Art is bound to be in the mix from the outset, as per usual. Quality mare PANDAIA (8) led throughout for a brilliant win here in a mare's race, then contested the Baby Bling on Miracle Mile night when an 11.8m 8^th to Eye Keep Smiling. The 5yo has drawn wide but is always capable of being in the mix so don't ignore the mare when it comes to the multiples.

DASHING 1, Craftsman Charlie 2, Royal Cruiser 3, Mick Danger 4.

RACE TWO:

Former Kiwi OBADIAH DRAGON (8) will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing end to his first preparation on this side of the Tasman for trainer Joe Conolly. The 4yo son of Fear The Dragon created an immediate impression when he came from a midfield role in taking out the JC Caffyn Plate last October. Two good runs followed in good company, the latter a photo 2^nd to Major Fire at Menangle last November. Contesting a heat of the Brian Hancock series, Obadiah Dragon suffered an atrial fibrillation in recording a distant last to Bainbridge. Straight to the paddock after that setback, the gelding is coming off a sound Penrith trial in readiness for his return. Seaton Grima has been booked to handle the driving duties, and although a wide draw awaits Obadiah Dragon, that shouldn't be a serious concern as he has shown he can hit the line strongly from a role off the pace. ALIBERTO (9) has drawn one spot deeper but remains a threat. The Luke McCarthy trained and driven 6yo led throughout in recording a deserving win over Hes A Meister and Major Statement at Menangle, prior to contesting a heat of the Autumn Gift last week. Again, drawing wide, the son of Somebeachsomewhere settled in a rearward role before failing to make an impression when a 17m 8^th to the classy Timmy Rictor. Returning to a suitable challenge and Aliberto will again be a factor in the finish. The consistent OURTREACHEROUS REIGN (6) posted a number of creditable performances on the Penrith and Bathurst circuits, prior to recording a gritty win at Newcastle last week in defeating Yankee Ideal and Ashleys Blue Chip. This will be a slightly harder test for the Paul Fitzpatrick-trained 5yo however another competitive showing should be forthcoming. The race starts to open up with a number of runners being worthy of exotic involvement. SWELL TIME (3) draws well and is coming off a win at Newcastle a week ago when he finished too well for Ashark and Sally Bigtime. Suitably drawn and the Mark Callaghan-conditioned mare is capable of another creditable showing as she goes in search of her initial Menangle win at attempt number 15. A watch is placed on KAYSANS ROCK (2) who started a $2.70 chance in a heat of the Autumn Gift a week ago, only to finish a disappointing 18.7m 9th to Timmy Rictor after dictating the terms. The former Kiwi, who is now a member of the Jason Grimson team, did win two trials before that assignment so he does have talent, as his record would suggest. Fitter for the run and taking on an easier challenge, expect a better showing from Kaysans Rock. OUR GOAT (4) has been thereabouts in recent Bathurst outings and is a handy type to include when it comes to the multiples. EL CAMINO (7) had been racing consistently before a 43.4m last to Birkirkara at Menangle a month ago. Freshened, the Bailey McDonough trained and driven 5yo son of American Ideal is capable of being in the mix as an exotic player. THE TAX CULLECTOR (10) has a tricky draw but the David Thorn-trained 5yo didn't have the best of luck in finishing a 7.3m 9^th to Double Act on March 4. The son of Gotta Go Cullect then went around at Menangle on Tuesday, finishing

OBADIAH DRAGON 1, Aliberto 2, Ourtreacherous Reign 3, Swell Time 4.

RACE THREE:

Trainer Joe Conolly has bright prospects of a race-to-race double as the consistent ITZMINEONTHELINE (8) has bright prospects of greeting the judge. Following an all-the-way win at this venue four starts ago when he defeated Jalaneel and Sahara Sirocco, the 5yo finished a solid 3.9m 6^th to Dee Roe before heading to Penrith for his next two placed assignments. Klayton Bigeni has guided Itzmineontheline to both of those placed efforts, the latter when a closing 3m 2^nd to Ravishing Sloy a week ago. Klayton maintains the drive and in what appears to be a race of many chances, Itzmineontheline is worthy of attention. SMALTESE (6) will find this challenge more to his liking, compared to his last-start 16.3m 7^th to Timmy Rictor in a heat of the Autumn Gift last week. The Brian Portelli trained and driven 6yo led in defeating a similar field five runs ago and although his form has been mixed since, the son of Sweet Lou will be looking to celebrate his 50^th assignment in style. RED REACTOR (7) also contested the race won by Timmy Rictor last week, with the 10yo veteran posting a creditable 7.8m 5^th after being in a five=peg role. Like so many of his rivals, the son of Auckland Reactor has been mixing his form, but this assignment remains well within his reach. MONTEFIORE (1) recorded a couple of wins, along with a solid 2^nd to Soho Americano sandwiched in between those efforts. Contesting a heat of the Autumn Gift last week, the David Thorn trained and driven son of Art Major was never a factor in recording an 18m 8^th to Island Bouhinia. Gate one is ideal and the return to a more suitable assignment is also a plus so expect a competitive showing from Montefiore. BARTELLO (4) has been safely held in his past two, but not disgraced, the latter when a 10.7m 8^th to Supa American last week. The 6yo son of Mr Feelgood has been below his best of late however when it comes to the multiples, he is worthy of more than a passing thought. SPECULATING (11) has the outside draw to overcome and while the 5yo has been unplaced in his past three, prior to that sequence the son of Roll With Joe had been racing well enough to be in the mix when the judge calls a halt.  VINKE B (9) and JALANEEL (10) and also in the multiple mix.

ITZMINEONTHELINE 1, Smaltese 2, Red Reactor 3, Montefiore 4.

RACE FOUR:

Hitting peak condition following four runs back from a spell, and striking a suitable contest, despite the wide gate, MARIA ALLEGONDA (9) looks ready to greet the judge. Resuming with two sound placings behind Destiny Stride and Pandaia, respectively, the mare then worked home stoutly in recording an unlucky 5.3m 6^th to Eye Keep Smiling in the Baby Bling when she was unable to secure clear running from a four-peg role. There is no doubt that the daughter of Sweet Lou should have finished a lot closer. Behind the leader, Kaysans Rock, in a heat of the Autumn Gift last week, Maria Allegonda battled on stoutly, without threatening, when a creditable 6.9m 4^th to the classy Timmy Rictor. While the wide gate is a concern, Maria Allegonda does look suitably placed in this contest. KIA ORA BEAUTY (7) looms as a definite threat after a solid-finishing 5.9m 3^rd to Bella Danza and Platinum Jewel in the Go Girlfriend Final a week ago. The John Newberry-trained 7yo mare finishing strongly in defeating Oceanic Art and Aromet Girl prior to that run at Wagga and is more than capable of playing an important role in the finish. JOELITA (8) has been thereabouts in most of her recent assignments and the mare is certainly on the verge of a winning performance. Prepared by Peter Rixon and to be driven by daughter Hannah, the 6yo mare finished a creditable 15m 3^rd to Pandaia before again working home stoutly in posting a solid 5.2m 5^th to the classy mare Eye Keep Smiling in the Baby Bling at Menangle two weeks ago. The wide draw shouldn't be a major issue for Joelita as the mare usually drifts back in the field. CYCLONE BELLA (4) recorded a big win here two starts back, then worked when a gritty 3.4m 2^nd to Harleequin at Penrith last week. The Wayne Dimech-trained 4yo daughter of Art Major has a suitable draw and, as a result, Cyclone Bella is capable of being a threat once again. HARLEEQUIN (3) recorded a confidence-boosting win at Penrith and in this harder contest, the Betting Line filly is in the mix when it comes to the multiples. OCEANIC ART (5) debuted for the David Micallef stable with a 2.5m 2^nd to Kia Ora Beauty in a heat of the Go Girlfriend at Wagga before a creditable 6.2m 4th to Bella Danza here last week in the final after leading. The former Kiwi strips fitter and will be better for her Menangle experience so don't dismiss her from the multiples. JUST AS WELL (11) has a tough draw to overcome but the Luke McCarthy-trained and driven daughter of Well Said is usually thereabouts and stays in the mix when it comes to the exotics.

MARIA ALLEGONDA 1, Kia Ora Beauty 2, Joelita 3, Cyclone Bella 4.

RACE FIVE:

After spending 16 months on the sidelines, former Victorian rising star TIMMY RICTOR (4) was responsible for an outstanding return to racing in a heat of the Autumn Gift last week. Formerly under the care of Emma Stewart, with the pair combining for five wins and a second from a mere six starts, the 4yo son of Art Major faced the starter for the first time since becoming a member of the Jason Grimson team. Two encouraging Menangle trial appearances indicated that Timmy Tictor was heading in the right direction and that was confirmed with his powerful display when resuming. Midfield after starting from gate seven, courtesy of Jack Callaghan, the entire worked to the line in fine fashion, resulting in a 1.2m win over Scared Stiff and Applied. Timmy Rictor will take a highly level of fitness into this contest and just as importantly, will face the starter from three, if the reserves aren't required. Previously,  Timmy Rictor displayed gate speed in dictating the terms and then allowing his rivals to fight out the minors. That scenario is likely to play out this time around. The Jarrod Alchin-trained ISLAND BOUHINIA (1) has drawn ideally in gate one and that should allow the mare to enjoy a comfortable stalking role. That was the case last week in her heat when the mare hit the lead in the straight, prior to holding on gamely in defeating No Heart Throb and Art Of Terror. The winner of three of her past four, while also finishing runner-up to Destiny Stride, the 5yo daughter of Betting Line will again be competitive. Grimson has qualified three runners with SUPA AMERICAN (9) looking next in line. The son of American Ideal will be driven by Jett Turnbull, and although he will carry the number nine saddlecloth, the entire will start from seven, the same position he had when he accounted for Sweetheart Bart and One For The Rodi last week. With the Jack Callaghan in the sulky, Supa American worked his way to the front and from that point was never headed. With four wins from resulting from his five starts since a spell, Supa American will again be in for the fight. Cam Hart will partner the Jarrod Alchin-conditioned SCARED STIFF (8), which gives the stable two fine options in playing an active role in the finish. Formerly with Jackosn Painting, the son of Terror To Love headed to Jarrod after taking out the Waratah Final at Menangle on March 1. Four-pegs after being restrained at the start, the 8yo worked to the line strongly in recording a 1.2m 2^nd to Timmy Rictor. Scared Stiff will be looking for a solid tempo so he can use his sprint to good use. If there is to be a slight upset, Scared Stiff is capable of achieving such a result. It is hard to see the winner coming from outside of the top four, with Timmy Rictor rating close to a 'good thing'. When it comes to the multiples, DIAMOND ECLIPSE (7) is a suitable addition after the Victorian posted a solid 3m 4^th to Supa American. Trained by John Newberry and to be driven by his son Matt, the 7yo son of Pet Rock is worthy of attention.NO HEART THROB (11), the third runner under Jason's care, strips fitter following two runs since a spell, the latter when he led in finishing a narrow 2^nd to Island Bouhinia in his heat. The task has been made tougher by the tricky draw however he is a handy type to include in multiple investments.

TIMMY RICTOR 1, Island Bouhinia 2, Supa American 3, Scared Stiff 4.

RACE SIX:

The FFA is next-up and this race needs little discussion. DON HUGO (11), despite drawing the outside gate, leads and wins. The battle for the minor placings will be keenly contested. The Luke McCarthy trained and driven champion collected a unique placing in the history books when he followed his win in the $2m Eureka with a win in the Inter Dominion, then for good measure, he led throughout in adding the Miracle Mile to his collection of impressive trophies. Luke won't waste any time stamping his authority on this race, and that will result in the son of Art Major making it 18 wins from 47 starts. While the winner is clear-cut, the placings behind Don Hugo will result in a number of runners looking to fill the minors. TERRY (4) has been mixing his form of late, but the Darren Binskin-trained stable star is poised to make a bold bid for the role as runner-up. Placed in similar FFA's behind Nyack and Don Hugo, respectively, Terry finished unplaced in his next two assignments before drawing wide and working when a game 5.5m 3rd to Royal Cruiser and major Perry at this venue a week ago. The kinder draw will allow Josh Gallagher presenting Terry with a kinder run, and that will go a long way towards the 8yo being in the finish. IM THE FALCON (7) also being involved in the battle for being 'second best' to Don Hugo. The 7yo son of Bettors Delight battled on stoutly when a 5m 4^th to Max Delight three runs back, then followed that effort with a 6.3m 5^th to Don Hugo in the G2 Cordina Chicken Sprint. Contesting the G2 Light Horse 2300m FFA, Im The Falcon had every chance after securing the one-one but faded to finish an 18.5m 9th to Dont Stop Dreaming. Apart from the presence of Don Hugo, Im The Falcon would consider himself suitably placed in this field so expect a bold showing. KINGMAKER (8), who is a stablemate of Don Hugo, has been a reliable performer of late and is a suitable addition to the exotics. The 9yo led when a creditable 7.6m 4^th to the exciting prospect, The Janitor, over 2300m at Menangle on March 8. An all-the-way winner at his previous start, Kingmaker will represent value. KANENA PROVLIMA (9) has been mixing his form but the 9yo should be included in the multiple mix ARDENS ACE (6) is always thereabouts and is a handy type to consider.

DON HUGO 1, Terry 2, Im The Falcon 3, Kingmaker 4.

RACE SEVEN:

While Don Hugo will stamp his authority on the FFA, THE LOCOMOTIVE (8) will do the same when the eight trotters face the starter. The Brad Hewitt trained and driven Inter Dominion champ has drawn the outside gate however that won't make the slightest difference to the result. Coming off a 40m handicap two starts ago, The Locomotive fell victim to the tough assignment, plus a brilliant front-running drive by Cam Hart which didn't allow The Locomotive to get into the race at any stage. The end result was a solid win by Hanover Da Moon while The Locomotive finished a 41.4m third. Drawing a wide gate for his next assignment, the G1 Hammerhead Mile at Menangle on Miracle Mile night, the 5yo son of Muscle Mass worked in finding the role outside of the leader in posting a gritty 8.7m 4th to the exciting Keayang Chucky. Just seven rivals and this time meeting them on level terms, The Locomotive will be 'full steam ahead' from the outset and he won't stopping for anything. LONDON TO A BRICK (4) is capable of giving The Locomotive a run for his money at his best, but the 5yo is still trying to recapture his best form. The James Rattray trained and driven 5yo indicated that he was building towards a win when he finished gamely in recording a 6m 2^nd to Keayang Chucky. Handily drawn in four, London To A Brick is bound to give a bold showing. DOFF YOUR CAP (7) was having his first outing since November/2023 when he recorded a 23m 7^th to Keayang Chucky in the Hammerhead Mile. Joining the Jason Grimson stable for his latest campaign, the 9yo had three solid trials leading into his comeback, so he will strip fitter for this challenge. A quality performer on his day, the son of PEAK DNK is worthy of attention when it comes to the multiples. CONSTANTINOPLE (6) won a couple in fine fashion before a gritty 4.5m 2nd to the star Kiwi Oscar Bonavena after doing plenty of extra work. The 8yo son of Trixton then faced the starter for the Hammerhead Mile, but he was never a factor in recording an 88.4m last to Keayang Chucky. Expect a better showing from Constantinople so include him when it comes to the multiples. HANOVER DA MOON (5) has won three of his past four, two due to outstanding frontrunning drives by Cam Hart. This will be a harder challenge for the Leon Jurd-trained 7yo, but he remains a value exotic player.

THE LOCOMOTIVE 1,London To A Brick 2, Doff Your Cap 3, Constantinople 4.

RACE EIGHT:

This looks to be an ideal assignment for the Luke Mccarthy trained and driven MAJOR PERRY (7) who will be looking to record his first win since May/2024 when he scored at Albion Park. The son of Art Major contested a further 12 races that preparation for just one minor placing. The 6yo has been far more reliable since resuming, with seven starts resulting in four placings. Two of his past three starts at Menangle have resulted in placings, with a solid 8m 5^th to The Janitor sandwiched between those efforts. Last time out Major Perry had little luck when behind the leader and eventual winner, Royal Cruiser, with the entire securing a clear run within 50m of the winning post. Finishing strongly, Major Perry managed to cut the margin back to 1.5m. Better luck in running will result in Major Perry going one better. JAY OK (10) peaks in condition following three runs back, the latest when he found some trouble in posting a 6.4m 4th to Royal Cruiser. Although below his best these days, the 8yo son of A Rocknroll Dance should be regarded as a threat to Major Perry. The 'x factor' is FIRE FOX (11) who also contested the race won by Royal Cruiser. Well in thge market the 8yo was never a serious factor in recording a 3.5m 4^th when having his second run back from a spell. The Jason Grimson-trained son of Sweet Lou ended his previous campaign with a 61m last to Leap To Fame at Albion Park last September, then resumed on February 21 in the Newcastle Mile, which was also taken out by Leap To Fame. Fitter and returning to a suitable challenge, Fire Fox should be competitive. Also making interest is CLASSIC MISSION (3), with the former Andy Gath-trained son of Vincent stepping out for the first time as a member of the Darren Binskin stable. The 5yo will be having his first assignment since last October, however, Classic Mission has been responsible for two solid Menangle trials, so he is primed for a bold showing, with the good draw being an added bonus. When it comes to the exotics, TITIAN RAIDER (1), DANCE AND DELIVER (2) and LINE UP (8) fall into that category.

MAJOR PERRY 1, Jay OK 2, Fire Fox 3, Classic Mission 4.