Gallagher looking for an Inter-City 'Delight'

RACE ONE:

With the benefit of a suitable draw, the Simon Bigeni Jnr-trained SIR JUJON (2) has the chance to open proceedings on a winning note for punters. Contesting five races since leaving Victoria and joining Bigeni, Sir Jujon has managed a couple of placings, the latter a solid 3.7m 2nd to Art Of Grange at Penrith on Dec 22 when the 5yo was held up for a run at a vital stage after contesting the 1720m assignment from behind the leader. Sir Jujon hasn't greeted the judge since scoring at Ouyen back in late March, however, the son of Mr Feelgood gets the chance to pay a visit to the winner's circle. Another former Victoria looms as the main threat, with OUTLOOK (5) stepping out for her second assignment since joining the inform Darren Elder team. Contesting her first engagement in a month, Outlook attempted to find the lead, but was left posted after a slick 27.5 opening quarter at Newcastle on Dec 24. With the pace solid throughout, the daughter of Art Major did a good job in fighting on gamely for a 3.2m 2nd behind Funnily Enough. Handily drawn, Outlook is bound to be driven in a confident manner by Brad Elder from the outset. The Peter Hedges trained and driven FOUR STAR LINCOLN (9) drew the back row when a pleasing 8m 3rd to The Mighty Mondo at this venue on Dec 23, and although confronted by the same starting position, the 3yo son of Lincoln Royal is capable of being involved in the finish. BLOWUP (8) led in defeating Shes Lush and Home And Dry here a week ago and despite the move to the 2nd line, the son of Courage Under Fire remains a threat. Exotic players should also consider FOREVER MOMENTS (3), CASH EM IN SHANNON (6) and BREXITT (7).

SIR JUJON 1, Outlook 2, Four Star Lincoln 3, Blowup 4.

RACE TWO:

In a race of many chances, HEZASHADOWPLAYA (8), despite the presence of a back row draw, is capable of playing a role in the finish. The consistent son of Shadow Play has been performing at a consistent level since resuming from a spell for new mentor Brad Elder. Formerly based in New Zealand, Hezashadowplaya has had seven starts for the Louth Park stable, with a run of consistent efforts coming his way before a solid all-the-way win at Newcastle, then a gritty 3m 4th to Mitsi Gaynor on Nov 4. With a handy trial effort under his belt at Newcastle, the 5yo should give this contest a big shake. Drawing ideally in two, NIFTY STUDLEIGH (2) is bound to make a bold bid for victory. Following a win and two placings at Newcastle, the son of A Rocknroll Dance then attempted to overcome a back row draw last week in recording an 8.5m 4th to The Mighty Mondo. The switch to the front row is a big plus for Nifty Studleigh. Also drawing ideally is BLISSFULL DONNA (3)  and with three wins and a second next to her name, the mare must be regarded as a winning hope. Trained and driven by Tom Ison, the 6yo has been overcoming back row draws in winning her past two at Tamworth so this draw will be a plus for the daughter of Blissfull Hall. BIG TIME HUSTLER (4) is coming off a gritty win here a week ago and from his handy draw another bold showing is likely. DOLLAR SIGN (5) and DANIEL BOOM (7) are racing consistently and a win wouldn't surprise while SILVER LADY (6) and last-start winner THE MIGHTY MONDO (9) are in the mix when it comes to the multiples.

HEZASHADOWPLAYA 1, Nifty Studleigh 2, Blissfull Donna 3, Big Time Hustler 4.

RACE THREE:

One of the 'better bets' appears in this race with the Aaron Goadsby THREEBUSHELSOFOATS (2) racing in peak form and also drawing ideally in two. And, with the inform Grace Panella booked for the drive, the 2yo filly, despite taking on older rivals, looks hard to toss. Contesting five races since a spell, Threebushelsofoats has collected two wins and three placings, all as runner-up. The daughter of Art Major contested her latest outing at Newcastle on Dec 24 from behind the leader, and after striking interference in the run home, when attempting a pegs role, the filly gained the verdict in the Steward's Room after initially finishing 2nd to Hunk Of Spunk. Grace, who replaces Robert Morris, will have the chance to have the filly in an important role from the outset. Drawing the inside of the back row is the main threat in HIDDEN DELIGHT, a consistent member of the Mark Callaghan team. To be driven by Tom Callaghan, the 6yo mare is coming off a solid 2.7m 3rd to R Eleven Art at Newcastle a night out before Christmas. The daughter of Bettors Delight doesn't win out of turn, and with her last win recorded back in mid-July, Hidden Delight is due for another win. ROCK DE ARK (8) posted an improved 2nd to R Eleven Art at Newcastle, and although the move from gate one to a back row draw is a concern, the Pet Rock mare remains in the mix, especially when it comes to exotic investments. RUBY BABY (5) has been thereabouts on a number of occasions of late and is worthy of exotic attention while WERENT WATCHING (3), MISS SERENDIPITY (4) and HEAVENLY BELLE (6) also are contenders in that regard.

THREEBUSHELSOFOATS 1, Hidden Delight 2, Rock De Ark 3, Ruby Baby 4.

RACE FOUR:

The Geoff Harding-conditioned JASPER STYLES (6) has greeted the judge since June/2021, but the consistent son of Tiz a Masterpiece looms as the one to beat, despite drawing out wide. Placed in four of his past five starts, and finishing fourth on the other occasion, Jasper Styles started in the 'red' when he led and failed by the nose margin in finishing 2nd to Our Reactor at Newcastle a couple of weeks ago. Contesting a race of numerous chances, Jasper Styles will again make his presence felt. QUE SERA (3) drew the back row at Newcastle last time out in recording a useful 8.9m 7th to R Eleven Art. The draw is kinder this time around and the 7yo daughter of Auckland Reactor is capable of being involved in the finish. BENEATH THE SHADOW (4) had every chance but was never a factor in recording a 34.8m 6th to Kobys Delight at this venue a week ago. The son of Shadow Play has been mixing his form, but a win at Tamworth three runs ago was good enough to warrant another chance in this company. ULTRA BLISS (10) had been racing soundly before having gear issues and being retired from the race won by One For The Rodi a week ago. Despite the back row draw, the 6yo is worthy of another chance while CONSTANTINA (7), TYGAR (8) and HAZELNUTS (11) remain in the exotic mix.

JASPER STYLES 1, Que Sera 2, Beneath The Shadow 3, Ultra Bliss 4.

RACE FIVE:

The tradition continues with the running of the 60th running of the Inter City Pace Final and the 2422m challenge will be keenly contested from the moment the starter switches on the green light. Ideally drawn in three and coming off a quartet of winning performances the Stephen Farrugia-trained KOBYS DELIGHT (3) is entitled to top billing. Inter Dominion winning reinsman Josh Gallagher will again partner the son of Bettors Delight. Following a couple of narrow winning margins at Newcastle, Kobys Delight had a comfortable margin of eight metres to spare over Rocktagonal and Dan Fernando in greeting the judge in his heat win, with Josh dictating the terms to perfection. The draw will again give Kobys Delight and Josh to set the tempo and that will go a long way towards the trophy heading their way. Poised to pounce from his back row draw will be ONE FOR THE RODI (9) which is coming off an emphatic and impressive 34.4m heat win over Junior Warfare and Daniel Boom. Prepared by Andrew Stapleford and to be driven by Michael Formosa, the sparingly-raced 3yo has won five of nine, with his latest effort indicating he was regaining his touch after a couple of luckless encounters. One For The Rodi has again drawn the 2nd line, but that won't be a problem as the son of Shoobees Place is bound to enjoy the likely 'fire works' up front, prior to launching his claim. ROCKTAGONAL (5) is racing in fine fashion and he will appreciate the move to the front line, following a solid 8m 2nd to Kobys Delight. With regular driver Brad Elder required to take the reins behind LIL RIPPER (6), Darren Elder has booked Robert Morris to handle the son of Western Terror, and that is an important engagement. JUNIOR WARFARE (2) has drawn ideally and the Greg Lewis-trained 5yo is bound to give a good account while LIL RIPPER (6) is coming off wins at Menangle and Maitland so don't dismiss the Brad Elder trained and driven mare as a threat due to the wide draw.

KOBYS DELIGHT 1, One For The Rodi 2, Rocktagonal 3, Junior Warfare 4.

RACE SIX:

Drawing ideally and coming off a stylish win at Penrith, OUR ACTION MAN (3) should take a power of beating in the Maitland Cup. Prepared by Rickie Alchin, who has enjoyed a productive 2022 season, the talented son of American Ideal dictated the terms of his latest challenge, which resulted in a comfortable display, which left Oursouthernstar and Katlas Dream to clock in behind him. Ashleigh Delosa guided the 4yo to his latest win, but Robert Morris has picked up another important drive. From his ideal starting position, Morris will go in search of the lead role and, from that moment onwards, the Menangle combination should take a power of beating. The Greg Lewis-conditioned LITTLE DEMON (4) is racing in fine fashion and from gate four the son of Modern Art will again make his presence felt. Following two solid placings at Menangle, the latter when beaten in a photo by Loyalist, Little Demon gave a good account when a 4.4m 3rd to Master Catch a week ago. Breanna Lindsay will again take the reins. Rickie Alchin will also be represented by WATTS UP SUNSHINE (7), with Ashleigh Delosa jumping in the cart. Ash was in the 'gig' when the talented 4yo son of Sunshine Beach posted a sound 7.4m 3rd behind Back In Twenty and Jimartee at Penrith on Dec 22. Watts Up Sunshine drew the back row on that occasion and has again drawn the 2nd line, but in the tricky position on the inside of the line. Fitter for two runs since a spell, Watts Up Sunshine certainly has the ability to be pro-active in the finish. The Elder family have a number of bright prospects on the card and this time around it is Melanie who has bright prospects of being the winning mentor. ASHARK (10) is coming off a solid win at Newcastle, defeating Master Catch and Ziggy Rocks. The 7yo has competed in stronger events in recent times and he can't be ignored as a threat. KID MONTANA (11), which is also under the care of Rickie Alchin, has a back row draw but the 7yo is racing well and Ricky Hunt will give him every chance to be involved in the major share of the prizemoney. The Lisa McDonald-trained MASTER CATCH (8) is worthy of attention when it comes to forming multiple transactions.

OUR ACTION MAN 1, Little Demon 2, Watts Up Sunshine 3, Ashark 4.

RACE SEVEN:

Darren and Brad Elder will combine here with the consistent BOOKER BAY (7), and although the consistent son of Lincoln Royal has drawn the inside of the second row, he remains the testing material. The 5yo has been placed in each of his past four runs, the latest when off the back row in finishing stoutly for a solid 3.2m 3rd behind Big Time Hustler. Apart from the draw, this does appear to be a suitable assignment and with Brad driving in career best form, Booker Bay should post his first since August. DEEBO (6) has been thereabouts in each of his past four trips to the track, and although the Rickie Alchin-trained youngster is giving away age to his rivals, the son of Betting Line is worth the gamble. While the draw is also a hurdle, Deebo has posted a couple of solid efforts at Penrith and if he can have some luck in running, then the colt looms as a threat. MAGIC SHOOS (1) will appreciate the draw after competing from the inside of the back row when a closing 5m 4th to Dreamy Castafiore at Penrith last time out. From the pole Jake Bigeni should have the 4yo well-placed from the outset. WALLAROY BOY (4) overcame a back row draw in scoring at Newcastle last start and with a better draw assisting him, the 7yo should be in the mix when the judge calls a halt. HENWOOD (2), YARRAMAN MARKLE (5) and ROCKINGDOWNUNDER (11) have exotic prospects.

BOOKER BAY 1, Deebo 2, Magic Shoos 3, Wallaroy Boy 4.

RACE EIGHT:

Despite being drawn awkwardly on the inside of the back row, CASHWRANGS SMOKER (7) has done enough of late to warrant attention in what looks to be a tricky race. Prepared by Kylie Garaty and another fine drive for Robbie Morris, the 11yo son of Chief Marty is coming off a solid 5m 4th to Big Time Hustler a week ago when always prominent behind the leader after drawing the pole. If Cashwrangs Smoker enjoys a suitable trip and then has the chance to issue a challenge, then expect the veteran to be a definite contender when the judge calls a halt. CASUAL RIVER (5) has been thereabouts, with mixed luck, and with the advantage of a handy draw, then the 8yo is capable of giving a good account, which was the case last time out when a useful 8.3m 5th to Wallaroy Boy and Newcastle recently. AINTSHEASTAR (3) was having just her fourth engagement when an improved 4.8m 3rd to Funnily Enough and Outlook at Newcastle a couple of weeks ago. Handily drawn, the Four Starzzz Shark 2yo filly could be in the mix as an exotic runner. STARTUP (4) also has claims when it comes to the multiples, along with SUNDAY SESH (10) and SEDDON DOLLAR (6).

CASHWRANGS SMOKER 1, Casual River 2, Aintsheastar 3, Startup 4.

RACE NINE:

A recent addition to the stables of Darren Elder, ENEMY LINES (3) has the chance to make an immediate impact after the 160-start veteran drew ideally in three. The 8yo ended his previous campaign with a 26.7m 8th to Mannho at Newcastle back in April, and that was typical of his latest form. Safely held in a recent trial, Enemy Lines is bound to be ready for a competitive showing, with the son of Advance Attack looking to end 2022, the same way he started the year and that is on a winning note. The father and son combination of Darren and Brad Elder will be looking to fend off the challenge of another father and son pairing as Mark and Tom Callaghan will be looking to greet the judge with STELLAS DELIGHT (9). The 6yo mare is coming off an 18.6m 7th to Nelly Bigtime at Newcastle a day before Christmas, and although the daughter of Bettors Delight hasn't won since June, this looks to be a far more suitable engagement so don't ignore her as a threat. SINBINNED (5) carried a flat tyre when a 21.8m 5th to R Eleven Art at Penrith three weeks ago, and although the Art Major colt hasn't a great deal recently, a better showing in this company wouldn't come as a surprise. MIKE ORR (8) is worthy of attention in exotic investments, with TIZ A MAGICTIME (4) and GALLANT KNIGHT (2) also in the mix.

ENEMY LINES 1, Stellas Delight 2, Sinbinned 3, Mike Orr 4.

  - FORM ASSESSED BY MIKE KO'CASS