Here's a few 'good things' for Menangle Saturday night

FORM ANALYST MIKE KO'CASS FINDS US A WINNER AT MENANGLE SATURDAY NIGHT:

RACE ONE:

The consistent QUIET STORM (4) appeals as the one to beat, despite the race boasting a number of definite chances for the top spot. Prepared by Jarrod Alchin and to be driven by the in-form Bailey McDonough, the 7yo posted three wins and the same number of placings from his previous six starts before a solid 17.3m 4th to the classy, The Narcissist, at Menangle on May 10, when three-pegs and held up for a clear run. The son of Rock N Roll Heaven has a suitable draw and as a result, will be prominently placed from the outset. FRANCO TYSON (3) has been mixing his form but hasn't been far away in the process. Leading throughout in defeating Mister Manager and Guilty Party two starts ago, the Brian Portelli trained and driven 4yo was then held up for a suitable run in posting an 8m 6th to Soho Spectre a week ago. The draw has been kind to Franco Tyson and that will enable Brian to have the son of Rock N Roll Heaven in the mix from the outset, laying the foundations for another bold showing. DOUBLE ACT (5) has also been competitive on a regular basis, with the Harry Martin-conditioned son of Heston Blue Chip being a serious threat from his handy draw. A gritty and game all-the-way winner at Headquarters two starts ago, Double Act was held up for a clear run in recording a 5.6m 4th to I Break The Line two weeks ago. This assignment isn't out of his reach. it is also well with reach for SOHO SPECTRE (9), which is coming off a stylish return to winning form just a week ago. Prepared by Michael Stanley and driven to perfection by Chris Geary, the NSW Derby winner proved too good for Glitter Aint Gold and Our Luciano. The 4yo son of Art Major came from a midfield role, and although the wide gate is a concern, he should be powering to the line once again. MY MOONLITE DREAM (10) will be far better suited in this field, compared to recent assignments, despite the mare drawing the outside gate. Four starts ago the 6yo daughter of Always B Miki recorded a 3rd to No Heart Throb before filling the same role when beaten by Eye Keep Smiling and Steno. Beaten 19.4m when 5th to Don Hugo, then 14.8m in finishing last to Ubetcha Tigerpie a couple of weeks ago, the Seaton Grima-trained mare is capable of a vastly better showing so don't ignore her claims. HY POACTIVE (7) is a last-start Wagga winner with exotic claims while MIRACULOUS (2) followed a gritty Menangle win when first-up from NZ for Jason Grimson, before a solid 2.7m 2nd to I Break The Line. The ideal draw is a plus so expect a competitive showing.

QUIET STORM 1, Franco Tyson 2, Double Act 3, Soho Spectre 4.

RACE TWO:

Former Victorian DUKES CHOICE (1) is the interesting runner, especially after the recent addition to the astute Jarrod Alchin team came up with gate one. The son of Vincent was three runs into his latest term of racing when he stalked the speed before accounting for Meteor Moth and New Yorker at Melton on April 12. Six weeks later and from a back row draw, Dukes Choice was never a serious factor in posting a 16.4m 6th to Little Louie. Another second-row draw came into play, this time against stronger company when the 5yo finished a 21.9m last to Silver Pistol and Fox Dan, two quality types from the Emma Stewart team. Once again that run at Melton was well-spaced after his previous assignment. From the pole Dukes Choice should be able to enjoy a suitable smother, leaving him with the opportunity to make his presence felt. Jarrod continues to enjoy success with newcomers to his stables, so don't ignore the claims of Dukes Choice in an open and tough race. MISTER MANAGER (3) has also drawn well in three and that brings the Grant Ellul-conditioned son of For A Reason into the mix as a definite winning chance. A recent Penrith winner, Mister Manager wasn't disgraced when an 8m 7th to Alta Sierra at this venue before a creditable 8.6m 2nd behind Franco Tyson, again at Headquarters. The 5yo is coming off a 6.7m 5th to Laceys Lad at Newcastle when he did appear to have every chance. That run aside and Mister Manager should be competitive. PLAY IT COOL (10) led in scoring at this venue back on June 7, then debuted for Jason Grimson with a disappointing and costly 19.5m last to Alta Sierra. The 4yo son of Bettors Delight again proved costly at his next start, however, did manage to post a solid 2nd to Buddy Brilliance at Bathurst. The draw is a hurdle but Play it Cool is capable of being prominently placed so don't write him off. Former Kiwi gelding KAIRAKI DELIGHT (11) has a difficult draw to overcome, however, the 4yo does show above-average talent, judging by his three runs for Dean Atkinson. Four-pegs in his assignment here last week, Kairaki Delight worked home nicely for a 5.9m 6th to Hugo Maguire. The run entitles him to further attention. HAS THE COURAGE (5) has been unplaced in his past four outings, but the handy draw brings him into the race as an exotic player. OUR GEORGE BOSTON (8), ROCK FISHERMAN (7) and THE METAL FLYER (9) also have claims in that regard.

DUKES CHOICE 1, Mister Manager 2, Play It Cool 3, Kairaki Delight 4.

RACE THREE:

In what is another open and competitive contest, CRAFTMANS CHARLIE (6) looks handily placed to make a bold bid for the top spot. Prepared by Geoff Harding, the son of Art Major started his latest term of racing with three unplaced efforts before leading when a 1.3m 2nd behind Dance And Deliver at Menangle on May 3. The 5yo again dictated the terms when a solid 5.9m 3rd to Ooga Chaka. Drawing wider for his next assignment a week ago, Craftmans Charlie enjoyed the one-one, prior to working home stoutly when a 4th to Ardens Ace. After ending his previous campaign with a win at this venue last November, Craftmans Charlie is ready to collect his fifth Menangle win. Looming as a serious threat is the Luke McCarthy-trained ROLL UP (8), who will again be driven by Chris Geary. Resuming with a comfortable all-the-way win, Roll Up then had no luck when blocked for a run in posting a 10.6m 6th to Double Act. Confronted by a wide draw for his assignment here a week ago, the 7yo son of Roll With Joe settled in a rearward roll before working home solidly in recording a creditable 4m 5th to Ardens Ace. Although again drawing deep, Roll Up is entitled to be given plenty of attention. ROMANEE (5) has been around the mark of late and a win here wouldn't come as a surprise. Prepared by Mark Lefoe the son of Bettors Delight started big odds when a solid 4.3m 7th to Ardens Ace last week after being in a midfield role. Likely to be an appealing price once again, Romanee is worth more than a passing thought. OUTSIDE FIGHTER (2) also contested the same race as Romanee and Roll Up in recording a pleasing 3.7m third. The Julie Henman-conditioned veteran of 196 starts, hasn't delivered a knock-out blow since February 1, however, with gate two next to his name, the 8yo could come out swinging in posting the 20th win of his career. MR TEDDY (1) is coming off two solid efforts at Newcastle, the former resulting in a win, and from gate one the Joe Conolly-trained 6yo is capable of giving plenty of cheek. Victorian mentor David Miles has sent ARGGGHHH (9) north for this assignment, with a wide draw awaiting the 9yo son of Rock N Roll Heaven. Following two solid placings at Melton behind Sir Jimmy and Rakero Slammer, respectively, Arggghhh then finished a 20.8m last behind Hes From Heaven last week. The draw is a concern, but Arggghhh is at least in the mix when it comes to the multiples. VAN BASTEN (7) and DANCE AND DELIVER (4) also come in for consideration when forming transactions in that regard.

CRAFTMANS CHARLIE 1, Roll Up 2, Romanee 3, Outside Fighter 4.

RACE FOUR:

The Waratah Final, as per usual, has a number of contenders for the major share of the prizemoney. This time around the Mark Callaghan-conditioned KARAOKE KING (8) looks on song for the number one hit. The 6yo has been a reliable performer of late on his home track of Newcastle, posting a couple of solid placings, prior to his back-to-back wins there in June. Commencing with a dominant display in defeating Cheddar Valley and Stick Man, the 6yo then came from a rearward position in defeating Mammals Riddle and Nifty Studleigh in his heat of this series a couple of weeks ago. Jack will again partner the son of A Rocknroll Dance for his father and that is a big plus. HEAVENLY REASON (4) won three on end at Penrith before an 18.5m 7th to Cheddar Valley at Newcastle. The Kerry Towers-trained mare then bounced back with a 6.5m 2nd to Backwards First at Wagga when the 6yo drew the back row. Mikayla Towers will again take the reins and with a far better draw assisting her claims, the daughter of For A Reason must be given respect. MAMMALS RIDDLE (3) arrives in fine form, having won three of his past five while finishing runner-up to Karaoke King. The 9yo son of Western Terror has drawn ideally in three and with the in-form Chloe Formosa again being handed the reins by trainer Joel Rees, Mammals Riddle is poised to play ab active role in the finish. Nathan Turnbull will be represented by NOSEAR (7) who faces the starter for the first time at Headquarters. The winner of four of his 10 starts this season, the son of For A Reason has won his past two, Parkes and Dubbo, respectively, the latter when he easily accounted for Mitchells Run and Roll To The Top. The task becomes harder for the 5yo, but the Turnbull-Jye Coney factor is always a threat. CHEDDAR VALLEY (10) draws wide but is racing well and can't be overlooked while OUR REBEL YELL (6) and MITCHELLS RUN (5) and capable of bold showings.

KARAOKE KING 1, Heavenly Reason 2, Mammals Riddle 3, Nosear 4.

RACE FIVE:

Drawing ideally in gate one and racing in peak form, HORN PLAYER (1) is ready to make plenty of noise from the outset in leading this band to victory. Prepared by Brad Hewitt, who will be in Queensland for the first round of heats of the ID, the 5yo has been successful in three of his past six starts while also collecting the same number of placings, twice as runner-up when beaten by Glitter Aint Gold and Ubetcha Tigerpie, respectively. Finishing strongly in defeating Our Luciano and Major Perry, the son of Sweet Lou enjoyed a kind run behind the leader before looking the winner with 200m to run. However, the Goulburn visitor faded sufficiently on his run to allow Ubetcha Tigerpie and Nyack to finish ahead of him. Nyack goes around in a heat of the ID at AP on Saturday. Due to his ideal draw, Horn Player will again receive the run required to ensure that he takes a power of beating. In all likelihood, Brad's father David, who has guided Horn Player to victory previously, will handle the driving duties. UBETCHA TIGERPIE (7) is aiming to stretch his winning sequence to four and he must be a definite chance to achieve that result. The 6yo, who is prepared by Michael Stanley, will again have the services of Ash Delosa after the pair combined in fine fashion for the win a week ago. The son of Betting Line has drawn a couple of spots wider, but that won't be enough to prevent him from being involved in the finish. Once again, which has been the case for the past couple of months, MAJOR PERRY (6) can't be ignored as serious threat and a potential winner. The Luke McCarthy-conditioned 6yo has been knocking on the door for a win following a consistent period of solid displays. Third to his champion stablemate Don Hugo, then filling the same role behind Horn Player, the son of Art Major is coming off a 3m 4th to Ubetcha Tigerpie a week ago, when he finished strongly after being snookered five back along the pegs. Chris Geary will take over the driving duties and if Major Perry can secure a suitable role, then he is ready to convert that into a winning performance. NO HEART THROB (3) has drawn suitably in three, which is a plus after the talented 5yo drew wide when a closing 5.2m 4th to Ubetcha Tigerpie a couple of weeks ago. The consistent son of Sweet Lou makes plenty of appeal when it comes to exotic investments. ARDENS ACE (5) found a suitable race and was able to convert that into a winning display last week when he led throughout, overcoming gate 10 in the process, in defeating Donegal Luther and Outside Fighter. The 7yo is always capable of being in the mix when the judge calls a halt so link the 7yo to multiple transactions. CURLY JAMES (10) has again drawn wide for a Menangle challenge, but the Victorian remains in the mix when it comes to the multiples. Prepared by Courtney Laker and to be driven by Taylah Osmond, the 7yo posted a solid and deserving win at Wagga two starts back, then returned to a Melton assignment when a 16.3m last behind Yambukian. TAY TAY (8) and JAY OK (9) add to the depth in this event, despite many of the major players being involved in the first round of heats of the Inter Dominion.

HORN PLAYER 1, Ubetcha Tigerpie 2, Major Perry 3, No Heart Throb 4.

RACE SIX:

Following a stylish win when first-up for the James Rattray stable at Menangle last week, MISS AUDACIOUS (6) is capable of keeping her 100% record for the stable intact, despite the tougher test which awaits. Boasting four wins and three placings, all as runner-up, this season when under the care of Jake Stockton, the Shadow Play mare hit the line strongly when runner-up to My Crackling Rosie two starts ago, then again hit the line with intent, this time turning the tables on My Crackling Rosie while Zenxena managed to grab third. Missaudacious will again carry the number six saddlecloth and is another quality drive for Taylah Osmond. EVER ART (10) started from the outside gate a week ago and will line up there was again. Despite that hurdle the David Thorn-conditioned mare remains a major player. The consistent daughter of Art Major worked outside of the leader in recording a gritty 3.9m 4th to Missaudacious a week ago. Blake Fitzpatrick has been booked to handle the driving duties this time around, taking over the reins from his daughter Zara. BELLA DANZA (9) worked home stoutly in defeating Ever Art and Onyx Shard last time out and is deserving of attention once again, although the wider a draw is a hurdle. The Bettors Delight 4yo mare is rarely far away and another competitive showing can be expected. Jack Callaghan, who has a quality book of drives, will ensure that Bella Danza is given every chance to greet the judge. MY CRACKLING ROSIE (8) has been racing with plenty of confidence and is the winner of a similar race three starts ago when she defeated Missaudacious and Maria Allegonda. Runner-up to Missaudacious since, the Peter Rixon-trained mare can't be taken lightly. Hannah Rixon takes over the driving duties from brother Will, who is involved in the ID heats at Albion Park. When it comes to the multiples, ONYX SHARD (1), courtesy of drawing the pole, must be included on her gritty all0the-way win at Wagga last time out when having just her second run from NZ for Jason Grimson. ZENXENA (3) and SWEEET HAYLEY JANE (2) have drawn well and have claims while MORE GOODA (4), a last start Wagga winner, is now under the care of Jarrod Alchin so don't dismiss her from the multiple equation.

MISSAUDACIOUS 1, Ever Art 2, Bella Danza 3, My Crackling Rosie 4.

RACE SEVEN:

With the benefit of four runs, since coming under the care of KerryAnn Morris, former Queenslander TOP OF THE MOMENT (10) has the chance to record his first win for Lucky Lodge, and also since last December when successful at Albion Park. The 6yo has contested 31 races under the stand conditions, which apply here, recording eight wins and 10 placings, so he knows how to handle the strands. When first-up for the stable, Top Of The Moment faced the starter in a similar event, posting a solid 2.8m 4th to Leaf Stride. The son of Peak DNK has since contested three mobile events, with the latest resulting in a 6.5m 4th to Macho Man a week ago. The 10m handicap doesn't appear harsh in this field as his rivals are also finding it tricky to greet the judge. COURAGE STRIDE (8) has two wins and four placings from a dozen starts behind the tapes, the latest when a 4.6m 5th behind Leaf Stride. Beaten 28.7m when 6th to Bet N Win, who is one of the major players for the ID trotters title this month, the 6yo son of Muscle Hill then worked home steadily in recording a 4.5m 2nd to Macho Man last week. That was only his third placing from 12 starts this season. Without a win since last November, Courage Stride is capable of a competitive showing. SPEEDY LOVER (6) has a win and five placings in 13 starts in races of this nature, with the 6yo son of Love You finishing a creditable 7.2m 5th to Macho Man. Although his last win was recorded back in October 2024, the David Aiken-trained gelding worthy of further consideration in an open race. The Lisa Fitzpatrick-prepared MALIBUU (5) has a win and two placings, both as runner-up, to show for her past four starts. However, the daughter of Sebastian K has been unplaced in all three stand starts. That aside, if Malibuu can begin safely from her front-line draw, then she is capable of making her presence felt. HOT TO TROT (7) won a stand two starts ago, his first following 13 previous failed attempts, before a distant last to Sunny Gee in the Bulli Trotters Cup when he galloped out from behind the tapes. The 6yo son of Creatine remains in the mix while LEAF STRIDE (9), which has by far the best stand record, with six wins and five placings from just 13 starts, is hard to follow these days. The 7yo won his latest stand three starts ago but has been safely held in two subsequent mobile starts. The Anton Golino-conditioned son of Love You remains in the mix, at least as an exotic player. TORO STRIDE (12) is also hard to catch these days but don't ignore him as a value exotic chance.

TOP OF THE MOMENT 1, Courage Stride 2, Speedy Lover 3, Malibuu 4.

RACE EIGHT:

Talented Victorian filly MISS OHANA (7) will be looking to secure back-to-back Menangle wins, and that result should come her way, courtesy of facing a slightly easier assignment, compared to her previous assignment. Facing the starter for a 3YO Trot Foundation Final back in mid-June, the Courtney Laker-conditioned daughter of Art major led in defeating Lotus Louise and San Juan Mountain. Boasting four wins and five placings from her 12 starts, Miss Ohana will be contesting the G2 3YO Trot NSW Final, and although drawing slightly wide, the filly will again take a power of beating. SAN JUAN MOUNTAIN (6) has three wins and six placings, five as runner-up, from her 15 outings, so expect the son of What The Hill to again be a serious contender for the top spot. Always prominent last time out, San Juan Mountain battled on stoutly in finishing an 8m 3rd behind Miss Ohana. The John Ogden trained and driven gelding will again be in the mix from the outset. The race does fall away to a degree with the David Miles-trained SEBASTIANS WAITING (5) next in line. The 3yo son of Sebastians K is back from a spell following four unplaced runs when last in work. Minor exotic claims would appear best. KENNYS SON (1) broke when a well-beaten 9th to Ivanka last time out, however, the colt has three handy runs prior and from the pole he has claims as an exotic runner. YOUR MAJESTY (2), JACKIES GIFT (4) and MONTY MONTE (9) should be regarded as exotic players.

MISS OHANA 1, San Juan Mountain 2, Sebastians Waiting 3, Kennys Son 4.

RACE NINE:

After opening her career in fine style, courtesy of winning four on end, GLADIATRIX (4) spoilt her unblemished record when a short-priced elect in the 2YO Trotters Final at Menangle back on June 21. The Kerry and Dean McDowell-conditioned daughter of Elite Stride was having her first race experience under lights, and maybe, that caused her to become stirred up, resulting in her breaking. That maybe clutching at straws, but it can happen and from all reports the filly was on her 'toes' more than usual. Gladiatrix should and will win this time around, but once again, the youngster will be 'deep in the red'. CEE CEE IN PARIS (3) looks to be the only possible obstacle to Gladiatrix. Prepared by Lisa Fitzpatrick and to be driven by her daughter Zara, the daughter of Classic Connection has won two of her past four while finishing runner-up on the other two occasions. Finishing strongly from a three-peg role, Cee Cee In Paris is coming off a solid win over Cartacalha and Aldebaran Tucker, the same race which resulted in Gladiatrix finishing last. Cee Cee In Paris will again be involved in the finish so respect her claims. ALDEBARAN TUCKER (2) tried hard in finishing a 6.4m 3rd in the above-mentioned race and is capable of again being in the mix when the judge calls a halt. Prepared by Anton Golino, who has an astute knowledge of trotters, the son of Helpisontheway isn't the roughest chance when it comes to a possible upset result. The remaining two runners IM DREAMING (5) and the newcomer DALAHASTEN (1) will fight out the remaining spot for the first-fours.

GLADIATRIX 1, Cee Cee In Paris 2, Aldebaran Tucker 3, Im Dreaming 4.