Here's Nerano chance to bounce back to the top

RACE ONE:

With the benefit of one run back from a spell, classy 7yo NERANO (9) is poised for a return to the winners’ circle. The son of Tintin In America was unable to make his presence felt during the Queensland winter carnival, with a win in the Lucky Creed over Swayzee and Cantfindabettorman, followed by three unplaced displays in races won by Leap To Fame, the latest when a 59.5m 10th to the champion in the G1 Blacks A Fake on July 27. With a solid Menangle trial win under his belt, Nerano headed to Parkes for The Dish on September 20. Drawing the back row for the 2870m feature event, Nerano managed to secure the one-one in finishing a 13.7m 3rd behind his classy stablemate Swayzee while Donegal Luther split the Jason Grimson-trained pair. Nerano has drawn wide for this assignment but the higher level of fitness will come into play and that should be enough to see him home. The Shane Sanderson-trained PERFECT SRIDE (5) has drawn handily and that will assist the 7yo in making his presence felt. That wasn’t the case in the Kilmore Cup (2690m) which he contested a week ago. From a back row draw the son of Bettors Delight was never a serious threat in recording a 25.2m 10th to Major Moth. Prior to that effort Perfect Stride had been in the mix, with a Menangle win coming his way four starts ago when he accounted for Double Act and subsequent winner, Loyalist. Ryan Sanderson should have Perfect Stride close enough to the action to be a serious contender. PETES SAID SO (2) has come up with his best draw for some time and that will enhance his claims of being involved in the finish. One of a number of outstanding chances on the card for Lucky Lodge, the 8yo has had a few weeks off since posting an 8.2m 6th to Loyalist. On most occasions the son of Well Said has been thereabouts when the judge has called a halt to proceedings. Possessed with gate speed, Petes Said So will be in the mix from the outset, probably in a stalking role. Talented Queenslander CLASSIE WASHINGTON (8) has had four runs since making the trip south, with a win coming his way two starts ago when he worked home gamely in defeating Max Delight and Whereyabinboppin. Prepared by Daren Garrard and driven by his talented son Angus, who is a driving in fine style, the 7yo son of Washington VC hasn’t been far  away in his other three assignments, the latest resulting in a 7m 5th to Curly James a week ago. The wide draw is  hurdle but another bold showing can be expected from the gelding. James Rattray will be represented by the runners, BOOM (1), STAR MAJOR (7) and NYACK (10), which is the best of his trio. The 4yo son of Sweet Lou built up an outstanding record back in Tasmania while under the care of Todd Rattray. Nyack contested the Racenet Discovery in an effort to gain entry into the Eureka, however, he was never a serious factor in recording a 32.6m 9th to Sure Thing Captain. Nyack recently posted a 15.5m 4th to the brilliant mare Aardies Express at Menangle so. Despite the tricky draw, a bold showing can be expected while his two stablemates have claims as exotic runners. The interesting runner is the former Kiwi ANYTHING GOES (3) which arrives with eight wins and nine placings to show for his 23 engagements. The sparingly-raced 6yo son of American Ideal has been off the scene since a 9th to Dalton Shard at Addington on August 23, and will face the starter with the benefit of a public trial, however, that isn’t an usual for a Kevin Pizzuto runner. Respect any positive market move.

NERANO 1, Perfect Stride 2, Petes Said So 3, Classie Washington 4.

RACE TWO:

Forget HEAVENLY CHARM (1) went around last start, which is tough if you supported the mare to win her latest engagement a week ago. Prepared by Jarrod Alchin, Heavenly Charm has drawn ideally in the pole position after leaving the machine from two last time out. Pushed back to a four peg role, the talented 7yo mare had no luck in the home straight after being blocked by a wall of horse flesh in recording a solid 5.7m 4th to Terry. A late opening about 50m from home enabled the daughter of Rock N Roll Heaven to stretch her legs in finishing the race with intent. Early September and the former Victorian posted back-to-back wins at Menangle and with better luck this time, Heavenly Charm will be right in the finish. The mare is definitely worth another chance in an open race. And, if you have been supporting MICK DANGER (11) during the course of his outstanding period of success, once again, you have to stick. Trainer Ian Wilson and driver Jim Douglass have done a wonderful job with the son of Captaintreacherous, with a heat and Final win of the Carousel coming his way in recent weeks. The 4yo has drawn the outside gate for this tougher challenge, but he is racing too well to ignore. Jim will drive him with one thing in mind, coming from a rearward role with a late burst. Jason Grimson has two definite contenders in CYA ART (4) and WHISKEY CAVALIER (6). Following a win at this venue four runs back, the son of Art Major has posted three unplaced efforts, but wasn’t disgraced in posting a 9m 6th to Speak The Truth and a 5.9m 5th behind Classie Washington, respectively. The 6yo is coming off a 26.4m 5th to his classy stablemate Swayzee at Parkes a couple of weeks back. Suitably drawn, Cya Art is capable of playing an active role in the finish. Hannah Rixon will partner Cya Art while Jack Callaghan will take the reins behind last-start winner WHISKEY CAVALIER. The former Victorian debuted for the stable a week ago in defeating Montalbano and Joe Nien. The large frame of the 6yo managed to dictate the terms from the outset and was untroubled in greeting the judge, although he was starting to get tired over the final 50m or so. That was just his second run since mid-March, so a fitter son of Lincoln Royal will face the starter. The pair will also be joined by a third member of the team in OUTSIDE FIGHTER (3), with Jett Turnbull booked to handle the son of Art Major. Exotic claims should be considered after the 7yo drew handily. REGAZZO DI TILLY (2) is also a suitable exotic player after another honest effort here last week, which resulted in a grinding head 2nd to Terry. The prospect of a kinder run should be on offer this time around. MONTALBANO (5) is racing well enough to also warrant exotic attention while UNFAZED (9) had no luck last week when blocked for a run all-the-way down the running in recording a an 8m 8th to Curly James. There is little doubt that the 7yo son of Auckland Reactor would have been in the mix with clear running.

HEAVENLY CHARM 1, Mick Danger 2, Cya Art 3, Whiskey Cavalier 4.

RACE THREE:

In a race of many chances, OURMATEMENKO (4) is capable of converting his good draw into a bold performance. Formerly with Shane Sanderson, the son of Downbytheseaside has had two runs for David Thorn, with the pair enjoying immediate success when the gelding accounted for Craftmans Charlie and Foxy Dada, with the latter scoring since. The 4yo then had his chance when a 9m 7th to Terry last week. Ryan Sanderson will take over the driving duties behind the bay and while he can mix his form, Ourmatemenko is capable of playing an important role in the finish. DOM TORETTO (3) was held up for a run behind the leader Captain Tom when an unlucky 5m 7th to Foxy Dada last week. Despite the best efforts of Jack Callaghan to find a suitable opening, Dom Toretto only saw clear running 50m from home and that was too late. The former Kiwi had been performing well since making the trip across the Tasman and is bound to bounce back strongly so respect his claims after drawing well once again. Daren and Angus Garrard will combine with CATSEYE BEACH (1), which was successful here last week in defeating Madigan and Vinke B. Working across from a wide gate the 5yo managed to find the lead role, with a perfectly judged front-running drive enabling the son of Sunshine Beach to prevail by a narrow margin. While this will be a slightly harder challenge for the Queenslander, gate one is a big plus so a competitive showing should be forthcoming. CAPTAIN TOM (9) led and had his chance when a 7.3m 8th to Foxy Dada last week. The 4yo had no luck at his previous start when a 9.8m 6th to Ourmatemenko and with a number of fine performances posted prior to that run, the son of Captaintreacherous can’t be dismissed as a threat. The wide draw will likely result in Captain Tom drifting back at the start. But, he has been seen to advantage with such a run in the past. Exotic investors should also consider CASH AND BLING (8), HAS THE COURAGE (10) and DE GOEY (2), which gets the chance to be involved in the finish after coming up with a better draw in what will be a far more comfortable assignment, compared to his 16m 7th to OIiver Dan  in the Stockade.

OURMATEMENKO 1, Dom Toretto 2, Catseye Beach 3, Captain Tom 4.

RACE FOUR:

Nathan and Jett Turnbull will combine with the in-form MAMMALS ALIBI (9), which will be looking to stretch his winning sequence to four by taking out the Waratah Final. The Bathurst visitor has won all three on his home track, the latest when he worked to an early lead in defeating King Tintin and Alwaysbmypony. The 4yo son of For A Reason has drawn deep, but that will be off-set by at least two spots if the reserves stay at home. Jett will be looking to again drive Mammals Alibi in an aggressive fashion in his quest for another all-the-way win. KING TINTIN (2) has the draw advantage over Mammals Alibi after it was slightly the other way around in the heat. King Tintin was restrained at the start. But found himself three depo before working to be outside of the leader, Mammals Alibi. Grinding away gamely, the son of Tintin In America was game in defeat in finishing a half-head away. Trainer-driver Neil Day will have the 4yo chestnut in a competitive role from the outset. FAR OUT BRO (1) has won two of his past three for trainer Jarred Hetherington and with gate one a big plus, the 5yo son of Sweet Lou should have the run required to be regarded as a threat. Blake Hughes was able to guide Far out Bro to a narrow heat win at Newcastle, with Amillion promises and Abstract Art filling the minors. Blake will again be looking to secure a kind, stalking role with Far Out Ringo. THE TEXAS RANGER (11) has a wide draw to overcome and while his form has been patchy of late, the Brad Hewitt trained and driven 8yo is capable of being in the mix. A narrow Goulburn winner two starts back when he defeated subsequent winner Spirit And Soul, the 6yo worked when a fading 13.4m 7th to Smooth Buzz last week at Bathurst. The son of American Ideal enjoys racing here and this challenge isn’t out of his reach. ISLAND BOUHINIA (10) won her heat, narrowly, at Wagga last week and is worthy of exotic involvement, along with SPIRIT AND SOUL (6) TULHURST TERROR (5) and GABBYS SPORTSTAR (4).

MAMMALS ALIBI 1, King Tintin 2, Far Out Bro 3, The Texas Ranger 4.

RACE FIVE:

There are a number of runners deserving of success, following a stint of consistent form, and that list includes LUDACROUS (11), a newcomer to the Peter Rixon stable. Formerly under the care of Kate Hargreaves, the consistent Victorian mare has been placed in her past four engagements, three as runner-up. Following a gallant 12m 2nd to Sweet Bella at Melton in a VSS 4yo Final, when forced to work from a back row draw, Ludacrous then headed to Menangle for her next challenge on September 21.Drawing wide, which resulted in a midfield role coming her way, the daughter of Art Major again displayed plenty of grit in recording a 7.2m 2nd to the classy mare, My Moonlite Dream. Will Rixon will partner Ludacrous and due to the outside gate appearing next to her name, the mare may find herself back in the pack. The only saving factor is that one her main threats in STIR ME UP (10) also has a wide draw to overcome. Prepared by Sofia Arvidsson and to be driven by the in-form Bailey McDonough, the son of Auckland Reactor has been placed in his past five starts, beaten narrowly on each occasion. Contesting a heat of the Carousel, the 6yo worked home well from a six peg role when am 18.8m 3rd to Mick Danger, who then went on to win the Final in fine style. Stepping out at Menangle two weeks ago, Stir Me Up enjoyed a kind run behind the leader in recording a 1.9m 3rd to Cash And Bling and Maebee. There is little doubt that Stir Me Up is on the verge of a winning display, then ago, some of his rivals also fall into that category. CORBIE STUMBLER (6) greeted the judge at Newcastle four runs ago before posting three sound efforts at this venue. A member of the Jarrod Alchin team, the son of Betting Line raced in a prominent role in finishing a 3.8m 4th to Our Uncle Jim here a couple of weeks ago. Handily drawn, the 4yo is likely to be in the mix from the outset, ensuring another competitive display. Jarrod will also be represented by MADIGAN (8), who debuted for the stable last week in finishing a photo 2nd to Catseye Beach. Sent out favourite, the 4yo son of Sweet Lou worked from a wide draw in finding the role outside of the leader, prior to display plenty of grit in fighting out the finish. With a higher level of fitness assisting him this time around, Madigan is capable of playing an active role in the finish. DONEGAL LUTHER (9) tried hard when an 11.7m 2nd to the classy Swayzee in The Dish at Parkes recently. The 5yo son of Bettors Delight has now finished runner-up in three of his past four starts, two at this venue, and he is capable of again finding himself fighting out the finish. The David Caffyn-trained WAYOUTWEST (7) resumed with a useful 7.9m 6th to Sir Simon at Newcastle a week ago, and although facing a tougher assignment, the consistent son of Western Terror is again capable of being in the mix. When it comes to forming multiple transactions, Wayoutwest is worthy of consideration while VINKE B (4), who is rarely far away, is also a suitable addition.

LUDACROUS 1, Stir Me Up 2, Corbie Stumbler 3, Donegal Luther 4.

RACE SIX:

The Frith Stakes will provide the highlight of the night as brilliant mare AARDIES EXPRESS (1) will be seen in action and, after drawing the prized pole position, the daughter of Always B Miki will take a power of beating. The drive behind the G1 Queen Elizabeth 11 winner is up for grabs as Cam Hart will be seen in action at Melton on Saturday night, with Bay Of Biscay being his featured drive at the meeting. Returning to home base after two runs in Queensland, the latter resulting in a gritty 2.6m 2nd to Eye Keep Smiling in the G1 Golden Girl at AP on July 20, Aardies Express led throughout in treating her rivals with contempt in defeating My Moonlite Dream and Treacherous Gall in the Ranji Bill Stakes. Contesting the G1 Len Smith Mile at Menangle a month ago, Aardies Express drew the outside gate, which added to the tough task already awaiting the exciting mare. After having no luck in running, Aardies Express was far from disgraced in recording a 12.5m 9th to Catch A Wave. A recent solid trial win has the mare ticking over nicely for this challenge and with the benefit of the draw, Aardies Express is poised to lead this field from start to finish. Stablemate TAY TAY (2) will be looking to react swiftly from the outset in securing a kind run, with the role behind Aardies Express the key to her being a threat to some extent. The 6yo mare enjoyed a productive Queensland campaign, culminating in a determined win at AP on July 27, with Manhattan and My Moonlite Dream chasing her home. The 6yo daughter of Rock N Roll Heaven resumes on the back of a sound 2nd to Aardies Express in a recent Menangle trial. To complete the set, ILLAVABUBBLES (6) will enhances the claims of Jason Grimson-trained runners providing the trifecta. Contesting four races in Queensland during the carnival, the 5yo mare finished fourth in the final three of those assignments, the latest when beaten 3.4m by Tay Tay. A daughter of Always B Miki, Illavabubbles has contested two trials, the latter when 3rd to her two, above-mentioned stablemates. An honest performer, Illavabubbles will give another honest account. TREACHEROUS GALL (7) has finished third in two of her past three engagements, the first when beaten 14.6m by Aardies Express in the Ranji Bill while the latter was a couple of weeks back in finishing 9m behind My Moonlite Dream and Ludacrous. Expect another creditable display from the 4yo daughter of Captaintreacherous in making her a suitable exotic runner. NO DRAMAS (8) has won three of her past four, and although confronted by a harder assignment, the Troy Primmer-trained mare is a suitable addition to the multiples. THE VICAR IF DIBLEY (5) is racing consistently and is another value player when it comes to the exotics.

AARDIES EXPRESS 1, Tay Tay 2, Illavabubbles 3, Treacherous Gall 4.

RACE SEVEN:

Heading towards peak fitness and returning to a mobile assignment, FUNKY MONKEY (3) is ready to record the 18th win of her career. Prepared by KerryAnn Turner and to be driven by Robbie, the daughter of Monkey Bones finished her previous term of racing with a solid 3.6m 3rd to Revelstoke in the Bulli Trotters Cup when off a 20m handicap. That assignment was back on May 11, with the quality mare then facing the starter for her first run back on September 21. Working home stoutly the mare posted a pleasing 2.2m 3rd to Speedy Lover, prior to commencing her next challenge, which was a week ago, from behind the 20m tape. Stepping cleanly and making up her handicap in a confident manner, Funky Monkey continued to find the line with intent, resulting in a 3.8m 3rd to Virginia Clowers and Leaf Stride. Drawing ideally in three for this challenge, Funky Monkey will be a fixture from the outset and that should result in the 7yo greeting the judge. Last-start winner in CALIGULA (6) is bound to give plenty of cheek once again. Prepared by Paul Fitzpatrick the Majestic Son 8yo followed a couple of solid placings with a dashing all-the-way win over Toro Stride and One Majic Kenny. With 21 of his 22 career wins posted on this track, Caligula will again go looking for the lead role and that will ensure a genuine tempo. ONE MAJIC KENNY (7) can be hard to follow, however, the 7yo, who is also by Majestic Son, is capable of making his presence felt. Following a win at Penrith, then a 47.8m 8th to Maestro in a heat of the Trotters Carousel, One Majic Kenny worked home strongly in posting a 2m 2nd to Speedy Lover. Despite drifting ‘in and out’ of form on a weekly basis, One Majic Kenny can’t be taken lightly. ALDEBARAN ZEUS (4) had creditable form back in Victoria before trainer Brent Lilley elected to send the 6yo son of Muscle Hill north of the border. Facing the starter at Menangle a couple of weeks ago, Aldebaran Zeus was able to dictate the terms in recording a useful 7.6m 4th to Speedy Lover. Drawing handily, Aldebaran Zeus is capable of being in the mix from the outset. SUNNY GEE (1) has exotic prospects after the 7yo drew suitably in one.

FUNKY MONKEY 1, Caligula 2, One Majic Kenny 3, Aldebaran Zeus 4.

RACE EIGHT:

Despite drawing the outside gate, talented 8yo KANENA PROVLIMA (11) looks suitably placed in this company and, as a result, the Lucky Lodge runner is capable of being one of the ‘better bets’ on the card. The son of A Rocknroll Dance, surprisingly, hasn’t greeted the judge since winning the Ballarat Cup back in mid-January. It is now 18 runs later and Kanena Provlima hasn’t been disgraced for the majority of those performances as, on a regular basis, the gelding has been mixing it with outstanding rivals. A week ago Kanena Provlima posted a pleasing 4.7m 4th to Curly James after being three pegs for most of the trip. The wide gate is likely to see Robert Morris elect to take a conservative approach early, then coming with a late surge to claim the major share of the prizemoney. MAJOR MAJOR (8) is worthy of another chance, although a wide draw will also await the Jason Grimson-trained son of Art Major. Resuming from a spell with three solid display, one resulting in a win while the other two as runner-up, the 5yo faced the starter a week ago from a wide draw, with the gelding improving one spot when the starter calls the field into position. Restrained at the start, which resulted in a midfield role, Major Major worked home steadily, but didn’t appear to be serious threat in recording a 6.3m 6th to Terry. This time around the opportunity may present to have Major Major in a far more prominent role and that will enhance the claims of Major Major greeting the judge. Courtesy of drawing ideally in two, R ELEVEN ART (2) is capable of making it interesting for his rivals. Prepared by Daren Garrard and driven by his son Angus, who continues to impress, the 5yo has been runner-up in two of his four Menangle assignments, the latter a week ago when he battled on stoutly in finishing 3.3m behind Our Uncle Jim. Poised to receive a kind run from his better draw, compared to last week, R Eleven Art has the chance to again be in the mix when the judge calls a halt. JILLIBY NITRO (10) has drawn wide but the 7yo will drop back to a suitable challenge following a handy effort in finishing a 7.3m 6th to Curly James. Runner-up to  Mach Da Vinci a week earlier, the son of Bettors Delight is more than capable of again making his presence felt. DOUBLE ACT (9) was never a factor from a six peg role, then out three wide but with cover, in posting a 17.8m 6th to Whiskey Cavalier last week. The 6yo had been racing consistently, without luck on a couple of occasions, and stays in the mix when it comes to forming multiple investments. JOE NIEN (3) has been thereabouts of late and is coming off a closing 8.2m 3rd to Whiskey Cavalier. Suitably drawn the 9yo could be the value threat or at the very least, a handy type to include in multiple transactions. SAHARA SIROCCO (5) and SURFERS DELIGHT (7) also have claims as exotic players.

KANENA PROVLIMA 1, Major Major 2, R Eleven Art 3, Jilliby Nitro 4.

  - FORM ASSESSED BY MIKE KO'CASS