Here's the final piece of the Eureka puzzle

RACE ONE:

Back from a spell, but with the benefit of three runs under his belt, MAJOR MAJOR (9) is capable of assisting punter’s starting the eight-event card on the right side of the ledger. Following a hat-trick of winning displays during mid-December and early January, Major Major continued to compete on a consistent basis before ending his campaign with a costly 11.4m 5th behind Ardens Ace in early April. Trainer Jason Grimson has given the 5yo son of Art Major three trials, the past two resulting in solid placings, the latter when runner-up to Blazing Home, with the final 400m wrapped up in 26.3. Major Major appears to be ready to ‘hit the ground running’, and despite the presence of a wide gate, the gelding appeals as one of the ‘better bets’ in what looks to be a suitable challenge. The Dean Atkinson-conditioned ZAMBIA (3) is also returning from a spell, but from a far more attractive starting position. After taking out the Canberra Cup, then finishing a solid 4.2m 4th to Bluto in the Wagga Pacers Cup, Zambia finished his campaign with a solid 1.5m 3rd to Montalbano at Menangle in early April. The 7yo son of Bettors Delight posted a solid trial effort behind Vapar Fire and two preparations back, did win first-up so respect his claims. Unfazed (10) is a tough and determined character which is always capable of making his presence felt. Such was the case last time out when the 7yo drew deep, resulting in a rearward role coming his way. Grinding away gamely over the final stages, the son of Auckland Reactor continued to find the line with intent, resulting in a neck 2nd to Ardens Ace.  Expect a typical honest effort from Unfazed and don’t be surprised to see him greeting the judge. BLACK ONYX (2) has drawn suitably in the pole position, which is less the reserve, and that will assist the 5yo in his quest of being involved in the finish. The Dean and Kerry McDowell-trained son of Bettors Delight had posted a couple of sound efforts at Menangle, prior to leading and holding on gamely in defeating Eric The Kicker and I Break The Line. GLENLEDI ELVIS (4) is an interesting runner for Luke McCarthy, who is back in action at Headquarters after trip to the States where he has a team of five runners in work and ready to start their campaigns when returns shortly. The 5yo has been off the scene since a 21m 7th to Dangerous in the Mildura Cup back on April 2 when favourite for the trophy. Prior to that run it was hard to fault the form of the 5yo son of A Rocknroll Dance and with the benefit of a sound Menangle trial, his rivals may be made aware that Elvis is in the building and hasn’t left the premises. MY ULTIMATE SNOWY (7) is coming off a deserving win, but in a suitable contest, so at least respect his claims when forming multiple transactions while TERRY (6) and ROLL UP (8) could add some value to the mix.

MAJOR MAJOR 1, Zambia 2, Unfazed 3, Black Onyx 4.

RACE TWO:

The final piece of the $2.1m Eureka puzzle will be put into place following the running of the Racenet Discovery Stakes. And, drum roll, the winner is CAPTAIN HAMMERHEAD (5). That will mean the star Victorian will contest the two Eureka’s run to dare, with the son of Captaintreacherous finishing a 24.3m 9th to Encipher a year ago, following a brilliant win in The Singo, which was the final selection race. Following a slow start to his latest term of racing, the David Moran-conditioned 4yo has peeled off five wins from his past seven trips to the races, the latest being by far his most impressive after a slight setback following a narrow, but gutsy win at Melton. Heading back to that track a week ago, after nearly two months off, Captain Hammerhead clearly made a statement that he was worthy of inclusion in this important contest and on his night, he was capable of matching strides with the best of them. Three deep early, then outside of the leader, Captain Hammerhead soon disposed of his rivals when called upon by Nathan Jack to do so, resulting in an emphatic 17.4m display in defeating Helluva and Kosimo. Captain Hammerhead has drawn suitably in five and with David now a reluctant driver, Nathan, who is driving in superb form, will again partner the entire. Surprisingly, Captain Hammerhead has just one win and a minor placing to show for his eight starts at Menangle. OLIVER DAN (8) is a member of the powerful Emma Stewart stable and with star NSW driver Cam Hart taking the drive, the son of Bettors Delight can’t be taken lightly, despite this being a tougher test. resuming from a spell with a costly, photo 2nd to Le Belle Bijoux at Melton, the 4yo was again forced into the role as runner-up when beaten 1.9m by Keayang Tokyo, again at Melton a couple of weeks ago. Oliver Dan will face the starter from the middle of the line, leaving Cam with options, But, with plenty of power drawn to his left, Oliver Dam may be allowed to seek a kind stalking role, leaving him with energy in the legs for the long run home. After taking out the G1 Rising Sun at Albion park on July 13, the Chantal Turpin-trained WISPER A SECRET (11) cleared indicated his outstanding potential, and although the draw hasn’t been kind, the Queenslander will make his presence known. The 4yo son of Huntsville started an odds-on elect for his next assignment at AP two weeks on from his G1 success, however, after dictating the terms he was unable to maintain the effort in finishing  an 8m 4th to Blazing Home. In taking out the Rising Sun. Wisper A Secret overcame a back row draw, then a three wide trip to secure the role outside of the leader before showing plenty of fight in securing victory. Maybe, Wisper A Secret will be required to produce a similar effort this time around. Peter McMullen, who is one of the best in the business, will ensure that Wisper A Secret is making plenty of noise by the time the judge calls a halt. Another star visitor from the Sunshine State is SURE THING CAPTAIN (3), which is a member of the Shannon Price team. No stranger to winning faces at Menangle, courtesy of three wins from nine appearances, the 4yo son of Captain Treacherous finished an 11.5m 7th to Blazing Home in the 4YO Championship at AP, prior to finishing a gritty 7m 2nd to Major Moth when up against older horses. Before heading south, Sure Thing Captain led throughout in comfortably accounting for Alta Magician and The Rainbow Beach. The draw is a positive and Adam Sanderson will be keen to take full advantage of the situation in having the classy 4yo in the mix from the outset. Placed in five of his nine Menangle encounters, the Shane Sanderson-conditioned DANGEROUS (10) is always a serious threat and this race will be no exception. Back from a spell with a solid, and slightly unlucky, 4m 4th to Keayang Tokyo at Melton on August 17, the Sweet Lou has a tricky draw to overcome. However, a fitter Dangerous will certainly be thereabouts when the winning post comes into play. Prior to

Heading up the highway for this assignment, Dangerous posted a solid trial 2nd to Major Fire at Bendigo on Monday. NYACK (6) earnt a trip across Bass Strait after a gallant 16m 2nd to Fighter Command in the The Beautide at Hobart back on August 3. A member of the Todd Rattray team, which produced the surprise packet of the initial running of the Eureka last year in magician, will be hoping to produce further magic with the son of Sweet Lou. From his past 14 engagements the 4yo has posted eight wins while finishing runner-up on the six occasions. Whether he has the class to topple this field is questionable, but his honesty deserves a spot in multiple transactions. DOUGS PLATTER (2) has drawn ideally in two and he will be a factor from the outset so don’t dismiss him from the multiples while FOR REAL LIFE (1), which adds to the strength of the Queensland team, has drawn the prized pole role for Trent Dawson, and a kind run on the pegs, will assist the son of For A Reason in his quest to be involved in the outcome. Definitely a suitable exotic player.

CAPTAIN HAMMERHEAD 1, Oliver Dan 2, Wisper A Secret 3, Sure Thing Captain 4.

RACE THREE:

This is one of the toughest races on the card, with a host of definite contenders for the top spot. BARTELLO (5) has been freshened since finishing strongly in defeating My Ultimate Carter and Cash And Bling just over a month ago. Prepared by Allan Ellul and to be driven by Chris Geary, the 5yo son of Mr Feelgood has a suitable, compared to drawing a couple of spots wider last time out. That resulted in Chris restraining Bartello, prior to coming with a well-timed run. Bartello is capable of showing gate speed and this time around Chris may elect to take advantage of that speed and have the gelding closer to the action, with the lead role remaining a possibility. It is hard to go past OUTSIDE FIGHTER (6) as the one to beat after the son of Art Major delivered another knock-out blow last week in defeating Maebee and The Metal Flyer. The 7yo will now go into this event undefeated in his past assignments and his winning run is more than capable of continuing. The gelding certainly won’t throw in the towel if the going gets tough. MICK DANGER (3) is a definite danger after drawing ideally in three. A model of consistency in recent months, the 4yo son of Captain Treacherous followed a solid-finishing 5.6m 3rd to My Ultimate Snowy, with a fast-finishing 1.7m 2nd behind Captain Tom a week ago. Jim Douglass, who is driving with plenty of confidence, will have Mick Danger is a stalking role, courtesy of the draw and, with a clear run over the final 200m, the Ian Wilson-trained gelding has the sprint to be involved in the outcome. DE GOEY (9) was having his initial Menangle experience last week when the Tasmanian stepped out under the care of James Rattray. Previously prepared by Rohan Hadley, the 4yo arrived with solid form behind him, including a creditable 21.5m 3rd to Fighter Command in The Beautide at Hobart on August 3. Last week the son of Captaintreacherous was comfortably beaten for gate speed after drawing gate one, resulting in a four peg role coming his way. James was forced to ease De Goey out five wide passing the 300m and it wasn’t until the last 100m, that De Goey started to hit his straps. The wider gate may be a blessing for De Goey so don’t ignore his claims. The consistent HASS THE COURAGE (8) was rewarded for his honesty with a solid win at Headquarters last week and he is deserving of further consideration while ULTIMATE BIRD (10), despite drawing out deep, is worthy of attention when it comes to forming multiple transactions. Certainly a race where there should be value on offer.

BARTELLO 1, Outside Fighter 2, Mick Danger 3, De Goey 4.

RACE FOUR:

If, Outside Fighter runs up to expectations in the third, it should be a good pointer to the claims of MAEBEE (4), which was having his first look of the Menangle set-up last week. Prepared by Todd Rattray and driven by his brother James last week, the talented Tasmanian was always in a rearward role, prior to finishing the race off strongly when a 1.7m 2nd to Outside Fighter. The son of Bettors Delight has drawn a couple of spots closer to the pegs and if the 5yo can secure a kinder trip, then he is bound to make his presence felt. Todd has arrived to jump back into the sulky. AMERICAN SPIRIT (8) will be going around at the important Kilmore meeting on Thursday, then heading back home to tackle this event. The talented son of American Ideal won two of his four starts during a recent Queensland campaign, with his latest effort being a 29.4m 5th to major Hot in the Qld Derby at AP on July 27. The KerryAnn Morris-trained colt, despite drawing wide, is bound to make his presence felt against his older rivals. DONEGAL LUTHER (10) has been off the scene since a photo 2nd behind Classy Operator at Menangle in mid-May. The Amanda Turnbull trained and driven 5yo has recently posted a couple of solid trial efforts at Bathurst, the latter on Monday. The draw is tricky but the son of Bettors Creek has the talent to be involved in the finish. VINKE B (9) has been thereabouts on a regular basis with the son of Vincent working home stoutly, without threatening, a week ago in finishing a useful 7.8m 6th to Captain Tom. The Trevor Munday-conditioned 4yo has a tough draw, but include the gelding when it comes to exotic investments. ERIC THE KICKER (7) will be looking to convert his recent consistent form into a winning display. The 6yo son of Courage Under Fire won his only start at Headquarters and his goal will be looking to keep his unbeaten record intact. THE METAL FLYER (5) has been in the mix in a number of his recent assignments so don’t ignore his claims when it comes to the multiples while SKITTLE BOMB (2) brings consistent Wagga form to the contest and courtesy of drawing ideally, the David Micallef-trained 5yo is also an exotic contender.

MAEBEE 1, American Spirit 2, Donegal Hunter 3, Vinke B 4.

RACE FIVE:

This time last year MAGICIAN (10) arrived to tackle the $2m Eureka as the rank outsider for the debut of the feature event. Surprising the majority, the Tasmanian posted a gallant 15.4m 4th to Encipher, Leap To Fame and Captain Ravishing. Contesting a further eight races  while on the mainland, the Todd Rattray-trained son of Sweet Lou collected a couple of placings while under the care of Todd’s brother, James. Returning home and Magician developed into a class act after competing against strong opposition on a weekly basis, to the point where his eight starts have resulted in six wins and two placings, both as runner-up. The 5yo has drawn out deep for this assignment, which features a number of classy performers, but Magician is capable of being a serious player as he goes in search of his maiden Menangle win. TAIPO (8) won back-to-back races over this course and distance before posting two unplaced efforts in Queensland, firstly when an 18m last to Leap to Fame in the G1 Sunshine Sprint, then secondly in finishing a 51.2m 9th in the G1 Blacks A Fake (2680m), once again behind the super-star known as Leap To Fame. Back home for his next engagement and the Brad Hewitt trained and driven 7yo recorded a solid 1.9m 2nd to Max Delight on August 17, when he attempted to lead throughout. The son of American Ideal has drawn wide but no doubt Brad will hit the ‘go button’ from the outset. SPEAK THE TRUTH (11) is back in action after a luckless and tough New Zealand campaign during April and May. The Shannon Price-conditioned Queenslander finished his commitments with a 7th to Self Assured in a 2200m stand event at Alexandria Park. A recent 2nd in an Albion Park trial has the classy 5yo ready to give a good account. Adam Sanderson, who partnered Speak The Truth in NZ and prior, will again take the reins. The tricky draw is a concern but Speak The Truth has two wins and a placing to show for his four starts at this venue so don’t ignore his claims. CANTFINDABETTORMAN (9) is also back following a Queensland campaign with the Luke McCarthy-conditioned 5yo having mixed success in the Sunshine State. The son of Sweet Lou wrapped-up his campaign with a 37.7m 4th to Leap To Fame in the G1 Blacks A Fake on July 27. A wide draw will await Cantfindabettorman, however, he warrants more than a passing thought. Jack Callaghan, who is driving in superb form, is confident that CURLY JAMES (3) will take a power of beating. In an interview for the National Trotguide.online service, Jack said he was pleased with the 6yo’s two runs in Queensland, and his 13m 4th to Major Moth a week ago, when beaten 13m, was a pleasing effort after the 6yo received a check nearing the final bend. With a far better draw next to his name, the Jason Grimson-trained son of A Rocknroll Dance must be treated with respect. Exotic contenders include MISSED THE TRUTH (2), which has been placed in three of his past four, JILLIBY NITRO (4), ARDENS ACE (5), or as Tony and Alison Bertwistle refer to the son of Art major, their ATM machine, due to his honest and consistency, and CYA ART (7). An intriguing race.

MAGICIAN 1, Taipo 2, Speak The Truth 3, Cantfindabettorman 4.

RACE SIX:

The Shane Sanderson-conditioned PERFECT STRIDE (8) is on the verge of a winning performance, and although confronted by a wide draw, the son of Bettors Delight appeals as the one to beat. Following a win at Melton back on May 11, Perfect Stride has contested six races and is yet to register a win, but he has been in the mix in four of those assignments. The past three have all resulted in the 7yo finishing fourth, commencing with a 3.5m effort behind Max Delight at this venue, prior to his next two at Melton, with a slightly unlucky 9m display behind Mach Dan before finishing 5.7m away, once again behind Mach Dan. This assignment, compared to his recent company, should be slightly more to his liking and with six wins and eight placings from 24 starts at this venue, Perfect Stride will enjoy being back here. LOYALIST (11) is also poised to greet the judge once again, with a win here back in early February being the last time the 7yo made a trip to the winners’ circle. Nine runs later and Loyalist has had little go his way on a number of occasions, both here and in a couple of runs in Queensland during the carnival. Contesting the Blacks A Fake consolation from the inside of the back row, the Joe Conolly-trained gelding had little luck gaining a suitable run in finishing a solid 5.4m 5th to the Eureka bound, Don Hugo. Drawing out deep for his next assignment at Menangle, Loyalist settled near the rear of the field before working home stoutly in recording a 7.3m 7th to Whereyabinboppin. Loyalist was again doing his best work over the final stages when a 5.5m 3rd to Star Major a couple of weeks ago. While the outside gate is a concern, Loyalist will again drift back at the start and if within striking distance of the leaders on straightening, then Loyalist is more than capable of adding to his 13th wins to date. Former Andy Gath-conditioned WHISKEY CAVALIER (2) is bound to attract plenty of attention as he faces the starter for the first time since joining Jason Grimson. The 6yo has been off the scene since recording a 13.3m 5th to Bach at Melton on March 16m, but a recent solid trial 3rd to Blazing Home and Major Major has the son of Lincoln Royal ticking over nicely for his return to racing. From gate two Whiskey Cavalier will have the opportunity to be in the mix from the outset. While this trip is over the 2300m, little pressure is applied early, generally, so Whiskey Cavalier should run the trip out strongly. OUR MONEY ROCKS (9) has now had the benefit of five runs back, following an issue after his ID campaign at AP late last year. Prepared by David Thorn the son of A Rocknroll Dance indicated he was ready to again be a serious threat when he posted a 3.4m 5th to Star Major last week. The wide draw is as hurdle, however, the 7yo remains in the mix, especially when it comes to exotic transactions. MAJOR JELLIS (1) followed a couple of Penrith placings with a useful 10m 6th behind Star Major a week ago. The ideal draw has given Major Jellis the opportunity to sneak a role in the placings. FAZE OF GLORY (5) has always been a quality performer for Nathan Turnbull, however, the son of Lincoln Royal last his way and his confidence during the course of seven disappointing results. Resuming from a spell with a solid win at Bathurst on July 31, it appeared everything was heading in the right direction when again for Faze Of Glory, three weeks later and he tired to finish a moderate 26.2m last to Black Onyx. Hopefully, Faze Of Glory can bounce back once again, so at least give thought to his claims as a minor exotic contender. JILLIBY SYLVESTER (7) , after resuming from a spell with three ‘duck eggs’ next to his name, turned his form around with a strong finishing 1.3m 2nd to Whereyabinboppin at Menangle on August 10, coming from a four-peg role. Trained, owned and driven by Codi Rauchenberger, the lightly-raced 7yo son of Roll With Joe is also a worthy inclusion in multiple transactions.

PERFECT STRIDE 1, Loyalist 2, Whiskey Cavalier 3, Our Money Rocks 4.

RACE SEVEN:

Despite the presence of a wide gate, it is hard to go past MY MOONLITE DREAM (10) as the mare to beat. Growing in confidence since becoming a  member of the Seaton Grima-team, the former Kiwi ended a Queensland campaign with a pleasing 1.7m 3rd to Tay Tay at AP, with the daughter of Always B Miki finishing a solid 8.5m 8th to Eye Keep Smiling in the G1 Golden Girl prior to that performance. Contesting the Norms Daughter at Menangle on returning, the 5yo led when a gallant head 2nd to Major Delight, one of the major players for next week’s Eureka. Appreciating an easier assignment next time out, My Moonlite Dream led in posting an effortless win over Mini Mine Yet and Winona Writer. Back up in class for the running of the Ranji Bill last week, and My Moonlite Dream was again game in defeat, this time running a 13.8m 2nd to the brilliant Aardies Express, which was awesome in leading for the majority of the 2300m contest. Seaton will send My Moonlite Dream forward from the outset, finding both the lead and then the winning post. TREACHEROUS GALL (9) appeals as the main and only threat to My Moonlite Dream. Prepared by David Aiken and to be driven by Will Rixon, the 4yo daughter of Captaintreacherous has now had three runs for one of the best in the business, since coming from New Zealand. Scoring first-up in fine fashion, the 4yo has posted two creditable efforts in defeat, firstly, in finishing a 10.9m 7th to Major Delight, then a week ago when a closing 14.6m 3rd to Aardies Express and My Moonlite Dream. Treacherous Gall has drawn just one spot better than My Moonlite Dream and while the latter will have her for gate speed, However, Will will be keen to keep the favourite well within sights. WINONA WRITER (4) has been thereabouts on a regular basis for her owner, trainer and driver Sofia Arvidsson. Finishing strongly in defeating Saveeon and Dieing Art three starts ago, the 6yo daughter of Sportswriter then came from a rearward role in recording a useful 14.4m 3rd to My Moonlite Dream a couple of weeks ago. The mare then had little luck when five pegs, prior to being held up for a run until the final 100m in finishing a 9.7m 8th to Captain Tom. Suitably drawn, Winona Writer is a suitable type when forming multiple transactions. SWEET COCO (6), following a mixed start to her career on this side of the Tasman, has posted back-to-back wins at Headquarters, and is capable of again playing a role in the finish as she tackles a tougher assignment. After working and accounting for Vinette and Arena Queen, the 4yo daughter of Sweet Lou then overcame both a wide draw and a rearward role in finishing strongly to defeat Supa Dupa Luca and The Ex Horseist, with the latter scoring at Young on Tuesday night. Handily drawn and growing in confidence, Sweet Coco is again capable of making her presence felt. MARIA ALLEGONDA (1) has been disappointing since resuming from a spell, with each of her three outings resulting in unplaced displays. The David Thorn-trained 4yo has drawn the pole and a better showing is capable of unfolding so don’t ignore her as an exotic runner. ARDENS DELIGHT (7) is usually around the mark and is also a suitable player for multiple transactions while GIRL FROM ROSEDALE (8) and LITTLE BLISS (11) also stay under notice in that regard.

MY MOONLITE DREAM 1, Treacherous Gall 2, Winona Writer 3, Sweet Coco 4.

RACE EIGHT:

The stand start conditions will enhance the claims of LEAF STRIDE (8) in his quest for the ninth win of his career. Four of those wins have been recorded from behind the tapes, with a further four placings, all as runner-up, coming his way from just nine engagements. Prepared by Joe and Mary Rando, the 6yo son of Love You scored here three runs back when he overcame a 40m handicap, then finished runner-up to the classy, The Locomotive, beaten 9m. Contesting a mobile event from a wide draw a few weeks ago, Leaf Stride raced roughly soon after the start, resulting in the chestnut settling in a midfield role. Working home stoutly, without appearing to be a serious threat, Leaf Stride recorded a creditable 11.3m 4th behind Super Service. With the front line strand being a plus, Jim Douglass will have the opportunity to have Leaf Stride stepping smoothly, then sending him forward to establish a dominant role. That will be a big plus as his two main threats in IS THAT A BID (11) and SUPER SERVICE (12) will launch their claims from behind the 10m tape. IS THAT A BID has had three starts for Shannon Price, following a successful career in Victorian, with the son of Andover Hall scoring back-to-back wins at Albion Park, the latter under stand conditions, prior to working from the outset when a costly, but gritty photo 2nd to Red Castleton at AP a couple of weeks ago. From 10 stand assignments the 7yo has two wins and four seconds to show for his efforts and another bold showing is bound to come his way. SUPER SERVICE has been engaged in stand events on 19 occasions with five wins and a second coming his way. The 6yo has been mixing his form of late after recording a hat-trick of wins. The Majestic Son gelding comfortably won a mobile event, then contested another race under those conditions a week ago, when he had every chance in finishing a 12.8m 5th to Caligula.  The 6yo must be respected in what should be a suitable assignment. SPEEDY LOVER (2) has been placed in his past seven outings, so a win would be well-deserved. With a win and two placings from his five, stand starts, the son of Love You will handle the conditions and with the front line draw being a plus, the David Aiken-conditioned 5yo is more than capable of giving plenty of cheek. When it comes to forming multiple transactions, VIKSUN (1), ORLANDO STORM (3), SALLY EM (6) and ALDEBERAN JENSEN (9), which scored here on Tuesday, and SHEZA PLEASURE (10) are in the mix.

LEAF STRIDE 1, Is That A Bid 2, Super Service 3, Speedy Lover 4.

  - FORM ASSESSED BY MIKE KO'CASS