Here's the real 'Danger' for the Carousel Final

RACE ONE:

Peaking in condition following two runs back from a spell, last-start winner MAJOR MAJOR (8) appeals as the major contender for the top spot once again. Prepared by Jason Grimson and to be driven by Jack Brown, the 5yo resumed from a spell with an encouraging 1.3m 2^nd to Terry on Aug 31, before going one better when he led out, prior to taking a sit, then proving too good for his rivals in defeating Red Reactor and Surfers Delight at Headquarters 11 days later. The 5yo has again drawn wide, with his task made slightly easier if the reserve comes out. However, the son of Art Major does have the necessary gate speed to secure a role close to the action, if not dictating the terms for the entire 2300m. Despite going from the prized pole position to the outside gate, OURMATEMENKO (11) remains a serious threat. Contesting his first start since joining the David Thorn stable, the son of Downbytheseaside showed early gate speed before Bailey McDonough elected to take a sit behind Craftsman Charlie. Over the final stages the talented 4yo proved too good for Craftsman Charlie and Foxy Dada. Ourmatemenko has always shown plenty of ability and he is more than capable of again being seen to advantage. RAKADAN (9) also has gate speed, but the Seaton Grima trained and driven son of Hes Watching has drawn one spit wider than Major Major. That will at least assist Seaton to follow Major Major across to the markers, paving the way for Rakadan to take up his favoured role of setting the tempo, leaving his main rival to secure the stalking role. Rakadan posted two solid wins at Newcastle before going down by a margin of 1.5m when 2^nd to Unfazed a week ago. Expect the 4yo to again give plenty of cheek. When it comes to a possible surprise result, DOUBLE ACT (7) is the one to watch out for after his unlucky effort here last week. Prepared by Harry Martin and to be driven by Chloe Formosa, who has produced some fine winning drives of late, the 6yo has been in the mix of late, with a solid 6.8m 2^nd to Perfect Stride, then a 7m 4^th to Unfazed last time out when he had little luck securing a suitable run after being five pegs and then three back in the running line on the home turn. The son of Heston Blue Chip hasn’t greeted the judge in 16 months, but with his past two runs being encouraging, the lightly-raced gelding is worth some thought, especially when it comes to forming multiple investments. Former Carousel winner PORT AU PRINCE (3) has been struggling for form but the 6yo drops in grade and from his good draw, the Lucky Lodge representative should at least be kept safe in the exotics while SAHARA SIROCCO (6) and FOXY DADA (10) are also worthy of consideration.

MAJOR MAJOR 1, Ourmatemenko 2, Rakadan 3, Double Act 4.

RACE TWO:

Despite drawing wide, MY MOONLITE DREAM (8) should take a power of beating and in the process prove to be one of the ‘better bets’ on the card. Prepared by Seaton Grima, who will also take the reins, the classy daughter of My Moonlite Dream, during the month of August, finished a gallant head 2^nd to major Delight, then again finished runner-up when beaten 13.8m by the outstanding mare, Aardies Express in the Ranji Bill Stakes. The 5yo daughter of Always B Miki then drew out in nine, when she worked across from a three wide role in eventually taking up the role as dictator. The early effort took its toll when she was unable to fend off The Vicar Of Dibley and Sweet Coco in posting a gritty 6m third. There is little doubt that My Moonlite Dream will again find the pegs and that will lay the foundations for a winning display. Quality Victorian mare LUDACROUS (10), with the reserve out, will launch her claim from gate nine, and if My Moonlite Dream does falter, then the daughter of Art major is the one to bring about her downfall. Prepared by Katie Hargreaves and to be driven by Jack Callaghan, Ludacrous recorded some handy results during her Queensland campaign, with her 4.5m 5^th to Eye Keep Smiling in the G1 The Golden Girl being the highlight. Returning home and again being confronted by classy opposition, the 4yo has been placed in all three runs since competing in Queensland, with a 2^nd to Sahara Breeze, followed by a 4.6, 3^rd to Isthisjustfantasy before a gallant 12m 2^nd to the classy Sweet Bella at Melton last week. On that occasion Ludacrous drew the back row in working to secure the role outside of the classy Emma Stewart-trained mare. The mare has contested five races at this venue, posting four placings, three as runner-up, so her claims must be respected, regardless of the draw. TREACHEREOUS GALL (6) went from the one-one to being exposed outside of the leader when a fading 15.8m 8^th to The Vicar Of Dibley a couple of weeks ago. The David Aiken-trained mare has been mixing her form in four starts since coming from NZ, however, it is hard to ignore her solid 14.6m 3^rd to Aardies Express and My Moonlite Dream in the Ranji Bill. Drawing the middle of the line, the daughter of Captaintreacherous is capable of producing a far more competitive showing. SHEZ THE REASON (5) was responsible for a brace run here last week in finishing a 1.5m 4^th to Heavenly Charm. Drawing the outside gate and then working to compete the 1609m assignment from outside of the leader, the 4yo daughter of For A Reason had every reason to fade out of contention, however, she tried all-the-way to the winning post. Prepared and driven by Brad Hewitt, Shez The Reason won her previous at Wagga and Menangle, respectively, and with the benefit of a handy draw, another bold showing can be expected. SWEET AGENDA (3), who is a stablemate of My Moonlite Dream, has been racing consistently and warrants attention as an exotic chance, with SAVEEON (2) and HEAVENLY HOLLY (4) also included in that department, especially after the pair drew suitably.

MY MOONLITE DREAM 1, Ludacrous 2, Treacherous Gall 3, Shez The Reason 4.

RACE THREE:

Returning to a suitable assignment, JILLIBY NITRO (8) is ready to make a bold play for the major share of the prizemoney. The Peter Rixon-trained son of Bettors Delight has been mixing his form of late, however, the 7yo has been contesting races won by Max Delight, Dougs Platter, Ardens Ace and Star Major, respectively, prior to his latest effort in finishing last to the classy Queenslander, Speak The Truth at Menangle a couple of weeks ago. Four back on the pegs for the majority of the trip, Jilliby Nitro was never a factor, but he is capable of occupying a far more suitable trip, closer to the action, this time around. That should be enough to result in the son of Bettors Delight making his presence felt. Reliable, tough and in winning form, UNFAZED (9) ticks all the boxes when looking for a serious threat. Prepared by Paul Fitzpatrick and driven a treat by Taylah Osmond last week, Unfazed powered home over the final 300m in defeating Rakadan and Cassius Deck. Returning from a serious should dislocation this week, Gav Fitzpatrick will take over the driving duties and he will be keen to enjoy a welcome change of luck by guiding Unfazed to the 15^th win of his career. KANENA PROVLIMA (5) has been unplaced in his past four assignments following his solid 1.4m 2^nd to subsequent Eureka winner Don Hugo in the 2680m Blacks A Fake consolation at AP on July 27. Although he has finished out of the money of late, the 8yo son of A Rocknroll Dance hasn’t been far away in the process. Working home stoutly from a midfield role last week, Kanena Provlima posted a useful 11.6m 7^th to Classie Washington. This appears to be a suitable challenge for the 8yo while a useful draw will also assist his claims. OUR MONEY ROCKS (1) has recorded six unplaced efforts since a spell, which came on the back of issues when competing in the Inter Dominion heats at AP back at the end of last year. The 7yo is coming off a 14.6m 7^th to Perfect Stride a couple of weeks ago when he drew deep and was never a factor. Gate one is a big plus and that will at least give him the encouragement required to convert a handy peg run into a possible placing, The 7yo is at least worthy of exotic involvement. MACH DA VINCI (2) has been mixing his form of late, with the veteran posting a metre 2^nd to Heavenly Holly at Newcastle before a 9m 6^th to Classie Washington last week. The Peter Hanson-conditioned veteran has drawn well and he should be able to play a far more active role in the finish this time around. TERRY (10) is racing well, but the outside gate is a concern. However, the son of Terror To Love remains in the mix as an exotic chance while the talented mare STINGRAY TARA (6) will be having her first run since a 14m 7^th to Mach Da Vinci at this venue back on Feb 10. The Blake Fitzpatrick trained and driven 8yo  has had the benefit of two trials, finishing in the placings on both occasions. The daughter of Bettors Delight is worth keeping safe when it comes to multiple transactions.

JILLIBY NITRO 1, Unfazed 2, Kanena Provlima 3, Our Money Rocks 4.

RACE FOUR:

Queensland mentor Daren Garrard has been enjoying a successful southern campaign and the trend is capable of continuing, courtesy of THE VICAR OF DIBLEY (2), which has already saluted the judge. The mare left home following a comfortable all-the-way win at Albion park, then made it back-to-back wins when he finished strongly in defeating Sweet Coco and My Moonlite Dream by a convincing margin. Drawing out in seven and starting favourite to complete the hat-trick of wins, the 4yo daughter of Betting Line was caught three wide early, resulting in Angus Garrard sending the mare forward to occupy the role outside of the leader. Despite competing from unfamiliar role, The Vicar Of Dibley was game in defeat in recording a gritty 2.4m 3^rd to Dom Toretto and Our Sunset Delight in a heat of the Carousel. This time around The Vicar Of Dibley will launch her claim from gate two and that will greatly enhance her claims of showing a return to winning form. Angus will have the opportunity to dictate the terms if he so desires. DONTLETFEARSTOPYA (10) has drawn wide but don’t let his stats since coming from NZ stop you from more than a passing thought to his claims of greeting the judge. Starting an odds-on elect when having his first run for Joe Conolly at Penrith on August 29, the former Kiwi who had contested six races back home for three placings, didn’t appear comfortable on the Penrith circuit, resulting in a 3.5m 4^th to Hezatreacherous. Stepping out at Headquarters last week, the 3yo son of Fear The Dragon drew gate one, with a comfortable three peg role coming his way. However, at no stage did Dontletfearstopya enjoy the opportunity to show what he could do, down the long Menangle straight. Despite the best efforts of Blake Jones, the 3yo failed to secure a run, which resulted in an unlucky 6.6m 7^th to Dom Toretto in a heat of the Carousel. Dontletfearstopya appeared to have plenty of energy in reserve and would have made things interesting for those who finished ahead of him, had clear space was on offer. Seaton Grima will jump into the sulky and of Dontletfearstopya enjoys better luck, then expect to see him giving this a big shake. WINONA WRITER (7) continues to be thereabouts and is coming off another solid effort here a week ago. Contesting a heat of the Carousel, the Sofia Arvidsson trained and driven daughter of Sportswriter was again working to the line in finishing a 7.8m 6^th to Ryans Gangster. The mare greeted the judge at Menangle five runs ago and has been in the mix on a regular basis. Sofia will again have Winona Writer reserving energy for the run home and if close enough on the home, then the pair will be in the mix when the judge calls a halt. The consistent Trevor Munday-conditioned VINKE B (5) is also on the verge of a winning display after a run of seven solid displays since his latest win at this venue back on July 9. Starting favourite for his heat of the Carousel a week ago, the 4yo son of Vincent worked home stoutly in recording a creditable 10.4m 4^th to Speculating. Handily drawn, Vinke B will have the chance to secure a suitable role off the pace, which will enable him to again be thereabouts when proceedings end. SUNDAY MORNINGS (3) worked home stoutly in finishing a gritty 3.3m 4^th to Dom Toretto last week, and with the benefit of a good draw, the 6yo son of Julius Caesar should be considered when it comes to forming exotic transactions. BARTELLO (6) scored here three runs back and has been safely held in two runs since, however, the 5yo son of Mr Feelgood has claims as an exotic player, along with CAULONIA COURAGE (8), despite recent mixed performances.

THE VICAR OF DIBLEY 1, Dontletfearstopya 2, Winona Writer 3, Vinke B 4.

RACE FIVE:

Despite being confronted by a wide gate for the running of the Carousel Final, MICK DANGER (11) is entitled to be given a high rating on the back of his recent, quality performances over the past few months. And he appears to be growing in confidence, as a result. Prepared by Ian Wilson, who is doing an outstanding job with the son of Captaintreacherous since he entered his stables back in mid-May, after being under the care of Brad Hewitt, Mick Danger followed a recent posting of a hat-trick of Menangle placings, with an unlucky 10m 5^th to Oliver Dan two weeks ago, when the 4yo left his comfort zone in taking on a quality field in the Stockade. Contesting a heat of the Carousel last week, an astute drive by Jim Douglass resulted in Mick Danger making his own luck, with the gelding working from his wide draw in finding the role as pacemaker. Rated to perfection by Jim, the end result was never in doubt and on straightening for home, there were no dangers to Mick or Jim, as the pair powered to the line in posting an emphatic 14m win over Little Demon and a fast-finishing Stir Me Up. This will be a tougher test for Mick Danger, but he is racing in outstanding fashion so stick with him. The toughest to beat will be DOM TORETTO (1) after his solid heat win last week, and the fact that the son of Sweet Lou has drawn ideally in one. The former Kiwi debuted for Jason Grimson with a creditable 10m 10.2m 3^rd to Power Up at Headquarters on Sept 3, a month after his last run in NZ. Arriving with three wins and seven placings to his credit, all as runner-up, the 4yo led out in his heat, prior to Jack Callaghan taking a sit. With the run coming at the right time, Dom Toretto proved too good for Our Sunset Delight and a game, The Vicar Of Dibley. Courtesy of the ideal draw, Jack will again have every opportunity to present Dom Toretto with the ‘run of the race’ and that will result in the pair proving hard to beat. OUR SUNSET DELIGHT (5) was responsible for a quality return to racing here last week. Spelled after a 9.3m 4^th to Lous Dream at this venue back on January 27, the Anthony Frisby trained and driven son of Art Major enjoyed the one-one, prior to working home stoutly in recording a game 1.6m 2^nd to Dom Toretto. Boasting eight wins from his 22 starts, a fitter Our Sunset Delight will tackle the Final, and with a suitable draw aiding his cause, the Bathurst visitor can’t be taken lightly. An aggressive front-running drive by Blake Jones resulted in an easy heat win by SPECULATING (9), with Ideal Marquess and Catseye Beach chasing him home. The Chris Judd-trained son of Roll With Joe has drawn wider for this tougher assignment but don’t ignore his claims when it comes to the multiples. Daren Garrard has two runners going around in the Carousel, CATSEYE BEACH (2) and R ELEVEN ART (3), with the pair drawing ideally. Both have sound, consistent form of late and the decision by Angus on which horse he will drive, should be a good lead. However, both stay in the mix as an exotic players.

MICK DANGER 1, Dom Toretto 2, Our Sunset Delight 3, Speculating 4.

RACE SIX:

The trotters will then go around in their Carousel Final and it is hard to go past ROGUE GENTLEMAN (10) following his solid first-up win for the Jason Grimson stable. Formerly based in Victoria and more recently with Luke McCarthy, the son of Majestic Son was having his first outing since late June, but on the back of two solid Menangle trial wins, Rogue Gentleman had little trouble dictating terms in taking out his heat of this Final, with Satin Stride and Tiger Tee filling the minor roles. Rogue Gentleman has drawn wider and against stronger opposition, but those negatives will be off-set by the higher level of fitness. The Joe and Mary Rando-trained SATIN STRIDE (7) was responsible for an outstanding job in chasing Rogue GentIeman home in finishing a game 4.3m second. Following a solid Bankstown win in a far easier contest, the daughter of Muscle Hill came from a six peg role, then five back in the running line, when she mare up many metres over the final 200m. The effort was worthy of plenty of respect in this event. Prepared in Victoria by Brent Lilley, MAESTRO (8) was responsible for a determined heat win when he led early before taking a sit, prior to then leaving that role to keep the leader company. Showing plenty of grit over the final stages, the 6yo son of Love You was able to comfortably account for Golden Sunset and Viksun. The talented gelding is racing in fine fashion and he is more than capable of taking this event. GOLDEN SUNSET (9) is a stablemate of ROGUE GENTLEMAN (10) and is coming off a solid return to racing in finishing a 3.2m 2^nd to Maestro. Formerly based in Victoria, where her form had been moderate, the 7yo daughter of Skyvalley showed sharp improvement last time out, and although confronted by a harder task and from a deep draw, the mare stays in the mix when it comes to the multiples. INSTANT DELIGHT (6) has drawn suitably, if the reserves remain benched, and with recent consistent effort, the mare is worthy of attention as an exotic player. ALDEBARAN JENSEN (12) will line up behind the outside gate, but the 4yo is racing well enough to remains in the multiple mix.

ROGUE GENTLEMAN 1, Satin Stride 2, Maestro 3, Golden Sunset 4.

RACE SEVEN:

With a fraction of better luck in running, STIR ME UP (2) should be lining up in the final of the Carousel and not in this event. But, in doing so, the Sofia Arvidsson-trained son of Auckland Reactor should prove hard to beat. Driven by Bailey McDonough, Stir Me Up contested his heat from an awkward, six peg role, prior to producing a fast-finishing, and eye-catching 18.8m 3^rd to Mick Danger, with Little Demon splitting the pair. The margin from the winner was convincing, but Mick Danger did win by 14 metres. When he received sufficient room in the home straight, the 6yo powered to the line and there is no doubt that he should have finished a lot closer. Placed in his past four starts, Stir Me Up is on the verge of a winning display and this does look to be an ideal assignment. Another plus for Stir Me Up is that the 6yo goes from gate 10 of a week ago, into position two behind the mobile and that in itself, will make a huge difference. As a result, Stir Me Up appeals as one of the ‘better bets’. CASH AND BLING (1) has also drawn ideally in the pole role, with the son of Bling It On backing up from his assignment at Menangle on Tuesday. Despite recording a 12.8m 8^th to Ravishing Sloy, when always in a rearward role, the 4yo is worthy of another chance on his previous solid displays, with the draw certain to give him a kind, peg role, and that will see him finish the race off strongly. Forget AUREUS (7) went around last week in the race won by Heavenly Charm as the mare had no luck in the home straight. Five pegs and held up for a run, the 4yo worked home strongly in finishing a 5.4m seventh. There is little doubt that had a clear run been on offer, the Blake Fitzpatrick-trained daughter of Art major would have been involved in the finish. MAEBEE (9) also had little luck in posting a 7.9m 9^th to Outside Fighter after being in a five peg role, prior to being held up for clear running in the straight. The James Rattray trained and driven son of Bettors Delight has drawn wide, however, when it comes to forming multiple investments, the 5yo is worth considering. RACING TIME (8) is coming off a solid win at Cowra last week and is also in the multiple mix, with WAMBOYNEINAMERICA (3), KUZMA (4) and MISTER MANAGER (5) all capable of being involved as exotic players.

STIR ME UP 1, Cash And Bling 2, Aureus 3, Maebee 4.

RACE EIGHT:

Outstanding trotting mare FUNKY MONKEY (5) will step out for her first assignment since a gritty 3.6m 3^rd to Revelstoke in the Bulli Trotters Cup at Menangle on May 11. On that occasion the daughter of Monkey Bones was off a 20m handicap, with the return to a mobile event definitely enhancing her claims of greeting the judge. The 7yo has won both her trials and is primed for a bold showing. Boasting 14 wins and 17 placings, 13 as runner-up on her home track, Funky Monkey  will be confronted by a few serious threats, with the former Victorian SLEEPEE (6) being one of them. Formerly prepared by Alison Alford, the Dejarmbro mare has been struggling for form of late after resuming from a spell with a solid 4.9m 3^rd to Ebonys Avenger. The subsequent runs have resulted in safely held efforts, the latest when a 13.4m last to Harry Stamper at Melton six weeks ago. Now under the care of David Aiken, the 8yo will go into this assignment with the benefit of two solid Menangle trials, and it would appear that Sleepee is about to emerge from her slumber and make her presence felt. Another Victorian in ALDEBARAN ZEUS (4), who is a member of the Brent Lilley team, also looms as a threat, due to his solid form and a higher level of fitness, compared to Funky Monkey and Sleepee. The 6yo son of Muscle Hill had been in the mix of late, prior to his 14.5m last behind the exciting Callmethebreeze at Geelong a week ago. Aldebaran Breeze is bound to find this challenge more to his liking, and with his only Menangle outing resulting in a win, the entire should be included as a definite contender for the top spot. Blake Fitzpatrick, who drove the entire at Geelong, will again take the reins. SPEEDY LOVER (8) chalked up eight-consecutive placings before a display of poor manners at the start resulted in a distant last to Maestro at this venue just over a week ago. Prepared by David Aiken, the Love You gelding has drawn the outside gate as a result of his latest behaviour, but he remains in the mix as a threat. The hard-to-follow ONE MAJIC KENNY (7) scored at Penrith before missing the start, then working when a fading 47.8m 8^th to Maestro. Prepared by Lisa Fitzpatrick and to be driven by Cam, the 7yo is capable of better, but One Majic Kenny is One Majic Kenny, so expect anything and everything. SUPER SERVICE (2) has done from ‘winning races for fun – to struggling to be in the mix. Following a 31.7m 10^th to Leaf Stride, the 6yo son of Majestic Son broke in finishing a distant last to One Majic Kenny at Penrith. Ideally drawn, Super Service should at least be included when it comes to forming exotic transactions.

FUNKY MONKEY 1, Sleepee 2, Aldebaran Zeus 3, Speedy Lover 4.

  - FORM ASSESSED BY MIKE KO'CASS