Here's your full book of winners for Menangle Saturday night

RACE ONE:

Following an explosive win at Headquarters a week ago, JILLIBY NITRO (5) again appears the one to beat. The Victorian-based son of Bettors Delight was having just his second outing since last August when he launched a strong run from a midfield role. Within sight of the leaders as the field straightened for home, the Margaret Lee-trained 7yo quickly joined in, then drew clear for a decisive win, albeit, by a margin of 1.4m over Simply Sam and Letsrockletsroll. Apart from stripping fitter, Jilliby Nitro will also benefit from a slightly better draw as the sparingly-raced gelding will move from seven into gate five. Jason Lee will replace Lochie Cook in the sulky, who produced a superb drive in securing the victory.

Seaton Grima will be represented by a three-pronged attack, the best chance being the pole marker STRAVINSKY (1), which will be looking to bounce back to winning form following a couple of unplaced efforts. The son of Sunshine Beach is Seaton’s preferred option and that should be looked upon as a good guide. Following a period of three wins in the space of four starts, the 6yo then finished a fading 11.7m 6th to Ardens Ace after being exposed outside of the leader before dictating the terms when a gritty 4.3m 5th to Simply Sam a couple of weeks ago. Seaton will have the option, and it will be a definite option, if dictating the terms, a role both Stravinsky and driver will enjoy and prefer. That will then produce a competitive effort from Stravinsky. The consistent TUPPENCE (4) has drawn suitably in three, with the reserve out, and that will certainly produce another consistent effort from the Darren Binskin trained and driven son of Lincoln Royal. Since scoring here eight starts ago, Tuppence has collected four placings, the latest when he enjoyed a kind run behind the leader in posting a half-neck 3rd to the outsider Surf Ace last week. Darren will again have the 6yo prominently placed, and although he doesn’t win out of turn, Tuppence should be ‘tossed’ into the main bracket of winning chances. The Harry Martin-conditioned veteran DOUBLE ENCOUNTER (11) has drawn the outside gate, but he remains in contention. The 10yo hit the line strongly in scoring at Menangle two starts back when he finished too well for Boom and Ardens Ace, then last week he again worked home stoutly from a kind three peg role in finishing a 5.5m 4th to Jilliby Nitro. The wide draw is a concern, but in-form reinsman Lucas Rando is bound to give the 250-start son of Village Jasper the chance to finish the race off strongly. BOOM (10) also has a wide gate to overcome, however, the James Rattray-trained son of Alta Christiano can’t be dismissed as a threat. The 7yo is coming off a couple of solid placings and he is again capable of being a contender. Taylah Osmond, who had a nasty fall at the Canberra meeting on Monday, but managed to bounce back strongly and continue to drive on the card, will again partner Boom. Seaton Grima will also have LAST TANGO IN HEAVEN (6) and IM IN TROUBLE (9) involved and both are capable of playing a role in the finish, the latter appearing to be the best of the pair, after having no luck when a 32.6m last to Double Encounter last time out. Prior to that effort the son of Art Major had been racing consistently.

JILLIBY NITRO 1, Stravinsky 2, Tuppence 3, Double Encounter 4.

RACE TWO:

Unbeaten in five starts for the ‘high-flying’ Jack Trainor stable, NO HEART THROB (9) will be looking to continue his winning run when he tackles a slightly-tougher assignment. Runner-up in his only appearance back home, the former Kiwi has been most impressive during the course of his winning spree, with his latest display resulting in the son of Sweet Lou producing a whirlwind finish in defeating Nicholas Cage and Carlo Gambino by a margin of 7.6m, running away. The lightly-raced 4yo has again drawn deep, however, No Heart Throb has displayed versatility in his racing pattern to date, and coming from back in the pack, as he did last time out, won’t be a major concern for this progressive gelding. SUPER DUPER DUDE (5) went around in the race won by No Heart Throb a couple of weeks ago, with the Seaton Grima trained and driven 6yo drawing wide and competing from outside of the leader as a result. Fading over the final stages, the son of Lincoln Royal recorded a costly 14.5m 6th after starting favourite. Prior to that effort Super Duper Dude had posted a win and two placings, both as runner-up, in three starts for Seaton after coming his career in NZ. The better draw will be a plus for Super Duper Dude so expect a far better effort this time. Gate one will certainly boost the claims of the Brad Hewitt trained and driven HEZ DUSTY (1). A Bathurst winner three runs back, the son of For A Reason has peeled off a couple of solid efforts, with an 11m 4th to Line Up at Goulburn, followed by a 4m 4th to Simply Sam at Headquarters when he left a peg role to keep the leader company. The 6yo battled on stoutly and if a kinder run presents, and that is the likely scenario this time, then Hez Dusty will again be in the mix when the judge calls a halt. LOUS DREAM (8) was having his first run for Seaton Grima when a photo 3rd to Montalbano and Ubetcha Tigerpie at Menangle recently. Formerly with Jason Grimson, the 4yo son of Sweet Lou had been disappointing on a handful of occasions after resuming from a spell with a solid win here back in late January. Ash Delosa, who is driving in superb form, will attempt to guide Lous Dream to the eighth win of his career. When it comes to forming multiple transactions CARLO GAMBINO (3) should be included after the Chris Judd-conditioned 10yo drew nicely in three. The son of Mach Three overcame a back row draw in scoring at Bathurst, prior to striking trouble in finishing a well-beaten 8th to Itzmineontheline at Goulburn. With better luck in running at Menangle last time out, the veteran then worked home stoutly in recording a pleasing 8.4m 3rd to No Heart Throb. The kind draw will allow Cam Hart to have Carlo Gambino receiving a suitable, stalking role, which will enhance his claims. MONTALBANO (6) rarely runs a bad race and the Huntsville 4yo will again make his presence felt for Rickie Alchin so don’t ignore his claim.

NO HEART THROB 1, Super Duper Dude 2, Hez Dusty 3, Lous Dream 4.

RACE THREE:

Plenty of interest will centre around the appearance of the unbeaten Dean Braun-trained FRANCO PROMACHOS (4), which will be driven by master reinsman Luke McCarthy. The 4yo son of Rocknroll Dance has won all three races in Tasmania, and on three different tracks. Commencing his career in early February, Franco Promachos started well into the ‘red’ when scored by 16.3m at Hobart before again starting a short-priced favourite when he won by 17.6m at Carrick a week later. Seven days later and in the space of 14 days the gelding greeted the judge for the third time, this time at Launceston by 6.8m and, as an odds-on favourite once again. Heading back to the mainland and Franco Promachos contested a trial at Melton recently and finished a half-neck 2nd to Son Of Mac. With the final 800m covered in 55.5, the last 400m in 27.1. HIs upcoming engagement will be by far his toughest test to date, but Dean wouldn’t be making the trip to Menangle for the scenery. The astute mentor must have a big opinion of Franco Promachos to head north and book Luke for the drive. Handily drawn, Franco Promachos will be looking to be prominently placed from the outset. The Seaton Grima will again be looking to be involved in the finish and courtesy of drawing gate one, CLASSY OPERATOR (1) will have every chance to be a serious contender. The former Kiwi debuted for the stable with a dominant display when he led throughout in scoring at Penrith after starting from the pole position. Contesting the Lady Drivers Invitational at Menangle last week, the 5yo son of Bettors Delight drew the outside gate with Emma Turnbull in the sulky. Working to be outside of the leader, Classy Operator did a fine job in posting a determined 4.7m 4th to Montalbano. Stripping fitter for those two runs and drawing ideally, Classy Operator will prove hard to beat. OUR VINNIE (10) continues to strive for his first win since the SA Derby last October. Third to stalemate No Heart Throb at Menangle a few weeks ago, the 4yo son of Vincent has since recorded a useful 10m 5th to Don Lou. The draw is a concern, however, Our Vinnie is likely to be driven back in the field anyway. The David Aiken-trained SON OF THE SHARK (5) will again be ‘circling‘ for a role in the finish following a 15m 5th to Millwood Bliss at Goulburn when he struck some interference. Prior to that outing the son of Lennytheshark had been performing strongly at Menangle and with a handy draw next to his name, Son Of The Shark should produce a competitive display. When looking to form exotic investments CAPTAIN BLOOD (2), BIG BLACK DIAMOND (7) and LETTYSREASON (8) could assist in finding some value.

FRANCO PROMACHOS 1, Classy Operator 2, Our Vinnie 3, Son Of The Shark 4.

RACE FOUR:

The Rickie Alchin trained and driven PANDAIA (7) looks the one to beat after her impressive start to her career on this side of the Tasman. The 4yo daughter of Downbytheseaside contested six races back home for two wins and three placings, prior to enjoying immediate success for the astute Menangle mentor at this venue on April 30. Driven by Ash Delosa, Pandaia came from a midfield role with a well-timed run in finishing strongly to defeat Mini Mine Yet and Weareallalone by a widening margin of 5.9m. Backing up five days later and the mare faced the starter for a far more demanding assignment but was responsible for a first-rate in defeat. After enjoying the one-one, courtesy of Rickie, Pandaia hit the line with intent in recording a solid 6m 3rd to Major Delight and Its Ebonynivory. Back to a suitable challenge, Pandaia looks ideally placed to greet the judge once again. Another former Kiwi mare in AMORE INFIDIA (6) looms as the main threat as the Kevin Pizzuto-trained daughter of Captaintreacherous looks to remain unbeaten on these shores. After leading and scoring by 17.5m over Badlander and Watch Me React, the 4yo again worked over from a wide draw in dictating the terms, prior to proving too good for Prince Of Peace and Western Arterra. This will be a harder test for Amore Infida, but the mare looks to be a progressive type and the stable is enjoying plenty of success of late, so don’t take her lightly. DIEING ART (5) produced a rare unplaced effort in her brief, nine-start career, when she finished a 13.4m 6th to Major Delight last week. The winner of four races, Dieing Art returns to a suitable challenge and that will result in the Art Major mare being far more active in the finish. The useful draw will also assist the 7yo in finding a suitable position close to the action. Bound to create more than a passing thought is the Jack Trainor trained and driven mare SWEET COCO (8), which arrives from NZ with four wins and three seconds from her dozen appearances. The daughter of Sweet Lou hasn’t raced since last November when down the track behind Millwood Nike at Addington. After breaking in the early stages of her first Menangle trial and finishing a distant 4th to My Ultimate Snowy, Sweet Coco then posted a solid 5m 3rd to Cantfindabettorman in a time of 1:50.1, the final 400m completed in 27.0. With a reputation of ‘second to none’ when it comes to mares from NZ, Jack will have Sweet Coco ready to make her presence felt so, as per usual, respect the claims of this mare. Another jack Trainor runner is MY MOONLITE DREAM (3), which also commenced her career in NZ, prior to debuting for the stable with a pleasing 1.9m 2nd to Promiseland at Menangle on April 13.  The 5yo daughter of Always B Miki then disappointed in recording an 18.5m last to Girl From Rosedale a week later when she led out before taking a sit. Suitably drawn, My Moonlite Dream should be given another chance.  Value exotic chances included LENNYS ANGEL (1), ZENXENA (2) and WINOA WRITER (4).

PANDAIA 1, Amore Infida 2, Dieing Art 3, Sweet Coco 4.

RACE FIVE:

The Bulli Trotters Cup is next up and despite facing the starter from a 20m handicap, the Jarrod Alchin-conditioned MAJESTIC TRIO (12) should take a power of beating. A recent addition to the Menangle mentor after a successful career under the care of Brad Hewitt, the mare is coming off a couple of sound placings, the first when a 17.3m 3rd to Constantinople and Funky Monkey, prior to a pleasing effort last week in the G1 Macarthur Mile when a 19.3m 3rd behind the two classy Victorian’s, Im Ready Jet and Queen Elida. The daughter of Majestic Son has won a couple under these conditions from 17 attempts, with three placings also appearing on her stats sheet. With a clean commencement, Majestic Trio certainly has the talent to be a major contender. Also a member of the Jarrod’s team in the former Victorian UTOPIA (9), a quality son of Trixton. Formerly with Emma Stewart, Utopia contested 24 races for seven wins and six placings, mainly as runner-up, with the entire being his own worst enemy on a few occasions. Starting favourite for his latest assignment at Bendigo on February 2, the 6yo worked from the outset, firstly out wide, then in keeping the leader company, when a tiring 24.8m 6th to Aldebaran Dino. Utopia contested a Menangle trial, finishing a 9.6m 3rd to Caligula and London To A Brick in a time of 1:56.4. With a 20m head start over Majestic Trio, providing both do everything right when the strands fly back, Utopia is bound to take a power of beating as he has always shown raw and exciting ability. Cam Hart will have the choice of drives, so his decision must be respected. TORO STRIDE (3) has opened his latest term of racing with a couple of solid displays in finishing runner-up on each occasion. After working enjoying a good run behind the leader, Tori Stride completed the final 400m outside of the leader when a solid 3m 2nd to the quality Victorian Shes Ruby Roo, prior to again finishing runner-up a week behind the rear-away leader Royal Dan, beaten 12.9m in chasing hard over the final stages. Peaking in condition the lightly-raced 5yo son of Love You has always shown immense talent and with his only stand resulting in a placing, the Joe and Mary Rando-trained gelding is capable of giving plenty of cheek from his front line draw. LEAF STRIDE (1), which is a stablemate of Toro Stride, also warrants plenty of attention, especially as the 6yo has three wins and a second to show for his five starts from behind the tapes. Also a son of Love You, the chestnut has had three runs since a lengthy spell, winning either side of a costly 14m 7th to Viksun. From the front line, Leaf Stride will be a threat from the outset. FUNKY MONKEY (13) has a 20m handicap to overcome, but with five wins and four placings to show for her 19 starts under these conditions the mare can’t be taken lightly. A deserving winner at Goulburn two starts ago, following a number of gritty efforts at Headquarters, the 7yo daughter of Monkey bones again tried hard when a 20m 4th to Im Ready Jet in the G1 Macarthur Mile a week ago. REVELSTOKE (11) has been unplaced in all three stand attempts, but as a member of the Anton Golino team, the mare remains in the mix as an exotic player. Breaking and never a serious threat when a 146m last to Im Ready Jet last week, the 5yo daughter of Quaker Jet has the talent to make a play for a minor role. MAJESTIC LAVROS (10) arrives in fine form following a couple of wins and a last-start 2nd to Adelle at Albion Park a few weeks ago. From 33 starts from behind the strands, the Tayla Gillespie-trained 9yo has eight wins and seven placings and while this will be a tougher task, compared to his recent outings, the gelding did make the final of the Inter Dominion Trotters at Albion Park last December, with a 28m 11th to the champ, Just Believe. The Queenslander certainly warrants exotic involvement.

MAJESTIC TRIO 1, Utopia 2, Toro Stride 3, Leaf Stride 4.

RACE SIX:

Following a brilliant win in the NSW Trotters Oaks a week ago, exciting filly KEAYANG ZAHARA (1) will be looking to add the G1 NSW Trotters Derby trophy to her collection, as she takes on the boys and a couple of her opponents from the Oaks. Prepared by Margaret Lee and driven by Jason Lee, Keayang Zahara had already created a big impression so early in her fledgling career when she won her opening two races by 16.4m and 24m, respectively, before putting on a wonderful display at Menangle in maintaining her unbeaten starter to her career. Beaten for early speed from gate one, with the same draw coming into play once again, the daughter of Volstead drifted back to a four peg role, prior to Jason leaving the markers and securing a role in the running line. But still four back and with work to do. Three wide as the field entered the home straight, Keayang Zahara quickly switched into attack mode, and quickly had the engraver putting home name on the trophy as she powered clear for a decisive win over Mega Spur and Pinnie, both game in defeat. The task will be tougher this time around, but this naturally gifted filly will again prove superior to her rivals. And, with the experience of another run under belt, plus the confidence to make more use of her good draw, Keayang Zahara may be able to land closer to the action. MEGA SPUR (6) drew wide and worked early in obtaining the lead before battling on gamely in finishing 2nd to Keayang Zahara, beaten 5.2m in the process. The draw has been kinder with gate five coming into play, without the use of the reserves. Luke McCarthy will again look to have the Geoff Webster-trained daughter of Pegasus Spur in the mix from the outset. The Andy Gath-conditioned PINNIE (8) did a fine job in posting a 7.3m 3rd in the Oaks after striking interference. The Volstead filly worked home stoutly, and although never a serious threat, the Victorian did a fine job just the same. The Blake Fitzpatrick trained and driven VALTINO (3) is bound to make it tough for the fillies after drawing ideally in three. Boasting six wins and the same number of placings from his 13 engagements, the Love You colt opened his latest season of racing with a win at Menangle before two placings south of the border, the first being a gritty 2m 2nd to Derek The Jet, the latter an 8.4m 3rd to the same horse in the 3YO C&G’s Nutrien Trot Final at Melton on April 20. Valtino drew the inside of the back row on that occasion in working home stoutly from a three peg role. The opportunity to be in the thick of the action from the outset will enhance his claims of being a major contender. AJAY VOLSTEAD (5) has won three of his four assignments, the past two in fine fashion at this venue. The Darren Weekes-trained colt led in his latest dominate display in defeating Centurion Dream and Majestic Monarch. The Queenslander is bound to have plenty of admirers and rightly so, especially after drawing suitably. THUNDA STRUCK (9) has won three of his past four, with the Victorian overcoming a back row draw in scoring at Bendigo a couple of weeks ago. The draw is tricky but Chris Lang will give the Muscle Mass gelding is cue at the right time so don’t ignore the combination when it comes to the multiples. MAXIMUS MNERIDIUS (12) has any amount of raw ability but he can also be his own worst enemy when it comes to his manners. As a result, the Sebastian K gelding will start from the outset draw after galloping out in each of his past two starts, both here and both resulting in well-beaten appearance. If, and it is a big if, Maximus Meridius has his mind on the job, then he is more than capable of being involved in the finish.

KEAYANG ZAHARA 1, Mega Spur 2, Pinnie 3, Valtino 4.

RACE SEVEN:

Ideally drawn in gate one, fitter for a solid return to racing and overflowing with talent, TAPIO (1) looks ideally placed to take out the Bill Green FFA. Spelled after a gallant 3.6m 2nd to Fire Fox at Menangle on February 17, when left facing the breeze after drawing deep, the Brad Hewitt trained and driven  son of American Ideal stepped out for the 62nd start of his career, which includes 13 wins and 20 placings, a dozen as runner-up, at Goulburn on April 28. Drawing the inside of the back row for running of the Goulburn Soldiers Club Cup, Taipo settled four pegs, a role he maintained until 600m from home, at which point he joined the running line. Deep in the final bend the 7yo powered to the line, however, Don Lou, which dictated the terms in scoring by 6.7m, had pinched a winning break on his pursuers. Taipo continued to hit the line with intent in what was a pleasing return to racing. Four runs back and Brad was able to dictate the terms with Taipo over this course and distance, resulting a solid win over Spirit Of St Louis and Cantfindabettorman. The Goulburn combination will be looking to secure a carbon copy performance. CANTFINDABETTORMAN (5) has been placed in three if his past five starts after winning the consolation of the Inter Dominion at Albion Park last December. Following a 6.5m 3rd to Hot And Treacherous and Bondi Lockdown, the Sweet Lou gelding was expected to take out the Mayors Cup at Bathurst on March 30, hence, the $1.04 quote. However, the Luke McCarthy trained and driven 5yo failed by the half-head margin in pegging back On Deadline. Cantfindabettorman has recently won a trial, leading throughout. Cantfindabettorman is bound to make his presence felt. LINE UP (6) looks the only other winning contender in the field of nine. A member of the in-form Joe and Mary Rando team. The classy 7yo also contested the Goulburn Soldiers Cup, enjoying the one-one in recording a sound 7.8m third. A week earlier the son of Bettors Delight comfortably won the Walla Walla, again at Goulburn, leaving Iam The Captain and Port Au Prince to fill the minors. The sparingly-raced gelding has been in fine form since resuming from an extended break and he will again be involved in the finish. The consistent ARDENS ACE (4) followed a 2nd to Don Lou at this venue with a gritty 1.7m 3rd to Double Encounter at Headquarters a couple of weeks ago. Although the 6yo son of Art Major will find it difficult to account for the three featured runners, when it comes to forming multiple transactions, Ardens Ace must be included. PORT AUN PRINCE (7) continues to be thereabouts, without greeting the judge, with his past four runs all being creditable. The 6yo again appeals as a suitable player for the multiples. MALCOLMS RHYTHM (2) resumed from a spell with a 22.6m 7th to Double Encounter a couple of weeks ago. Stripping fitter and drawing well in two, compared to eight last time out, the 8yo is capable of showing improvement, which will give him claims as an exotic runner.

TAIPO 1, Cantfindabettorman 2, Line Up 3, Ardens Ace 4.

RACE EIGHT:

The meeting ends with a tricky contest due to the lack of winning form, with wins coming few and far between. The Leon Jurd-conditioned OUR UNCLE JIM (8) won three of four back in February/March, the latest when he easily defeated Foxy Dada and Saginaw at Penrith. The son of Western Terror has been mixing his engagements between Menangle and Penrith, with a recent 10.6m 5th to the talented Blazing Home at this venue being a good guide to his claims on the top spot this time around. Following that sound display the 8yo then posted a 16m, but useful 3rd behind Always Thunder and Rickoshay before again working home stoutly when beaten 9m by  Always Thunder and Saginaw. Our Uncle Jim has drawn wide but the 147-start veteran is likely to drift back at the start and be reserved for one ‘dash at the cash’, which is mainly his preferred option. WAVETHEBILL (5) last greeted at Penrith in mid-February and has been unplaced in seven subsequent assignments. However, the 6yo son of Net Ten Eom is coming off a creditable effort here a week ago when he led in finishing a useful 4.6m 6th to Surf Ace in what was a stronger event, compared to the one he will go around in this time. Handily drawn in five, Wavethebill will be looking to be in the thick of the action from the outset. SHEFFIELD SPARKY (7) hasn’t greeted the judge since May last year when he scored at Yarra Valley. The Darren Binskin trained and driven 8yo should find this challenge more to his liking, compared to his recent Menangle outings, which have been creditable, the latest resulting in a 14.6m 6th to My Ultimate Snowy. The Art Major is capable of being far more pro-active in the finish this time around. The Kevin Pizzuto-trained VINCENT VAN GONE (2) may hold the key to the race. Stepping out for his first assignment since scoring a Newcastle in December/2022, the 6yo son of Sportswriter had no luck, for a couple of reasons, when a 37.8m 8th to Betterthanfederer at Newcastle on April 26. The gelding went into that contest on the back of three trials, the final couple both pleasing, so he will strip a lot fitter for this challenge. Vincent Van Gone has a good record here and from his ideal draw, it may pay to give the gelding further consideration. Both DARK TERROR (9) and RED REACTOR (10), despite their respective wide draws, are capable of being involved in the finish so don’t ignore the prospects. The pair are both coming off sound efforts, Dark Terror a 3.6m 4th to Surf Ace last week, while Red Reactor was resuming from a spell when a 14m 3rd to My Ultimate Snowy.

OUR UNCLE JIM 1, Wavethebill 2m Sheffield Sparky 3, Vincent Van Gone 4.

  - FORM ASSESSED BY MIKE KO'CASS