Jeff's back to steal the show at 'The Big M'

RACE ONE:

Suitably drawn and fitter for his first assignment in six weeks, the Brad Hewitt trained and driven BLUTO (5) is poised to make amends of his past two costly displays. The former Kiwi won his opening two starts for the Goulburn mentor, the latter when he greeted the judge in the Wagga Pacers Cup on March 31. Beaten into 3^rd spot by Don Lou, which then went on to win the Goulburn Soldiers Club Cup in fine style, the 4yo returned to racing at Menangle last week. Facing the starter as the popular pick, the son of Sweet Lou had every chance in dictating the terms. However, his main threat, No Heart Throb was also enjoying every chance with an ideal trail on the back of Bluto. Over the final stages No Heart Throb finished strongly in comfortably defeating Bluto while Montalbano managed to secure third. With the benefit of that outing, Bluto will have the opportunity to go one better. Despite drawing the outside gate, PETES SAID SO (11) looms as a threat as he faces the starter for the first time since a typical honest effort in finishing a 7.6m 4^th to Hot And Treacherous back on March 9. Despite being unplaced in his past six encounters, the Lucky Lodge prepared son of Well Said wasn’t far away in feature events won by Triple Eight and Leap To Fame (twice), just to name a few of his assignments. The 8yo recently posted a 10.2m last (seven runners) in a trial won by Pas Guarantee in a time of 1:51.6, with the of the sectionals completed in 27 and change. Overall, the trial featured a number of runners resuming, which are also resuming in this particular event. JILLIBY NITRO (6) has the edge on some of the fancied runners when it comes to a higher level of fitness. Following a win at this venue, the 7yo recorded two solid placings before a 25.6m 6^th to No Heart Throb last week after being midfield, the n four wide on straightening. With a slightly better draw assisting him, the son of Bettors Delight is worth another chance. JAY OK (10) showed a welcome return to form, prior to heading to the paddock after a win at Newcastle on April 19. The Paul Fitzpatrick-conditioned 7yo finished a 1.2m 2^nd to Pas Guarantee in the Menangle trial and he looks ready for a competitive return to racing. PAS GUARANTEE (7) will be having his first outing since a 31.9m last to Don Lou back on April 20, but this recent trial win would suggest that Jarrod Alchin has the 5yo son of Guaranteed primed for a bold showing. Outside of the featured players, TUPPENCE (4) continues to be thereabouts and from his suitable draw, the 6yo Lincoln Royal gelding should be viewed as a value exotic contender.

BLUTO 1, Petes Said So 2, Jilliby Nitro 3, Jay OK 4.

RACE TWO:

The Jarrod Alchin-trained CORBIE STUMBLER (10) didn’t have a great deal of luck from a second row draw here last week so don’t ignore his claims. The draw resulted in the 4yo settling in a rearward role, then, when making his run approaching the home turn, Corbie Stumbler struck interference, and according to driver Cam Hart, it was enough to prevent the gelding playing a role in the finish. In finishing a 34m 11^th to Van Basten, Corbie Stumbler posted his second consecutive unplaced effort following a 30m 6^th to Extreme Sea a week earlier. However, Cam’s opinion must be respected regarding his latest encounter, plus, prior to those efforts the son of Betting Line had been racing in fine fashion, with a couple of wins, intermingled with three placings. The talented 4yo has drawn wide for this assignment, however, in what appears to be an open race, Corbie Stumbler is more than capable of showing a return to winning form. The main threat to Corbie Stumbler is VAN BASTEN (7), which is prepared by Jarrod’s brother Rickie. The consistent 4yo son of Sunshine Beach had finished fourth in three of his four starts since resuming, prior to working and proving too good for Craftsmans Charlie and Has The Courage in the Regional Championship Consolation at this venue last week. The in-form Ash Delosa had the drive on that occasion, but with Rickie returning from a successful Victorian assignment with Soho Spectre a week ago, the boss will jump back into the sulky for this engagement. NICHOLAS CAGE (9) played a starring role at Menangle last week when Jack Callaghan dictated the terms in defeating Our Uncle Jim and Laceys Lad. This time around the Luke McCarthy-trained son of Art Major has drawn a lot wider in what will be a tougher test. However, the 5yo remains a threat as his recent form has been solid. FOXY DADA (2) has been beaten 26m and 25.4m, respectively, in his past two starts, but the Brian Portelli-trained 5yo has been responsible for two quality efforts. On each occasion the son of Shoobees Place has worked home stoutly in races won by the exciting prospect Extreme Sea, which is Eureka bound in early September. The 5yo has been racing consistently of late and from his good draw, and no Extreme Sea, Foxy Dada is capable of greeting the judge, without surprising. Looking wider for potential exotic chances and RAKADAN (6) and SHADES OF HEAVEN (4) could assist at odds.

CORBIE STUMBLER 1, Van Basten 2, Nicholas Cage 3, Foxy Dada 4.

RACE THREE:

Suitably drawn and confronted by a similar assignment to recent engagements, the consistent OUTSIDE FIGHTER (3) should come out swinging from gate three in proving the one to beat. Settling three pegs after starting from gate two, the 7yo was held up for a run until reaching the 200m marker in the straight when a closing head 2^nd to the talented On Deadline. Since posting his last win at Menangle back in late February, Outside Fighter has gone 10 rounds, resulting in seven placings while finishing no further back then fifth. Jack Callaghan will again have the son of Art Major in the mix from the outset and that will again result in a competitive display. HAS THE COURAGE (5) looms as the main threat as the son of Courage Under Fire has been competitive on a regular basis. Far from being disgraced when a 28.2m 4^th to Extreme Sea two starts ago in the Regional Championship at Menangle, the KerryAnn Morris-prepared 9yo then led when a gritty 4.7m 3^rd to Van Basten and Craftsman Charlie at this venue last week. Handily draw, Has The Courage will again be prominently placed from the outset. VINKIE B (7) opened his latest tern of racing with a hat-trick of solid placings before the Trevor Munday-trained 4yo proved a shade too good for My Crackling Rosie and Our Ideal Dream. After Munday managed to win on Tuesday, the son of Vincent went around last Saturday in recording a solid 1.8m 3^rd to on Deadline after enjoying a good run behind the leader and eventual winner. A wider draw will welcome Vinke B, but he again looks capable of playing an active role in the finish. WINDY HILL TARA (11) has the outside gate to overcome, but the mare is worthy of keeping safe. The former NSW Oaks winner has been below her best since resuming, with a promising 3^rd to Major Delight when resuming at Wagga, followed by a couple of handy fourth’s. Posted without cover last week, the daughter of Betting Line tired to finish a 31.4m last to Tay Tay. While the draw is a concern, Windy Hill Tara is capable of better so don’t ignore her claims in an open race. COLIN BROMAC (9) has also drawn wide but the Blake Fitzpatrick trained and driven 6yo is a suitable player for the exotics. CAPTAIN BLOOD (6) had been racing consistently before a 38.6m 10^th to Extreme Sea two starts ago, but with the winner greeting the judge by a big margin, the effort can be misleading. The Brian Portelli-trained 4yo worked home steadily in recording a creditable 6.4m 5^th to On Deadline last week, so don’t write him off in a race of this nature. The former Brad Hewitt-trained MICK DANGER (4) was having his first run for Ian Wilson at Penrith recently when an unlucky 7m 6^th to Twilight Dancer. Suitably drawn and to be driven by Jim Douglass, the son of Captaintreacherous is capable of being thereabouts when the judge calls a halt.

OUTSIDE FIGHTER 1, Has The Courage 2, Vinke B 3, Windy Hill Tara 4.

RACE FOUR:

Former Kiwi PANDAIA (8) has created a good impression making the trip across the Tasman and becoming a member of the Rickie Alchin team. The lightly-raced 4yo daughter of Downbytheseaside commenced her new chapter with a stylish win at Menangle, prior to facing the starter in a far harder contest at Menangle a few weeks ago. After enjoying the one-one the mare worked home stoutly in posting a 6m 3^rd behind the classy Major Delight while Its Ebonynivory, which has since won at Albion Park, filled second spot. Competing from a wider gate, which resulted in a midfield role coming her way, Pandaia again hit the line with intent, this time recording a 2m 2^nd to Zenxena at Menangle on May 11. While the draw is hurdle, Pandaia appears to be unfazed by racing off the pace and while it does appear to be a competitive contest, the mare warrants plenty of attention. YOUTAKEMYBREATHAWAY (5) has drawn handily in four, which will be the case if the reserve isn’t required. The reliable 8yo mare has been a regular at the Penrith meetings in recent months, with two wins coming her way. Last time out the daughter of Bettors Delight drew the inside of the back row. After leaving the markers to race without cover, Youtakemybreathaway battled on gamely in finishing a 3.3m 2^nd to Radiant Amber. Jack Callaghan takes over the driving duties from Ash Delosa and he will be looking to secure the lead role this time around. AMORE INFIDA (6) opened her career with Kevin Pizzuto with back-to-back Menangle wins before recording a 3.8m 4^th to Zenxena after dictating the terms. The former Kiwi was then sent out as an odds-on elect, but after enjoying every chance in the lead role was run down in the final couple of strides by Ryans Gangster. This will be a slightly harder task for the daughter of Captain Treacherous but expect another bold showing. THE VIXEN (2) peaks in condition following three solid displays since resuming from a spell. The Bathurst-based mare has be confined to her home track to date, with her latest outing resulting in a 2m 2^nd to Chase The Stars a week ago. The lightly-raced daughter of Always B Miki has drawn ideally in two, ensuring a kind run comes her way. The veteran of just seven races, the 4yo is a suitable player for the multiples. The ‘x-factor’ is the Jack Trainor-prepared SWEET COCO (7), which is coming off a disappointing debut run for the stable. Arriving with four wins and three placings from her 12 starts, the former Kiwi had the benefit of two trials, the first a well-beaten experience after breaking in the early stages while the latter was a pleasing placing. Sent out a well-supported favourite, the 4yo daughter of Sweet Lou had every chance in the one-one but failed to make an impression in recording a tiring 21m 9^th to Zenxena a few weeks ago. Sweet Coco is capable of a better effort and her claims here can’t be taken lightly. HEAVENLY HOLLY (9) is mixing her form of late but stays in the multiple mix, along with LUVARESCHS (1) which is coming off a solid all-the-way win at Newcastle after recording two unplaced Menangle appearances, the former when a 15.9m 7^th to Lux Aeterna in a heat of the NSW Oaks.

PANDAIA 1, Youtakemybreathaway 2, Amore Infida 3, The Vixen 4.

RACE FIVE:

With a trip to Queensland for the Winter Carinal fast approaching, the exciting HI MANAMEISJEFF (5) returns to racing following his Miracle Mile appearance on March 9. Following a superb display, which resulted in nine wins from 10 outings, the 7yo son of Art Major secured a date with destiny, courtesy of a typical all-the-way win in the G2 Allied Express Sprint at Headquarters a week before the ‘great’ race. Accounting for Loyalist and Curly James after crossing from gate 10, Hi Manameisjeff in the process of greeting the judge, made it nine wins from as many starts on the Menangle circuit. However, in his attempt to join Bo Derek and become a ‘10’, the gelding lost all chance at the start when he broke, his Miracle Mile dream becoming a nightmare. The end result was a 15m 7^th to Leap To Fame. Hi Manameisjeff has had the benefit of a solid trial win and from gate five, it will be a matter of finding the lead and then the winning post. Jack Callaghan will take over the driving duties from Cam Hart. The battle for the minor placings will be keenly contested and heading the list of chances is TAIPO (7), which bounced back to winning form with a determined win here two weeks ago. Three runs into his latest term of racing and the Brad Hewitt trained and driven 7yo produced a determined display, overcoming a wide trip and then the role outside of the leader in repelling Simply Sam and Malcolms Rhythm. The run has been further highlighted by the run of Simply Sam last week in finishing, hard and fast in posting an eye-catching 2^nd to Swayzee. Taipo has drawn wide but is capable of being prominently placed from the outset. The David Aiken-trained veteran, MAX DELIGHT (2) continues to make his presence felt, with the 8yo coming off a gritty 4.2m 3^rd to Swayzee and Simply Sam last week. The draw has been kind to the son of Bettors Delight this time and that will assist his claims of being in the mix once again. KANENA PROVLIMA (4) has been off the scene since competing in the G2 FFA on Miracle Mile night, the Light Horse. Following a busy local and Victorian term of racing, the 8yo was never a factor in the run home, completing the 2300m challenge back in last spot, beaten 17.3m by Its Merlin. The Lucky Lodge representative has a sound trial behind him and from the handy draw, the 8yo son of A Rocknroll Dance is capable of playing a role in the battle for the minors. FIRE FOX (11) is also resuming after being sent for a spell following a solid 2.9m 3^rd to Hot And Treacherous at this venue on March 23. Trainer Seaton Grima has given his star sprinter a trial hit-out, which resulted in a pleasing 3.4m 3^rd to Pas Guarantee and Jay OK. The wide draw is a significant hurdle at this stage of his preparation and against such a classy line-up, but classy 7yo son of Sweet Lou did win first-up last time, albeit, in an easier race. However, don’t ignore Fire Fox when it comes to the multiples. MACH DI VINCI (6) joins the list of returning runners, with the Peter Hanson-trained 7yo ending his previous term with a couple of disappointing efforts after enjoying a quality campaign prior. The 7yo has had two trials, the latter a useful 6^th to Pas Guarantee.

HI MANAMEISJEFF 1, Taipo 2, Max Delight 3, Fire Fox 4.

RACE SIX:

Cam Hart has an impressive book of drives and this time around the State’s leading driver will partner the Brendon Flaherty-prepared SALLY BIGTIME (5). The 4yo only has seven races to her credit, winning two and collecting three placings in showing above-average talent. Runner-up to Spunkys Gotsecrets at Newcastle, the daughter of Rock N Roll Heaven the recorded an impressive win on the same circuit when she powered home from a rearward role in defeating Magic Shoos and Rocknroll Clarry. Since resuming from a spell four starts ago, Sally Bigtime has continued to improve and the spacious Menangle track should be to her liking. Plus, the draw is also suitable. ERIC THE KICKER (3) has done nothing but kick goals since resuming from a spell, with four of his six career wins coming the way of the Courage Under Fire 6yo in the space of the past two months. Prepared by Stan Townsend and to be driven by his son Nathan, Eric The Kicker qualified for the Waratah Final with an emphatic all-the-way at West Wyalong, defeating Wattosblazeofglory and Mop. The draw has been kind to Eric The Kicker and with the pole marker scratched, the 6yo will launch his claims from gate, which is ideal as he will no doubt be looking to be in or near the lead from the outset. The Mat Rue trained and driven REASON BEING (4) has also come up with a suitable draw and that is a plus for the sparingly-raced son of For A Reason. Off the scene since November/2022, the 4yo resumed with a sound 5.6m 2^nd behind Harmony at Menangle on May 14, then, with a higher level of fitness, the entire was able to convert a kind run in transit into a solid win over Serene Princess and Alwaysatthebeach at Bathurst a week later. Reason Being will take further improvement, both in fitness and confidence into this assignment. WATTOSBLAZEOFGLORY (6) continues to be in the mix and is coming off a gritty 21.6m 2^nd to Eric The Kicker, with his effort slightly better than it may first appear as the 5yo did strike trouble. Trainer-driver Wayne Watterson, who also bred and owns the son of Rock N Roll Dance, will be keen to have Wattosblazeofglory, in the mix from the outset, as per usual. Exotic investors should also consider FREDEE TEE (7), FAR OUT RINGO (8) and MAGIC SHOOS (9).

SALLY BIGTIME 1, Eric The Kicker 2, Reason Being 3, Wattosblazeofglory 4.

RACE SEVEN:

The Rickie Alchin stable continues to enjoy plenty of success and the trend looks set to continue when HARMONY (11) faces the starter for the running of the HRNSW 3YO NSW Bred Final. The Vincent colt had a mixed first season of racing, however, since resuming from his juvenile days, the youngster has done nothing but thrive, winning both of his engagements. With Rickie in the sulky, Harmony proved too good for Reason Being on his home track before heading up the highway for a heat of this series at Newcastle a week ago. The in-form Ash Delosa then guided Harmony to a comfortable win over Drakaina and Vincentius Maximus, overcoming a back row draw in the process. Ashe will again partner the 3yo, with another tricky draw confronting the pair, as an outside gate will await them. Despite that hurdle and the slightly stronger opposition, as you would expect for a Final, Harmony should take a power of beating. Stablemate FORCE FULL (10), has won four of his dozen starts for the Menangle mentor and he looms as the main threat to Harmony. Resuming from a spell with wins at Canberra and Penrith, respectively, the Sweet Lou gelding was confronted by a back row draw at Newcastle last week when he worked to occupy the role outside the leader and eventual winner, Maurlen Boy. Ash Delosa also drove Force Full on that occasion, resulting in a game 2.6m second. For this engagement trainer Rickie will again jump back into the sulky. ARMAZING GRACE (5) resumed from a spell in finishing stoutly to defeat Watch Me React and Sapphiresndiamonds at Menangle in late April, prior to working when a fading 17.2m 3^rd to Force Full at Penrith. The Always B Miki filly then worked home gamely in recording a vastly improved 4.3m 4^th to Cheeky Kiss at the same venue. Prepared by Ross Adams, the filly hits peak condition and is worthy of more than a passing thought. CHEEKY KISS (7), which is also a 3yo Always B Miki filly, will face the starter unbeaten following three trips to the races. Trained and driven by Mat Rue, Cheeky Kiss resumed with a dominant 27.9m display at Bathurst on May 15, then fought hard for her latest win when left facing the breeze in proving a shade too good for A Lot Of Luvin and Bettine at Penrith. The filly will start from the middle of the line for this tougher test, however, she looks more than useful so don’t write her off. The Bayley Duck-conditioned PAYROLL (6) has been providing punters with extra spending money, courtesy of a 30.8m win at West Wyalong on May 10, then repeating the dose with another all-the-way win, at the same venue, in proving too good for Pirani Princess and Tapaganoosh. Peter McRae, who is driving in career-best form, will again take the reins and the pair can’t be taken lightly. PIRANI PRINCESS (1) has been thereabouts of late and from the pole the Ellen Jones-trained daughter of For A Reason remains in the multiple mix. Others to consider when forming combinations include DORRISTOPAYTHEBILL (12) and A LOT OF LUVIN (2).

HARMONY 1, Force Full 2, Armazing Grace 3, Cheeky Kiss 4.

RACE EIGHT:

The ‘Mirrool Magician’ Stephen Maguire makes the trip to Headquarters with a promising youngster for the running of the HRNSW 2YO NSW Bred Final and barring bad luck, OTTOS WEALTH (11) will remain unbeaten. A son of Hes Watching, the gelding has had everyone watching his progressive following two stylish wins. Ottos Wealth commenced his career with a strong display at West Wyalong when he accounted for Angelic Attitude and Makes You Wonder. Stepping out for his next assignment at Wagga last week, as an odds-on favourite, Ottos Wealth drew wide, resulting in Stephen electing to restrain him, which resulted in the pair racing at the rear of the field (seven runners), a role he maintained as the field commenced the turn into the straight. Pulled out wide, Ottos Wealth quickly rounded up his rivals, and although the winning margin was only 2.2m in defeating Angelic Attitude and Makes You Wonder, the gelding went to the line under his own steam. Stephen looked to have plenty in reserve. A wide gate will welcome the pair, and that may force Stephen to again keep Ottos Wealth out of the early ‘hustle and bustle’, but that won’t be a concern. The big Menangle track looks ideal for this youngster, so expect to see him sit back before exploding home over the final 300m. TWO CRACKED CORN (3), a filly by Lazarus which is under the care of Keith McDeed, contested the G3 Pink Bonnet at Menangle on May 4, starting an outsider in posting a useful 11.6m 6^th to Namaka. The filly, growing in confidence with fitness and experience, then led in easily defeating her rivals in a heat of this event at Tamworth. The draw is a plus for Two Cracked Corn and a bold showing is a distinct possibility. LOOKIN GOOD MARGIE (1) has been on the improve with the Hes Watching filly posting her three career from her past four starts. To be driven by Robert Morris, the Troy Williams-conditioned youngster has been runner-up in her past two Newcastle encounters, the latter when she worked home stoutly in finishing a nose behind Walter Warlock. The draw will allow Robert to again secure a kind peg run, which will leave Lookin Good Margie to have the energy required to make her presence felt. ANGELIC ATTITUDE (5) opened her career with two solid efforts as runner-up, prior to leading throughout for a comfortable win at West Wyalong last week. Prior to that appearance, Angelic Attitude led when beaten 2.2m by Ottos Wealth. This will be a tougher test for the Michael Hawke-trained daughter of Sportswriter, however, from a useful draw the filly can’t be left out of the mix, especially when forming multiple transactions. WALTER WARLOCK (9) has drawn deep but worked home stoutly in scoring at Newcastle so keep the son of McWicked involved in exotic investments, along with DANCE WITH CARMER (10), which has four placings to show for his six engagements. The booking of Cam Hart is also significant.

OTTOS WEALTH 1, Two Cracked Corn 2, Lookin Good Margie 3, Angelic Attitude 4.

RACE NINE:

The stand-start conditions apply to the final event for trotters and with the benefit of a front line draw, and a respectable record from behind the tapes, the Joe and Mary Rando-trained LEAF STRIDE (4) is a suitable investment. From six starts under these condition the 6yo son of Love You has greeted the judge three times while finishing runner-up twice. The sparingly-raced chestnut accounted for Pharisee and Robbinmemates when he overcame a 30m handicap, prior to a gallant neck 2^nd to the classy Victorian Revelstoke in the Bulli Trotters Cup at Menangle on April 30. Back to the mobile conditions for his latest encounter, Leaf Stride again gave a good account in posting an 8.7m 2^nd to Speedy Lover. Jim Douglass will be in the sulky and with their main rivals coming off tricky marks, Jim should have Leaf Stride prominently placed from the outset and that will be a big advantage. MAJESTIC TRIO (11) will face the starter from behind the 20m tape, and while that is a tough mark, the talented daughter of Majestic Son remains a definite contender for the top spot. Prepared by Jarrod Alchin for her past four starts, the mare has collected three placings to go with her gritty 8.4m 5^th to Revelstoke in the Bulli Trotters Cup when off the same handicap. On that occasion Majestic Trio worked to be outside of the leader. Two wins and three placings have been recorded from her 18 assignments under these conditions. COURAGE STRIDE (10) is an interesting runner as the talented son of Muscle Hill faces the starter for his second run since a spell and for Blake Fitzpatrick. Resuming, the 5yo struck trouble when a 33.2m 5^th to Royal Dan a couple of weeks ago. Courage Stride will step from behind the 20m tape, but with two wins and three placings from his five stand assignments, and a higher level of fitness, the bay should be competitive. Formerly with Blake and now with his father Paul, CALIGULA (12) will be having his first engagement since a 2.6m 3^rd to Doff Your Cap and Toro Stride at Menangle last November. The winner of two of his seven starts under these conditions, the 8yo can be ‘hit and miss’, while the 30m tape will be drawn for his benefit. Boasting any amount when in the mood, Caligula has had the benefit of two trials, winning both, the latter by a big margin so don’t ignore his claims. The veteran of 31 starts from the tapes, SUNNY GEE (9) has four wins and 10 placings to show for his efforts and with his recent form being consistent, the 7yo remains in the multiple mix. TORO STRIDE (5) peaks in condition following recent racing and while placed in one of two stand events, the 5yo has the ability to give a good account.

LEAF STRIDE 1, Majestic Trio 2, Courage Stride 3, Caligula 4.

  - FORM ASSESSED BY MIKE KO'CASS