Let's find you a winner for Menangle Saturday night

RACE ONE:

Like so many of the races on the eight-event card, the first contains numerous chances, paving the way for value throughout the night. Despite drawing wide and coming off a recent run of mixed displays, SOHO SINATRA (9) is worth another chance. The Peter Russo-trained son of Betterthancheddar has posted a couple of handy placings, which includes a 3rd to Wow Hes A Rock Star and a 2nd behind Lets Get Rockin, with his latest outing a week before Christmas resulting in a 10.6m 6th to Doubtless Bay. The 6yo has the gate speed to be prominent, despite the draw, so expect Jack Callaghan having Soho Sinatra in a challenging role. OUR MONEY ROCKS (5) returns from a brief stint in Victoria where he was under the care of Adam Kelly. Following a tough 2nd behind The Raconteur, which was followed by a win at Kilmore, the 6yo wrapped-up his southern experience with a well-beaten 10th behind Cloud Nine at Melton on Nov 5. Back to familiar surroundings Our Money Rocks will be having his first outing since joining the David Thorn yard. A creditable trial outing has Our Money Rocks ready for a competitive showing while his draw is also acceptable. The Amanda Turnbull-trained CARLO GAMBINO (7) brings solid country form to the contest, with three wins and a last-start 4m 2nd to Spirit Of Anzac at Bathurst on Boxing Day certainly giving him a strong case for inclusion in the main bracket of chances. Placed once from three previous runs here, the 9yo son of Mach Three will be driven by Isobel Ross. UNCLE JAY (3) broke a long run of 'outs' in scoring at Bankstown recently and from gate three the 11yo is capable of giving a good account, with his previous form at this venue more than useful when it comes to looking for a knockout chance. Exotic investors should also consider SOUTHBOUND TRAIN (2), SELSEY BILL (4), RED REACTOR (6), FATHER BOB (8), which has been trialling nicely for new mentor Dean Cernovskis, and BLUE CHIP DELIGHT (10).

SOHO SINATRA 1, Our Money Rocks 2, Carlo Gambino 3, Uncle Jay 4.

RACE TWO:

Following a stylish win at Penrith, her first since joining the powerful Paul Fitzpatrick stable, OUR COWGIRLS N LACE (6) is capable of carrying on the good work in what looks an intriguing contest. Formerly with Brad Hewitt, the daughter of Bettors Delight was having her second run for the Hall of Fame mentor, the first resulting in a 10.2m 6th to Punt Away at Menangle when resuming from a spell, when she overcame a back row draw and a midfield trip in finishing strongly to defeat Rock Of Delight and True Confessions on Dec 29. Stripping fitter and with a handy record at Headquarters, the 6yo mare will again be in the mix when the judge calls a halt. The obvious danger is the Jack Trainor-trained mare B K SWY (7), which has drawn one spot wider than Our Cowgirls N Lace. To be driven by Jack Brown, who enjoyed a productive 2022 in the sulky, B B Swy resumed from a spell with a handy 8.3m 5th to Punt Away on Dec 17, with the daughter of Big Jim doing her best work over the final stages. With the benefit of that outing and subsequent trackwork, B K Swy will be ready to give a good account. UNFAZED (3) is drawn to make his presence felt with the Charlie Pollicina-prepared son of Auckland Reactor ready to make his own luck after drawing suitably in three. A tough Menangle winner four runs back, the 6yo hasn't had a great deal of luck in three runs since, the latest when a creditable 10m 7th to Smooth Baht in the G2 Shirley Turnbull Memorial at Bathurst on Dec 26. Chris Geary will take over the driving duties and he will be looking to have Unfazed in a dominant position from the outset. Gate one is a big plus for BE MY ROSE (1), which disappointed last time out in finishing a 22.2m last to Punt Away a few weeks ago. Also under the care of Paul Fitzpatrick and to be driven by Gav, the daughter of American Ideal scored in fine fashion at Headquarters prior to her latest failure so she is entitled to another chance. When it comes to forming multiple combinations DELIGHTFUL ANGEL (2), HE BETTOR STEP ASIDE (4), DOUBLE ENCOUNTER (9) and PUMP THE BRAKES (11) are all capable of assisting in that regard.

OUR COWGIRLS N LACE 1, B K Swy 2, Unfazed 3, Be My Rose 4.

RACE THREE:

Punters are a resilient lot and they will certainly be put to the test here, courtesy of the KerryAnn Morris-trained WAVETHEBILL (10) who has left Lucky Lodge, owners and supports disappointed with his past two appearances. The former Kiwi burst onto the local scene with a couple of stylish wins by a combined total of 57m, leaving Robert Morris and Josh Gallagher to speak in glowing terms of the son of Net Ten Eom. In two runs since the 5yo has been beaten by a combined total of 236m, running last on each occasion after galloping in the score up and failing to compete in finishing last, the latter in the race won by The Poobah on Dec 20. Wavethebill trialled well at Menangle on Wednesday, so hopefully, for all concerned, Wavethebill has his 'head back in the game' and if that is the case, then expect the gelding to play a big role in the finish, despite the presence of the outside gate as he certainly has the talent to do so. DONT NEED AN EXCUSE (1) has drawn ideally in one and that will be a big plus in what is a tough race. Also a son of Net Ten Eom, but two older than Wavethebill, the gelding is coming off a solid win at Bathurst recently when he led out and took cover, prior to defeating Casius Deck and Oursouthernstar. Jack Trainor has taken over the training of Dont Need An Excuse from Mat Rue, with Jack Brown to handle the driving duties. WATTLEBANK LASS (3) is rarely far away and her last-start 25m 5th to Spirit Of Anzac at Bathurst on Dec 26 should be forgiven as the mare did strike trouble. Suitably drawn in three, the Amanda Turnbull trained and driven mare should be regarded as a definite contender. ONE BIG SHEW (5) returns from a creditable Victorian campaign and he will find this challenge more to his liking, compared to recent outings in the Vicbred 4YO E&G's series, which culminated with a solid 8.3m 7th to Captain Bellasario in the Final at Melton a week ago. GIMMEFIVEMINUTESMORE (4) has been off the scene since last September, however, the Jacqueline Graham-trained 8yo son of Christian Cullen posted a solid trial effort at Menangle and from his good draw, Jim Douglass will have the chance to position the sparingly-raced gelding into a handy role.

WAVETHEBILL 1, Dont Need An Excuse 2, Wattlebank Lass 3, One Big Shew 4.

RACE FOUR:

Fresh from a brief break and suitably drawn, the Dean Cernovskis trained and driven BOOM (4) is ready to explode into action in what appears a suitable challenge for the son of Alta Christiano. With a recent solid trial outing assisting him, Boom will be having his first outing since recording a determined 8m 5th to Little Bliss on Menangle on Nov 5, when he faced the breeze throughout. Following his all-the-way win here back in late July when he defeated Spirit Of Anzac and Unfazed, Boom has contested eight faces and hasn't finished further back than fifth, with four gritty placings in the mix. From his good draw Dean will have Boom making his presence felt from the outset. WHATS YOUR SECRET (5) looms as a definite threat as the KerryAnn Morris-trained mare is 'bursting' to win a race. Rarely far away and unlucky on a number of occasions for many and varied reasons, the Bettors Delight 5yo was held up for a suitable run, prior to hitting the line with intent in recording a half-neck 3rd to Loyalist and Little Demon. Better luck and the result would have been a lot different. Suitably drawn, Whats Your Secret will be hard to hold out. This is an ideal situation where you can make a case of 'backing one and saving on the other', or standing the pair out in the exotics and forming combinations around them. ROCK FISHERMAN (2) has contested 16 races at this venue, and although yet to greet the judge, the Bernie Hewitt-trained son of Pet Rock has collected six placings, usually after giving plenty of cheek. Following a run of four placings, at venues such as Bathurst, Menangle and Dubbo, Rock Fisherman headed back to his home track of Bathurst on Boxing Day to contest the G2 Shirley Turnbull Memorial. Starting an outsider at $100.00, Rock Fisherman crossed the line in last spot behind Smooth Baht. Despite coming up empty on that occasion, Rock Fisherman should be able to 'reel' in something far more suitable this time around. Despite drawing the outside gate, don't ignore the chances of LOCHIEL (10). A member of the in-form Leon Jurd team, the 6yo is building towards a win, with his latest effort resulting in a solid-finishing 3.2m 4th to Elektra back on Dec 17 when he again drew the outside number. Exotic chances are given to TRUE CONFESSION (3), CASSIUS DECK (6) and GLENAVRIL KING (8).

BOOM 1, Whats Your Secret 2, Rock Fisherman 3, Lochiel 4.

RACE FIVE:

Following an explosive and impressive start to her career in the southern hemisphere for Belinda McCarthy, ALDEBARAN REVANI (3) hasn't been successful since defeating Funky Monkey and Indefensible at this venue back in Oct/2021. The mare certainly struggled for an extended period, but recent placings would suggest that the daughter of Donato Hanover is ready for another visit to the winner's circle, although in rave boasting numerous chances, the mare will need to be back to her best. Placed third in races won by Andoverlov and Caligula, respectively, when always prominent, Aldebaran Revani again attempted to lead throughout when run down by Rave On Hall at Headquarters on Dec 10. The mare has drawn ideally and that should enable master reinsman Luke McCarthy with the opportunity to dictate the terms of the 1609m challenge if he so desires or take a sit, allowing Aldebaran Revani to enjoy a kind run behind the speed. One likely challenger for the lead role is the Darren Hancock trained and driven DROP THE HAMMER (9), who will strip fitter following a pleasing 6.2m 5th to Thebestbourbon at Menangle on Dec 17. The classy 8yo was off a 30m hcp on that occasion and apart from stripping fitter, the son of Bettors Delight will also enjoy the return to a mobile event. Boasting 26 wins, all recorded at this venue, Drop The Hammer will be looking to become the horse with the most wins at Headquarters with victory in this race. CALIGULA (8) has won two of his past three, each time finding the front and being allowed to run along by Blake Fitzpatrick. The 7yo has again drawn wide but that won't stop Blake from giving the son of Majestic Son a licence to 'hit the ground running; and if, Caligula is on his best behaviour in the score-up, that will again the game plan. ALDEBARAN TESS (2) has drawn ideally for Sofia Arvidsson and with a last-start win next to their names, the mare can't be taken lightly, especially, if the tempo is solid from the outset. RAVE ON HALL (4) and SUNNY GEE (7) are worthy of exotic involvement, in fact, either one is capable of scoring, without surprising.

ALDEBARAN REVANI 1, Drop The Hammer 2, Caligula 3, Aldebaran Tess 4.

RACE SIX:

The running of the PJ Hall will feature two super-stars in EXPENSIVE EGO (8) and STYLISH MEMPHIS (1), with the pair poised to fight out the finish as they start to build towards another Miracle Mile carnival. EXPENSIVE EGO returns home after a couple of months campaigning in Victoria during the Inter Dominion Carnival. Placed in each of his three heats, each time racing without cover, with a determined 3.7m 3rd to Act Now wrapping-up his qualifying performances. In the Final, and once again, the son of Rock N Roll Heaven was left to do the 'heavy lifting' outside of the leader after being trapped three-wide, and also being inconvenienced. Beaten 13.8m in running 8th to I Cast No Shadow, Expensive Ego wasn't disgraced as the mile rate was a slick 1:56.7 for the 2760m. Despite drawing wide for the PJ Hall, Expensive Ego will 'muscle' his way to the front and that should be 'game, set and match' for the Belinda McCarthy-trained entire, who will again be driven by husband, Luke. STYLISH MEMPHIS (1) crosses the Tasman in search of her third-consecutive Ladyship Mile trophy, but this time as a mum. In foal to Captain Treacherous, the daughter of Bettors Delight, while consistent, has been unable to greet the judge back home, with her last win posted at Menangle back in late February, which, was the second of her Ladyship Mile wins. Back under the care of Jack Trainor, who remains on the sidelines due to suspension, Stylish Memphis will be driven by Cam Hart. Now firmly entrenched as one of the leading drivers, not just in NSW, but Australia, Cam will have the ideal opportunity to give the champion mare every chance from the pole position. Outside of the two star attractions, the race takes on an open appearance so when it comes to the multiples, ARTILLERY (3), TOTAL DIVA (9), SMOOTH BAHT (6), RANGER BOMB (4) and LITTLE BLISS (10) should be considered.

EXPENSIVE EGO 1, Stylish Memphis 2, Artillery 3, Total Diva 4.

RACE SEVEN:

Despite contesting this race from a wide draw, R ELEVEN ART (9) remains the one to beat as the Belinda McCarthy-prepared 4yo attempts to stretch his winning sequence to four. After filling a minor role on three-consecutive occasions, the son of Artsplace broke through for a deserving win at Penrith, prior to repeating the dose at the same venue on dec 8. Heading to Newcastle for his next assignment and, once again Chris Geary was able to dictate the terms, with R Eleven Art accounting for Rock De Ark and Hidden Delight. Apart from the tricky draw, R Eleven Art will be confronted by a rise in grade, however, with his confidence heading in the right direction, the consistent gelding is capable of going on his winning way. WATTS UP SUNSHINE (3) will no doubt provide R Eleven Art with strong opposition after drawing suitably. Resuming with a 9th to Braedos lad at Menangle on Dec 17, the Rickie Alchin trained and driven 5yo posted a gritty 7.4m 3rd to Back In Twenty at Penrith before heading to Maitland for the Habitat Hunter Realty Cup on Dec 30. Drawing the inside of the back row, which resulted in a four peg role, the son of Sunshine Beach raced keenly, prior to hitting the line strongly in finishing a close 2nd to Master Catch. Rickie jumps back into the bike, replacing Ash Delosa due to the race being a metropolitan meeting. LUCKY BEACH BOY (2) will appreciate the return to a suitable draw and that should assist the 6yo enjoying better luck, which hasn't been the case of late. Following back-to-back wins at Penrith, the Paul Fitzpatrick-conditioned son of Somebeachsomewhere wasn't disgraced in three outings at Menangle, the latest a luckless 10.3m 7th to Delightful Angel after being 'snookered' seven pegs. Heading back to Penrith on Dec 29, Lucky Beach Boy drew the inside of the back row, prior to leaving the pegs and racing outside of the leader when a gritty 3m 4th to Our Cowgirls N Lace. The prospect of enjoying a kind run from the outset should result in a competitive showing from Lucky Beach Boy. SPLASH OF CRIMSON (1) is coming off a solid Bathurst win, and although a harder task awaits, the mare has drawn the pole and that will ensure a cosy trip. JOE NIEN (4), FIRESTORM RED (5) and AALESUND (7) stay under notice as exotic players.

R ELEVEN ART 1, Watts Up Sunshine 2, Lucky Beach Boy 3, Splash Of Crimson 4.

RACE EIGHT:

One of the highlights on the card is the return to racing of TASTY DELIGHT (6), which has been off the scene since September 2021. Prepared by a patient Brian Portelli, who will also take the reins, the 5yo suffered a deep, bone bruise, resulting in his long period away from the track. However, the Bathurst Gold Crown winner has been trialling in fine fashion, pleasing Brian, particularly with his latest Menangle win in good time. Boasting 12 wins and seven placings from 21 starts, the lightly-raced son of Bettors Delight is ideally placed in this type of race and he should lead and win. An exciting type, Tasty Delight is deserving of a 'trouble' free career from this point onwards. Leave Tasty Delight out of the equation and the race is wide open. WESTERN STYLE (3) has drawn suitably in three and that should allow the Chris Judd-trained 6yo to be in the mix from the outset. A Menangle winner four back, the son of Western Terror finished down the track at his next two encounters before posting a solid 1.3m 2nd to Romanee at Leeton on New Year's Day. MYMATEPOG (5) rarely runs a bad race and he can be expected to give a good account for Bernie and Doug Hewitt while MUSTANG MILLY (9), HANDS ON (1), KISSMELVIS (2) and COOL ROCKY DADDY (4) also have exotic prospects.

TASTY DELIGHT 1, Western Style 2, Mymatepog 3, Mustang Milly 4.

  - FORM ASSESSED BY MIKE KO'CASS