Let's 'Pump The Brakes' and find some Menangle winners

RACE ONE:

With the benefit of drawing the prized-pole position and peaking in condition, the Leon Jurd-prepared LOCHIEL (1) is worth a ticket in what appears to be a race with numerous contenders for the major share of the prizemoney. Both runs for Leon have been pleasing, particularly the latter, a week ago when the son of Lincoln Royal worked to the line in fine fashion, courtesy of a three-peg run, which resulted in a 1.7m 2nd behind the talented Pump The Brakes. Without a win since this time last year, to the day, December 10, when under the care of Amanda Turnbull, the 5yo will be looking to assist in providing punters with some extra cash. RANGER BOMB (9), like Lochiel, had been involved in racing north of the border, prior to joining the successful Jack Trainor team. Prior to his latest change of address, Ranger Bomb had been mixing his form, with his latest outing resulting in a 10.4m 6th to Warfare at AP just over a month ago. The 5yo son of Sportswriter has enjoyed success at Menangle, winning five and being placed three times from 17 starts. A wide gate awaits Ranger Bomb, but his claims must be respected at this stage. DOUBLE ENCOUNTER (7) has been thereabouts of late and this should be a suitable challenge for the Harry Martin-trained veteran, with the son of Village Jasper contesting his 199th race. Double Encounter is coming off a creditable 12.5m 5th behind Artillery and with the prospect of being in a forward role, the 8yo is capable of making his presence felt. MYMATEPOG (6) led when a solid 1.2m 2nd to He Bettor Step Aside last week, and although a slightly harder task will await the consistent Bernie Hewitt-trained 6yo, another bold showing can be expected. ART TUTOR (5) had been struggling for form before his eye-catching 2m 3rd behind Whereyabinboppin last week. Back to a suitable assignment and with a handy draw, the 7yo son of Art Major can't be taken lightly. Exotic players should also consider DOUBTLESS BAY (2), LOORRIM CREEK (3) and BACK IN TWENTY (8), all three looking to improve on recent efforts, but with the opportunity to do so in this field.

LOCHIEL 1, Ranger Bomb 2, Double Encounter 3, Mymatepog 4.

RACE TWO:

The James McPherson-trained WARRADERRY (5) has been in fine form of late and with a suitable draw and the booking of Jack Trainor, the Art Major 7yo appeals as the one to beat. Recent back-to-back wins at Cobram and Echuca were solid displays, prior to the gelding working when a gritty head 2nd to Western Belle at Wagga a couple of weeks ago. With the reserves remaining on the bench, Warraderry will face the starter from gate four, and that should ensure that the bay will be prominently displayed from the outset. The main threat is the David Kennedy-trained SHADES OF HEAVEN (4), which is also racing well on the country arena with the 5yo two of his past four assignments. The son of Shadow Play is coming off a solid all-the-way win at Young, with the odds-on elect comfortably accounting for Jumbo Jim and Just Rocknroll. Drawn one spot closer to the pegs, compared to Warraderry, Shades Of Heaven will be looking to be prominent from the outset, courtesy of Jackson Painting. GHOSTLY COURAGE (9) has drawn deeper but the Jake Mitchell-conditioned 5yo is racing in a 'purple patch' of form, having won four of his past five, all on the Newcastle circuit. In-form reinsman Will Rixon will again partner the son of Courage Under Fire, and although Ghostly Courage may drift back at the start, the gelding is bound to be finding the line with a threatening finish. IM CAPTAIN MAX (11) has a tough draw to overcome, however, the Nathan Turnbull trained and driven 6yo is racing in peak form so don't ignore him as a potential contender for the top spot. When forming multiple transactions JUMBO JIM (6), BRACKEN WARRIOR (7) and WESTERN BELLE (12) should be included.

WARRADERRY 1, Shades Of Heaven 2, Ghostly Courage 3, Im Captain Max 4.

RACE THREE:

Following back-to-back improved performances, ALDEBARAN REVANI (8) is worthy of further attention when the former northern hemisphere mare steps out in what should be a suitable challenge. After creating a huge impression, the daughter of Donato Hanover lost her way, leaving Belinda and Luke McCarthy, along with Jack Callaghan, unable to pin-point what went wrong. However, following an encouraging 12.2m 3rd behind Andoverlov and Aldeberan Tess, the mare then posted a pleasing 12.2m 3rd, this time behind Caligula and Sunny Gee, the latter scoring in fine style since. Chris Geary, who is driving in fine fashion, will take the reins as both Jack and Luke are required for Inter Dominion duties. Chris will be looking to secure a role close to the action from the outset, with the lead role being a distinct possibility, as a number of his rivals will be leaving their comfort zone, which is Tuesday racing. The one to beat will be the James Rattray trained and driven RAVE ON HALL (9), which is resuming on the back of two solid trial displays. The 6yo finished runner-up on five-consecutive occasions before a gritty 3.4m 3rd to One Majic Kenny on Aug 20. The son of Andover Hall ended his previous term with a 38.9m last to Count Your Eyes on Sept 3, but with the stable enjoying plenty of success, Rave On Hall is bound to be poised for a big, first-up performance. ON ADVICE (11), which is a member of the Blake Fitzpatrick team, is also resuming after trialling nicely. The 4yo son of Sebastian K has been off the scene since a solid 2.4m 2nd to Watts Up Majestic at Headquarters on July 9. On Advice has drawn awkwardly out deep but his talent will again see him coming up with a competitive showing. The consistent Howard James trained and driven GUNNER (5) scored nine runs back, with the 5yo son of Quaker Jet then posting seven placings from his subsequent eight starts, with a fourth thrown in for good measure. Although this will be a harder test for Gunner, don't dismiss him from exotic transactions. Following a couple of displays of bad manners, ROYAL GLENFERRIE (7) was on his best behaviour last week when he accounted for Sunny Gee and Regal Attire. If, the son of Bettors Delight is focused from the outset, then he will again play an active role in the finish so respect his claims. THEBESTBOURBON (1) scored here on Tuesday and although up in grade the Grant Forrest-trained mare stays in the mix as an exotic player, along with ONE MAJIC KENNY (10) and PHARISEE (2).

ALDEBARAN REVANI 1, Rave On Hall 2, On Advice 3, Gunner 4.

RACE FOUR:

This appears to be an open and competitive race with four of five definite contenders for the top spot. Appreciating a drop in grade a week ago, the Sean Grayling trained and driven PUMP THE BRAKES (7) is worth top billing, but only marginally ahead of WOW HES A ROCK STAR (5), GLIDING AWAY (4) and SEND IT (8). Following a solid 4.3m 5th to the classy Jilliby Kung Fu in the G3 Tony Turnbull, Pump The Brakes was able to account for Lochiel and Hidden Courage a week ago, courtesy of enjoying the one-one. Rarely far away, Pump The Brakes has again drawn a touch deep, but he is likely to go forward in search of a competitive role from the outset. WOW HES A ROCK STAR is looking to record his third-consecutive number one hit after finding his 'mojo' once again. Always talented, but at times lacking ambition, the son of Rock N Roll Heaven hit the line strongly in defeating Back In Twenty and Soho Sinatra before slicing through a late opening, en route to accounting for Loyalist and Mr Bohannan a week ago, courtesy of a fine drive by Jimmy Douglass. A harder test awaits the Blake Fitzpatrick-prepared 4yo, but with his confidence at such a high level, anything is possible. The ultra-consistent GLIDING AWAY will again make his presence felt after drawing suitably. Prepared by 'Team McDowell' and to be driven by Lleyton Green, the 5yo son of Betterthancheddar is coming off a gritty 3.6m 2nd to Artillery, which came on the back of a determined 5m display when runner-up to the classy Stingray Tara. Expect to see Gliding Away in the mix from the outset. SEND IT is the 'x-factor' as the Brad Hewitt trained and driven 5yo will be giving away race-fitness to his main rivals, due to being off the scene since late June when he posted an 18.3m 4th to The Croupier. The talented son of Western Terror has also drawn wide, however, Send It has been trialling well at Goulburn and a bold first-up showing is on the cards. LETS GET ROCKIN (3) scored in fine fashion last week and from his good the 4yo is more than capable of again being involved in the finish while WESTERN STYLE (2), SMOOTH BAHT (6) and ZIGGY ROCKS (9) are worthy of exotic consideration.

PUMP THE BRAKES 1, Wow Hes A Rock Star 2, Gliding Away 3, Send It 4.

RACE FIVE:

Former Kiwi ITS ALL ABOUT FAITH (5) created a big impression when successful for Jack Trainor on Nov 19. Contesting stronger races back home, the 4yo arrived with three unplaced displays next to his name, but he was ideally placed for his initial Menangle challenge, which resulted in an effortless all-the-way win over Takingcareofbusiness and Western Style. Trainor has no doubt that the son of Captaintreacherous will have little trouble working his way through the grades and into FFA company. Freshened, and suitably drawn and confronted by another handy assignment, Its All About Faith will have little trouble maintaining his unbeaten record on this side of the Tasman. LOYALIST (9) is racing in peak form and he looms as the only possible threat. From his past 10 encounters, the Joe Conolly-prepared 5yo has posted three wins and seven placings, five as runner-up. Last time out the son of Bettors Delight led when a 1.7m 2nd to Wow Hes A Rock Star a week ago. Loyalist drew one on that occasion, with a deeper draw next to his name this time around. Despite that hurdle, Seaton Grima is bound to make things interesting from the outset. IDEAL ESCAPE (7) had been racing well before his past two runs, the latter when he broke at the start and lost all chance in finishing a 29.3m last to Whereyabinboppin. Back to a suitable contest, Ideal Escape has exotic claims, along with FIFTEEN ACES (10), JOE NIEN (4), HAZELNUTS (6) and JOHNSON STEP (8).

ITS ALL ABOUT FAITH 1, Loyalist 2, Ideal Escape 3, Fifteen Aces 4.

RACE SIX:

An intelligent, front-running drive by Chris Geary paved the way for the classy JILLIBY KUNG FU (7) to register the 19th win of his interrupted career, and the second from three starts at Menangle, the other being back in 2018 when he defeated Let It Ride and Atomic Red in the G1 Chariots Of Fire. Resuming from a break, and two previous runs for new mentor Belinda McCarthy during the Queensland winter carnival, both resulting in unplaced displays, the son of Four Starzzz Shark was rated to perfection in defeating Stingray Tara and Jay OK, with Chris keeping the runner-up on his back for the majority of the 360m of the run home. A fitter Jilliby Kung Fu, who combines racing and stud duties these days, has drawn the middle of the line, which should result in the 39-start veteran being prominently placed from the outset, however, whether he finds the top will be intriguing. Drawn suitably in four, which will become three if the reserve remains benched, is WHEREYABINBOPPIN (4), with the James Rattray trained and driven 6yo racing in career-best form. The son of A Rocknroll Dance made it back-to-back wins when he defeated Mach Shard and Art Tutor a week ago, but it was a clever drive by James which enabled the pair to greet the judge. Aborting a charge for supremacy, which involved Mach Shard and Burnham Boy, Rattray eased in taking cover and with the opening 400m covered in the 'blink of an eye', 25.3, that proved to be a smart decision. When the dusted settled nearing the 800m, James was off the back of the leader (Mach Shard) and back dictating and that move was the winning of the race. Whereyabinboppin in front and dictating, is the likely scenario. JAY OK (11) peaks following three determined runs, the past two resulting in placings in races won by Whereyabinboppin and Jilliby Kung Fu, respectively. The draw is a concern, however, if the other pair sizzle early, then Jay OK will prove hard to hold out from the number one spot. TOTAL DIVA (6) is an honest and determined mare, and although racing out of her comfort zone, which also applies to LITTLE BLISS (10), the pair should be included when it comes to exotic transactions. HES CHIMING (2) and a fitter TUPPENCE (3) are also value players.

JILLIBY KUNG FU 1, Whereyabinboppin 2, Jay OK 3, Total Diva 4.

RACE SEVEN:

Despite a wide gate, the consistent Jack Trainor trained and driven ITZ MAJOR RICH (11) appeals as the one to beat. A winner at this venue three runs back, the 4yo son of Art Major has since recorded a creditable 7.5m 6th to Western Style before working home stoutly when 3rd behind He Bettor Step Aside and Mymatepog a week ago. Due to the wide gate, Itz Major Rich is again likely to avoid the early 'hustle and bustle', and that should assist the gelding in making a bold play for the top spot. WHATS YOUR SECRET (9) had no luck last start in the G3 Teeny Teeny Stakes when she struck trouble en route to posting a 'forget' 11.3m 5th to Be My Rose. Prior to that run the KerryAnn Morris-trained mare had been racing in fine fashion and, on more than one occasion, the daughter of Bettors Delight could have easily paid a visit to the winner's circle. SPIRIT OF ANZAC (8) returns after going for a break following a 3.4m 2nd to Ideal Secret at Headquarters back on Oct 18. The 7yo has trialled well and trainer Joe Conolly appears to have the talented 7yo ready to produce a bold first-up showing in what appears to be a suitable contest. KISSMELVIS (3) has been thereabouts and with a good draw assisting him, the 8yo is a suitable exotic contender while DAGGY LAMB (6), JEMSONS PET (7) and KINGMAKER (5) also stay in the mix when it comes to the multiples.

ITZ MAJOR RICH 1, Whats Your Secret 2, Spirit Of Anzac 3, Kissmelvis 4.

RACE EIGHT:

This appears to be an ideal challenge for MISS CHANTILLY (5), and as a result, the Ellen Bartley-trained filly should head around to the start as one of the 'better bets' on the card. The daughter of Captaintreacherous raced in fine style during the Breeders Crown series, with a pleasing 9m 4th to Encipher posted in the 3YO Fillies Final at Melton on Nov 19. Miss Chantilly was again competitive and gritty last time out when she recorded a 3.2m 2nd to Relentless Me at Shepparton 10 days later. Apart from striking a suitable assignment, Miss Chantilly has also drawn suitably and that will enable Blake Jones to make a bold statement from the outset. Resuming from a spell, but trialling well for her return, is the Paul Fitzpatrick-trained HEAVEN ISLAND (7), and with the stable enjoying a wonderful run of late, the mare is bound to make her presence felt in a big way. The 4yo has been off the scene since greeting the judge at this venue on July 9, with Im Desirable and Bella Clare involved in a thrilling three-way finish. Sean Grayling is driving with a high-degree of confidence and he will have Heaven Island within striking distance when the pressure builds. The consistent BEAUTY PLAY (1) will appreciate the pole and that will allow Will Rixon to give the daughter of Sweet Lou every chance to be thereabouts when the judge calls a halt. Prepared by his dad, Peter, the filly struck trouble in finishing a 5.4m 6th behind Twilight Heaven at Penrith on Nov 24. A Menangle winner prior to that run, in a slightly easier contest, Beauty Play is an ideal runner for exotic investors. YUKO (9) is coming off a big win at Newcastle, but a wide gate in this grade is a concern. Although trained here by KerryAnn Morris, the Bettors Delight mare is yet to greet the judge at Headquarters, with five of her 27 appearances resulting in minor placings. POPSTAROMAR (3), YEAH CHARLIE (4), ARABELLA STAR (6) and MUSTANG MILLY (8) will be in the mix when it comes to assisting as exotic runners.

MISS CHANTILLY 1, Heaven Island 2, Beauty Play 3, Yuko 4.

RACE NINE:

While the outside gate is a concern, the David Thorn-trained GO JACK RYAN (12) remains the one to beat, although a great deal of intrigue will be attached to COOL ROCKING DADDY (5), a newcomer to the astute Joe Conolly stable. Go Jack Ryan has been off the scene since contesting the Young Stars at Menangle on October 29, which resulted in a fading 13m 7th to the quality 5yo Unfazed. Prior to that display, the 5yo son of Mach Three had been racing in fine form, and although he is likely to be driven in a reserved manner, Go Jack Ryan is capable of being actively involved in the finish. COOL ROCKING DADDY (5) arrives for his first Menangle assignment with mixed displays before heading to the paddock. The 5yo has been off the scene since recording a 48.8m 11th to Celestial Gossip at Kilmore back in late July. The son of A Rocknroll Dance has trialled nicely at this venue in readiness for this assignment and, as he has done on a regular basis, Joe is capable of having newcomers to his stable ready to 'hit the ground running' so expect a similar situation unfolding with Cool Rocking Daddy, which will be driven by his stable reinsman, Seaton Grima. HAS THE COURAGE (4) has been thereabouts on a regular basis and the Tiarn Sutton-trained son of Courage Under Fire warrants exotic involvement, along with GLENAVRIL KING (8), LITTLE DEMON (10) and IRVINE (11).

GO JACK RYAN 1, Cool Rocking Daddy 2, Has The Courage 3, Glenavril King 4.

  - FORM ASSESSED BY MIKE KO'CASS