Let's 'Ripp' in and find you an early winner at Menangle

MIKE KO'CASS SHOWS HE'S A GOOD 'JUDGE' WHEN IT COMES TO FINDING WINNERS AT MENANGLE; HERE'S THIS WEEK'S RACE-BY-RACE ANALYSIS:

RACE ONE:

Suitably drawn and coming off a confidence-boosting win, MIKI PINS (2) is capable of producing an encore performance. Caught facing the breeze last week, the son of Always B Miki hit the lead, narrowly, soon after sighting the winning post, then fought on gamely in defeating stablemate District Attorney while Unfazed claimed third spot. The task appears a shade more difficult, but the Jason Grimson-trained 5yo will be a factor from the outset in proving hard to beat once again. Chloe Formosa, who recoded a wining double at Menangle on Tuesday, has been booked to take the reins behind Miki Pins. DASHING (3) finished a gritty 8m 3rd to Captain Hammerhead before a 17.9m 5th to the same horse in the Riverina Championship at Wagga. Drawing deep at this venue a week ago, the Luke McCarthy trained and driven 4yo came from a midfield role in posting a creditable 11.5m 5th to No Heart Throb. Likely to secure a role closer to the action, the son of Art Major is capable of greeting the judge. I BREAK THE LINE (1) returns to a suitable challenge following a 15.4m 7th to Kingmaker last week. An all-the-way winner at Headquarters at his previous start, the Michael Xuereb-trained 5yo son of Betting Line should be regarded as a serious contender. PANDAIA (5) settled in a forward peg role before drifting back to a role, four back along the markers when a 19.5m 9th to Kingmaker last week. The talented 5yo mare will be better suited in this field and should be kept safe. Expect a better showing from the Michael Stanley-conditioned UBETCHA TIGERPIE (6) which is coming off a 12.9m 6th to No Heart Throb. A gritty winner at Melton the start before, the 6yo is at least worthy of being involved when it comes to building multiple transactions. OOGA CHAKA (7) is also a chance when it comes to the exotics while HAS THE COURAGE (8) and FRANCO TYSON (9), despite their respective difficult draws, also have definite exotic investments.

MIKI PINS 1, Dashing 2, I Break The Line 3, Ubetcha Tigerpie 4.

RACE TWO:

Intriguing race due to the fact that two runners are resuming, one since late 2023. That particular runner is RIPP (4) who has plenty of talent and will be looking to bounce back from three disappointing efforts, the latest when a 38.9m 10th to Cya Art in the Shirley Turnbull Memorial at Bathurst. The 6yo son of Somebeachsomewhere has had the benefit of four solid trials, winning three and finishing a close 2nd in the other. Ripp has always been highly regarded by his mentor Bernie Hewitt, who takes over the driving duties from his son Doug, who now applies his trade in Queensland. Ripp has drawn well so expect him to make his presence felt from the outset. JORDY (2) is also resuming but has only been off the scene since late February when he finished a a 10.4m 6th to Compete. The consistent 7yo son of Bettors Delight has also been trialling well, with a close 2nd behind Don Hugo being his latest outing. Suitably drawn, Jordy looks primed for a strong showing. RAVISHING SLOY (6), like Jordy, is prepared by Kevin Pizzuto and gives him two definite chances of greeting the judge. The 4yo has been thereabouts in his past three starts, with Im The Falcon, Nyack and Miki Pins, respectively, taking out those events. Ravishing Sloy will find this challenge suitable so respect his claims. TERRY (9) draws wide but must be included in the main the main bracket of chances. The 8yo son of Terror To Love worked home stoutly in recording a solid neck 4th to Miki Pins. PETES SAID SO (11) has a tough draw and will likely be driven back in the pack as a result. The 9yo posted a 3.4m 6th to Miki Pins last week after finishing last in stronger races won by Im The Falcon and Nyack, respectively. The son of Well Said is a suitable addition to the multiples. MICK DANGER (3) has exotic prospects while ROYAL CRUISER (8), if he secures a run, must be taken into account as a winning chance. The 4yo, who is also prepared by Bernie Hewitt, led when a respectable 8.3m 6th to Kingmaker last week. This will be a far more suitable challenge for the son of Sweet Lou.

RIPP 1, Jordy 2, Ravishing Sloy 3, Terry 4.

RACE THREE:

The in-form David Thorn stable is poised for further success, courtesy of the consistent MONTEFIORE (1), which has drawn ideally in gate one. Following a hat-trick of roles as runner-up, the son of Art Major then overcame a wide gate, plus a tough run outside of the leader when he proved a shade too good for Harrys Deal and Son Of The Shark. Contesting a harder challenge at this venue a week ago, Montefiore came from a midfield role in recording a gritty 6.6m 3rd behind Major Hot and Collect A Dime. One of a number of fine drives for Will Rixon, Montefiore looks to be a safe investment. The main threat to Montefiore has drawn next to him in two, with the Kevin Pizzuto-conditioned TURBO TOMMY (2), with the 8yo looking to record his first win since last June. Since resuming from a spell, the son of Art Major has collected just two minor placings from his seven starts, but he has been thereabouts on a regular basis. Fifth to Horn Player in the Regional Final at Menangle two starts ago, Turbo Tommy then faced the starter for the State Consolation at Headquarters last week. Settling in a five-peg role, Turbo Tommy worked home stoutly in finishing a 17.4m 3rd to Vite Monet and Cortez. The run was certainly good enough to suggest that Turbo Tommy has claims in this slightly more suitable contest. THE METAL FLYER (6) has drawn the middle of the line which won't be a major concern. The 5yo recorded a convincing win here recently, coming from a role behind the leader in accounting for Cash And Bling and Captain Blood. The Lucky Lodge representative is bound to make his presence felt once again. VINKE B (10) has yet another wide draw to overcome, which was the case last week when he came from a rearward role in recording a useful 12.5m 7th to Has The Courage. The Trevor Munday-trained son of Vincent had posted a couple of wins and three placings from his previous five starts so he is worthy of further consideration. PORT AU PRINCE (8) returns to a suitable challenge following a 32.2m 8th to Franco Tyson, with the 7yo posting a number of sound efforts prior to that display, including a win at Newcastle. This assignment remains within his reach. GUILTY PARTY (9) was never a factor in finishing a 21.7m last to Has The Courage last week, but prior good form keeps him in the multiple mix, along with NOVANTA RISING (3) and RAGING SEA (4).

MONTEFIORE 1, Turbo Tommy 2, The Metal Flyer 3, Vinke B 4.

RACE FOUR:

BAINBRIDGE (6) has been below his best of late with the son of Captaintreacherous recording just two placings from his past six starts, and a win at this venue back in late January. The James Rattray trained and driven 5yo was being hailed as a future star, following nine wins during the early stages of his career, prior to his latest speed bump in his career. Bainbridge appeared to be finding his mojo once again when he posted a solid 2.7m 2nd to Captain Hammerhead at Wagga. Contesting the Riverina Championship four days later and a 50m 11th behind Captain Hammerhead appears next to his name, however, Bainbridge didn't have the best of luck after striking plenty of trouble. So that run can be overlooked. Back to Menangle and a 6.9m 4th to I Break The Line came his way before a leading and having every chance when an 8m 3rd to Cantfindabettorman and Diamond Eclipse at Wagga a week ago. This appears to be a suitable challenge for Bainbridge and a return to winning form should be on offer. UNFAZED (7) bounced back to winning form with a determined display in defeating Pitch Perfect and Mick Danger, then worked home gamely from the one-one in recording a gritty head 3rd behind Miki Pins and District Attorney here a week ago. The 8yo son of Auckland Reactor has a wider draw, but he should be better suited in this company. The Chris Judd-trained DOM TORETTO (2) will appreciate returning to a suitable draw for his past two outings, the latter when a 13.5m 8th to Ooga Chaka. Prior to that effort the 5yo son of Sweet Lou worked home stoutly in posting a 17.3m 3rd to the classy Victorian, The Narcissist. From gate two a suitable run should be on offer, courtesy of Cam Hart, so expect a competitive showing. COLLECT A DIME (4) was having his first run for the Peter Rixon stable when a pleasing, fast-finishing1.8m 2nd to Major Hot last week. The former Queenslander had posted five unplaced efforts before crossing the border, however, the 6yo son of Gotta Go Cullect did record a hat-trick of wins prior to those displays. Handily drawn and no doubt better for the Menangle experience, Collect A Dime could easily collect a few dollars this time around. Exotic players should consider ROMANEE (3), which will be backing up from a Tuesday assignment, but draws well, BOOM (5), despite the 8yo being unplaced in his past four, while DOUBLE FEAR (9) and RYANS GANGSTER (10) have tricky draws to overcome but are worthy of consideration.

BAINBRIDGE 1, Unfazed 2, Dom Toretto 3, Collect A Dime 4.

RACE FIVE:

The JD Watts will feature an outstanding line-up with MAX DELIGHT (5), KINGMAKER (7) and NYACK (9) being the main attractions. While both KINGMAKER and NYACK are last-start winners, MAX DELIGHT was responsible for an outstanding effort in defeat last week. As a result, the veteran is worthy of being the on-top selection. Drawing gate 10, Max Delight was left posted three wide during the opening quarter, which was covered in 25.5. Despite attempting to secure the role outside of the leader, Will Rixon and Max Delight were left posted three deep for the duration. Appearing to be left to fade out of contention on straightening, the 9yo son of Bettors Delight rallied, displaying all of his fighting qualities in recording a gallant 6.5m 3rd to Kingmaker and Chevron Art. His brave effort in defeat was equal, if not better, than any recent win. The improved draw is a big plus, and that will hopefully pave the way for a far trip, one that should carry him to victory. KINGMAKER had been building towards a win after finishing runner-up behind Im The Falcon and Nyack in recent starts. So, when he when he was poised in the one-one, and his two main threats in Captain Ravishing and Max Delight were working hard, it came as no surprise to see Kingmaker reign supreme with a stylish display. The Luke McCarthy trained and driven 9yo is racing in outstanding fashion and he will again take a power of beating. NYACK is coming off an exciting display in defeating Kingmaker and Max Delight, fair and square. From a midfield role the 5yo came with a late surge in comfortably defeating the pair, and although a wide gate awaits the son of Sweet Lou, he is capable of sitting back and again producing a barnstorming finish. Nyack is one of a number of quality drives for James Rattray. The pole position is a big plus for JAY OK (1) as it will allow the son of A Rocknroll Dance to secure a kind run. From his past five starts the Paul Fitzpatrick-trained 8yo has drawn seven and wider, but he has been able to post a win and a number of competitive efforts. While he lacks the class of the three featured artists, Jay OK is an honest performer who must be included in exotic transactions. IM THE FALCON (10) had every chance when he secured the role behind the leader when a fading 10.9m 7th to Nyack a couple of weeks ago. Prior to that run the 7yo had been racing in fine fashion, and although he will be confronted by a tough draw, Im The Falcon remains in the mix when it comes to the multiples. MAJOR PERRY (6) has been in the mix on a number of recent occasions and is coming off a creditable 8m 5th to his stablemate Kingmaker. The 6yo is also a suitable addition to the exotics. Outstanding mare TAY TAY (4) leaves her comfort zone, but she will be a value player for multiple investors.

MAX DELIGHT 1, Kingmaker 2, Nyack 3, Jay OK.

RACE SIX:

This race looks to be an ideal assignment for the consistent TOMAHAWK BART (3). Following an all-the-way win at Penrith four starts back, which came on the back of finishing runner-up on three consecutive occasions, the Seaton Grima trained and driven 4yo finished 2nd to Vite Monet, which has won easily since, and Horn Player, respectively. Contesting the State Regional Final at Menangle last week, Tomahawk Bart was the first to the pegs, prior to being shuffled back to a three-marker role. Working home steadily over the final stages, the 4yo posted a creditable 7.6m 4th to Glitter Aint Gold. This will be an easier test for Tomahawk Bart, with the draw and the reduced trip, coming back from the 2300m to a 1609m assignment, also appealing. There is every chance that Seaton will be planning an all-the-way win. LOCHINVAR JAG (2) has returned from a brief Queensland sojourn as the winner of his past two starts at Albion park. Prepared by Mark Callaghan and driven by son Tom in those wins, the 6yo son of Art major has led on each occasion, the latter when he easily defeated Soap Opera and Soextra. Suitably drawn and to be driven by Jack this time around, Lochinvar Jag is bound to have plenty to offer. ARNIES ARMY (4) has had three starts for KerryAnn Morris since coming from Victoria, the best of them resulting in a closing 7.6m 2nd to Carrera Sunset two starts back. The 8yo had every chance when a 10m 5th to Major Hot last week but is capable of being involved in the finish this time. KICK THE SWITCH (9) is coming off a determined win at Bathurst when he finished a shade too well for Hes Chiming and Ideal Timing. The son of Lazarus has drawn deep, compared to the inside of the back row at Bathurst, however, the Bernie Hewitt trained and driven 4yo should be included in the multiples. RAKADEAKS (7) was having his second run for Jason Grimson when he led in defeating Stagecoach and Wills Way at Menangle two weeks ago. The former Kiwi will face a tougher test, but the son of Sunshine Beach is bound to be further improved by the experience so don't ignore him as a serious player. FORCE FULL (6) returns from a spell as an exotic player, along with his stablemate TARDELLI (5) which was having his second run from a spell when a 32.6m 9th to Horn Player a couple of weeks ago. Both are under the care of Rickie Alchin.

TOMAHAWK BART 1, Lochinvar Jag 2, Arnies Army 3, Kick The Switch 4.

RACE SEVEN:

This event will be one of the highlights with a a number of talented mares facing the starter. The Jason Grimson-trained BELLA DANZA (8) gains the nod, but only just. Boasting three wins, the same number of placings and a fourth from her past seven starts, the daughter of Bettors Delight recently greeted the judge when she led throughout in defeating Boulevardofdreams, which has scored in fine fashion since, and Twilight Heaven. Contesting s similar challenge to the one facing her this time around, the 4yo was involved in a speed battle for the majority of the race when a gritty 3.5m 3rd behind Ever Art and Maria Allegonda. To battle on as well as she did, following a keenly contested race, was a fine effort and the mare is certainly capable of proving hard to beat once again. EVER ART (9) was also in the mix from the outset in proving too strong at the finish for her rivals in the above-mentioned race. Prepared by David Thorn and to be driven once again by Will Rixon, the daughter of Art Major has always been highly regarded by the stable and she will again be a serious player. The wider draw is a hurdle, however, Ever Art is bound to be making her presence felt from the outset. MARIA ALLEGONDA (10), who is also under the astute care of David Thorn, is certainly on the verge of another win. Unlucky in finishing 6th to Pandaia and also behind Bella Danza, respectively, the 5ypo daughter of Sweet Lou hit the line strongly in recording a 1.5m 2nd to Ever Art last time out. If there is a speed battle up front once again, then Maria Allegonda could take full advantage of the situation in finishing right over the top of her rivals. There is a twist to this race in the shape of LE TWIST (11), which was formerly a member of the Emma Stewart team who now finds herself in the care of Luke McCarthy. The 4yo Sweet Lou has won three of 13, with just one minor placings, but Le Twist has always shown ability, with the switch creating a great deal of interest. Le Twist is coming off a 9.3m 7th to The Answer at Bendigo on May 14, as an odds-on elect. Breaking in the score up and losing valuable ground, the mare was never a serious factor. The big track and a change of environment may just be the combination required to see Le Twist play an active role in the finish. The consistent MY CRACKLING ROSIE (5) tried hard in posting a 1.6m 2nd to Boulevardofdreams last week and with a handy draw, the Peter Rixon-conditioned 6yo is again a suitable addition to multiple transactions. CARRERA SUNSET (7) has been mixing her form in easier events, but as a last-start winner over Arnies Army and John McLean, the daughter of Downbytheseaside is a value chance for the multiples. The is also the Jason Grimson factor, plus Jett Turnbull has been booked to handle the 5yo.

BELLA DANZA 1, Ever Art 2, Maria Allegonda 3, Le Twist 4.

RACE EIGHT:

To the trot and back to competing on level terms with his rivals, LONDON TO A BRICK (9) appeals as a 'London to a brick' good thing. Another top drive for James Rattray, who also puts the polish to this quality 5yo son of Bettors Delight, London To A Brick was shooting for a hat-trick of wins at Headquarters when was beaten 1.9m by Sunny Gee, in what was an upset win. Conceding the winner a 20m handicap, under the stand start conditions, London To A Brick worked home gamely, however, with Sunny gee starting from the front line, the task proved a shade too much. Despite drawing wide, London To A Brick will be far better suited this time and that will result in the 15th win of his career. CONSTANTINOPLE (8) has been mixing his form, but the Luke McCarthy trained and driven 8yo is always capable of being actively involved in the finish. Following a head 2nd to London To A Brick, which was in a similar assignment to this one, the son of Trixton, then also found the 20m handicap too demanding when a 9m 5th to Sunny Gee. As the winner of a dozen of his 22 starts at this venue, plus four placings, Constantinople does loom as a threat. HANOVER DA MOON (5) had been racing in fine fashion before a disappointing 18m 7th behind Sunny Gee. Following a swift beginning from behind the 10m tape, the 7yo son of One Over Da Moon found himself in his favourite role when Cam Hart secured the role as pacemaker. Despite that effort, the Leon Jurd-trained gelding is capable of a competitive showing from his good draw. COURAGE STRIDE (3) is coming off a better effort in finishing a 3.4m 3rd behind Sunny Gee. The 6yo son of Muscle Hill has drawn suitably and is at least a handy type to include in multiple transactions. Apart from Courage Stride, Blake Fitzpatrick will also be represented by SHES RUBY ROO (6) and VALTINO (10), with the latter appearing to be the better chance of the pair. The talented 4yo son of Love You headed to the spelling paddock after a stylish win in the Breeders Crown Final for 3YO Colts and Geldings. The late Greg Sugars guided Valtino to victory as the dominant odds-on elect. Resuming with the benefit of three solid trials, Valtino didn't handle the stand in finishing a distant 12th to Sunny Gee. Fitter and back to a mobile, although a wide draw awaits him, Valtino isn't without claims as an exotic player.

LONDON TO A BRICK 1, Constantinople 2, Hanover Da Moon 3, Courage Stride 4.

RACE NINE:

Interesting stable change with Sloys electing to send MISS RAVISHING (2) to the powerful Luke McCarthy team. The 3yo filly has always shown plenty of potential and the 'change is as good as a holiday' saying may come into play. Following a few sound efforts, the latest resulting in a 9.5m 2nd to Namaka at Menangle, Miss Ravishing faced the starter for a heat of the NSW Oaks, with a 24.6m 6th to Miss Ari coming her way, despite being presented with a kind role behind the leader, courtesy of Bailey McDonough. Suitably drawn in gate two and to be driven by Jack Callaghan, as Luke will partner Our Special Memory, Miss Ravishing is worth the gamble in an open and competitive race. If successful, the win will be her first since last October when Miss Ravishing finished strongly in defeating Ava Leanne and My Little Bo in a heat of the NSW Breeders Challenge for 2YO Fillies. Another interesting stable change sees SAMKERR (8) leaving Emma Stewart to be prepared by James Rattray. Commencing her career with two unplaced efforts in NZ, the Art Major filly won three of her six starts for Emma while also collecting a couple of placings. The filly was able to overcome a back row draw and a three wide trip, plus interference in scoring a narrow, but solid win over Ooh Ah Listah and Golden Shooz at Melton a few weeks ago. Samkerr has drawn wide but will in all likelihood look to be involved from the outset. Adding further depth to the race is the appearance of the Rickie Alchin-trained SUGAR PIE HONEY (9), which will leave the machine from gate nine. Runner-up to Luv The Nitelife in the Golden Easter Egg, the filly then posted a solid 4.2m 3rd to Soho Americano in a heat of the NSW Oaks. Contesting the G1 NSW oaks from a useful draw, Sugar Pie Honey led out before being shuffled back to a three-peg role. The end result was a typical honest effort from the daughter of Sweet who recorded a 6.8m 3rd to Cool And Classy and Soho Americano. While the draw is tricky, this is a suitable assignment for Sugar Pie Honey so respect her claims. OUR SPECIAL MEMORY (5) has had three runs back from a spell with the best of them being a first-up 2nd to Bella Danza at this venue in late February. Formerly with Russell Jack, the Bettors Delight filly was never in the hunt when a 22.7m 8th to Soho Americano in the G3 Raith Memorial before a 19.9m 5th to Miss Ari in a heat of the NSW Oaks. Handily drawn, Our Special Memory can't be taken lightly, especially as Luke's decision can't be ignored. THE SWIFT ONE (7) and CRUSADER MISS (4) are in the mix as value exotic chances.

MISS RAVISHING 1, Samkerr 2, Sugar Pie Honey 3, Our Special Memory 4.