Luciano chasing lucky racing return

RACE ONE:Classy 4yo OUR LUCIANO (4) returns to racing, and although competing in an open and competitive contest, the James Rattray trained and driven gelding will face the starter as the one to beat. The former Victorian joined James earlier in the year and their partnership commenced on a bright note when he won back-to-back races at Menangle in February. The latter was an important factor in his career to date as he defeated Charge Ahead and Stormryder in the G3 Paleface Adios. As a result of that win, next stop was the G1 Chariots of Fire at Menangle on March 1. Drawing the outside in the field of 10 superb athletes, Our Luciano found himself, four back in the running line, prior to working home strongly in recording a gallant 4.5m 4^th to Bay Of Biscay. Surprisingly, in a far easier test next time out, the son of Sweet Lou was beaten in a photo finish by Dashing when an odds-on favourite to greet the judge. Spelled after the March 8 challenge, Our Luciano has posted a solid 3^rd in a recent trial and is ready to make a big impression from his suitable draw. Despite the presence of a tough draw, gate 10, the classy ROCK N ROLL DOO (10), who is also resuming, looms as a definite contender for the top spot. A member of the Michael Stanley team, the 7yo is a multiple feature winner and is the class runner of the field. The son of Rock N Roll Heaven has finished runner-up in each of his past two assignments, commencing with a 9.2m effort behind the former Miracle Mile winner, Catch A Wave. Rock N Roll Doo then found Tripe Eight a shade too good at Geelong back on February 21. A strong Melton trial win has Rock N Roll Doo ready to make his presence felt. David Hewitt managed to orchestrate an all-the-way win at Menangle with HORN PLAYER (2) two starts ago in taking out the Metro Regional Final. The 5yo son of Sweet Lou, who is prepared by Brad Hewitt, who will return as the driver, then attempted to complete the third leg of a hat-trick of wins when he battled on stoutly in recording a 2.7m 2^nd behind the promising Glitter Aint Gold at Menangle two weeks ago. Suitably drawn, Horn Player is again capable of being involved in the finish. VITE MONET (1) was driven with plenty of confidence from the outset by Cam Hart, which resulted in a dominant win at this venue over Cortez and Turbo Tommy. Ideally drawn and peaking in condition, the Chris Judd-prepared 4to is again in the mix when it comes to winning chances. FRANCO TYSON (3) was responsible for a big effort last week when he finished strongly in posting a 3.6m 3^rd behind Pandaia and Ubetcha Tigerpie. Racing in fine form of late and drawing well, the Brian Portelli trained and driven 4yo is an ideal exotic player. UBETCHA TIGERPIE (6) gives Michael Stanley a strong two-pronged attack. The 6yo was responsible for a solid effort last week when a neck 2nd to Pandaia. The task becomes more difficult fer the 6yo, however, he remains in the multiple mix. ARDENS ACE (7) has been freshened and is an exotic player while CYA ART (8) has been just behind the placegetters in his past four starts and he remains a value exotic contender.

RACE TWO:In what appears to be an open and competitive contest, SOHO SPECTRE (7) is worthy of another chance following a disappointing 10^th to Cantfindabettorman at Melton on May 17. However, to be fair to the son of Art Major, he did strike some trouble, so he has an excuse to fall back on. That was his first outing for Michael Stanley and no doubt Soho Spectre is capable of bouncing back strongly. Prior to that run when under the care of Luke McCarthy, the 4yo posted a solid 15.8m 4^th to Captain Hammerhead in the Riverina Championships at Wagga on April 19. Although Soho Spectre has been out of the winners' circle for 13 months, he warrants attention this time around. DOUBLE ACT (2) draws ideally, is racing in fine fashion and will be driven by the in-form Ash Delosa and that adds up to a potential winning display once again. Drawing wide but still finding the lead with the minimum of fuss, the Harry Martin-conditioned 7yo was rated to perfection by Ash when he comfortably defeated Give Me A Minute and Lamandier. Yes, this will be a harder test compared to that win however Double Act has been consistent in stronger events prior.  SHEFFIELD SPARKY (3) has been mixing his form, with wide draws being a setback on a few occasions. This time around the Dean Atkinson-trained 9yo has drawn suitably in three and is coming off a solid metre 2^nd to Has The Courage two weeks ago. Expect a competitive showing from the son of Art Major. UNFAZED (9) has a tricky draw to overcome, but the Paul Fitzpatrick-trained 8yo will at least appreciate this grade. A gritty winner here three runs ago, Unfazed then posted a solid head 3rd behind Miki Pins before a creditable 9.9m 5^th to Dom Toretto a week ago. If Unfazed can have some luck in running, courtesy of Cam Fitzpatrick, then expect to see him fighting out the finish. When it comes to the multiples, PITCH PERFECT (8) and SKYLORD, despite their respective wide draws, are in the mix.

RACE THREE:The classy and exciting TIMMY RICTOR (2) returns to the track, looking to bounce back strongly for a surprise defeat at Wagga on April 15. Formerly with Emma Stewart, the son of Modern Art created a big impression before joining the stables of Jason Grimson. Issues have restricted Timmy Rictor to just nine starts, with the 4yo greeting the judge on seven occasions while finishing runner-up once. Following two solid wins for his new stable, after spending an extended period on the sidelines, Timmy Rictor was expected to keep the win coming when he faced the starter for a heat of the Riverina Championships. Galloping out and losing ground, Timmy Rictor recovered to secure a midfield role and still remain in the mix as the one to beat. However, after hanging on the home turn and looking uncomfortable for the run to the line, Timmy Rictor finished a 6.3m 4^th to Nyack. Timmy Rictor has trialled well and from his ideal draw, the entire looks poised to return on a winning note. The main threat will come from his next-door neighbour in NO LUCK (3), who has drawn ideally, as he attempts to continue on his winning way. Prepared by Nathan Turnbull and to be driven by son Jett, No Luck has won his past five, all at Bathurst, in fine style. The 3yo colt overcame a back row draw when Jye Coney guided the son of Art major to a narrow but determined over Beachride and Pops Legacy a week ago. Boasting eight wins from his 14 starts, No Luck will again be a serious contender for the top spot. TOMAHAWK BART (5), courtesy of a stylish display in the sulky by Luke McCarthy, powered home for a solid win over Fore Full and Rakadeaks a week ago. Prepared by Seaton Grima, the 5yo son of Sweet Lou has a suitable draw, which assist his claims of again being in the mix when the judge calls a halt. HAS THE COURAGE (1) has drawn ideally for this harder challenge and, that keep him in the mix when it comes to forming exotic transactions. A deserving winner two starts ago, the 10yo son of Courage Under Fire was a gritty 4.5m 4^th to Pandaia a week ago. A kind run on the pegs will enhance his exotic prospects. SWEETHEART BART (4) has been a model of consistency for Seaton Grima, and he is also a contender when it comes to forming multiple transactions. Both The METAL FLYER (9) and GUILTY PARTY (10) have drawn wide, but they remain in the mix as value exotic chances.

RACE FOUR:Resuming from a break and without an official trial, the Dylan Xerri-trained HEEZA MALTEEZA (6) still makes plenty of appeal. Following a solid 2.9m 4^th behind Fox Dan in a heat of the Gold Challice at Bathurst on March 24, the 3yo son of Stay Hungry then recorded a stylish Menangle win before making it back-to-back trips to the winners' circle when he again hit the line with intent in defeating Houston Street and Twilight Heaven in mid-April. Handily drawn in the middle of the line, Heeza Malteeza has the talent to secure the 6th win of his career from a mere 15 starts. MAC BON (7) is also resuming for the powerful Luke McCarthy barn, with the 3yo being off the scene since a 13m 5^th to Jacks Ultimate Fury in the G2 Gold Chalice Final at Bathurst on March 29.A stylish and tough winner of his heat, the 3yo son of McWicked has had the benefit of a solid trial and he looks ready to make a bold bid for the top spot. The outside gate will welcome HEZATREACHEROUS (10), however, the Lucky Lodge entrant does have, hard race fitness on his side, compared to Heeza Malteeza and Mac Bon. The Captaintreacherous colt heads into this assignment as the winner of his past three, the latest when he finished stoutly in defeating Jungle Dragon and Coastal Drive. Robert Morris is bound to take advantage of the higher level of fitness and have Hezatreacherous in the mix from the outset. COASTAL DRIVE (5) certainly has the ability to make his presence known when the judge calls a halt. A dominant Wagga winner three runs ago, the Michael Stanley trained and driven colt then drew the back row when a 1.9m 3rd to the talented Jilliby Illuminate at Terang before a 7m 3^rd behind Hezatreacherous and Jungle Dragon at this venue. Drawing gate 1o on that occasion, the well-named son of Downbytheseaside will appreciate his vastly better starting gate. PETES CRUNCH TIME (4) was disappointing at Penrith last time out, but the 3yo is worthy of exotic involvement on his previous sound form while STARTIN TO GOGH (2), which is also in the Michael Stanley stable, is coming off a couple of costly defeats, but the draw keeps him in the multiple mix. The Bernie Hewitt pair of JUNGLE DRAGON (8) and SWEET ON LEXY (9) have drawn wider and while that is a hurdle, the duo are racing well enough to be exotic contenders.

RACE FIVE:The exceptional mare EYE KEEP SMILING (10) will be out to win the race named in her honour and despite the race containing quality opposition, the Luke McCarthy trained and driven superstar should stretch her winning sequence to a 'magnificent seven.' The 5yo daughter of Sweet Lou has again drawn the outside gate, which is nothing new for Eye Keep Smiling, who did her usual thing last time out when she worked forward in securing the role outside of the leader, prior to defying all attempts to run her down. A simple game plan which continues to pay dividends. And it will again this time around. The Jocelyn Young trained and driven STENO (9) has finished runner-up in both her starts since making the trip over from WA for a stint of racing on the east coast, where her career originally kicked off. Following a gritty effort behind Pandaia, the 6yo Sweet Lou mare then worked home gamely when a half-head 2^nd to Eye Keep Smiling in the G1 Queen Elizabeth 11 on May 10. Steno has again drawn nine but expect another competitive showing.    Drawing ideally in gate one is the reliable BELLA DANZA (1) and that will present Cam hart with options. The 4yo daughter of Bettors Delight worked home stoutly in finishing a 2.8m 4^th to stablemate Carrera Sunset a week ago. Having been in the top four placings in her past eight starts, which includes three wins, Bella Danza should be coiled up on the pegs and enjoying, possibility a stalking role. That makes her an ideal exotic player. PANDAIA (7) has won two of her past four, the latest when she stalked the tempo in defeating Ubetcha Tigerpie and Franco Tyson a week ago. The Rickie Alchin-trained daughter of Downbytheseaside has drawn a touch wider, but she is bound to give a good. Ash Delosa, who is driving in superb form, will again handling the on-track duties. EVER ART (3) scored here two runs back, then worked and showed plenty of spirit in posting a 1.4m 2^nd to Carrera Sunset last week. With the benefit of a far better draw, the David Thorn-conditioned 4yo is a suitable exotic runner. CARRERA SUNSET (40 has won her past two and while this will be a harder test, the mare is racing with confidence while her stablemate TAY TAY (8) returns to a suitable race for her own sex after a 12m 6^th to Kingmaker a week ago. Both have claims when it comes to the multiples.

RACE SIX:In what is a typical open Waratah Final, the Ellen Jones-prepared PLAY IT COOL (5) is worth the gamble. The sparingly raced 4yo son of Bettors Delight has contested just seven races, winning two while collecting four placings. Play It Cool managed to record and all-the-way win at Wagga a week ago in defeating Classic Beesmack and The Mountain. Cam Hart has been booked to handle the driving duties and with a suitable gate next to his name, Play It Cool will do exactly that as there is no one better than Cam when it comes to playing it cool. CLASSIC BEESMACK (7) will again have plenty to offer as the 7yo has been in fine form of late. From his past seven trips to the races, the Jackson Painting trained and driven 7yo has been successful three occasions while finishing in the top three four times. After greeting the judge at Wagga three runs ago, the son of A Rocknroll Dance has since finished runner-up to Scottie Mach and Play It Cool, respectively. Expect another competitive performance from Classsic Beesmack. EXCESS VITALITY (3) has also been consistent of late and the 5yo son of Huntsville will make his way around to the start and the winner of his past two at Bathurst. A member of the in-form Bernie Hewitt team, Excess Vitality has drawn suitably and that is a big plus in the field. The 5yo is likely to be in the mix from the outset in making a bold bid for victory. HEAVENLY SONG (8) is also in a 'purple patch' of consistent displays with the Tom Ison trained and driven mare recording two wins and nine placings from her past 14 starts. A wide draw will await Heavenly Song and compared to recent starts this will be a tougher assignment; however, the mare remains a potential threat. WILLS WAY (6) has the benefit of racing at this venue on a regular basis, with the 6yo coming off a win at Newcastle a week ago. The Kerry Towers-trained 6yo is capable of another bold showing and is at the very least, a suitable exotic player. LACHIES DELIGHT (4) has been consistent and draws well, making him a handy type to include exotic transactions, along with TINTINS TREASURE (2).

RACE SEVEN:Eureka, Inter Dominion and Miracle Mile winner DON HUGO (11) returns to the scene of his career highlights when he starts his build up towards his Inter Dominion title defence at Albion Park next month. The champ has been off the scene since his 4^th behind his co-star Leap To Fame over 2200m at Cambridge on April 4. A recent comfortable trial win at Menangle has Don Hugo ticking over nicely for this assignment and moving forward. The 5yo son of Art Major has drawn the outside gate, but that is nothing new for Don Hugo, It will be case of recording the 19th win of his career from 49 starts. Stablemate MAJOR PERRY (4) has been responsible for a number of fine efforts of late and he is capable of giving the being next across the line. Third to Max Delight three runs ago, the 6yo then finished an unlucky 8m 5th to another stalemate in Kingmaker before again hitting the line well for a 6.3m 4th, again to Kingmaker, last week. The son of Art Major has drawn handily and is a suitable second-stringer to his high-profile stablemate. MAJOR HOT (3) finally broke through for his first win since taking out the Queensland Derby last July. Stepping out for his first run for Jason Grimson, the 4yo led in defeating Collect A Dime and Montefiore a couple of weeks ago. This will be a step up in grade for Major Hot but from the good draw and with a higher level of fitness, he at least attractions exotic attention. JAY OK (10) drew ideally last week in gate one, but as it turned out it helped bring about his downfall in at least being involved in the finish. Settling three pegs, the 8yo failed to secure a clear run, despite Gav Fitzpatrick looking for a suitable opening to appear. The end result was 16.4m 9^th to Kingmaker. Forget he went around. However, this time around Jay OK has again found himself drawing wide and while that is a hurdle, he is racing well enough to be involved in multiple transactions. DISTRICT ATTORNEY (6) is coming off a better showing when a head 2^nd to Miki Pins. The 6yo strips fitter following three runs back and is also in the mix when it comes to the multiples. DOM TORETTO (2) and ROYAL CRUISER (1), courtesy of drawing well, can't be overlooked for the exotics.

RACE EIGHT:The gamble, or it may prove to anything but a gamble, is with the former Kiwi MIRACULOUS (8), which is on debut for the Jason Grimson stable. Crossing the Tasman with 22 starts next to his name, the 4yo son of Bettors Delight has collected five wins and six placings, five of them as runner-up. Miraculous is coming off a 5^th to Louies Girl at Winton on May 8 when off a back row draw over 2400m. A wide gate and a handy line up of rivals will welcome the gelding, but, as always, runners from this successful stable must be respected. The main threat is his stablemate, another former Kiwi, in RAKADEAKS (2), which has recorded a win at his second start for the stable, with placings posted either side. The 4yo son of Sunshine Beach worked when a gritty 3.6m 3^rd to Tomahawk Bart a week ago, so gate one, which is less the reserve will be a welcome sight for Rakadeaks. Expect another honest performance from MONTEFIORE (3), with his good draw being an added plus. Prepared by David Thorn and to be driven by Will Rixon, the 6yo son of Art Major finished runner-up on three consecutive occasions before recording a deserving win. Third to Major Hot and Collect A Dime at his next assignment, Montefiore then hit the line well from a three-peg role when a 4m 2^nd to The Metal Flyer last week. Expect to see Will presenting Montefiore with another comfortable run, leaving him with the necessary energy to be a threat. DONEGAL LUTHER (7) strips fitter following two runs back, the former being a solid 2^nd behind Guilty Party, prior to a creditable 6.7m 6^th to Has The Courage a couple of weeks ago. The 6yo should be ready to play a more active role in the finish, as he looks to post his initial Menangle win after finishing second in a dozen starts at this venue. Exotic investors should take into account FORCE FULL (10) which resumed with a sound to Tomahawk Bart last week.

RACE NINE:Former Queenslander TOP OF THE MOMENT (11) will be looking to commence his association with Lucky Lodge on a winning note. To start from behind the 10m strand, the 6yo has been mixing his form north of the border, with a creditable 3rd to Get Used To it and Masterly coming his way a few weeks ago when off a 20m handicap. The winner of eight races under these conditions from 30 starts, with 10 placings also coming his way, Top Of The Moment is capable of handling this challenge. HANOVER DA MOON (12) will take his place behind the 20m tape as he looks to bounce back from a couple of safely held unplaced encounters, following a run of quality efforts. Following an 18m 7th to Sunny Gee, when off a 10m handicap, the 7yo then looked to have every chance last week in recording a 25.6m 7th behind London To A Brick. Boasting a fine stand record, Hanover Da Moon is worthy of another chance. SPEEDY LOVER (1) will step from the front line and with three recent sound efforts under these conditions, the David Aiken-trained 6yo is a value chance. Following a gritty 2nd behind Hot To Trot when off a tough 40m handicap, the son of Love You posted a creditable 8m 4^th to Sunny Gee. That form is good enough to be a candidate for the top spot. AFFAIRE DE COVER (7), MACHO MAN (3), ALDEBARAN JENSEN (4), MALIBUU (5) and COURAGE STRIDE (9) are all in the mix when it comes to placing exotic investments.

- MIKE KO'CASS