'OK', let's start with a few good things at Tabcorp Park Menangle

RACE ONE:

JAY OK (8) is overdue to record a number one hit at Menangle, and although the Paul Fitzpatrick-conditioned son of A Rocknroll Dance has drawn wide, the gelding must be regarded as the one to beat. Since greeting the judge at Newcastle back on April 19, which broke a run of outs, the 7yo has been on the verge of another winning performance, courtesy of five-consecutive placings, three as runner-up, with a 15.2m 3rd to District Attorney, which then went on to end the winning run of Leap To Fame, in the Treuer at Bankstown. Beaten in the final stride or two by Hector two starts back, Jay OK then dictated the terms and with Gavin Fitzpatrick rating the 7yo to perfection, the pair had the winning post within their sights half-way down the straight. However, with the benefit of a kind run behind Jay OK, which resulted in the perfect peg run, Petes Said So was able to power past him in greeting the judge with a margin of 4.7m to spare. The pair drew next to each other in three and four last week, with the duo again side-by-side this time around, but out deeper on the track and, with plenty of swift beginners drawn to their left. Despite that hurdle, Jay OK will again be ready to produce another determined effort in his quest for the number one spot on the chart, and with this event conducted over 2300m, that will also be a plus for the gelding. PETES SAID SO (9) does have the gate speed to make his presence felt from the outset, which has been the case on a regular basis. The difference last week was the 8yo didn’t have to burn as much energy in the early stages in securing a role close to the action due to drawing gate four. Josh Gallagher had the son of Well Said relaxed and poised to make his intentions know when called upon and, everything worked out perfectly from start to finish for the Lucky Lodge runner. Despite drawing nine, the consistent Petes Said So remains a serious player. MACH DA VINCI (1) showed a welcome return to form following three unplaced efforts since resuming from a spell. Prepared by Peter Hanson the 7yo son of Art Major worked home stoutly from a midfield role in finishing a gritty 2m 3rd to Taipo and Max Delight. Apart from hitting peak condition, Mach Da Vinci will also having the opportunity to enjoy a good draw, which should result in Lucas Rando presenting him with a kind run on the marker pegs. Exeter mentor James Rattray, who will be involved in the meeting at Albion Park, will be unleash a strong three-pronged attack on the race. STAR MAJOR (4), which will be driven by Jim Douglass, looks to be the pick of them following a creditable effort in finishing an 8.6m 6th to Petes Said So after racing without cover. The 8yo will again be in the mix from the outset and he is more than capable of being involved in the finish. James will also have BOOM (6) and WHEREYABINBOPPIN (7) facing the starter, with the former coming off a game head 2nd to Unfazed last week where his stablemate had little go his way in finishing a 15.8m last to Petes Said So. Although the pair have been mixing their form of late, a win by either one won’t some as a surprise. OUR MONEY ROCKS (5) will be having his first outing since a his 23.5m 10th to Leap To Fame in the Inter Dominion Grand Final at Albion Park last December. A slight leg issue followed and with the benefit of an extended rest, the 7yo is back in action after a strong trial win. A bold, first-up showing is a distinct possibility as Our Money Rocks does race well fresh and his mentor David Thorn did have him racing in outstanding fashion when last in work.

JAY OK 1, Petes Said So 2, Mach Da Vinci 3, Star Major 4.

RACE TWO:

Premier mentor Emma Stewart will be represented by two classy runners on the card, the first being FIAMMA (5), which was seen in action at this venue three runs ago. The highly-regarded daughter of Bettors Delight led out, prior to taking a sit, when a 7.9m 4th to her outstanding stablemate Major Delight, which is the second of the two runners later in the night. Returning to the southern state, the mare started favourite when a disappointing 17.4m 7th to Captain Hammerhead at Melton, prior to facing the starter from a second-row draw at that venue on July 6. Three pegs and held up in the early stages of the home straight, Fiamma worked home stoutly in recording a solid 8m 3rd behind Ubetcha Tigerpie and Little Louie. Unplaced in both Menangle starts to date, the other when 9th to Rakero Rebel in the G3 Robin Dundee in late April, Fiamma has the ideal opportunity to open her account at this venue. JILLIBY NITRO (4) will be the hardest to beat for the Victorian, with the former Victorian racing in fine fashion since coming under the care of Peter Rixon. Prior to his latest assignment at Menangle a week ago, Jilliby Nitro had posted two wins, with a gritty 5m 2nd to Blazing Home sandwiched between those wins. The 7yo son of Bettors Delight continued the good work when a 7.3m 3rd to Petes Said So and Jay OK after being presented with the one-one by Ellen Rixon, prior to issuing his challenge out three wide for the remaining 400m. Suitably drawn in four, Jilliby Nitro will be prominently placed from the outset. As per usual, ARDENS ACE (3) will also be in the mix from the outset after drawing suitably in three. And also, as per usual, the son of Art major won’t be far away when the judge calls a halt to proceedings as the Tony Bertwistle-trained gelding loves being in the photo. Placed in four of his past five, Ardens Ace is coming off a half-neck 3rd to Unfazed and Boom after a kind, three peg run. Sofia Arvidsson will again partner the son of Art Major and another role close to the action will be forthcoming. And, as the song goes, ‘’as sure as God made the little green apples’’, Ardens Ace won’t be far away when the 1609m comes to an end. DANCE AND DELIVER (1) has drawn the pole and as another consistent member of the Peter Rixon team, the 5yo should be competitive once again, despite the tougher contest. Last-start Newcastle winner PITCH PERFECT (2) will be having his first run for KerryAnn Morris and after drawing well the 8yo has exotic claims, along with his former stablemate SURFERS DELIGHT (6), which resumed from a spell for his new mentor Michael Xuereb with a pleasing 3.6m 3rd to Far Out Bro at Newcastle last week.

FIAMMA 1, Jilliby Nitro 2, Ardens Ace 3, Dance And Deliver 4.

RACE THREE:

With the benefit of two runs since a spell and contesting an open event, CAPTAIN RITCHIE (4) is worth the gamble. Prepared by Paul Fitzpatrick and to be driven by Gav, the son of Captaintreacherous has the chance to give the father and son combination, two of the opening three races on the card. Spelled after a creditable 22m 4th to Extreme Sea in the NSWBC Eastern 3YO C&G’s Final at Menangle on Dec 9, the 4yo resumed with a distant last behind Speculating at this venue on June 22. Breaking, which was out of character, the gelding was never in the hunt. Drawing wide for his next assignment over the Menangle mile, Captain Ritchie worked from the outset when posted outside of the leader, prior to battling on stoutly in recording a gritty 5.3m 6th to Im Rockin It. That effort was more in keeping with his ability and with that run lifting his level of fitness and, just as importantly, securing a far better draw, Captain Ritchie is capable of playing an active role in the finish. HAS THE COURAGE (5) has been performing consistently for an extended period of time, with the 9yo finishing no further back than sixth in his past 13 starts, with a deserving win and five placings included. The son of Courage Under Fire struck some early trouble when five pegs, en route to posting a solid 5m 5th to Dance And Deliver two weeks ago. Handily drawn, Has The Courage has the talent to be a serious contender for a role in the finish. AMERICAN HAMMER (3) was able to nail the second win from his past three starts when he greeted the judge, with an all-the-way display at Penrith last week. With Bailey McDonough rating the David Aiken-trained 5yo son of American Ideal to perfection, the pair comfortably for Ideal Marquess and Kates Virtue. This will be a slightly harder test for American Hammer, but the draw has been kind and Bailey will again be looking to have the gelding in contention from the outset. CORBIE STUMBLER (9) has a wide gate to overcome, however, the Jarrod Alchin-trained son of Betting Line can’t be overlooked as a serious player. Following a win at Newcastle the 4yo son of Betting Line then recorded a 1.6m 2nd to Im Rocklin It when behind the leader, then held up for a run until passing the 100m. Corbie Stumbler hit the line strongly and would have made it interesting had he secured clear air sooner. IM ROCKIN IT (6), in defeating Corbie Stumbler and Surf Ace, was able to have a ‘full head of steam’ passing the 200m and that enabled him to dash to the lead in greeting the judge. The 5yo son of Pet Rock has been racing consistently for trainer Alex Alchin and in a race of many chances, he is definitely one of them. When forming multiple investments MICK DANGER (2), draws one with the reserve out, and with recent solid form behind him since joining the Ian Wilson stable, the 4yo is a suitable type to include in exotic transactions. KEEPERS IDEAL (8) scored at Bankstown on Monday, and although this is a harder challenge, the 5yo is a value player for the multiples.

CAPTAIN RITCHIE 1, Has The Courage 2, American Hammer 3, Corbie Stumbler 4.

RACE FOUR:

Champion trainer David Aiken was keen on the prospects of OOGA CHAKA (6), which he declared in an interview for the National Trotguide, prior to the gelding greeting the judge at Menangle on July 6. And, with a similar assignment awaiting him, it is hard to go past OOGA CHAKA as the one to beat once again. After starting his career in Victoria before moving to the stables of Queensland mentor Ricky Thurlow, the son of Art Major was sent to NSW to be prepared by David. The 42-start journey has been creditable as the gelding has collected nine wins and the same number of placings throughout his journey, up and down the east coast. With Will Rixon in the sulky, Ooga Chaka was driven confidently and aggressively when contesting his first Menangle assignment from outside of the leader. Despite being under siege in the straight, Ooga Chaka responded to the challenge in fighting off Sheffield Sparky and Titian Raider. Minus the two reserves and Ooga Chaka will face the starter from gate four, and that will allow him to leave the machine with intent, paving the way for a prominent role, which will lay the foundations for another winning performance. Drawing wide but remaining a threat is the Sofia Arvidsson owned, trained and driven WINONA WRITER (11). The former Victorian has been a consistent performer for Sofia since making the trip north, with the 6yo daughter of Sportswriter coming off a hat-trick of solid placings. The best of them was a 19.3m 3rd to the classy Millwood Bliss when she worked home stoutly from a three peg role. The 6yo then hit the line with intent when a closing 5.4m 2nd behind Pas De Cheval last week after being six back on the pegs. Winona Writer will be driven off the speed, with the mare being saved for one sustained effort in the straight. If, close enough when making her move, Winona Writer could make things interesting by the time the judge calls a halt. With the benefit of two runs back from a spell, SMOOTH BUZZ (2) is ready to make his presence known after drawing suitably in two. Prepared by Steve Turnbull and to be driven by Amanda, the 4yo resumed with a solid 2nd to Racing Time at Bathurst before contesting another race on his home track on July 10, which resulted in a gritty 11.6m 4th to Eric The Kicker. Yet to post a win at this venue following five attempts, the son of Huntsville should be competitive in this field. SHEFFIELD SPARKY (8) has been thereabouts in races of this nature and is coming off a solid 2nd to Ooga Chaka. The 8yo son of Art Major should be linked to the multiples once again. CAPTAIN TOM (10) joins the astute Jarrod Alchin stable following a solid-finishing 5.7m 2nd to Craftsmans Charlie last week. The 4yo, having won the Temora Cup at his previous start, has a tough draw to overcome, but his form is certainly good enough to warrant attention.

OOGA CHAKA 1, Winona Writer 2, Smooth Buzz 3, Sheffield Sparky 4.

RACE FIVE:

BARTELLO (7) is the way to go with the son of Mr Feelgood looking to bounce back from a 9.7m 7th to Dance And Deliver when he drew deep and settled in a midfield role. Prior to that display the Allan Ellul-prepared 5yo had been in racing in fine fashion, collecting a hat-trick of wins and a solid 2nd to Chase The Stars when passed in the final few strides of the contest. With one of two reserves drawn to his inside, Bartello will launch his claims from six and that will give Chris Geary the opportunity to send the 5yo across to the pegs in what should pave the way for a winning performance. The Jarrod Alchin-conditioned DIEING ART (3) has drawn suitably in three, compared to seven last week when eased at the start in settling in a midfield role. Four deep, with cover, when making his run, the son of Art Major worked home stoutly in recording a 6.5m 4th to Pas De Cheval. A winner at Penrith at his previous start, Dieing Art will again produce a competitive display. WHATABOYJACK (6) has been in the mix on numerous occasions since scoring at Goulburn on April 21 and he can be expected to make his presence felt once again. Prepared by Peter Rixon and to be driven by Will, the 6yo son of Pet Rock is coming off a 12.4m 5th to Eric The Kicker at Bathurst, and although his stats at Headquarters show that he has managed just the two placings from six attempts, this looks to be a suitable challenge so don’t ignore his claims. Following two solid displays at this venue, which resulted in a photo 2nd to Red Reactor, then a 1.8m 3rd behind Dance And Deliver, ROCLEA IMAGE (1) posted a disappointing 16.5m last behind Far Out Bro at Newcastle last week. The Clayton Harmey-trained 5yo son of Shoobees Place has drawn ideally in one, ensuring that a comfortable run comes his way. To be driven by Jemma Coney, Roclea Image is worthy of another chance. CASH AND BLING (9) has been in fine form of late and deserves to be included as a threat in an open race while exotic investors should give some thought to SHADES OF HEAVEN (2) and RACING TIME (4).

BARTELLO 1, Dieing Art 2, Whataboyjack 3, Roclea Image 4.

RACE SIX:

The running of the Stylish Memphis will see the Emma Stewart-trained MAJOR DELIGHT (11) head around to the start as the dominant favourite and rightly so, with the wide draw being of little concern to this highly-regarded mare. Boasting the impressive record of 18 wins and four placings, three as runner-up, from just 23 starts, the daughter of Bettors Delight has been a ‘betting’ delight and will continue to be so at her first engagement since early May. On that occasion Major Delight crossed from gate eight and with Cam Hart dictating the terms, Major Delight accounted for Its Ebonynivory and Pandaia over this course and distance. In readiness for her return Major Delight has had the benefit of two solid trials, both resulting in second placings behind two of her star stablemates in The Lost Storm and Ladies in Red. From her six Menangle encounters the mare has won four and been runner-up once, with that record sent to receive another tick in the win column. Another Victorian is favoured to fill the quinella spot as the Kari Males-trained LE BELLE BIJOUX (5) is capable of a bold showing on the back of her recent solid displays. The 6yo daughter of Art Major finished second in three of previous four starts before recording a deserving victory when she worked for the majority of the 1720m contest, prior to narrowly accounting for Hugo Maguire and Clear Left at Melton on July 6. Handily drawn to be driven by the talented Ewa Justice, Le Belle Bijoux will give another good account. MORE GOODA (3) started a warm favourite here last week, and appeared to have every chance in the lead role, when a 6m 3rd to Pas De Cheval. The consistent Jarrod Alchin-trained daughter of Highview Tommy has drawn nicely and with the prospect of receiving a kind run, the 5yo has claims of making a bold play for a role in the minor placings. Will Rixon explained in an interview with National Trotguide on Tuesday, talented mare IM PRESI BELLE (10) is questionable at this stage to face the starter. The 6yo last went around a few weeks ago in finishing a 6m 4th to Star major. The wide draw is a hurdle but the daughter of Mach Three is always a suitable exotic player in a race of this nature. Take Major Delight out of the equation and the race takes on an open appearance with a number of runners having claims as exotic contenders. ARDENS DELIGHT (8) is racing consistently and should be linked to the multiples while the Troy Williams-prepared LITTLE BLISS (7) is always thereabouts and will give another whole-hearted effort. PAS DE CHEVAL (6) is coming off a big win last week, courtesy of a superb drive by Ash Delosa, while DELIGHTFUL STAR (2) also stays in the mix. If, Im Presi Belle does miss the race it will present MARIA ALLEGONDA (1) with the opportunity to take part in the contest and from gate one. The mare posted a first-up win for David Thorn, prior to being placed in her subsequent five starts, the latest when a 7.6m 3rd to Promiseland and My Moonlite Dream at Menangle at Headquarters on April 13. The 4yo daughter of Sweet Lou has a solid trial win behind her so include in multiple discussions.

MAJOR DELIGHT 1, Le Belle Bijoux 2, More Gooda 3, Ardens Delight 4.

RACE SEVEN:

Stepping out for her first assignment since a spell and from the outside draw, MARIA ALLEGONDA (12) remains the one to beat. The former Kiwi opened her career for the astute David Thorn with a strong win, then finished runner-up in each of her next three appearances before finishing third behind Carrera Sunset and American Hammer, prior to a solid-finishing 7.6m effort when 3rd to Promiseland and My Moonlite Dream on April 13. The 4yo daughter of Sweet Lou recorded a solid Menangle trial win in preparation for her return, and although the draw is a concern, Maria Allegonda does have the ability to open her latest term of racing on a winning note. WAYOUTWEST (7) followed back-to-back wins at Newcastle, with two solid displays when placed at Menangle, the latter a closing 3.7m 3rd to My Ultimate Carter. The 7yo son of Western Terror then struck early trouble, resulting in a six peg run early before being five back in the running line approaching the 400m. Never a threat, but working to the line in an encouraging manner, the David Caffyn-trained, Ash Delosa-driven gelding recorded a pleasing 8.3m 6th to Dance And Deliver. Better luck in running and Wayoutwest is capable of playing an active role in the finish. The consistent Brad Hewitt-conditioned HEZ DUSTY (8) can’t be ignored when assessing chances. Runner-up in three of his past five starts the son of For A Reason is coming off a creditable 12.8m 4th to Craftmans Charlie a week ago. The wider draw, compared to gate one last time, is a hurdle, but Hez Dusty is rarely far away so keep him safe. SPECULATING (11) has drawn deep but the Chris Judd-trained son of Roll With Joe is also in the mix when it comes to potential winners. The 4yo broke stride at the start and was never a threat when always in a rearward role, en route to posting a 24.4m last to Dance And Deliver a couple of weeks ago. Prior to that run it is hard to fault the form of Speculating. When it comes to the multiples, SUNDAYS MORNINGS (6) is worthy of attention as driver Gav Fitzpatrick is of the view that the 6yo son of Julius Caesar is ready to improve on his past two runs. The 6yo had little go his way at Penrith last time out when a 13.2m 8th to Rickoshay. Handily draw, Sunday Mornings is looking to improve on his Menangle starts, which shows five unplaced runs from as many appearances. This is his chance to be in the mix when the judge calls a halt. MY ULTIMATE CARTER (4) and VINKE B (3) are also in the multiple mix.

MARIA ALLEGONDA 1, Wayoutwest 2, Hez Dusty 3, Speculating 4.

RACE EIGHT:

Open race for the trotters to wrap-up proceedings. Placed in three of his past four starts the consistent Howard James-trained GUNNER (5) is capable of playing a major role in the finish. Working home stoutly for a solid 2.4m 2nd to Affaire De Dover back in mid-June, the son of Quaker Jet then came from well back in the pack in recording a closing 3.7m 3rd behind Electrojet and Down Under Earl. This will be a slightly harder task for the 7yo, but he is certainly racing well enough to be thereabouts when the serious end of proceedings concludes. HOT TO TROT (10) will be having his first outing for Sofia Arvidsson, with Bailey McDonough to handle the driving duties. Formerly under the care of Anthony Butt and Sonya Smith, the 5yo son of Creatine had been mixing his form in Victoria, following a spell, before leading throughout in defeating One Majic Kenny and Satin Stride. Sent out favourite for his next assignment, which was over this course and distance, the 5yo broke before doing plenty of work in recording a distant last to Toro Stride a few weeks ago. Hot To Trot is capable of making his presence known in a race of many chances. AFFAIRE DE COVER (8) has been mixing his form, but the Troy Williams0conditioned son of Love You has still managed to post wins in two of his past five starts. After posting a determined win over Gunner and Speedy Lover, the 6yo was never a serious threat when a 19.7m 6th to Toro Stride a week ago. With moist of the major players having similar form lines, Affaire De Cover is capable of greeting the judge once again. ALDEBARAN JENSEN (6) had creditable form before a 21.8m 7th to Super Service at this venue on Tuesday. The 4yo is worthy of another chance on his previous form. SUPER SERVICE (2) was having his first run for Peter Rixon and in five weeks when he led throughout in scoring here on Tuesday, with the 6yo fighting on gamely to defeat Speedy Lover and Leaf Stride. The Majestic Son gelding will benefit from the run and his first Menangle, which saw him drift about a bit in the run home. From gate two in-form reinsman Will Rixon will again go in search of the lead and then the winning post so respect their claims. When it comes to looking to build exotic combinations last-start winner ELECTROJET (3) comes in for attention as the Steven Lee-trained mare has drawn handily and that should result in James Locke giving her a good run. ITZFERGIETIME (4) is always capable of bobbing up in the placings while SHEZA PLEASURE (7) can’t be overlooked in what be a race with plenty of value on offer.

GUNNER 1, Hot To Trot 2, Affaire De Cover 3, Aldebaran Jensen 4.

  - FORM ASSESSED BY MIKE KO'CASS