Promising freshman to remain undefeated

RACE ONE:Open race to commence proceedings with the Steve Turnbull-trained ALWAYSBMYPONY (3) worthy of an investment after drawing handily in three. Placed in five of his past seven starts and thereabouts on the other two occasions, the 5yo is coming off a 13.3m 3^rd to Romeo over this course and distance on March 21. Without a win since last November, Alwaysbmypony is more than capable of greeting the judge. Also looking to greet then judge following a long absence from the top spit is ZEN MASTER (2). The 5yo son of Art Major scored at Newcastle last September but has been placed on numerous occasions since. Recently recording their 200^th win as a training combination, Dean and Kerry McDowell have Zen Master on the verge of another win after the entire finished a gritty 3m 2nd to his stablemate Black Onyx in a heat of this race a week ago. Ideally drawn, Zen Master will again be in contention from the outset. Despite being confronted by a second-row draw, BETTOR KEPPEL (11) can't be ignored as a serious player. Following a hat-trick of Bathurst wins, the Mitch Turnbull-conditioned 6yo then had a similar draw when he posted a 15.8m 5^th to Romero. The winner of 11 races on his home track, Bettor Keppel won't be far away when the judge calls a halt. BEACHRIDE (6) opened his latest term of racing with four unplaced runs, the past two being creditable, prior to a 6.4m 2^nd to Romero over this course and distance after attempting to lead throughout. Members of the Bernie Hewitt team must always be respected. ROMERO (4) finished strongly in defeating Beachride and Alwaysbmypony, following a kind run behind the speed. Trainer driver Phoebe Betts will again be eyeing off a similar run after the 9yo drew handily. Exotic contenders include JUSTA DRAGON (5), NOVANTA RISING (9) and BLACK ONYX (12).

RACE TWO:Despite being confronted by a back row draw, the Michael Formosa trained and driven HEAVENLY HOLLY (12) is capable of greeting the judge. The talented 7yo daughter of Rock N Roll Heaven overcame a three wide trip home when he powered clear of her rivals in defeating Destiny Stride and Eye Can Try over this course and distance a week ago. The mare is racing in fine fashion of late and is poised to again make a bold bid for victory. The Bernie Hewitt trained and driven PLATINUM JEWEL (8) has drawn the outside gate, however, it is hard to go past the 4yo as a serious contender for the title. Boasting five wins and 10 placings on her home track, the daughter of Platinum jewel attempted to lead throughout when a gritty 3.7m 3rd to Windy Hill Tara and Zenxena. Platinum Jewel has the speed to stake a claim for a role close to the action, and that will be a plus as most of her serious threats have drawn the back row. ZENXENA (9) drew the inside of the back row, and although without a win since last October when successful at Albion Park, the daughter of Art Major will again run her usual honest race. The Scott Hewitt trained and driven 6yo had the one-one in working home stoutly for a metre 2^nd to windy Hill Tara in her heat. Scott will be looking to present Zenxena with a kind peg role before the pair issue a challenge over the final stages. WINDY HILL TARA (11), who is a former NSW Oaks winner, opened her latest term of racing with five unplaced efforts before posting a determined heat win over Zenxena and Platinum Jewel. Drawing the back row and against a stronger line up, the Betting Line remains in the top bracket of contenders for the top spot. DESTINY STRIDE (10) worked to the lead when a creditable 8m 2^nd to Heavenly Holly last time out. The Blake Fitzpatrick trained and driven 4yo mare had been racing soundly in harder company at Menangle so don't ignore claims due to the back row draw. Exotic players should give some thought to EYE CAN TRY (3), who was a shade unlucky in finishing an 8.8m 3^rd to Heavenly Holly and with a kind draw next to her name the 4yo should be included while SAVEEON (7) is also in the multiple mix.

RACE THREE:Despite drawing the inside of the back row, ROYAL CRUISER (9) remains on target to complete a hat-trick of wins. The son of Sweet Lou opened his latest term of racing with a disappointing 47.3m last to He Aint Fakin before gradually building into his work with a 3.7m 4^th to Smooth Buzz and 3m 2^nd to Ryans Gangster. Heading to Menangle for his next assignment, the talented 4yo led throughout in defeating subsequent winner Major Perry and Terry, which did a wonderful job during the Inter Dominion series. Just to prove the win wasn't a fluke, the Bernie Hewitt again dictated the terms when Royal Cruiser defeated Dashing and Pandaia, once again at Headquarters. The task becomes difficult this time, due to the tricky draw, but if luck comes his way, then Royal Cruiser will be looking to secure the sixth win of his career on his home track from 14 starts. HE AINT FAKIN (4) has drawn suitably, and he will face the starter as a major contender. The Anthony Frisby trained and driven stable star finished a disappointing 8.6m 8^th to Cassius Deck here on Wednesday but he is capable of producing a far more competitive effort so don't dismiss his claims. The 7yo son of Art Major had been a model of consistently prior to that run since a spell. He Aint Fakin was able to lead in defeating Zeuss Bromac and Smooth Buzz three starts ago. The Sam Barker-conditioned ULTIMATE VINNIE (10) arrives with solid form with the Victorian, but the draw will again be a hurdle. The son of Alta Christiano has been drawing the back row on a regular basis in his latest assignments, however, he did manage to score at Swan Hill three runs ago when he defeated Ozzie Punta and Catalpa Rescue. seventh to Dont Stop Dreaming in the Terang Pacing Cup, the 7yo then worked home steadily, without threatening, when an 8.6m 5^th to Catalpa Rescue in the Charlton Pacing Cup. Allan McDonough makes the trip to renew his association with Ultimate Vinnie. JAY OK (12), surprisingly, has been without a win since scoring at Newcastle a year ago. Two unplaced runs were recorded by the 8yo following a spell, prior to a 6.4m 4th to Royal Cruiser at Menangle when he did find some trouble. Drawing deep and restrained to a rearward, prior to being in a six=peg position on the home turn, Jay OK is coming off a 12.9m 4^th to Major Perry. Although the son of A Rocknroll Dance is below his best these days, he does race well at this venue so don't write him off. KANENA PROVLIMA (11) has been racing against star quality on a regular basis and is capable of a better showing in this field. The 9yo was never a threat last time out in recording a 27m 8^th to Don Hugo at Menangle last week. A competitive showing is a distinct possibility. I BREAK THE LINE (6) resumes from a spell and on the back of a solid Penrith trial win. The Michael Xuereb-trained 5yo ended his previous campaign with six unplaced displays when given his chance to compete against stronger opposition. The son of Betting Line should be included when it comes to exotic investments.

RACE FOUR:Boasting a 50% winning strike rate after a dozen trips to the races, outstanding filly SUGAR PIE HONEY (4) will be looking to secure another feature win when she faces the starter for the G2 Gold Bracelet Final. Named after the big hit by the Four Tips back in 1965,  I can't help myself, Sugar Pie Honey, Bunch, the daughter of Sweet Lou recorded her number one hit when she collected the trophy for the winner of the NSWBC 2YO Fillies challenge. Prepared by Rickie Alchin and driven by Ash Delosa, Sugar Pie Honey resumed for her first 3yo assignment with a 4.3m 3^rd to Soho American in the G3 Raith Memorial. With the benefit of that outing, Sugar Pie Honey then led throughout in defeating Heeza Malteeza and Captain Moore, the latter dead-heating for the top spot at Menangle on Tuesday. Contesting a heat of this event on Monday, the filly recorded a superb all-the-way win, defeating Personified by 18.7m, hard held, with Send It Bella a further 1.9m away.  Posting a final quarter in 27.4, Sugar Pie Honey stopped the clock at 1:51.6 for the 1730m. Reserve out and Sugar Pie Honey will leave the machine from gate three, and that will result in Ash looking to again set the tempo. A role which should result in Sugar Pie Honey being a number one hit all over again. For that to happen, Sugar Pie Honey will be required to repel the challenge of the pole marker, SOHO AMERICANO (1), which has drawn ideally. Prepared by Michael Stanley, who will also take the reins, the daughter of American Ideal has a superb record, with seven wins and six placings coming her way from 14 starts. Soho American has been successful in her past five engagements, the latest when she proved too good for London Baby and Crusader Miss in her heat. Recording a time of 1:53.7, Soho American has the chance to secure a kinder run this time, maybe, behind Sugar Pie Honey if Michael decides to adopt such a role. If Sugar Pie Honey and Soho American become engaged in a battle royal up front, then GUNNA RELOAD (10) will be poised to take full advantage of the situation. Prepared by Peter Rixon to be driven by his son Will, the daughter of Sweet Lou has been unplaced just once in her nine encounters, with six resulting in wins. Resuming from a spell, Gunna Reload posted her first and only unplaced effort in finishing an 8.2m 4^th to Soho Americano in the G3 Raith Memorial. With the benefit of that outing and a kind run in the one-one, the filly was back in the winners' circle when she defeated Rikibreal and Dolly Rocket on Monday. Will be looking to follow the front line through, aiming for a suitable stalking role. That will result in Gunna Reload being ready to pounce when called upon. It is hard to see the winner coming from further afield,  with AUNTIE LOU (5) being a suitable exotic player. The Sweet Lou filly has thrived with maturity, having won four of her past five while finishing runner-up on the other occasion. Leading throughout in her heat, Auntie Lou held on gamely in defeating Our Dance Monkey and Ava Leanne. Handily drawn Auntie Lou, as per usual, has the chance to be in the mix from the outset. NAMAKA (11) led and had her chance when a close 2^nd to Peace Out, however, the Bettors Delight filly strips fitter for two runs back and is worthy of another chance in multiple investments.

RACE FIVE:Now the Group One trophies are up for grabs and the Gold Tiara is first-up. The Victorian's will provide the main contenders, with the powerful Emma Stewart stable represented by RIPPLES (8) and WILLOWS GIRL (12) while DISCERNMENT (1) is a member of the Sam Barker team. RIPPLES, with the reserves remaining benched, will face the starter from seven, a shade better than the saddlecloth number she will carry. The 2yo daughter of Bettors Delight was on debut when she led from six when the filly posted an emphatic 14.8m win over Myras Mint and Favoured Grace. Luke McCarthy allowed Ripples to zip home in a 27.9 final quarter, however, the impressive youngster still had plenty in reserve. Despite the stronger array of female talent, Ripples will again look to stamp her authority on the race from the outset, and as we know, rarely does an Emma Stewart-trained horse, of any age,  sit back and wait for things to happen. DISCERNMENT (1), which was also guided to victory by Luke, has drawn ideally in one and that will leave the Captaintreacherous filly with options. The filly was also untroubled in her heat, with Wat On Earth and Line Of Courage filling the minors. A tougher task awaits Discernment, but the youngster will derive a great deal of benefit from her debut performance. WILLOWS GIRL (12) has drawn the back row and while that is a concern, what isn't, is the fact that the daughter of Sweet Lou has plenty of natural talent. With Cam Hart in the sulky, the filly dominated proceedings from start to finish in easily defeating Wheres My Reason and Bettorbythesea. Willows Girl zipped home in a slick 26.6 and despite the draw, the Emma Stewart-conditioned juvenile must be rated highly. With the prospect of receiving a kind peg run, CAPTAIN JAZZ (9) is a suitable exotic runner and a possible candidate for springing a surprise result. Trained and driven by Mat Rue, the Captain Crunch filly has won both her starts to date, the latter when she led in easily greeting the judge in her heat, leaving Thereshewas and She Will Shine in her wake. Captain Jazz is an ideal type to at least include when it comes to the multiples. CAPTURE MY HEART (2) has been runner-up in both her starts for Jack Painting and with the benefit of drawing two, the Locharburn filly again has minor claims in what will be a harder test. SPARKLING SEA (4) worked but still proved too good for her rivals when on debut. Suitably drawn and no doubt better for the experience, the David Hewitt-trained daughter of Lather Up is also a contender for the exotics. FAKE FRIENDS (5) has been responsible for two wins, the latter being a comfortable heat win, and two placings from her four starts. Prepared by Dwayne Brown at Tamworth and to be driven by Tom Ison, the daughter of Bling It On is capable of giving plenty of cheek.

RACE SIX:The Group 2 Gold Chalice is next up and with gate one next to his name, HESITATE (1), has a golden opportunity to greet the judge. Now four runs into his career since joining the powerful Luke McCarthy, the former Victorian has won two of those engagements, the latter being his determined win over Ultimate Cruza and Business In Heaven on Monday. Drawing wide and working to compete from outside of the leader, the Sportswriter colt broke clear of the pack in hitting the line with intent. The move from the outside gate to the pole is a big and vital plus. Also drawing ideally is the ITS CONFIDENTIAL (2) who will face the starter as the winner of eight of his 10 assignments. Prepared by Russell Jack and to be driven by Brad Hewitt, the colt is the son of Poster Boy and at this stage of his career the colt is certainly doing his dad proud. Unbeaten in four runs this season, Its Confidential was left facing the breeze after drawing wide, but that didn't prevent the Victorian from grinding out a tough win over My Ultimate Barney and Sao Paulo Simba in his heat of Monday. Brad will be looking to present the colt with a kinder run from this kinder draw, something has been foreign to him due to drawing the back row or wide on a number of occasions. Then there is FOX DAN (7), his presence and handy draw adds further intrigue to what could develop into one of the most enthralling races on the card. Prepared by Emma Stewart and to be driven by James Herbertson, the son of Art Major led in defeating Sweet On Lexy and Go Without, and although the margin was nothing flash, Fox Dan did it in style. With five wins and two placings from his seven encounters, Fox Dan will take a power of beating. While the 'big three' look poised to fight out the finish, there are a few worthwhile types who are capable of springing an upset. SEATHESTARS (9) has drawn the inside of the back row but that could be a blessing as he will be able to follow out Hesitate in the hope of securing a comfortable peg role. The Geoff Webster-trained son of Captaintreacherous followed his win at Melton with a pleasing 10m 2^nd to Jacks Ultimate Fury at Barthurst on Monday. Seathestars had the same draw on that occasion with Will Rixon being able to grab the one-one, with the 3yo working home stoutly, although never issuing a serious challenge. JACKS ULTIMATE FURY (8) has drawn the outside gate; however, the Rusell Jack-conditioned son of Bettors Delight remains in the mix as a serious threat. The winner of seven of his 11 starts, Jacks Ultimate Fury worked but still proved far too good for Seathestars and Jungle Dragon in his heat. Prior to that effort Jacks Ultimate Fury finished a respectable 11.5m 4th to Storms Collide in a heat of the NSW Derby. David Moran is again likely to adopt an aggressive approach. When it comes to the multiples MAC BON (4) can't be overlooked as his heat win was solid, although the task will be far tougher this time around.

RACE SEVEN:The barrier draw for the prestigious G1 Gold Crown has presented the Brad Hewitt trained and driven REWATCH (1) with the ideal opportunity to greet the judge and complete a hat-trick of wins to open his exciting career. Drawing ideally in the pole position, the 2yo son of Captain Crunch will again target an all-the-way win, which has been his racing pattern to date. Debuting with a dominant display at Wagga, Rewatch was in second gear when he cruised around the Bathurst track last week, posting a 12.4m win over Berocca Bernie and Set Play. Covering the final 400m in 27.0, Brad had plenty left in reserve. While Rewatch is entitled to top billing, his main threat LOUCASSO (9) is also an exciting type in the making. And, the Victorian has drawn the inside of the second row, so James Herbertson will be keen to follow Rewatch every step of the way before making his move, via the sprint lane or prior if the situation allows. Prepared by Emma Stewart, the Sweet Lou colt was able to use the sprint lane when he easily greeted the judge in his heat after starting from the inside of the back row. While Rewatch and Loucasso will attract the bulk of the attention, MESSAGE BANK (6) is also entitled to plenty of respect. Trained and driven by David Hewitt, the son of Captaintreaherous debuted with an impressive heat win. Despite competing from outside of the leader, and also racing greenly in the run home, Message Bank still powered his way to a stylish win over Soho Park Avenue and Siargao Island. Message Bank will be better for the experience, and he is again capable of being involved in the finish. As always, YOU GOTTA BELIEVE (12), and although the unbeaten son of Captain Crunch has drawn the second line, you have to believe that the Crown is still with reach. Prepared by Russell Jack and to be driven by David Moran, the colt is two-from-two following his dominant all-the-way heat win over Kash Fund and Soho Tuxedo. The task has become a lot harder due to the stronger opposition and the draw, You Gotta Believe should be included in exotic investments. USYK (2), who under the care of David Jack, has drawn ideally and his 2m 2^nd to A Buck Ten keeps him in the multiple mix, with Luke McCarthy booked to take the drive behind the son of Ultimate Sniper.

RACE EIGHT:The Honouree Final is a race overflowing with chances however the barrier draw has presented the David Micallef-conditioned SEASIDE DELIGHT (1) with the opportunity to greet the judge. Contesting just seven races to date, the 3yo son of Downbytheseaside has posted two wins while finishing runner-up on four occasions. His only unplaced run was when on debut as a 2yo, with his form this season being achieved since joining David's stables at Monteagle. Runner-up to the promising Catchafire at Wagga, Seaside Delight led when a 4.3m 2^nd to Nick Of Time at this venue on Monday. Blake Micallef will again attempt to dictate the terms in hopefully, going one better. WHYIMAN )(6) started favourite in his heat, but after racing without cover, faded to finish a creditable 5.2m 4^th to Alfredjohncrusader. The Peter Rixon-trained 6yo son of Bling It On has again drawn wide, however, with wins at Menangle and Canberra, respectively, to his credit, Whyiman is entitled to further attention. Catching the eye with his fast-finishing 5.8m 3^rd to Nick Of Time, BETTORS HOPE (11) is capable of playing a far more active role in the finish. The Mat Rue-trained 7yo drew the back row on that occasion and will again launch his claim from the second line. However, the son of Bettors Delights will strip fitter following his first outing in two months. Mat has booked Luke McCarthy to handle the driving duties once again. NICK OF TIME (10) has managed to win two of his past three while finishing a nose 2^nd to Ratatattat in between those two performances. The 6yo enjoyed a stalking role on Seaside Delight on Monday, prior to finishing stylishly in scoring by a comfortable margin. Nick Of Time will again start behind Seaside Delight, due to drawing the inside of the back row, providing the reserves aren't required. That will again make him dangerous when the tempo builds. When it comes to forming multiple investments, MAGIC MATTEO (5), HOUSTON STREET (4) and LULLABY (7) are all capable of being involved in the finish.

RACE NINE:The Gold Crown consolation would appear to be an ideal assignment for the Michael Stanley-conditioned SOHO MAJESTIC (2), which has drawn perfectly in two. Michael has booked Luke McCarthy to continue his association with the Bettors Delight colt. Debuting with a gritty win at Menangle, Soho Majestic then finished a creditable 6.6m 2^nd to Showmethetanlines in the G3 Sapling Stakes before gain filling the role as runner-up in his heat last week. After dictating the terms, Soho Majestic found Pure Grunt a shade too strong in going down by a narrow margin. The lead role should again be on offer, but this time around Soho majestic will go one better. The Emma Stewart-conditioned MOUNT BARKER BOY (12), despite the second row draws, looms as a serious threat. A son of the former exciting performer Ride High, the colt made his debut last week in recording a 2.7m 3^rd to A Buck Ten. Mount Barker Boy led on that occasion and wanted to wander about in the straight. No doubt the youngster will be improved by the experience. LEXY (5) had finished runner-up in both his starts, the latter when he led in finishing 4m behind Mister Americano in his heat. Trained and driven by Bernie Hewitt, the Somebeachsomewhere colt is drawn to again be prominently placed from the outset. That will ensure that Lexy will be in the mix by the time the judge calls a halt. RED BULL BERNIE (9) is also a member of the Bernie Hewitt team and warrants more than a passing thought when it comes to the exotics. Staring at big odds in his heat, the Sweet Lou colt worked home stoutly in finishing a 2.4m 3^rd to Pure Grunt and Soho Majestic. Nicely drawn on the inside of the back row, Red Bull Bernie should receive a kind trip and that will enhance his exotic prospects.  Drawing the pole, SOHO TUXEDO (1) is Michael Stanley's preferred drive. The Soho Tribeca colt was having his second outing when a 13.9m 3^rd to You Gotta Believe and Kash Fund last week. The draw will boost his claims of being in the mix while SIARGAO ISLAND (8), LEWIE KELLY (6) and BEROCCA BERNIE (11) also remain in the mix when it comes to the multiples.

RACE TEN:The Gold Tiara consolation should go the way of OPEN THE GATES (10), despite the presence of a back row draw. Prepared by Emma Stewart and to be driven Ash Delosa, the Downbytheseaside filly was expected to be contesting the feature event as the filly was a dominant odds-on elect when she debuted here a week ago. The filly did manage to be first past the post after leading, however, after hanging in over the final stages, lost the race on protest to Kalypso Rainbow. While the draw is a hurdle, Open The Gates will be better for the experience, and she should prove hard to beat. SWIFT CODE (1) has been placed in three of her four assignments, the latest when a 27m 3^rd behind Sparkling Sea in her heat. The daughter of Stay Hungry moves from the inside of the back row into the prized pole position and that will certainly enhance the claims of the Bernie Hewitt trained and driven filly. FAVOURED GRACE (2) has also drawn well in two and following a creditable 17.5m 3^rd to Ripples, despite finding some trouble, the Bettors Delight filly is capable of a competitive showing. WHERES MY REASON (11) competed from, outside of the leader when a gritty 11.9m 2nd to Willows Girl. Prepared by Simon Ellul and to be driven by Cam Fitzpatrick, the For A Reason filly has now been placed in two of her three starts and while the draw is a concern, another competitive showing is on the cards. THERESHEWAS (12) also drew the back row, but her debut effort in recording a 17m 2^nd to Captain Jazz was a gritty effort so include the daughter of Vincent in exotic transactions. WORTH EVERY CENT (6) debuted with a sound 6m 2^nd to Fake Friends and exotic claims should be noted while ALWAYS STORMY (5) and BETTORBYTHESEA (4) also fall into that category.

- MIKE KOCASS