Return of 'Grimmo's big guns' the highlight

RACE ONE:

This appears to be a match in two between the Brad Hewitt-trained and driven BLUTO (6) and NO HEART THROB (1) from the Jack Trainor stable. Despite drawing wider for the 1609m challenge, BLUTO gets the nod. This former Kiwi made an immediate impact on joining the Goulburn-based mentor when he won his opening two starts in fine fashion, including the Wagga Pacers Cup. Heading back to Menangle for his next assignment the 4yo son of Sweet Lou had every chance, as an odds-on favourite, when he recorded a 9m 3rd to Don Lou and I Break The Line. Don Lou went on to win his next two, including the Goulburn Soldiers Club Cup, while I Break The Line has won two of his past three, the latter here last week in fine style. With the form coming out of that particular race proving to be strong, the run of Bluto was pleasing. Bluto will be first-up after a five week break, however, Brad gave the gelding a sound trial hit-out at Goulburn, resulting in a win over King Tintin and his Eureka contender, Captains Knock. That should be enough to have Bluto primed for a strong performance. NO HEART THROB also arrived from NZ with just one run next to his name, a second at Addington. The 4yo, which is also a son of Sweet Lou, then went on to win his next five under Trainor’s guidance, usually in fine fashion. The winning run came to a costly end when No Heart Throb drew wide and worked in finding the role outside of the leader before fading to finishing a creditable 4.5m 3rd to Montalbano and Lous Dream. A couple of weeks ago. This is his best draw since debuting from gate two, and with Cam Hart replacing Jack in the sulky, expect No Heart Throb to receive every possible chance to return a winner. JILLIBY NITRO (9) has been placed in his past two, following a win here over Simply Sam and Letsrockletsroll. From a midfields role last week, the recent addition to the Peter Rixon stable worked home stoutly, without being a serious threat, when a 7m 3rd to I Break The Line. The Bettors Delight 7yo has drawn deeper for this challenge, but he peaks in condition after spending an extended period on the sidelines so don’t ignore his claims. MONTALBANO (3) continues to provide consistent results for Rickie Alchin and from his good draw the Huntsville 4yo is capable of again being in the mix when the judge calls a halt. The in-form Ash Delosa will again be in charge of the driving duties. STRAVINSKY (2) drew wide and worked when a fading 13.7m 7th to I Break The Line last week. However, the 6yo should be linked to the exotics on his previous handy form, plus the vastly better draw. SAGINAW (5)has been placed in his past three for trainer Joe Conolly, the latest when a useful 9.2m 3rd behind Boom and Im In Trouble last week. Handily drawn the 8yo also warrants exotic attention while the consistent TUPPENCE (8) and the veteran DOUBLE ENCOUNTER (11) also fit the bill.

BLUTO 1, No Heart Throb 2, Jilliby Nitro 3, Montalbano 4.

RACE TWO:

This is clearly the highlight race as two of the ‘big guns’ from the Jason Grimson stable step out in preparation for a Queensland Winter Carnival campaign. SWAYZEE (11) and NERANO (10) are the runners in question and both have the class to commence their latest term of racing on a winning note. SWAYZEE is the one to beat as he steps out following his gallant 11.5m 3rd to Leap To Fame in the Inter Dominion Grand Final at Albion Park back on December 16. Prior to his Inter Dominion campaign, the son of Rock N Roll Heaven had been in devastating form on both sides of the Tasman. Prior to heading to Queensland, Swayzee accounted for a star-studded line-up in taking out the 3200m, stand start, NZ Cup when he accounted for Akuta and Beach Ball. In a four horse trial at Menangle last week, the 7yo sat behind another stable star in Hi Manameisjeff, and with Jack Trainor in the sulky, Swayzee posted a comfortable 8.2m 2nd, with Jack maintaining a firm grip on the reins. The time posted was 1:49.0, with the winner also under a hold, while the final 400m was covered in 26.3. Swayzee will be stepping out for his 50th engagement and he will be looking to celebrate that achievement with a win. NERANO has had four runs since a spell, with a first-up 6.4m 3rd to Max Delight in the Renshaw Cup at Penrith, followed by two wins at Menangle, and a disappointing 13.2m 6th to Don Lou in the Goulburn Soldiers Club Cup. That was a few weeks ago and the 7yo son of Tintin In America has been kept fresh. Expect a far more committed display from Nerano this time around. The veteran MAX DELIGHT (9) makes up the top three spots, despite, also drawing wide. The David Aiken-trained 8yo defeated Spirit Of St Louis and Nerano in the Renshaw Cup three starts ago, then finished a determined 4m 2nd to Nerano at Headquarters. Drawing the back row and doing plenty of work in the Goulburn Soldiers Club Cup, Max Delight recorded a fading 12.8m 5th to Don Lou, but that was to be expected after the run he endured. Max Delight also contested the trial won by Hi Manameisjeff in posting a 22.4m third. SIMPLY SAM (6) hit the line with intent, when clear of a three-peg role, in recording a solid head 2nd to Taipo last week. The 5yo will be confronted by a harder task, however, the son of American Ideal remains a suitable exotic player. MALCOLMS RHYTHM (2) finished a solid 1.5m 3rd to Taipo and from his ideal draw the 8yo will be looking to stake a claim in the placings as he faces the starter for start 100. The James Rattray-trained duo, BOOM (5) and STAR MAJOR (8), which enjoyed a successful stint back in Tasmania, prior to returning to the mainland with a 27.3m 9th to Don Lou in the Goulburn Soldiers Club Cup. This pair should be considered by exotic players.

SWAYZEE 1, Nerano 2, Max Delight 3, Simply Sam 4.

RACE THREE:

Despite being confronted by the outside gate, the Seaton Grima-conditioned CLASSY OPERATOR (10) is entitled to top billing. The winner of three of his four starts for the talented, young mentor, the 5yo son of Bettors Delight drew gate two when he accounted for Franco Promachos and Captain Blood two starts ago, then gate two a week ago when he again dictated the terms in defeating Donegal Luther and Rickoshay. The only time Classy Operator failed to greet the judge was when he drew gate 10, On that occasion Classy Operator was driven by Emma Turnbull in the Lady Drivers Invitational at Menangle on May 4. Posted without cover, Classy Operator still posted a respectable 4.7m 4th to Montalbano. Seaton jumps back into the sulky and the pair should continue on their winning way. LOUS DREAM (7) is on the verge of a winning display and he appears to be the main threat to his stablemate. Placed in three of his previous four, the 4yo son of Sweet Lou is coming off a 6.7m 4th to Classy Operator last week, with the gelding again working home stoutly. Ash Delosa will again partner Lous Dream. The Ty Robson-conditioned  HAVEYOUCHJECKEDIN (3) is capable of checking in, courtesy of a higher level of fitness following two runs back from a spell. The talented son of Hurrikane Kingcole resumed with a sound 9.4m 2nd to Caulonia Courage at Menangle before returning a few weeks later in posting a creditable 7m 6th to Montalbano in the Lady drivers International when driven by Jemma Coney. Will Rixon will return as the driver and from gate three, Haveyoucheckedin is more than capable of playing a role in the finish. RAKADAN (5) opened his latest term of racing with three unplaced efforts before showing a return to form with a win here recently in defeating Saginaw and Court On The Edge. With his confidence restored, the 4yo is again capable of playing a role in the finish. RICKOSHAY (4) has now been placed in his six starts, the latest a week ago when he again worked home stoutly in recording a 5.4m 3rd to Classy Operator. The Blake Fitzpatrick trained and driven 6yo son of Bettors Delight is a delight for exotic players so definitely include him when forming combinations. GO AWAY AGAIN (1) has drawn ideally in the pole and that will assist the 4yo in making a play for a role in the placings while DANCE AND DELIVER (9), which showed a return to winning form here last week, also remains in the multiple mix. Now to the intriguing runner HAIL LUCIUS (8), a former Kiwi now with KerryAnn Morris following 42 starts for seven wins and nine placings. The 5yo son of Sportswriter broke a run of eight unplaced runs when successful at Cambridge on April 12., overcoming a back row draw in defeating Irish Whispers and Sharkies Girl. Lucky Lodge sent Hail Lucius around in a trial last week, with a 19.2m 6th to Freddy Singh coming his way after competing from the rear of the field. The money trail will be the best guide but at this stage others make more appeal.

CLASSY OPERATOR 1, Lous Dream 2, Haveyoucheckedin 3, Rakadan 4.

RACE FOUR:

Quality mare IM PRESI BELLE (9), despite drawing wide, will appreciate the opportunity to compete against her own sex, and that should result in the Peter Rixon-trained daughter of Mach three proving hard to beat. Im Presi Belle competed in three outstanding events for mares, commencing with a 10.3m 7th to Aardies Express in the G3 Sibelia, a closing 7m 4th behind Rakero Rebel in the G3 Robin Dundee, prior to a 13m 7th to the exciting Aardies Express in the G1 Queen Elizabeth 11 on May 4. With respect to her rivals this time around, they don’t have that same ‘fear factor’, compared to the mares which went around in those feature events. Taking on the boys last week, the mare worked to the line in fine fashion, resulting in a 4m 6th to Taipo. While the draw is always a concern, Im Presi Belle is racing well and with will Rixon driving in superb fashion, the winning post is well-within the reach of the Pheasants Nest-based mare. Looming as a serious threat is the Bathurst-based WINDY HILL TARA (5). Prepared and driven by Amanda Turnbull, the former NSW Oaks winner, courtesy of three runs since a spell, is ready to be involved in the finish. Resuming with a handy 14.3m 3rd to Major Delight in a heat of the Riverina Championship at Wagga, the daughter of Betting Line recorded a 23.8m 4th in the Final behind Not To Be Denied. Heading to Menangle for her next assignment a week ago, the 4yo posted a closing 7.9m 4th to I Break The Line after being nestled, four pegs, then probing for a run out four deep passing the 200m. Peaking in condition and finding a suitable challenge, Windy Hill Tara is a serious player this time around. On her best form, TAY TAY (10) would take a power of beating. However, the mare isn’t at her best these days, although there were signs that the daughter of Rock N Roll Heaven was finding her voice once again. Behind the leader and gaining an inside runner with 200m ton run, Tay Tay kept grinding away gamely in recording a 2.5m 5th to Taipo. Without a win since last November and unplaced in her past six appearances, Tay Tay will be looking for a swift return to the top of the charts in readiness for a potential Queensland campaign. The Troy Williams stable has been enjoying a run of success recently and LITTLE BLISS (7) played her part with a barnstorming win last week. Coming from a midfield role, the Art Major 7yo powered past Sailor Girl and Dark Terror in greeting the judge. This will be a harder task, but Little Bliss can’t be ignored as a threat. ARDENS DELIGHT (6) hits peak condition following three, unplaced, but creditable efforts since a spell. The Jack Trainor-prepared 6yo daughter of Bettors Delight is capable of being in the mix when the judge calls a halt. HEAVENLY HOLLY (3) was never a factor from a deep peg role and a three wide trip on the home turn when a 20.6m 6th to Boom a week ago. Prior to that run the Michael Formosa-trained mare had been racing well so at least include the 6yo when  forming multiple transactions.

IM PRESI BELLE 1, Windy Hill Tara 2, Tay Tay 3, Little Bliss 4.

RACE FIVE:

Despite the tricky draw, the inside of the back row, the Geoffrey Harding-trained CRAFTSMAN CHARLIE (9) is capable of greeting the judge. Returning from a spell with a win at Newcastle, the 4yo son of Art Major made it back-to-back wins when he led throughout for a solid win over Beancounter and The Fortunate Son, once again on his home circuit. Contesting the Regional Final at Newcastle last week. Matthew Harding was able to dictate the terms, and although Craftsman Charlie didn’t give in without a fight, the entire faded to finish a 4m 4th to The Cid. This will be a tougher test for Craftsman Charlie, which has been a keen leader on a number of occasions, so Matthew will require to take a new plan into this contest. Luck in running will be vital and if Craftsman Charlie can secure his share, then the Novocastrian’s are capable of heading back home with the major share of the prizemoney. The main threat has also drawn the second line with CORBIE STUMBLER (10) drawing next to the Newcastle visitor. Prepared locally by Jarrod Alchin and to be driven by Cam Hart, Corbie Stumbler led out from a wide gate in the Regional Championship a week ago at Menangle, prior to being shuffled back to a three peg role. The 4yo son of Betting Line was never a factor in the run home in recording a 30m 6th to Extreme Sea. With two wins and three placings from his previous five starts, Corbie Stumbler is more than capable of bouncing back strongly and being actively involved in the finish. Due to the draw the race has a number of other chances and with gate one a big plus, HAS THE COURAGE (1) is one of them. The consistent Lucky Lodge based 9yo worked home stoutly from a back row draw in finishing a 4.5m 2nd to My Ultimate Snowy two runs ago, then in the Regional Championship last week, posted a 28.2m 4th to Extreme Sea, which did win by a huge space. The son of Courage Under Fire will have the chance to compete from a closer role, compared to being five pegs last time out and that will assist the gelding in being a threat. VAN BASTEN (6) has been unplaced in all four runs since a spell, but in the process has been placed fourth on three occasions. The latest was a week ago in finishing  28.2m behind Extreme Sea. Fitter and handily placed on the front row, compared to the back last time out, Van Basten should be kept safe when looking for potential threats. Exotics should include SPECULATING (8), JAYJAYBENNY (4), WILD IMAGINATION (5) and HERE COMES BOBBY (11) when looking for value players.

CRAFTSMAN CHARLIE 1, Corbie Stumbler 2, Has The Courage 3, Van Basten 4.

RACE SIX:

The Regional Championship Final is there for the taking, as far as, EXTREME SEA (9) is concerned, despite the fact that the David Hewitt-trained star has drawn the inside of the back row. A second line draw wasn’t enough to stop the Eureka-bound 4yo from destroying his rivals last week in the Regional Championship. Once the field settled into a comfortable racing pattern for the 2300m journey, Brad Hewitt was ‘off and gone’, resulting in Extreme Sea taking the lead role with a 1200m of the Menangle circuit to complete. Allowed more rein nearing the final bend, and Extreme Sea had established a commanding break on his rival and with Brad enjoying the ride home, the pair greeted the judge with a margin of 26m to spare over Foxy Dada and My Ultimate Snowy. The margin could have been more if Brad has wanted to embarrass his rivals more than he already did. No doubt Brad will avoid any chance of being ‘snookered’ from the tricky draw and he will ease Extreme Sea early in the search of a role in the running line, prior to again launching in search of the lead. Once that happens the race will be well within the keeping of Extreme Sea and the Hewitt family. MY ULTIMATE SNOWY (10) has drawn next to Extreme Sea, with the Jarrod Alchin-trained son of Sweet Lou with a similar draw to last week. Settling three pegs the 4yo was able to vacant that role, with Cam Hart reacting quickly to the first opportunity to leave the marks and take up the running, prior to taking a sit on Extreme Sea. My Ultimate Snowy tried hard, but like his fellow opponents, he was unable to match the powerful performance of Extreme, resulting in a 27.3m third. Cam will be hoping that he can secure a role close to the action once again in an attempt to finish one spot closer this time. Leaving Extreme Sea out of the equation and the race is as open as the Sydney Heads. FOXY DADA (7) did a good job in working home stoutly in recording a 26m 2nd to Extreme Sea so his claims must be respected when it comes to forming multiple transactions. With the benefit of three runs from a lengthy spell and gate two, HEAVENLY SIGN (2) will have the opportunity to make a play for a spot in the finish. Prepared by Ty Robson and to be driven by Will Rixon, the mare has finished runner-up in both her past two Bathurst engagements. JOYCIES LAD I1) will appreciate gate one and with a win and two seconds next to her name the Jackson Painting trained and driven son of Lincoln Royal also has claims when it comes to the exotics. THE CID (3), MAJOR REASON (6), TERRYRAMA (8) and MAN FROM BRAAVOS (11) also fall into that category.

EXTREME SEA 1, My Ultimate Snowy 2, Foxy Dada 3, Heavenly Sign 4.

RACE SEVEN:

In a race of many chances, ON DEADLINE (11) appeals as the one to beat, despite the talented son of Sportswriter drawing the outside gate. Prepared and driven by Nathan Turnbull, the 4yo has won four of his seven assignments this season and what has been an ’all or nothing’ approach as his other three runs have resulted in unplaced displays. Beaten 19.7m when a disappointing 7th to Just Rollyourown at Bathurst back on March 22, On Deadline led in recording a determined, narrow win over Cantfindabettorman and Cassius  Deck in the Mayors Cup at Bathurst just eight days later. Off the seven until May 15, On Deadline again arrived on schedule when he led in accounting for Theresa Love and Pas De Cheval, again on his home track. Boasting 16 wins and four placings from his 27 starts, On Deadline was far from being disgraced when a 9.6m 7th to the classy Kiwi Dont Stop Dreaming in the Hondo Grattan Stakes at Headquarters. That was just five runs ago. OUTSIDE FIGHTER (2) will appreciate the return to an ideal draw after commencing his previous engagement from the back row. Facing the starter for the running of the Regional Consolation at Menangle last week, the $3.50 favourite worked in finding the leader, however, the early effort took its toll on the 7yo, resulting in a fading, but still creditable, 6.2m 5th to Dance And Deliver. Jack Callaghan will again be looking to have the consistent son of Art Major prominently placed from the outset, but with the use of so much energy. VINKE B (1) landed a good betting move when he finished strongly in defeating My Crackling Rosie and Our Ideal Dream at Menangle recently. Prepared by Trevor Munday and winning on Tuesday, this Saturday assignment will be harder, however, from gate one the 4yo son of Vincent will receive a kind run, courtesy of Cam Hart. FREDDY SINGH (8) had been racing in fine fashion before recording a couple big defeats, commencing with a 73.2m last to Max Delight in the Renshaw Cup at Penrith. Heading back to his home track of Menangle, the Rickie Alchin-trained 6yo again finished at the rear of the field, beaten 37m by Ardens Ace. A recent, solid Menangle trial win has Freddy Singh back on track and ready to produce a far more committed display. DONEGAL LUTHER (9) followed a sound win at Parkes with a determined effort here last week when beaten a nose by Classy Operator. The 5yo son of Bettors Creek has a tricky draw, out wide, but his has the talent to be in the mix so don’t ignore his claims. SETTEBELLO (10) also has a tough draw but the 4yo did win three-one-end at Penrith before a useful 8m 6th to Luvareschs at Newcastle last week. Include the son of American Ideal in multiple transactions. Others to consider include OURSOUTHERNSTAR (3), OUR VINNIE (4), which continues to frustrate, and CAPTAIN BLOOD (6).

ON DEADLINE 1, Outside Fighter 2, Vinke B 3, Freddy Singh 4.

RACE EIGHT:

The winner of three of his past four, the past two by running his rivals in to the ground, ROYAL DAN (5) will again take a power of catching as the son of Orlando Vici completes a hat-trick of winning performances on the Menangle track. With six of his eight career wins coming this season, the recent collection since leaving Emma Stewart to be prepared by Jason Grimson, Royal Dan is more than capable of making his presence felt when he joins a star-studded line-up from the stable, which will winter in Queensland for the upcoming carnival. In winning his past wo, Royal Dan has led before raising the stakes with 600m to run, leaving his rivals to sought out the minor roles in the finish. After accounting for Toro stride and Constantinople two starts ago, Sunny Gee and Majestic Trip filled the minors last week, 10.9m from the winner. Suitably drawn in five, Jack Callaghan will again be keen to dictate before proving superior once again with another dominant performance, albeit, over the longer trip of 2300m. Royal Dan will have a new opponent this time around as the James Rattray trained and driven LONDON TO A BRICK (7) is back in action following a seven months away. The 4yo ended his career as a 3yo with a 103.4m 10th to Not As Promised in the Trotters Derby at Maryborough last October. Prior to that display, London To A Brick produced a gallant effort in finishing a 5m 2nd to The Locomotive in the Victoria Trotters Derby at Maryborough. Beaten a nose by Caligula in a recent Menangle trial, London To A Brick is ready to make his presence felt. MAJESTIC TRIO (6) has now been placed in three of her past four encounters, the latest when the mare tried hard when an 18.3m 3rd to Royal Dan a week ago, when forced to take the balance of the field into the race. The daughter of Majestic Son is again a threat if Royal Dan falters. COURAGE STRIDE (8) was scratched from the race last week when the quality 5yo son of Muscle Hill was poised to make his debut for the Blake Fitzpatrick stable. Following a successful career when based in Victoria, Courage Stride finished second in both his trials since making the move north so don’t ignore him, although he will derive a great deal of benefit from the outing. With Blake required to drive at Melton on Saturday night, Jim Douglass will take the reins while brother Gavin will partner CALIGULA (9), which is also resuming from a spell. The 8yo has won both his trials and it will come as no surprise to see the Majestic Son gelding produce a bold showing. UTOPIA (2), which enjoyed a successful career under the guidance of Emma Stewart, debuted for Jarrod Alchin recently in recording a 103m 12th to Revelstoke in the Bulli Trotters Cup. Galloping out from behind the tapes, the 6yo son of Trixton lost all chance and with the mobile coming into play for the assignment, Utopia should at least be included in exotic transactions, especially after drawing suitably in two.

ROYAL DAN 1, London To A Brick 2, Majestic Trio 3, Courage Stride 4.

RACE NINE:

In what would be considered to be a ‘lottery’ race to end proceedings, OUR UNCLE JIM (6) is receiving one more chance to be involved in the finish. Prepared by Leon Jurd and to be driven by Chris Geary, Our Uncle Jim continues to be thereabouts when the judge calls a halt, which was again the case last week when the 8yo settled five pegs, prior to working home steadily in recording a 4.9m 6th to Little Bliss. That type of scenario has played out in each of his past three starts at Headquarters and if Chris have the son of Western Terror in clear air when the final 300m comes into play, then the pair will prove hard to hold out. NICHOLAS CAGE (2) has also been settling for support roles of late, however, from gate two the Luke McCarthy-conditioned son of Art Major has the chance to play a major role in this production. After playing a starring role here six roles ago, Nicholas Cage has managed just one placing since, and that was a 7.6m 2nd to No Heart Throb two starts back. He followed that effort with a useful 9m 5th to Classy Operator last week when he drew a touch wide in working to be outside of the leader and eventual winner. The vastly better draw will assist Jack Callaghan in presenting Nicholas Cage with a kinder run. And that will enhance his claims of receiving the applause when the judge calls a halt. LACEYS LAD (1) peaks in condition following three runs back, all on his home track of Newcastle. The opening two encounters resulted in placings, the latest, a week ago, saw Laceys Lad post a 9m 6th to Shades Of heaven after enjoying a kind run behind the leader. Jack is also, at this stage, listed as the driver of the son of Lis Mara, with the 9yo prepared by his father Mark. DARK TERROR (9) worked in the race won by Little Bliss with the 8yo recording a creditable 2.9m third as the clear-cut favourite. The son of Western Terror has again drawn deep, but in his defence last time out, he did find some interference. RED REACTOR (5) also went around in the race won by Little Bliss and after enjoying a good run behind the leader battled on stoutly in posting a 3.8m fourth. Handily drawn, the 9yo has been mixing his form but the same can be said about the majority of this field so don’t ignore the son of Auckland Reactor. ROBBIE ROCKET (3), SMOOTH OVERARM (4) and SHEFFIELD SPARKY (10) are also capable of assisting when it comes to exotic transactions.

OUR UNCLE JIM 1, Nicholas Cage 2, Laceys Lad 3, Dark Terror 4.

  - FORM ASSESSED BY MIKE KO'CASS