Rixon ready to add another feature to resume

RACE ONE:

In an open and competitive race to begin proceedings, last-start winner IM ROCKIN IT (5) has the chance to collect his fourth winner’s cheque from his past five starts. Prepared by Alex Alchin the son of Pet Rock had always shown potential, but continued to be a ‘work in progress’ but with experience, came maturity and the 5yo is now racing in peak form. Contesting just 25 events, Im Rockin It has seven wins and six placings to show for his efforts, with his form over the past couple of months resulting in a far more positive attitude. Stepping out at Headquarters a week ago, Im Rockin It enjoyed a comfortable midfield trip, prior to Amanda Turnbull timing her run to perfection, which resulted in the pair accounting for Mister Bluechip and Ultimate Bird. Prior to that effort Im Rockin It missed out on another win when Mick Danger charged past over the past 50m, resulting in a solid 3m second. Handily drawn in five, which is a couple of spots better than last week, Im Rockin It will again be allowed to settle into a rhythm before making his move rounding the final bend. Robert Morris, who has down the bulk of the driving duties behind the 5yo, will again jump back into the sulky after Will Rixon and Amanda have been involved of late. CASH AND BLING (1) is also racing with a level of consistency and with gate one next to his name, the Darren Binskin trained and driven son of Bling It On looms as a serious threat. Following a gritty win here three runs back when he raced without cover, the 4yo has finished third in his past two engagements, the latter when he again worked from the 400m in finishing 6.9m behind Bartello and My Ultimate Carter last week. A kinder run should be forthcoming and that will assist Cash And Bling in his quest of securing the cash. The Trevor Munday-prepared VINKE B (3) has been in the mix on a regular basis and from gate three the son of Vincent will again make his presence felt. Drifting back to a five peg role, the 4yo had little securing a clear passage and it wasn’t until the final 50m which resulted in Vinke B receiving sufficient room to stretch his legs. The end result was a closing 3.6m 5th to Im Rockin It. Better luck in running this time around and Bailey McDonough will have Vinke B ready to make his presence felt a lot earlier. Ian Wilson has MICK DANGER (10) racing with plenty of zest, but like last week, the 4yo has drawn out deep. A good draw and a superb drive by Jim Douglass resulted in a strong win by Mick Danger two starts ago, prior to the son of Captaintreacherous coming from a midfield role in finishing a solid 3.2m 4th behind Im Rockin It. Jim will again be looking to reserve as much energy as possible for the final, 200m surge. And, if close enough, Mick Danger will loom as a definite danger. With all that said, a newcomer to the David Aiken stable in TREACHEROUS GALL (6) may be the one to beat. The winner of eight of her 21 assignments, with four minor placings, the 4yo daughter of Captaintreacherous has been off the scene since finishing 8th to Allamericanlover at Addington on February 9. The mare hasn’t been to the trials and at this stage there is a question mark over her. However, under the astute guidance of David, Treacherous Gall must be included in the mix, with any positive market move to be respected. When it comes to the exotics AMERICAN HAMMER (11), which is also a member of David’s team, should be include, despite the 5yo drawing the outside gate.

IM ROCKIN IT 1, Cash And Bling 2, Vinke B 3, Mick Danger 4.

RACE TWO:

After suffering from a atrial fibrillation last time out, the talented DOUGS PLATTER (6) will be looking to bounce back strongly from that episode when he steps out for his third start this preparation. After ending his previous campaign in a blaze of glory, winning three-on-end, the Kevin Pizzuto-conditioned son of Betterthancheddar resumed with an 18.7m last to Hector on June 22, prior to his latest outing, which was a week later. Settling back in the pack, Dougs Platter was eased out of contention by Jack Brown nearing the 400m marker. The end result was an 82m last to Blazing Home and an examination by the vey, who discovered the problem. The 4yo has since won a trial in fine fashion, indicating his recent issue is behind him. If, that is the case, then Dougs Platter certainly has the talent to strike and prove hard to beat this time around. CRAFTSMAN CHARLIE (5) will be the horse to beat as Geoffrey Harding has the son of Art Major racing in fine fashion since a spell. Rated to perfection by Matthew Harding two starts ago, Craftsman Charlie was untroubled in defeating Captain Tom and King Tiger at this venue. Contesting a slightly stronger assignment last week, the entire led out before taking a sit, when a 9.5m 3rd to Pitch Perfect and Vanquish Stride. Handily drawn in five, Matthew will again look to be across to the pegs and once again he will have the option of holding the inside running or taking a sit, due to the longer trip of 2300m. Either way, Craftsman Charlie will figure in the finish. Peaking in  condition, following two solid efforts since a spell, TOTAL DIVA (7) is also a definite contender for the top spot. Resuming from a spell and a disappointing term of racing, Total Diva posted a solid 7.3m 3rd to the outstanding Major Delight and Little Bliss in the Stylish Memphis Stakes before conforming that she was regaining her form when she again battled on stoutly in finishing a 7.2m 2nd to Roll Up last week. Trainer Peter Hanson has been delighted with both runs and is of the opinion that  the mare was ready to greet the judge once again. Comeback driver Cam Fitzpatrick certainly hopes that is the case. UNFAZED (11) has drawn closer to the car park than the inside pegs, but the Paul Fitzpatrick-trained son of Auckland Reactor can never be taken lightly. Second-up from a spell and the talented 7yo worked when a determined winner over Boom and Ardens Ace, prior to contesting a harder assignment last week in recording a pleasing 4.8m 6th to Max Delight. Unfazed will again face the starter with a determined mind-set to don’t take him lightly. Exotic chances go the way of LITTLE BLISS (3), DANCE AND DELIVER, ONE FOR THE RODI (4) and HY VOLTAGE (9), which shocked the majority with his win last week over Stir Me Up and Wavethebill.

DOUGS PLATTER 1, Craftsman Charlie 2, Total Diva 3, Unfazed 4.

RACE THREE:

Racing with a high-degree of confidence, PETES SAID SO (6) is again the one to beat as he faces the starter from a suitable starting role, compared to wide gates in each of his past two encounters. Not that drawing wide is a serious concern as the son of Well Said has the gate speed to cross his rivals and find the pegs, but achieving such a result with more energy in reserve for the run home, is always a bonus. The KerryAnn Morris-trained 8yo has been able to lead out, then take a sit, when successful on consecutive occasions, firstly accounting for Jay OK and Jilliby Nitro over 1609m, then over the 2300m, which will be the case this time around, the gelding defeated Whereyabinboppin and Jay OK. It was a similar story last week when Josh Gallagher was able to find the pegs, despite drawing 10, prior to taking cover, en route to a solid 2.8m 3rd to Max Delight and Missed The Truth. Petes said So will again be first out and hopefully, first home. The ‘x-factor’ runner is ABOUTTIME (7), which resumes from a spell for Sofia Arvidsson. The quality son of Art Major hasn’t raced since recording a 10.5m 3rd to Hi Manameisjeff and Mach Da Vinci last October. Abouttime has had the benefit of three trials, the past two resulting in solid placings, the latter a 7m 3rd to Dougs Platter and Major Moth. The 8yo has drawn a touch wide but he has always shown gate speed and his presence will be felt from the outset. And, with the benefit of those trials, Abouttime appears ready for the 2300m. As always, MAX DELIGHT (8) must figure highly in discussions as the David Aiken-conditioned son of Bettors Delight ‘keeps on- keeping on.’ The 8yo was rewarded for a recent run of consistent displays when he worked early to find the lead, then from that point onwards Amanda Turnbull rated Max to perfection, which paved the way for a solid win over Missed The Truth and Petes Said So. Max delight has again drawn wide but that won’t worry this fellow so expect another bold showing from him. JAY OK (10) has once again drawn deep and while that is a concern, the 7yo can’t be taken lightly. After a run of six-consecutive placings at Headquarters, which followed a win at Newcastle, Jay OK worked and wasn’t disgraced in finishing a 3.6m 5th to Max Delight last week. The Paul Fitzpatrick-trained son of A Rocknroll Dance will again be forced to give the major players a start, but he won’t be far away when the judge calls a halt. WHEREYABINBOPPIN (9) has been mixing his form, however, either side of a 15.8m last to Petes Said So, the James Rattray-trained 8yo has finished runner-up behind Swayzee then Petes Said So. Claims as an exotic runner must be considered while MISSED THE TRUTH (3), BROOKLYN BRIDGE (2) and JILLIBY NITRO (5) also have claims in that regard.

PETES SAID SO 1, Abouttime 2, Max Delight 3, Jay OK 4.

RACE FOUR:

In a race of numerous chances, SALLY BIGTIME (4) is ready to record her first win at Headquarters following two unplaced efforts at this venue. Prepared by Brendon Flaherty and to be driven by Grace Panella, the daughter of Rock N Roll Heaven posted an effortless win at Newcastle two runs back, then was always prominent when a 2.5m 2nd to Rock Fisherman at Tamworth in a heat of this event. Brendon sent his talented mare around in a Maitland trial on Sunday with the 4yo scoring by 22m. From her good draw Sally Bigtime should be able to secure a role close to the action and that will be a big plus in such an evenly graded line-up. Bathurst trainer-driver Ash Grives has been enjoying plenty of success of late and MERAKI (1) is capable of adding to the joy. The 4yo daughter of Warrawee Needy has won two of her past three, all on her home track, the latter when she led in narrowly defeating Mister Manager and Bohemian Brawler a couple of weeks ago. With gate one next to her name, Ash will be hoping to again secure a kind peg run, which will keep Meraki fresh for the testing Menangle run home. MISTER MANAGER (2) has also drawn well and apart from one disappointing effort at Parkes three runs back, when he had no luck from a back row draw, the Amanda Turnbull trained and driven 4yo has been competitive on a regular basis. Following his close 2nd to Meraki, the son of For A Reason posted a creditable 10m 3rd to Vite Monet and Better Shush at Bathurst last week. Compared to his past three assignments, Mister Manager will appreciate the opportunity to contest this event from a vastly better draw. A tricky draw awaits the Adam Ruggari-trained PETER FORSBERG (11), but the 8yo remains in the mix following an extended period of good form. From his past eight encounters the son of Well Said has managed to record three wins and four placings, with a solid 5.9m 4th to Kaitoa at this venue thrown in for good measure. While the draw adds to the degree of difficulty, Peter Forsberg is racing well enough to overcome such a hurdle. The chances don’t stop there as JOETOMO (5) is racing well and is deserving of attention, along with POPSTAROMAR (7) and FOREVER YIN (12).

SALLY BIGTIME 1, Meraki 2, Mister Manager 3, Peter Forsberg 4.

RACE FIVE:

One of the ‘better’ investments on the card appears in this event, courtesy of the David Thorn-trained MARIA ALLEGONDA (3), which strips fitter for a creditable return while also drawing suitably in three. Following a first-up win for the David Thorn stable, the former Kiwi then peeled off five-straight placings, three as runner-up. The mare was having her first outing since early April when a creditable 13.2m 5th to the classy Major Delight in the Stylish Memphis, with her run coming to an end about 70m from the line. The daughter of Sweet Lou will strip fitter for this challenge and it will also been a far easier assignment, so there are a couple of solid positives heading into this race. Bailey McDonough will be looking to have Maria Allegonda in a striking role from the outset and that will pave the way for a winning display. An awkward draw awaits DIEING ART (9), however, the Jarrod Alchin-trained mare can’t be taken lightly. Receiving every chance in the one-one two weeks ago, Dieing Art kept grinding her way to the winning post, with a creditable 7m 7th behind Mister Bluechip. The daughter of Art Major will strip fitter for her past two engagements following a spell so respect her claims as a definite winning chance. Following a sequence of four solid placings, WINONA WRITER (5) wasn’t disgraced by her latest effort, which resulted in a 7.3m 7th to Im Rockin It a week ago. Trained and driven by Sofia Arvidsson, who also owns the daughter of Sportswriter, the 6yo has a reasonable draw and is more than capable of again being involved in the finish. There is no doubt that Winona Writer is on the verge of a win and it won’t come as a surprise if it comes here. SAVEEON (6) has always been a talented type, firstly during her first couple of seasons and now as a 4yo mare. Following a couple of wins on her home track, Saveeon ventured to Penrith in posting a solid 2.2m 3rd to Sunday Mornings and Major Jellis after being left posted outside of the leader. Ash is likely to press forward and with a few wins on this track from 16 outings, the Bathurst combination can’t be taken lightly. The depth then tappers off with exotic claims given to DELIGHTFUL STAR (2), CRACKABRIE (1), LENNYS ANGEL (4) and CARRERA SUNSET (11).

MARIA ALLEGONDA 1, Dieing Art 2, Winona Writer 3, Saveeon 4.

RACE SIX:

Talented 3yo VITE MONET (9) has been in superb form since resuming from a spell and this race appears to be well within his reach. Prepared by Chris Judd and to be driven by Will Rixon, who has been in outstanding form over the past couple of months, the son of Warrawee Needy was having his first outing since last September when he drew the inside of the back row for a 1720m challenge at Penrith on July 18. Hitting the line with intent over the final 100m, Vite Monet went within a metre of the winner Dangerous Threats, which is a talented type in his own right, and a threat in this challenge. Vite Monet then headed to Bathurst six days later and with a higher level of fitness, the gelding was able to overcome a back row draw in scoring a convincing win over Better Shush and Mister Manager. Vite Monet has drawn deep but has been helped by a couple of early scratchings, allowing him to slot into gate eight at this stage. With his fitness going to another level and his sound record at Headquarters, which displays two wins and a couple of placings from six starts, Vite Monet will prove hard to beat. DANGEROUS THREATS (10) will be a dangerous threat as the KerryAnn Morris-trained son of For A Reason has his share of talent as well. The 3yo colt also heads into this race with two runs under his belt, the first resulting in a dominant 6.6m display in defeating Mister Brillante and Explosive Bronski at Menangle before his successful outing at Penrith. Dangerous Threats has drawn one spot wider than Vite Monet, however, that won’t prevent him from making his presence felt from the outset. The other main player is the Peter Trevor-Jones-prepared ROCKU (11), with the Bathurst visitor drawing deep as well. Boasting five wins and two placings from his nine starts, Rocku has always shown plenty of potential and he has returned from a spell in good order, with a pleasing 5.9m 3rd to Glitter Aint Gold at Parkes, followed by a fast-finishing display in defeating Tamanisha Terror and Keayang Domino on his home track. John O’Shea will continue his association with Rocku, and although this will be his first Menangle assignment, the long run home will be to his liking. GLITTER  AINT GOLD (8) has won his past three on the country circuit, culminating with a big win at Dubbo recently when he led throughout in defeating Nirvana Prince and Alwaysbminnie. Prepared by Nathan Turnbull, the 3yo son of Bling It On is bound to give plenty of cheek. NIRVANA PRINCE (5) has been recording consistent performances and is a suitable type for exotic transactions while THALASSOPHOBIA (4), ZENALOU (2) and MISTERFOURTHOUSAND (12) also have claims in that regard.

VITE MONET 1, Dangerous Threats 2, Rocku 3, Glitter Aint Gold 4.

RACE SEVEN:

Drawing suitably in four, which is courtesy of an early scratching drawn inside, GUNNA LOAD (5) looks to be the one to beat as the Peter Rixon-prepared filly looks to stretch her winning sequence to three. After debuting with a creditable 5.3m 3rd to Sensationalize at Bathurst, the 2yo daughter of Sweet Lou then led throughout for an easy win at Penrith, with Kasbah and Eye Can Do Better chasing her home, prior to heading back to the ‘foot of the mountains’ on July 25, with the filly enjoying the one-one in proving too good for Lookin Good Margie and Eye Can do Better. Will Rixon will be keen to make full use of the good draw and send Gunna Reload straight to the lead and from that point onwards, the race should be safely in her keeping. ULTIMATE DIVA (1) has been on the improve each time trainer-driver Michael Formosa has sent the daughter of Betting Line to the races. Unplaced at Newcastle on debut, the filly then posted a sound 3.9m 3rd to Upstream at Tamworth before finishing a 6.6m 2nd to Matt Gregors Boy ay Newcastle. From her kind draw, Ultimate Diva will have the opportunity to secure a kind peg run, which will enable her to stake a claims for a role in the finish. KASBAH (11) drew wide but has been helped by a number of scratchings so the draw is far more encouraging than it first appeared. The son of A Rocknroll Dance has been p[laced in his past three assignments, the past couple since resuming from a spell. The Dwayne Sarina-trained 2yo is coming off a creditable 8.2m 2nd to Gunna Reload and another competitive showing can be expected. DOWN WARD DOG (9) opened his career with a gritty, narrow win at Penrith in defeating Lookin Good Margie and Double It Harry before a solid neck 2nd to My Ultimate Mario, again at Penrith. The Luke McCarthy-trained son of Bling It On shows enough potential to suggest another bold showing, with the bigger track bound to be to his liking. The consistent Peter Payne-trained filly, UPSTREAM (7) should be included when forming multiple transactions while EYE CAN DO BETTER (4) will need to do better if she is to greet the judge, but at the very least she is capable of filling a minor exotic role. LOOKIN GOOD MARGIE (2) has drawn well and that will assist the daughter of Hes Watching when it comes to being involved in the finish.

GUNNA RELOAD 1, Ultimate Diva 2, Kasbah 3, Down Ward Dog 4.

RACE EIGHT:

Placed in four of his past five starts, all at Headquarters, since posting back-to-back wins at Newcastle, WAYOUTWEST (8) is deserving of another chance, but he is starting to become a costly conveyance. Prepared by David Caffyn and to be driven by Ash Delosa, who is enjoying plenty of success in recent times, the son of Western Terror has been finding the line, but the winning post has been out of his reach in posting a 2nd to Bartello, prior to finishing third in each of his past three engagements. Midfield approaching the final bend, Wayoutwest worked home stoutly in finishing 9.5m astern of Hy Voltage. With gate seven coming into play, providing the reserve isn’t required, Wayoutwest is again likely to settle off the pace before coming with his late surge and hopefully, over the longer trip of 2300m, the 7yo may be able to charge past his rivals in greeting the judge. IDEAL MARQUESS (9) is a talented son of American Ideal, with Paul Fitzpatrick looking after this lightly-raced gelding. Contesting just 14 races, the 6yo has managed four wins and seven placings, five as runner-up. Ideal Marquess has had four runs back, finishing a creditable 7m 6th to Parallel when resuming at this venue before finishing runner-up in his next two assignments at Penrith. Returning to Headquarters a couple of weeks ago, Ideal Marquess worked mid-race to be outside of the leader at the 400m before pulling clear for a solid 4.6m defeat of Major Statement and Power Up. Hitting peak condition, but drawing wide, Ideal Marquess will make his presence felt once again. The Peter Rixon-trained WHATABOYJACK (4) has been thereabouts on a regular basis, and although his last win was at Goulburn back on April 21, Whataboyjack is racing well enough to be a serious contender for the top spot, especially from his useful draw. POWER UP (3) appears to be in the hunt for the top spot following placings in two of his past three starts at this venue. Suitably drawn in three, Power Up is coming off a solid 4.9m 3rd behind Ideal Marquess and Major Statement. Prepared by David Aiken and top be driven by jack Brown, who returns after a short stint in Queensland during the carnival, the 5yo son of Art Major is bound to attract attention. Chances when it comes to forming multiple transactions include JILLIBY ADORE (1), KILLARA SAMURAI (5) and MERRYWOOD TONY (10).

WAYOUTWEST 1, Ideal Marquess 2, Whataboyjack 3, Power Up 4.

RACE NINE:

The trotters will confront the starter understand conditions and, with an unbeaten record in two starts here, plus five wins from 18 assignments from behind the tapes, SUPER SERVICE (5) appeals a suitable investment. The former Victorian has won both his starts since heading north to be prepared by Peter Rixon and he has appeared to enjoy racing at Headquarters. After working to the role as pacemaker, Super Service narrowly accounted for Speedy Lover and Leaf Stride, two of his rivals this time around, before defeating Hot To Trot and Sheza Pleasure over the 1609m. The 6yo son of Majestic Son will line up behind the front strand and with a safe beginner, Super Service will be able to lay the foundations for the third leg of his hat-trick of wins at Menangle. Joe and Mary Rando will be represented by two major threats in LEAF STRIDE (4) and TORO STRIDE (8), with Jim Douglass having the choice of drives and electing to take the reins behind the latter, due to a sense of loyalty as the pair have enjoyed success. However, Leaf Stride, which will be driven by Blake Fitzpatrick, has by far the better stand stats, having contested eight races from behind the tapes for four wins and three placings, all as runner-up. Jim was in the sulky when the son of Love You overcame a 40m handicap in defeating Down Under Earl and Valley Star when last produced a couple of weeks ago. Also, Leaf Stride will start from the front line while Toro Stride will be asked to overcome a 20m handicap. Toro Stride has contested just three races under these conditions in recording a minor placings, however, the Love You 5yo has been in fine form of late, posting three wins and a 3rd from his past four starts. If, he steps cleanly and apparently Toro Stride has been having plenty of practice under these conditions, then he is more than capable of continuing on his winning way. The interesting runner is the former Victorian, THE LOCOMOTIVE (7), which will be having his second run for Brad Hewitt after enjoying plenty of success, 13 wins and five placings from 24 starts, when under the care of Wayne Potter. The 4yo son of Muscle Mass had his first run for Brad at Albion Park on July 13, posting a 16.4m 6th to Rockinwithattitude in the G1 The Great Square, a mobile event over 2138m. That was his first outing in a month and with that run under his belt, The Locomotive is open to improvement. From his only stand start, The Locomotive did finish unplaced when a 21m 6th to Cognati in the 2022 G1 Redwood Classic at Maryborough. The Locomotive will line up behind the 20m tape so he need to step cleanly to be a threat. SUNNY GEE (9) is also off a 20m mark but the 7yo does handle the stand, with 34 outings from behind the tapes, resulting in five wins and 12 placings. Prepared by KerryAnn Turner and to be driven by Josh Gallagher, Sunny Gee is racing well enough to make his presence felt. SPEEDY LOVER (3) and SHEZA PLEASURE (1) remain in the mix when it comes to forming multiple combinations.

SUPER SERVICE 1, Leaf Stride 2, Toro Stride 3, The Locomotive 4.

  - FORM ASSESSED BY MIKE KO'CASS