Take a 'Leaf' out of this winners' book for Club Menangle Trotters' Cup

RACE ONE:

Former Kiwi MAJOR HOT (3) will create plenty of interest when the son of Art Major faces the starter for the first time under the guidance of legendary mentor, Paul Fitzpatrick. Placed in both the Redcliffe Derby and the South East Derby at Albion Park, the classy 3yo then ended his Queensland campaign with back-to-back wins, the latter being the G1 Queensland Derby when he defeated Bay Of Biscay and Minos. The runner-up going on to finish an outstanding 2nd to Don Hugo in the recently run, $2m Eureka at Menangle. In readiness for his return, Major Hot has been responsible for two solid trials at Headquarters, and although first-up against fitter and older rivals, the suitably drawn gelding is worth the gamble for this 2300m challenge. Gav Fitzpatrick, who is a couple of weeks into his comeback after a serious shoulder dislocation, will take the reins. HEAVENLY CHARM (2) will appreciate the return to an ideal starting draw after commencing her latest assignment from gate 10. The former Victorian enjoyed immediate success for her new mentor Jarrod Alchin when she posted two solid wins at this venue, prior to finishing a 5.4m 5th to Ravishing Sloy at this venue. Restrained at the start, which resulted in a rearward role, the 7yo daughter of Rock N Roll Heaven powered home and with a far better draw assisting her claims, Heavenly Charm will be closer to the action in proving hard to beat. Cam Hart, who drove five of the nine winners at the Canberra meeting on Monday night, will partner the mare. Stepping out for his first assignment since joining the David Thorn team, OURMATEMENKO (4) greeted the judge in defeating Craftsman Charlie and Foxy Dada a couple of weeks ago. Formerly with Shane Sanderson, the 4yo son of Downbytheseaside was able to enjoy a kind run from gate one, prior to Bailey McDonough, who is driving in fine fashion, timed his run to perfection. The 4yo has again drawn well in four and from that role Bailey will have options of again looking for cover or dictating. REGAZZO DI TILLY (5) has been unplaced in his three runs at this venue, with the Daren Garrard-trained son of Changeover far from being disgraced in the process. Fifth to fellow Queenslander Sure Thing Captain, the 4yo then finished a 16m last to Oliver Dan in the Stockade, the consolation of the Eureka, before starting favourite and working outside of the leader when a grinding 5.7m 4th to Ourmatemenko. Handily drawn, Regazzo Di Tilly is capable of making his presence felt so don’t ignore his claims. HAS THE COURAGE (1) will receive a good run from the pole and that will assist the 9yo son of Changeover in his quest to play a role in the finish. Include the Lucky Lodge runner in multiple transactions, along with OUTSIDE FIGHTER (6), MAJOR MAJOR (9), which has drawn wide, but is capable of playing an active role in the finish, following three sound runs since a spell. The 5yo defeated Red Reactor and Surfers Delight before drawing wide when he worked home from a rearward role in posting a 5.2m 2nd to Montalbano last week. A fitter STINGRAY TARA (10) resumed with a creditable 9m 6th to Mach Da Vinci last week, and although the Blake Fitzpatrick-trained mare has drawn the outside gate, the extra level of fitness will be a plus so consider her claims in multiple transactions.

MAJOR HOT 1, Heavenly Charm 2, Ourmatemenko 3, Regazzo Di Tilly 4.

RACE TWO:

With the benefit of three runs back from a spell and drawing handily, LINE UP (6) is ready to be involved in the finish. The classy Joe and Mary Rando-trained son of Bettors Delight was safely held in his opening two runs since early May, prior to hitting the line with conviction here last week in recording a pleasing 5.3m 4th to Mach Da Vinci. The 7yo was able to enjoy the one-one last time out and with the gelding drawing a couple of spots better, which includes the reserve being out, Line Up will be hoping to enjoy a similar trip before making his presence felt. Line Up is another quality drive for Cam Hart. JILLIBY NITRO (4) has been runner-up in two of his past three, with a win five starts ago also appearing on his recent stats sheet. The Peter Rixon-conditioned 7yo came from a midfield role in hitting the lead in the straight, only to be run down in the final couple of strides by Mach Da Vinci last week. Jilliby Nitro will go from a wide gate into position three behind the mobile and that will assist Will Rixon is finding a suitable role for the son of Bettors Delight. CLASSIE WASHINGTON (5) followed two creditable Menangle displays, the latter being an unlucky 5m 5th to Loyalist, prior to working home strongly from a four peg role, via the markers, in defeating Max Delight and Whereyabinboppin a couple of weeks ago. A member of the Daren Garrard team, the Queenslander is capable of again making his presence felt. Angus Garrard, who is driving in superb touch, will again be in the sulky. CURLY JAMES (10) has drawn wide and is coming off a costly outing, but the 6yo is more than capable of being a serious contender for the top spot. Working across from a wide gate last time out, Curly James faded to finish a 15.8m 9th to Classie Washington. Prior to that disappointing run, the son of A Rocknroll Dance finished runner-up behind Speak The Truth and Loyalist, respectively, so don’t ignore his claims, especially when it comes to the multiples. MACH DA VINCI (8) finished stoutly in scoring here a week ago, and although the task will be slightly harder this time, the Peter Hanson-conditioned veteran remains in the multiple mix. WHEREYABINBOPPIN (9) has a tricky drawn, however, the 8yo has been placed in his past two engagements in similar contest, so don’t ignore his exotic prospects. His stablemate STAR MAJOR (11) has drawn the outside gate, but the James Rattray-trained 8yo is a tough character so also keep him in the multiple mix.

LINE UP 1, Jilliby Nitro 2, Classie Washington 3, Curly James 4.

RACE THREE:

Drawing ideally in gate one. CAPTAIN TOM (1) is poised to show a return to winning form following two creditable unplaced displays. The consistent Jarrod Alchin-trained son of Captaintreacherous managed to lead throughout three runs back in defeating subsequent carousel winner Mick Danger, who is presently racing in career best form, and last-start winner Ourmatemenko, before finishing a 3.2m 4th to Outside Fighter and a 9.8m 6th behind Ourmatemenko two weeks ago. In that particular assignment the 4yo drifted back to a five peg role before working home steadily. Another quality drive for Cam hart, captain Tom will be in the mix from the outset, with the prospect of either the lead role, or at the very least enjoying the sit on the leader, enhancing his claims on the major share of the prizemoney. DOM TERETTO (3) has recorded a win and two placings in his three starts for Jason Grimson since coming from NZ. The 4yo Sweet Lou gelding won a heat of the Carousel two starts ago when he was the first to break the line in finding the pegs, then taking a sit, before accounting for Our Sunset Delight and The Vicar Of Dibley. Jack Callaghan, who will again take the drive, then adopted the same tactics in the Carousel Final last week when Dom Toretto posted a solid 5.9m 2nd to Mick Danger. Handily drawn once again, Dom Toretto will again be in the mix from the outset so respect his claims. AMERICAN HAMMER (6) managed to nail down back-to-back wins at Penrith before striking trouble when a fast-finishing and unlucky 2nd to Foxy Dada in a photo finish. Stepping out at Headquarters a couple of weeks ago, the David Aiken-trained 5yo son of American Ideal drew wide, but managed to secure the one-one, courtesy of Bailey McDonough, before posting a gritty 5.9m 4th to Ryans Gangster. American Hammer is capable of again being in the mix when the judge calls a halt. KUZMA (5) is coming off a creditable 6m 4th to Cash And Bling last week with the former Tasmanian working home steadily from a five peg role. Although contesting a slightly harder event, the Highview Tommy 7yo is worthy of exotic involvement. IDEAL MARQUESS (2) has been placed in his past two Menangle assignments, the first in a heat of the Carousel when an 8.6m 2nd to Speculating, the latter in the Final when an 8m 3rd behind Mick Danger. The 6yo worked home stoutly from a the one-one, and with gate two next to his name, another competitive showing can be expected. CASH AND BLING (10) enjoyed a kind three peg role before finishing too well for Maebee and Stir Me Up last week. The Darren Binskin trained and driven son of Bling It On has drawn the outside gate for this assignment and while that is a hurdle, the 4yo is racing well enough to keep him in the mix as a multiple player. PROMISELAND (4) will be having her first run since a 25.8m 8th to Millwood Bliss at this venue back in late June. The talented daughter of Bettors Delight was well-beaten in her only trial and, at this stage of her preparation the 4yo mat need a run or two before coming in for consideration.

CAPTAIN TOM 1, Dom Toretto 2, American Hammer 3, Kuzma 4.

RACE FOUR:

Former Victorian MADIGAN (10) will create a great deal of interest as he steps out for his first engagement since becoming a member of the successful Jarrod Alchin stable. And yes the gelding is another quality drive for Cam Hart. The son of Sweet Lou resumed form a spell with a 26.3m 8th to Roadmaster at Melton, when he had little luck from a five peg role and striking some interference into the bargain, prior to overcoming a back row draw, a three deep run and the role outside of the leader in defeating Bandit Eyes and Give Dave A Wave at Bendigo a couple of weeks ago. Drawing wide, the 4yo can boast a 50% winning strike after just 18 starts, with five placings adding to his fine record. In an open race and despite the tricky draw, Madigan is worth the gamble. CATSEYE BEACH (8) is another consistent type for Daren and Angus Garrard. The Queenslander headed south after a solid win at Albion Park, prior to posting a pleasing 9.4m 4th to Mick Danger in the Carousel Final last week. A wider starting role will await the son of Sunshine Beach, but don’t ignore his claims as a contender for the top spot. MAEBEE (11) is coming off a game 1.5m 2nd to Cash And Bling a week ago when he attempted to lead from start to finish. The James Rattray trained and driven son of Bettors Delight has another wide gate to overcome, however, the 5yo is racing well enough to again be considered when it comes to forming multiple transactions. The usually consistent VINKE B (9) should be given another chance when it comes to the exotics as the Trevor Munday-conditioned son of Vincent had been racing consistently prior to that outing. Striking trouble, Vinke B finished a 21.4m last behind Caulonia Courage last week, with the 4yo never a factor as a result. The Tony Bertwistle-trained duo of TAKE A HIKE (1) and KEEPERS IDEAL (3) will be backing up from their engagements on Tuesday, with creditable efforts keeping the consistent pair in the mix when it comes to the exotics as they have drawn well in a boost to their prospects in that regard. Trainer Wayne Dimech also has two runners in MERRYWOOD PAUL (6) and MERRYWOOD TONY (2) and while the pair are facing a tougher test, they have been racing consistently on the Penrith circuit and could add some spice to the multiple dividends.

MADIGAN 1, Catseye Beach 2, Maebee 3, Vinke B 4.

RACE FIVE:

THE VICAR OF DIBLEY (8) has been costly in her past two assignments, but the Queenslander is worthy of another chance, despite drawing the middle of the line. Leaving her home state on a winning note, following a strong display in scoring at Albion Park, the Daren Garrard-conditioned mare posted a solid win at Menangle when she finishing strongly in defeating Sweet Coco and My Moonlite Dream, the latter winning since. Sent out favourite for a heat of the Carousel as a result, The Vicar Of Dibley worked in racing without cover, prior to recording a grinding 2.4m 3rd to Dom Toretto. Drawing suitably in two, and starting in the ‘red’ as a result, the 4yo settled four back in the running line before working in again occupying the role outside of the leader. Fading on her effort, The Vicar Of Dibley posted a 14.7m 5th to Caulonia Courage. The Vicar Of Dibley is better than that run would suggest and if Angus Garrard can secure a kinder run for the mare, then she is more than capable of proving hard to beat. SWEET AGENDA (7) scored at Penrith three runs ago, with her form here and also in Queensland either side, being acceptable for a race of this nature. The Seaton Grima trained and driven 4yo daughter of Sweet Lou enjoyed a kind run behind her stablemate My Moonlite Dream last week in recording a 12.7m to that particular quality mare. This challenge will be more to the liking of Sweet Agenda so expect a competitive showing. CARRERA SUNSET (10) is one of two threats in the race under the care of Jason Grimson, the other being SWEET COCO (11). CARRERA SUNSET scored here in fine fashion three starts ago and hasn’t been disgraced in two starts since, the latter resulting in a photo 2nd behind the quality mare, Heavenly Charm. The wide gate is a concern but the 4yo daughter of Downbytheseaside can’t be taken lightly. SWEET COCO had been mixing her form before back-to-back wins at this venue, prior to a 4.2m 2nd to The Vicar of Dibley. The 4yo Sweet Lou was back to her old tricks when she broke in the score up, prior to recovering in time to speed across from the wide draw in finding the role as pacemaker. However, Sweet Coco faded on her run in finishing an 8m 8th to Heavenly Charm. The outside gate awaits Sweet Coco, but if she remains focused from the outset, then expect a bold showing. NO DRAMAS (6) returned from an unsuccessful Queensland campaign in winning her next two starts at Menangle, prior to a determined neck 3rd to Heavenly Charm and Carrera Sunset a couple of weeks ago. The Troy Primmer-trained 4yo daughter of Betterthancheddar has a reasonable draw and another bold showing can be expected. DESTINY STRIDE (4) will find this harder than her latest Penrith win, but the mare stays in the mix as an exotic runner.

THE VICAR OF DIBLEY 1, Sweet Agenda 2, Carrera Sunset 3, Sweet Coco 4.

RACE SIX:

The G3 Club Menangle Trotters Cup will be staged under the stand start conditions and that will please the talented chestnut LEAF STRIDE (1), who has contested 10 races from behind the tapes for five wins and four placings, all as runner-up. Prepared by Joe and Mary Rando, the son of Love You has been in superb form this season and with a front line draw awaiting the 6yo, another bold showing is a distinct possibility. From his past three stand assignments, Leaf Stride has won twice, the latter when he led out then took a sit, prior to arriving in time to defeat Is That A Bid and Speedy Lover. Cam Hart will take over the drive from Jim Douglass, who will stick with his favourite, TORO STRIDE (9), which is also in the mix as one of the major contenders for the trophy. A typical smooth beginning from Leaf Stride will have him ready to stake his claim for the top spot in a moment’s notice. Classy mare FUNKY MONKEY (11) will face the starter from a 20m handicap, but the daughter of Monkey bones must be given plenty of respect. Spelled after a gritty 3.6m 3rd to Revelstoke in the Bulli Trotters Cup at this venue back on May 11, the 7yo had won both her trials before resuming with a gallant 2.2m 3rd to Speedy Lover last week. Boasting five wins and the same number of placings from her 2o engagements under these conditions, Funky Monkey looms as a serious contender. TORO STRIDE (9) has had four starts from behind the tapes, with just one minor placing coming his way. Following a 14.3m 4th to The Locomotive when exposed to a 20m handicap, three starts ago, Toro Stride then won a mobile event before again contesting a similar event at Menangle in recording a solid 2.7m 2nd to Caligula on August 24. The 5yo son of Love You has recently posted a trial solid performance and he is capable of being a serious threat, despite the 10m handicap. The Brent Lilley-prepared VIRGINIA CLOWERS (7) brings an ‘x-factor’ to her initial Menangle assignment. A daughter of Creatine, the 4yo mare has been off the scene since posting a 16.6m 4th to Aldebaran Vera at Melton on July 27. Prior to that outing the mare had won five of her previous six starts this preparation. A solid Melton trial win has Virginia Clowers ready to give this a shake. Bailey McDonough has been booked to handle the driving duties. SPEEDY LOVER (3) came from back in the pack in scoring here last week over One Majic Kenny and Funky Monkey. Prepared by David Aiken and to be driven once again by Chris Geary, the 5yo son of Love You has a useful stand record and with the benefit of a front line draw, Speedy Lover is capable of another competitive effort. AFFAIRE DE COVER (5) is coming off a Tuesday assignment, but more importantly, a grinding display in taking out the Trotters Carousel a week ago. The veteran of 31 starts from behind the tapes, the 6yo, who is also by Love You, has three wins and eight placings to show for his efforts so include the gelding in exotic investments. SUPER SERVICE (had been racing in fine fashion, but has lost his way with four unplaced appearances. With five stand wins from 20 starts, the son of Majestic Son is at least an exotic contender.

LEAF STRIDE 1, Funky Monkey 2, Toro Stride 3,  Virginia Clowers 4.

RACE SEVEN:

Another talented newcomer to the stables of Jarrod Alchin is RELENTLESS ME (2), a former Victorian-based mare who is looking to recapture her form once again. The daughter of the former classy performer Restrepo, the 5yo had just two outings after a spell, both resulting in well-beaten efforts, the latter when 8th to Sahara Tiger at Mildura in mid-June. The 5yo has settled into her new surroundings to perfection and will head around to the start with two pleasing trials next to her name. Relentless Me is another top booking for Cam Hart, who is confident the mare is ready to run a big race. Former Kiwi DONTLETFEFARSTOPYA (9) has now had three starts for Joe Conolly and is yet to enjoy luck in running. I did suggest that the 3yo would run a bold race here last week, however, from a seven peg role, the son of Fear The Dragon worked home steadily in recording a 14.9m 7th to Caulonia Courage. The run wasn’t as bad as it may first appear so don’t ignore Dontletfearstopya. At least back one and save on the other. WAVETHEBILL (3) has been in the mix on a regular basis and is coming off a 14m 4th to Caulonia Courage a week ago. The 6yo drew the outside gate on that occasion, but showed good gate speed in taking up the running. The son off Net Ten EOM has a far more suitable draw this time and he should be included when it comes to forming multiple transactions. PORT AU PRINCE (1) recorded a useful 12.5m 5th to Montalbano last week and from the pole, the 6yo son of Somebeachsomewhere remains in the mix as an exotic contender. OUR UNCLE JIM (4) scored at Goulburn two starts back, then worked home stoutly in defeating Red Reactor and Lochiel on Tuesday. The task becomes harder this time around, but from the handy draw, the son of Western Terror remains in the mix as an exotic player. R ELEVEN ART (7) was never a serious threat from a five peg role in posting a 19.3m 7th to Mick Danger in the Carousel Final last week. Prepared by Daren Garrard and to be driven by his in-form son Angus, R Eleven Art is capable of better, as his form prior to that run would suggest so don’t ignore his claims.

RELENTLESS ME 1, Dontletfearstopya 2, Wavethebill 3, R Eleven Art 4..

RACE EIGHT:

Open race to end proceedings with the Jason Grimson-trained WHISKEY CAVALIER (6) worthy of a ticket. Formerly a member of the Andy Gath team in Victoria, where his form was creditable, the son of Lincoln Royal posted a sound trial effort before debuting for his new mentor with a costly, but handy 7.9m 4th to Perfect Stride at this venue a few weeks ago. Subsequent work will have the 6yo primed for a far more committed effort so respect his claims. DOUBLE ACT (7) has been on the verge of a winning display in recent weeks, with an unlucky 7m 4th behind Unfazed, followed by a 6.4m 3rd to Montalbano last week. Caught facing the breeze the 6yo son of Heston Blue Chip battled on stoutly and with the same draw awaiting him this time, Double Act only needs a kinder run to be a serious threat. MONTALBANO (4) came from a three peg role in scoring here last week, never leaving the markers in defeating Major Major and Double Act. Prepared by Rickie Alchin and to be driven by Ash Delosa, the 4yo son of Huntsville has drawn reasonably in four and is contesting a similar assignment so don’t ignore his claims of going back-to-back. BOOM (9) drops back to a suitable contest, but has drawn the outside gate. Runner-up to Unfazed five runs back, the James Rattray trained and driven 7yp has been unplaced since, the latest when an 11.7m 8th to Star Major. The son of Alta Christiano is capable of being far more actively involved in the finish this time around. ROLL UP (8), according to his mentor David Waite, is racing a lot better than his numbers would suggest. After accounting for Total Diva and Boots Electric five starts back, the 6yo son of Roll With Joe has been unplaced, with his latest effort resulting in a 21.3m 8th to Ourmatemenko two weeks ago. Drawing wide doesn’t help his cause, however, Roll Up should at least be included when it comes to multiple transactions. ONE FOR THE RODI (5) produced an improved showing when a 9.5m 4th to Montalbano a week ago and stays in the when it comes to forming multiple investments. JOE NIEN (2) has drawn the back row in each of his past Penrith starts, the latest resulting in a 5.9m 5th to Merrywood Paul. The Leon Jurd-conditioned 9yo will appreciate his far better draw and a competitive showing wouldn’t come as a surprise.

WHISKEY CAVALIER 1, Double Act 2, Montalbano 3, Boom 4.

  - FORM ASSESSED BY MIKE KO'CASS