Vicar heading for a Carousel victory

RACE ONE:

First-up from a spell and confronted by a wide draw, MAJOR FIRE (9) is still worthy of an investment. Prepared by Alex Ashwood, who will also take the reins, the 6yo mare has won both of her previous starts when resuming, the latest when she led throughout in defeating Rakero Slammer and Interpretation at Maryborough back in late January. The talented daughter of Art major contested only five races when last in work, with a disappointing 22.9m 9th to Rakero Rebel at Melton on March 23 resulting in a trip to the spelling paddock. Major Fire has faced the starter on one previous occasion at Menangle and that was the corresponding meeting a year ago. Contesting a heat of the Carousel, Major Fire started an odds-on favourite when beaten a half-head by Vulunteer. In readiness for the trip north, Major Fire posted a solid trial win at Bendigo, defeating the outstanding Shane Sanderson-trained Dangerous. With a final 800m posted in 56.7 and the last 400m in 28.6, Major Fire appears primed for a bold return to the track. The mare has contested only 36 races with 10 wins and eight placings, with the former Kiwi winning eight of those races under the care of Alex, who has been enjoying plenty of success in recent months. Following a shaky start to her career on this side of the Tasman, SWEET COCO (7) has settled down to the business at hand in winning two of her past four while finishing runner-up twice, the latter when run down by The Vicar of Dibley at this venue a couple of weeks ago. The 4yo daughter of Sweet Lou led out before taking a sit on that occasion and from a wider draw here, may look to again be driven with cover. NO DRAMAS (3) has lived up to her name in winning her past two starts in a comfortable manner for trainer Troy Primmer. Returning from an unsuccessful Queensland campaign, which involved two unplaced runs, No Dramas scored at Menangle before comfortably accounting for My Crackling Rosie and Kates Virtue at this venue on September 3. Suitably drawn in three, the daughter of Betterthancheddar will have the opportunity to secure a good run from the outset, leaving her poised to again make her presence felt. LIBBY LOU (2) returns from a spell for Blake Fitzpatrick, and although the talented daughter of Sweet Lou will be taking on older rivals, the 3yo filly can’t be taken lightly. Ending her previous term of racing with a 1.5m 2nd to Perpetuity at Melton on May 25, Libby Lou heads into this contest on the back of a solid trial effort at Menangle. Blake will also be represented by the former Victorian AUREUS (5), which has had four runs for the stable, resulting in two wins, Penrith and Newcastle, respectively, before a 4.8m 2nd to Radiant Amber at Penrith last week. The Art Major mare has been unplaced in two previous starts at Headquarters, but is worthy of considering when it comes to forming exotic transactions. SWEET AGENGA (4) has been racing consistently following a spell while under the care of her new mentor, Seaton Grima. The 4yo mare enjoyed a solid Queensland campaign, winning a couple while being placed twice, before heading back to Menangle and posting a big effort in finishing a 5.7m 3rd to the brilliant, Major Delight. Following that win the daughter of Sweet Lou led in scoring at Penrith last week, with American Hammer failing by the nose margin in gaining the verdict. SHEZ THE REASON (10) also remains in the multiple mix, despite the tough draw, as the Brad Hewitt trained and driven daughter of For A Reason has won her past two starts, Wagga and Menangle, respectively, in fine fashion.

MAJOR FIRE 1, Sweet Coco 2, No Dramas 3, Libby Lou 4.

RACE TWO:

Racing in outstanding form this term, the Geoffrey Harding-trained CRAFTSMAN CHARLIE (8) is entitled to top billing following a quality effort in the Stockade, the consolation of the Eureka, at Menangle last week. A stylish win at this venue on July 13, the son of Art major then posted a hat-trick of solid placings, the latest when a neck 3rd to Cya Art and Dougs Platter, before his latest display when a 15.8m 6th to the classy Victorian, Oliver Dan. That was his first assignment in the ‘big time’ and the 4yo will continue to develop as a result. Confronted by a wide gate for this assignment, Craftsman Charlie is bound to make his presence felt from the outset, with new driver Brad Hewitt in the sulky. In a race overflowing with chances, Craftsman Charlie is capable of greeting the judge for the 10th time in his consistent career. The Jarrod Alchin-trained CAPTAIN TOM (5) will again be a serious player after another solid displays at Headquarters a week ago. Following an all-the-way win when accounting for Mick Danger and Ourmatemenko two starts ago, the 4yo son of Captaintreacherous then had every chance in the one-one in recording a grinding 3,2m 4th to Outside Fighter last week. The Jarrod Alchin-trained gelding has again drawn handily in five, which will allow Captain Tom to be prominently placed from the outset, with options being available. OURMATEMENKO (1) is coming off a solid 5m 6th to Outside Fighter last week after competing from a midfield role. The talented 4yo son of Dowmbytheseaside scored here three runs back, then posted a 4.7m 3rd to Captain Tom. The 4yo has been under the care of Shane Sanderson throughout his 27 starts to date, but will face the starter on this occasion as a member of the David Thorn team. Gate one is a big plus for Ourmatemenko in such a competitive field. ZAMBIA (4) returned from a spell with a useful 9.9m 8th to Terry a couple of weeks ago, following a solid trial hit-out. The Dean Atkinson-trained 7yo had little luck on that occasion, but with a higher level of fitness and a good draw, the son of Bettors Delight is open to a far better showing. It is hard to leave OUTSIDE FIGHTER (7) out of the discussions to date, however, the 7yo son of Art Major is more than capable of delivering another ‘knock-out’ blow in securing his sixth-straight win. After enjoying a kind run behind the leader, courtesy of Jack Callaghan, Outside Fighter finished too well for Has The Courage and Terry. A wider draw awaits Outside Fighter, but he has been winning from various roles so don’t write him off. REGAZZO DI TILLY (6) led from gate one last week in the Stockade, but faded from the home turn in posting a disappointing 16m last to Oliver Dan. Prior to that effort, the Daren Garrard-conditioned son of Changeover finished a respectable 10.7m 5th to Sure Thing Captain in the Racenet Discovery Stakes, the final selection event for the Eureka. The 4yo, maybe, a better chaser and from his wider draw, Angus Garrard, who is driving in fine fashion, will look to secure a role off the pace, allowing Regazzo Di Tilly to be saved for a final 300m challenge.

CRAFTSMAN CHARLIE 1, Captain Tom 2, Ourmatemenko 3, Zambia 4.

RACE THREE:

Despite being confronted by a wide draw for the running of the Sutton McMillan FFA, CURLY JAMES (9) has the chance to go one better on his past two appearances at Menangle. After drawing wide and having little luck, courtesy of striking trouble, the 6yo posted a 13m 4th to stablemate Major Moth at Headquarters, prior to starting favourite when a solid 1.5m 2nd to Speak The Truth. From behind the leader, and eventual winner, Curly James was held up for a run until the 200m, at which point Jack Callaghan was able to switch three carts wide. Over the final 100m, Curly James hit the line with intent. Dictating the terms last week, the son of A Rocknroll Dance gave plenty of cheek, only to be run down in the final few strides by Loyalist. Curly James has drawn deeper for this challenge, and there is speed drawn to his left, however, Jack will have the option of following them over to the pegs. The 2300m events are usually run at a comfortable tempo for the opening 800m or so, and that will benefit Curly James in his attempt to find the lead role. MAX DELIGHT (10) has drawn the outside gate, but the David Aiken-conditioned 8yo must be included as a potential threat. Following a hat-trick of wins at Headquarters, Max Delight faced the starter for the running of the G1 Len Smith Mile last week, with gate allowing Amanda Turnbull to present the son of Bettors Delight with a kind run, directly behind the leader. Gaining an inside run passing the 200m marker, Max Delight loomed as a threat, but Catch A Wave continued to hold on bravely while District Attorney charged late in grabbing 2nd, leaving Max Delight to record a gallant 2m third. Brad Hewitt will take over the driving duties this time around, and although luck will be required, Max Delight will give a whole-hearted effort in his quest for the 31st win of his career. The interesting runner is the Joe and Mary Rando-trained LINE UP (5), who will be lining up for his second run since a spell. Following two solid trials, the classy and lightly-raced 7yo resumed here last week in finishing a 9.3m 8th to Loyalist. Midfield to the home turn, the son of Bettors Delight made his run out three wide on straightening, but his run came to an end nearing the 100m. Fitter and with a slightly better draw, Line Up is worth more than just a passing thought. ARDENS ACE (3), like the paint commercial, ‘keeps on – keeping on’, with the son of Art Major lining up for his 100th start at Menangle. At this venue, the 6yo has collected 10 wins, has been runner-up on 18 occasions and has also finished third, 18 times. Known around the stables as ATM, due to the fact that he keeps producing money on a weekly basis, Ardens Ace is coming off a solid 4.2m 4th to Loyalist last week after occupying one of his favourite rolls in running, three pegs. Suitably drawn in three, Bailey McDonough will be ‘eyeing’ off a kind peg run, and that will again result in a competitive showing from Ardens Ace. CYA ART (2) scored here two runs ago in defeating Dougs Platter and Craftsman Charlie before working home stoutly in recording a 9m 6th to Speak The Truth. The 6yo has drawn ideally in two and as a result, the son of Art Major must be seen as a contender for the top spot. KANENA PROVLIMA (7) finished a gallant 1.4m 2nd to the ultimate Eureka winner, Don Hugo in the consolation of the Blacks A Fake at AP back on July 27, prior to returning to Lucky and finishing unplaced, but far from being disgraced, in his following three Menangle starts. The 8yo is bound to be in the mix from the outset and is more than capable of making his presence known by the time the judge calls a halt to proceedings. WHEREYABINBOPPIN (8) is always capable of being in the mix when it comes to forming exotic combinations.

CURLY JAMES 1, Max Delight 2, Line Up 3, Ardens Ace 4.

RACE FOUR:

The Waratah Series Final is as open as the ‘Sydney heads’, with the majority of the field having claims on the major share of the prizemoney. Although unplaced in each of his four Menangle assignments, the Amanda Turnbull-conditioned MISTER MANAGER (7) may have the authority to get the job done. With four wins and three placings from his 10 starts this season, the 4yo son of For A Reason has been responsible for a consistent term, with two of his unplaced runs the result of having no luck. That was the scenario when Mister Manager stepped out at Bathurst last week in finishing a 6.3m 6th to Alwaysbminnie. Striking trouble and breaking, the 4yo wasn’t disgraced and with better luck in running this time around, Mister Manager will have the chance to greet the judge for his maiden Menangle win. Isobell Ross, who has driven Mister Mananger in his past two engagements, will again have the driving duties. MILLWOOD GRACE (9) has drawn wide, but at least will come into seven with the reserves out, is entitled to be included as one of the top hopes. Prepared by David Micallef and to be driven by son Blake, the mare was responsible for a tough and determined win at Wagga when she narrowly accounted for Return Serve and Jamberoo Ark. The 4yo mare has been mixing her form of late, but she gives the impression that she will be suited racing on this circuit. The Clayton Harmey-trained SAINT KARAMARA (6) has been in career best form in recent months and will appreciate drawing suitably in her quest for her first Menangle win, with two previous failed attempts. The 4yo daughter of Vincent is coming off a narrow, but gritty win at Newcastle, when she worked home stoutly in defeating Captain Dorian and Bat Matson a week ago. Jemma Coney will be looking to have Saint Karamara in a challenging role from the outset. A fitter RETURN SERVE (2) has drawn ideally in two for trainer-driver Dean Cernovskis. The 4yo son of Sweet Lou settled three pegs before working home strongly, via an inside run, when a photo 2nd to Millwood Grace at Wagga. Return Serve has again drawn ideally and that should allow Dean to give the 4yo every chance to lob a kind run. It will then be a case of ‘advantage’ server. MAJOR MUCHA (8) has a win and four placings, all as runner-up, to show for his past five trips to the races. Prepared by Steven lee and to be driven by James Locke, the 8yo is more than capable of making a bid for the top spot while CATCHINGCONBFIDENCE (10) is also in the mix when it comes to forming multiple transactions.

MISTER MANAGER 1, Millwood Grace 2, Saint Karamara 3, Return Serve 4.

RACE FIVE:

Despite drawing wide, which will at least be eased to some extent if the reserves remain sidelined, AMERICAN HAMMER (10) can nail down the eighth win of his career by taking out the opening heat of the Carousel. Prepared by David Aiken, who has won a Carousel, the 5yo recorded back-to-back wins at Penrith before failing by the nose margin in his attempt for the hat-trick. Four pegs after drawing the outside gate, the son of American ideal was driven a treat by Bailey McDonough, who managed to weave a passage which enabled American Hammer to charge late. However, Sweet Agenda, which led in gaining the top spot, established a winning break soon after straightening. The bigger Menangle circuit should American Hammer and with Bailey driving in superb form, the combination are poised to go one better this time around. Ideally drawn in two, with reserves out, and racing in fine style, KAITOA (4) is bound to again play an active role in the finish. Prepared by Kristie O’Sullivan and to be driven by Dean Cernovskis, the son of For A Reason scored here five starts ago, with his subsequent four runs all being respectable efforts, the past couple resulting in placings. After working home stoutly in finishing a 3m 3rd to Ideal Marquess, the 4yo then worked outside of the leader when a gallant metre 2nd to Red Reactor, which ran another good race when 2nd to Major Major at Menangle on Tuesday. The ideal draw will; allow Dean to have Kaitoa prominently placed from the outset, ensuring that he plays a role in the finish. WINONA WRITER (11) has also drawn deep, but the daughter of Sportswriter usually settles back in the pack before coming with a rush. Prepared and driven by Sofia Arvidsson, the 6yo mare scored here four runs ago and hasn’t been far away since. Two weeks ago, Winona Writer came from a role, six back along the pegs, when an 8.8m 5th to The Vicar of Dibley. Compared to her past few Menangle outings, this appears a slightly more acceptable challenge for the mare. RYANS GANGSTER (8) has been runner-up in his past two engagements, both at Newcastle, the latter when beaten 8.7m by Rakadan a couple of weeks ago. Although he doesn’t win out of turn, the son of Courage Under Fire is capable of being a threat. SKITTLE BOMB (9) was rewarded for some recent handy form when the son of American Ideal led in defeating Scared Stiff and Tick A Loch at Wagga a few weeks ago. Prepared by David Micallef and to be driven by his son Blake, the 5yo will find this a slightly harder challenge, and although unplaced in four starts here, Skittle Bomb is worthy of more than a passing thought. TITIAN RAIDER )(7) has been thereabouts of late and should be included in multiple transactions while R ELEVEN ART (5) has a suitable draw and that is a plus for the Queenslander, so include the 5yo in exotic transactions.

AMERICAN HAMMER 1, Kaitoa 2, Winona Writer 3, Ryans Gangster 4.

RACE SIX:

With the reserves remaining on the bench, THE VICAR OF DIBLEY (9) will face the starter from gate seven when he competes in the second heat of the Carousel. That should make the task of the Daren Garrard-trained mare a shade easier and, as a result, the daughter of Betting Line appeals as the one to beat. After greeting the judge at Albion Park on August 20, when having her third run back from a spell, the 4yo headed to Menangle for her next assignment, two weeks later. Drawing ideally in two, The Vicar of Dibley settled three pegs before Angus Garrard managed to ease the mare into a role in the running line on the point of the final bend. Eased to the middle of the track, The Vicar of Dibley powered home over the final 200m, resulting in a comfortable win over Sweet Coco and My Moonlite Dream, which had been racing in fine style against quality opposition. Angus is likely to keep The Vicar of Dibley fresh for another barnstorming finish, with the longer trip of 2300m likely to be to her advantage. Also drawing deep is the Steve Turnbull-trained SMOOTH BUZZ (11), who has managed just two placings seven starts at this venue. The 4yo son of Huntsville is coming off two solid wins at Bathurst, the latter when he worked in defeating Pas De Cheval and Saveeon. Smooth Buzz will again be called upon to put in some overtime if he is to complete a hat-trick of wins, But, he is capable of making his presence felt in this company. EMMAS BOY (10) broke a ‘run of outs’ when he accounted for King Tintin and The Texas Ranger at Wagga a couple of weeks ago. Now under the care of Jackson painting, the 7yo son of Terror To Love has handy Menangle stats when under the care of Brad Hewitt, so respect his claims. OUR SUNSET DELIGHT (7) will be having his first outing since a solid 9.3m 4th to Lous Dream at this venue back on January 27. Boasti9ng eight wins from his 21 assignments, the Anthony Frisby trained and driven son of Art Major has had the benefit of four solid trials at Bathurst, one resulting in a win by 38m. It would appear that Anthony has set his sights on this series with Our Sunset Delight so respect his claims. SUNDAY MORNINGS (6) has been unplaced in his past four runs following a win at Penrith. The son of Julius Caesar is capable of better and an improved showing may come on the back of a suitable draw. At the very least, Sunday Mornings is worthy of exotic involvement. Former Kiwi DOM TORETTO (4) debuted for Jason Grimson with a 10.2m 3rd to Power Up at this venue a couple of weeks ago, the outing being his first in a month. Suitably drawn and better for the Menangle experience, the 4yo son of Sweet Lou remains in the mix, especially if there is a money trail heading in his direction. OUR IDEAL DREAM (5) has been responsible for a run of consistent efforts so don’t overlook the 5yo as a useful exotic player.

THE VICAR OF DIBLEY 1, Smooth Buzz 2, Emmas Boy 3, Our Sunset Delight 4.

RACE SEVEN:

A further heat of the Carousel and the Victorian RAKAJED (6) looks suitably placed to open his initial Menangle assignment on a winning note. Prepared by Jamie Kirk and to be driven by Brian Portelli, the son of A Rocknroll Dance posted seven placings from his opening nine starts since a spell before breaking through for a deserving win at Ballarat a couple of weeks ago. Taken to the lead by Taylor Youl, the 5yo held on gamely to defeat Hugo Maguire and Marty The Martian, with the pair both racing in fine form as well. Although the winner of just six races, Rakajed is rarely too far away and, as a result, he has also collected 27 minor placings and numerous fourth placings. Providing the reserves aren’t called upon, Rakajed will leave the machine from gate four, which is an appealing starting point for the gelding. Brian will no doubt be looking to take charge of proceedings from the outset. SPECULATING (9) has been mixing his form. However, the Chris Judd-trained son of Roll With Joe is capable of being involved in the finish. A winner here five starts ago, the 4yo is coming off a respectable 5.5m 5th to Outside Fighter a couple of weeks ago after being left exposed outside of the leader. The wide draw, which will be helped by two spots with the reserves out, will likely result in Speculating being eased off the gate, mindful of keeping fresh legs for the completion of the 2300m assignment. VINKE B (8) won back-to-back races before posting six creditable efforts, two resulting in placings. The most recent was a solid-finishing 3rd to Eric The Kicker and Donegal Luther a couple of weeks ago. The 4yo son of Vincent came from a rearward role on that occasion and Bailey McDonough is bound to again have the 4yo travelling kindly in a similar role. DONEGAL LUTHER (12) has drawn the outside gate but is entitled to be included in the main bracket of chances. Prepared by Amanda Turnbull and to be driven by Isobel Ross, the 5yo son of Bettors Creek resumed from a spell with a solid, photo 2nd to Eric The Kicker. Drawing wide on that occasion, Donegal Luther settled midfield before working home stoutly. Fitter, Donegal Luther is more than capable of greeting the judge. The interesting runner is DUKE OF SCOTLAND (11),which is a member of the Chantal Turpin team. Resuming from a spell with a hat-trick of wins, the 4yo son of Sweet Lou broke in finishing a distant last to Blazing Home in the 4YO Championship at Albion Park back in late July. Drawing the back row for his next assignment at AP on August 10, Duke Of Scotland worked home gamely out three deep in recording a gallant 1.5m 2nd to Royal Cruiser. Jack Callaghan has been booked to handle the driving duties and over the 2300m, Duke Of Scotland is bound to be a serious threat. BARTELLO (10) has been in the mix on a number of occasions in recent times and is a suitable runner for multiple transactions while IDEAL MARQUESS (7) and CATSEYE BEACH (5), which is under the care of Daren Garrard, also remains in the mix when it comes to forming combinations. The 5yo son of Sunshine Beach will be having his first outing since scoring at AP back in late January, but a recent solid Menangle trial win has lifted his level of fitness.

RAKAJED 1, Speculating 2, Vinke B 3, Donegal Luther 4.

RACE EIGHT:

In recent months, the Ian Wilson-conditioned MICK DANGER (10) has become a reliable, Menangle performer, and although the son of Captaintreacherous has drawn wide, which will ultimately be gate eight with the reserves, the bay warrants a high rating for the running of the third heat of the Carousel. Contesting stronger races on a regular basis since scoring here back in mid-July, Mick Danger stepped up a few notches when he contested the Stockade, which is virtually the consolation event to the Eureka, at Menangle last week. Restrained at the start and settling four pegs, Mick Danger worked home stoutly in recording a respectable 10m 5th to the classy, Oliver Dan. Jim Douglass, who continues to drive in fine fashion, has a wonderful understanding of the son of the 4yo, and is again poised to find a kind, stalking role, prior to bringing Mick Danger with a final shot at the top spot. The 2300m should be suitable journey for Mick Danger, providing it isn’t a truly run race from the outset. But that is always a big if, from this starting point. POWER UP (5) is another winning hope for David Aiken, with the 5yo posting a number of consistent performances at this venue, prior to finishing strongly when he easily accounted for Double Fear and Dom Toretto a couple of week ago. The task becomes harder for the son of Art Major, however, his draw is ideal and his form is certainly good enough to be a serious contender for the top spot. The outside gate awaits STIR ME UP (12) but don’t ignore his claims. Prepared, by Sofia Arvidsson and to be driven by Bailey McDonough, who has a number of quality drives on the card, Stir Me Up has been placed in his past three Menangle assignments, the latest when he enjoyed the one-one before working home stoutly for a respectable 2.7m 3rd to Heavenly Charm. The former Victorian is overdue for a win and it could easily come his way this time around. HUTA (6) has been a consistent performer on his home track of Bathurst and he warrants attention when it comes to forming multiple transactions. SCARED STIFF (4) is a last-start Wagga winner and with an ideal draw assisting his claims, the 7yo son of Terror To Love also falls into the category as a suitable contender for exotic consideration. LOUBOWSKI (9) and DEBONAIRE (7) our on the next line of multiple players, along with CAULONIA COURAGE (11).

MICK DANGER 1, Power Up 2, Stir Me Up 3, Huta 4.

RACE NINE:

Rarely far away and dropping back to a suitable challenge, UNFAZED (9) should prove to be one of the ‘better bets’ of the night. The son of Auckland Reactor has been competing in races won by Max Delight, Dougs Platter, Whereyabinboppin and Ardens Ace, respectively, prior to his latest effort a couple of weeks ago when a grinding 3.8m 4th to Terry. Major Major, which finished second in that race, was able to post a comfortable win at Menangle on Tuesday. The Paul Fitzpatrick-trained 7yo is capable of doing the ‘hard yards’, or sitting back and grinding his way into a threatening position on straightening for home, so he has the versatility to adapt to any situation. Lleyton Green has been booked to handle the driving duties. A fitter GLENLEDI ELVIS (3), is ready to make his presence felt following two sound runs since joining the Luke McCarthy stable. Resuming from a spell with a creditable 5.5m 5th to terry, the 5yo son of A Rocknroll Dance then worked home steadily, without threatening, in finishing a useful 7.4m 7th to Outside Fighter last week. The combination of added fitness, an ideal draw and a suitable assignment, add up to a productive showing from Glenledi Elvis. RAKADAN (2) will be the main obstacle between Unfazed and the winning post. Trained and driven by Seaton Grima, the son of Hes Watching has won his past two starts at Newcastle, the first easily beating Ryans Gangster and Laceys Lad, while the latter resulted in the 4yo proving a shade too good for the veteran Mach Da Vinci. Rakadan is drawn to attack for the lead role from the outset and that is exactly where Seaton will be heading once the green light is activated. The 2300m is a query, but if Rakadan does receive a sedate sectional or two, then he will be able to zip home in proving hard to run down. BLACK ONYX (4) had little luck in the run home in finishing a 6.8m 6th to Terry a couple of weeks ago. Three pegs, the 5yo was unable to secure a suitable run in the straight, despite Lleyton Green changing course on a  couple of occasions. Handily drawn, and rarely far from the action in five runs since a spell, Black onyx can’t be taken lightly. SURFERS DELIGHT (7) hasn’t been far away in recent engagements, with a last-start 6.8m 3rd to Major Major at this venue on Tuesday, worth noting when it comes to forming multiple transactions. DOUBLE ACT (6) has also been thereabouts in recent outings and is another who is more than capable of assisting when it comes to exotic investments.

UNFAZED 1, Glenledi Elvis 2, Rakadan 3, Black Onyx 4.

  - FORM ASSESSED BY MIKE KO'CASS