Victorian 'invaders' set to dominate at Menangle

RACE ONE:

Despite stepping out for his initial Menangle experience, Victorian SERG BLANCO (9) warrants attention in what appears to be a suitable assignment for this talented son of Bettors Delight. Prepared by Steven Duffy and to be driven by his son Ryan, the 6yo has had the benefit of four runs since a spell, with the quartet of outings all resulting in creditable performances. In particular his 4.5m 5th to Like A Wildfire, which has also made the trip north for Emma Stewart, and he will prove hard top beat in the second, while the latest of Serg Blanco also resulted in a solid display. Contesting a 2240m event at Melton last Saturday, Serg Blanco settled three back in the running line, prior to working home strongly in recording a 2.2m 4th to Bulletproof Boy. The southern raider has drawn was, but the gelding has shown he can leave the machine with intent. The lengthy Menangle run home should assist Serg Blanco so expect a competitive showing from the Congupna resident. Drawing one spot wider is the main threat to Serg Blanco in local resident KANENA PROVLIMA (10). Prepared by KerryAnn Morris, the 8yo returns to his home circuit following a creditable stint of racing during the Queensland Winter carnival. Although the son of A Rocknroll Dance went without a win, he was thereabouts on a few occasions, with his best result being a last-start 1.4m 2nd behind Don Hugo at AP two weeks ago. Without a win since taking out the Ballarat Cup back in January, Kanena Provlima is more than capable of finding this challenge acceptable so don’t ignore his claims. The David Aiken-trained MALCOLMS RHYTHM (7) continues to strive for that elusive win which has avoided him since he greeted the judge  at this venue back in November 2021. That particular victory was recorded in a heat of the Inter Dominion when he accounted for Spirit Of St Louis and Line Up. It is hard to believe that the son of Art Major has gone this long without another winner’s cheque. The 8yo is coming off two solid displays at Headquarters, the first when an 8m 4th to Petes Said So while the latter, which was a few weeks ago, resulted in a solid 6m 5th to Petes Said So once again. Malcolms Rhythm will again be driven by Bailey McDonough  and with a middle of the line starting position, the pair should be suitably placed to make their presence felt. The former Andy Gath-trained TERRY (2) makes his debut for the Darren Binskin team and with gate two being an ideal draw for the son of Terror To Love, his claims can’t be denied. The 7yo opened his latest term of racing with a number of struggling efforts, however, over the past few months the 7yo has been showing a far more competitive spirit. If Terry can repeat the effort which enabled him to record a determined 1.8m 2nd to Gawn at Ballarat three runs ago, when he did a power of extra work out three wide, then he will give a cheeky display from a far better draw. At his second run back from a spell, BOOTS ELECTRIC (8) was responsible for a sound display in finishing an 8.7m 3rd to Roll Up two weeks ago. Fitter, the son of Somebeachsomewhere is heading in the right direction following a period of disappointing efforts. MACH DA VINCI (11) is coming off a disappointing effort when a 9.3m 5th to Roll Up. Working his way around the field, as they approached the thick fog in the back straight, the 7yo emerged in front, however, was unable to maintain the effort. The son of Art Major had been racing well enough prior to that run to be included in exotic investments. ARDENS ACE (6) is also a contender in that regard.

SERG BLANCO 1, Kanena Provlima 2, Malcolms Rhythm 3, Terry 4.

RACE TWO:

The outside gate won’t be enough to prevent the classy Emma Stewart-conditioned LIKE A WILDFIRE (11) from pasting his fourth win in five starts since resuming from a spell. The classy son of Big Jim resumed with two hard-fought wins at Melton before drawing the back row for the running of the Italian Cup at that venue on June 15. From a midfield role the 9yo kept grinding away stoutly over the final stages, resulting in a 6m 5th to Tango Tara. A few weeks later and despite the presence of another back row draw, Like A Wildfire powered home over the concluding stages to account for Triple Eight and Bach in the Preux Chevalier FFA. Ash Delosa, who has emerged as an outstanding talent this season, has again been booked by Emma to take the reins and with the pair enjoying success of late, Like A Wildfire is poised to keep the good times coming. The form guide will show that LOYALIST (10) was unplaced in both his assignments in Queensland, however, both runs were more than acceptable and the Joe Conolly-prepared son of Bettors Delight is worthy of a ‘saver’ investment. Following a gritty 4.3m 3rd to Hector in the Paul Fitzpatrick FFA at Menangle, which was his second run back, Loyalist then contested the Sunshine Sprint consolation at AP, which resulted in a 9.2m 8th to Jimartee. Starting that contest from the back row and also finding some trouble, Loyalist wasn’t disgraced. The 7yo then stepped out in the consolation of the Blacks A Fake, drawing the inside of the second row for the 2680m  challenge. From a four peg role Loyalist had little luck securing a clear run, resulting in Cam Hart changing course on a couple of occasions. The end result was a closing 5.4m 5th to Don Hugo, with Cam Hart being forced to take another grip on the reins as the field approached the winning post. Loyalist has a wide gate, but he peaks in condition and with Amanda Turnbull producing a few outstanding winning drives of late, Loyalist is ready to greet the judge. The consistent VANQUISH STRIDE (8) is also entitled to be respected, although this will be a harder contest compared to his latest outing. The Shane Sanderson-trained 6yo, made the trip north following a win and a 6.4m 3rd to Roadmaster at Melton, prior to posting a 9.2m 2nd to Pitch Perfect at this venue when he worked home strongly from a six peg role. Confronted by another wide gate the 6yo will be partnered by Abby Sanderson, who takes over the reins from Lucas Rando. With the benefit of his best draw for some time, WHEREYABINBOPPIN (2) is capable of making things interesting for his rival. To be driven by Taylah Osmond, the 8yo will start the 1609m challenge from gate one if the reserve remains out of the equation. The James Rattray-conditioned son of A Rocknroll Dance has been runner-up in two of his past four Menangle starts, but has also been well-beaten in the other two assignments. That was the case last time out when Whereyabinboppin drew wide in settling midfields before posting a 16.7m 8th to Max Delight a week ago. The lead role could be on offer or at the very least, a far kinder trip on the pegs. And that will assist Whereyabinboppin in his quest to figure in the placings. OUR MONEY ROCKS (9) was having his second run back from a spell when a solid 9m 4th to Max Delight after contesting the Kevin Newman FFA from outside of the leader. With a higher level of fitness now behind him, the David Thorn-trained 7yo, despite the tricky draw, can’t be taken lightly. UNFAZED (5) once again tried hard when an 11.5m 4th to Dougs Platter so don’t rule him out of exotic combinations while BROOKLYN BRIDGE (4), with the benefit of three runs back, also fits into that category.

LIKE A WILDFIRE 1, Loyalist 2, Vanquish Stride 3, Whereyabinboppin 4.

RACE THREE:

The Emma Stewart-trained PETRACCA (6) will face the starter as the one to beat after going down last time out as an odds-on elect at Melton two weeks ago. The important scratching of the main threat in Dangerous has made the pathway to success, that much easier for the high-profile Victorian. Contesting his second outing since taking out the Victoria Derby at Melton last October, the classy son of Captaintreacherous enjoyed the run of the race, courtesy of Ash Delosa, in the one-one, but was unable to repel a late surge from a fitter Kosimo. Boasting 11 wins and two placings from his 16 engagements, would appear ideally placed in this event and with his Victoria Derby winning partner returning to the sulky, Petracca will have the winning post honed-in as his ultimate goal. DOUGS PLATTER (2) has drawn ideally in two so a suitable, economical run should be forthcoming, courtesy of the in-form Josh Gallagher. After being retired from his assignment two starts ago, when he suffered an atrial fibrillation, along with those who supported him, the 4yo posted an 82m last to Blazing Home, the son of Betterthancheddar gave his supporters no need to grab the heart pills last week. The short-priced elect led from start to finish in defeating Craftsman Charlie and Little Bliss. The two Victorian’s will present Dougs Platter with a far harder challenge, however, he has always been a fine talent and another bold showing can be expected. OOGA CHAKA (5) won two on end in fine fashion before working when a tiring , but useful 9.4m 9th to Im Rockin It here a couple of weeks ago. This will be a harder assignment for the  5yo son of Art Major, but he stays in the mix as an exotic contender. PITCH PERFECT (4) has been in fine form in his two runs for the KerryAnn Morris team and Robbie is confident that another bold showing will result in a role in the finish. SURFERS DELIGHT (7), DANCE AND DELIVER and JILLIBY NITRO (3) also remain in the mix when it comes to forming multiple transactions.

PETRACCA 1, Dougs Platter 2, Ooga Chaka 3, Pitch Perfect 4.

RACE FOUR:

Peaking in condition following three runs since a spell, DIEING ART (4) is ready to strike winning form once again. Ending her previous term of racing with a win at Penrith on May 16, the Jarrod Alchin-trained daughter of Art Major has been in the mix in each of her three runs back, the latest resulting in her best effort. Drawing wide and settling in the one-one, courtesy of Will Rixon, the mare worked home stoutly in recording a solid 1.5m 3rd behind Winona Writer and Saveeon last week. Fitter and suitably drawn, the lightly-raced Dieing Art, which only commenced her career at the start of the season, is capable of chalking up the sixth win from just 15 starts. CASH AND BLING (1) will again launch his claim from gate one, as the Darren Binskin trained and driven son of Bling It On looks to have better luck this time around, compared to his past two encounters. Two starts back and left facing the breeze, Cash And Bling recorded a creditable 6.9m 3rd behind Bartello, then last week the 4yo again had little luck after starting from the pole position. Settling four pegs, Cash And Bling was unable to secure a clear run over the final 200m, resulting in going to the line with something in reserve when a 6.9m 6th to the former Kiwi and short-priced elect, Treacherous Gall. This is a race with a number of chances, with Cash And Bling definitely one of them. If luck does come his way, and DJ should be able to provide the drive required, then Cash And Bling is capable of getting the cash. OURMATEMENKO (5) is coming off a below par display when a 27m last to Hy Voltage, which shocked all and sundry with his surprise win, at Menangle two weeks ago. The Shane Sanderson-trained son of Downbytheseaside arrived from Victoria in fine form, but after being left exposed outside of the leader, the 4yo had little to offer in the run home. With nine wins and six placings from 24 starts, Ourmatemenko is a talent so expect a far more competitive showing this time around. SPECULATING (11) has been mixing his form since a spell and has a tough draw to overcome, however, the Chris Judd-conditioned son of Roll With Joe can’t be overlooked as a threat. From a good draw last time out, Speculating was able to secure a kind run behind the leader, courtesy of Peter McRae, but the 4yo was unable to convert that into a competitive showing in finishing a useful 7.5m 8th to Im Rockin It. Speculating did overcome the outside gate in defeating Vinke B and Wayoutwest two starts ago, so he overcome obstacles in greeting the judge. The gelding will be required to produce a carbon copy of that effort to prevail once again. Exotic players should include WHATABOYJACK (7) which is coming off a solid win here last week and CAULONIA COURAGE (8), which  is racing with plenty of confidence and a win by either one, wouldn’t come as a surprise. SON OF THE SHARK (2) had no luck at Penrith when a 6m 4th to Rickoshay, and although this will be a tougher assignment for the 4yo son of Lennytheshark, he is worthy of including as a value player in multiple combinations.

DIEING ART 1, Cash And Bling 2, Ourmatemenko 3, Speculating 4.

RACE FIVE:

The Norms Daughter Stakes will see the clash of two exciting performers in AARDIES EXPRESS (8) and MAJOR DELIGHT (9). AADIES EXPRESS returns to the scene of her greatest win  to date, the G1 Queen Elizabeth 11 when she defeated ladies In Red and Illavabubbles. The daughter of Always B Miki has contested for races since that exciting display on May 4, the past two when competing in the Queensland Winter carnival. Following an all-the-way win in the Fleur De Lil, with Manhattan and Tay Tay filling the minors, the 5yo then worked to be outside of the leader in the G1 Golden Girl. In what was a determined display, Aardies Express was unable to hold off the late challenge by Eye Keep smiling, which had the better trip when competing from the one-one. Beaten 2.6m in finishing second, Aardies Express was brave in defeat. For her upcoming assignment Aardies Express has drawn gate eight, but Cam Hart will be keen to make his presence felt with Aardies Express from the outset. And, in doing so, keep his main danger, Major Delight, left facing the breeze. With Cam Hart dictating the terms, Aardies Express should be able to record her fourth win at this venue from just five assignments. MAJOR DELIGHT, as her brilliant record would suggest. From 25 starts the 4yo daughter of Bettors Delight has posted 2o wins and four placings, three as runner-up, so she is always in for the fight. Spelled by Emma Stewart following a win at Menangle on May 4, Major Delight resumed with a win at this venue, overcoming the outside draw in the process. On that occasion Little Bliss and Total Diva filled the minors. Back home and Major Delight faced the starter for the Jane Allen FFA at Melton two weeks ago, with Ash Delosa again partnering the brilliant Victorian. Working across to find the pegs, Major Delight always had the situation under control in recording a solid 1.4m win over a game Rakero Rebel while Soho Historia was a pleasing 3rd, a further 2.2m away. Ash will be keen to keep Aardies Express well within reach and is bound to follow the former Kiwi across to the markers. From that point onwards, the 1609m challenge will be an intriguing contest from start to finish. The battle for the minors will also be keenly contested with the Luke McCarthy-trained NOT TO BE DENIED (5) also back in action after a creditable Queensland campaign. The mare had mixed luck during her stint, with her latest effort resulting in a 6.9m 8th to Tay Tay at AP a couple of weeks ago when she had little luck gaining a suitable run from a three peg role. Handily drawn, the 5yo daughter of Always B Miki is capable of being in the mix from the outset and that will assist in her claims to be at least grab third spot. Former Kiwi TREACHEROUS GALL (4) enjoyed a successful debut appearance at Menangle last week when the daughter of Captaintreacherous led in defeating Caulonia Courage and Im Rockin It. This will be a tougher test for the David Aiken-trained mare, but she is a talented type which is capable of another good account. TOTAL DIVA (7) was below her best over an extended period, however, the Peter Hanson-trained daughter of Terror To Love has returned from a spell in great order, having been placed in all three engagements. The latest was a week ago when she again hit the line with intent in posting a 5.9m 3rd to Max Delight. The 7yo appeals as a solid player when it comes to the multiples. LITTLE BLISS (6) finished a solid5.2m 2nd to Major Delight here three runs back, prior to a 17.5m 8th to Pitch Perfect, then a pleasing 4.4m 3rd behind Dougs Platter a week ago. The Troy Willaims-prepared 7yo daughter of Art Major enjoys races of this nature, making her a suitable exotic runner. MY MOONLITE DREAM (3) is coming off three sound runs to end her Queensland campaign and from gate three, the daughter of Always B Miki is also in the mix as an exotic contender.

AARDIES EXPRESS 1, Major Delight 2, Not To Be Denied 3, Treacherous Gall 4.

RACE SIX:

With the benefit of three runs from a spell, the classy RENEWAL (6) is the one to beat in the Pink Diamond. A member of the powerful Emma Stewart team, the 3yo daughter of American Ideal has an impress record, just 11 starts into her career, with six wins and five placings, for of those as runner-up, which includes a 7.5m display when beaten by Lux Aeterna in the G1 NSWBC 2YO Fillies Final, her final outing before heading to the paddock. Resuming with a costly neck 2nd to Elusive at Maryborough on June 3, when in trouble from a back row draw, Renewal made amends when she led in scoring at Launceston. Back to Melton a month later on July 26, and from the inside of the back row, Renewal  again found the winning post elusive as Elusive again had the better of the pair when in beating home the odds-on elect with a margin of 3.6m to spare. The filly will have her fourth driver from as many starts this campaign when Cam Hart takes over the driving duties. The move to the front line will also allow Cam to make his own decisions and first order of business will be to have Renewal dictating the terms. That will be enough to see Renewal get the cash and the ‘bling’. The main threat to the Victorian will be CHEEKY KISS (7) which faces the starter with an unblemished record, having won all five starts. Prepared by Miracle Mile winning reinsman Mat Rue, who also handles the driving duties behind this quality 3yo daughter of Always B Miki, Cheeky Kiss led throughout when she won the NSW Bred 3YO Final at this venue on June 1, defeating A Lot Of Luvin and Bettine. Heading back to her home track of Bathurst, the filly worked from a back row draw, but still proved far too classy for Backwards First and Ruby Baby. Cheeky Kiss has displayed versatility in her brief career, but this will be an interesting challenge coming up against a filly such as Renewal. Mat will be keen to keep the Victorian well within his sights from the outset, and with only seven runners facing the starter, that task should be achieved. BOLERO (3) scored an effortless win at Bankstown before finishing runner-up to Tisbury Rocks at Headquarters, then filling the same position when beaten as an odds-on favourite by Play Southernland at Penrith. Suitably drawn in three, the Kerry and Dean McDowell-trained daughter of Vincent has bright claims of being a suitable exotic player. A LOT OF LUVIN (5) has been a model of consistency of late for Lucky Lodge and is again capable of making a bold play for a role in the top four. The daughter of Somebeachsomewhere is coming off a gritty win at Penrith, and although confronted by a harder task, Robert Morris is confident the filly will give a good account. Stablemate ZENALOU (2) was never a factor last week in the race won by another Lucky Lodge resident in the sharp of the exciting prospect Dangerous Threats. The draw will at least give the daughter of Sweet Lou the opportunity to make a play for a minor exotic role and at a value price. That leaves DIVINE GIRL (1) and MY BULA BUS (4) and the pair are also in the multiple mix.

RENEWAL 1, Cheeky Kiss 2, Bolero 3, A Lot Of Luvin 4.

RACE SEVEN:

In what is shaping as one of the toughest races on the card, CAPTAIN TOM (9) is worthy of another chance after failing to make his presence felt last time out. Drawing wide and restrained by Chris Geary at the start, the 4yo settled in a rearward role, with the son of Captaintreacherous unable to make sufficient ground over the final stages in recording a 12.7m 8th to Ooga Chaka. Prior to that display, Captain Tom led in fighting off all challengers in taking out the Temora Cup, defeating The Ex Horseist and dead-heaters for third, Forever Yin and Racing Time. The 4yo then posted an eye-catching 5.7m 2nd behind Craftsman Charlie, coming from a four peg role in making up many metres over the final stages. With his latest encounter being his first since joining the Jarrod Alchin stable, Captain Tom is bound to have settled into his new surroundings and he will attack this race as a serious contender for the top spot. POWER UP (8) also has an awkward draw to overcome, drawing one spot better than Captain Tom, but it is hard to ignore the son of Art Major. Prepared by David Aiken, the 5yo has recorded three placings and a solid 4th to Cash And Bling from his past four starts as he continues to edge towards a deserving win. Following a 4.9m 3rd to Ideal Marquess at this venue, when he made up many metres, Power Up enjoyed a kinder run behind the leader, after leading out and taking a sit, when a solid 2.6m 2nd to Whataboyjack last week. While the draw is a concern, Power Up is bound to again make his presence felt. The Kristie O’Sullivan-trained KAITOA (7) continues to be competitive and that should be the case once again. A winner here three runs ago, the 4yo son of For A Reason has posted two sound displays since, the latter resulting in a 4.4m 5th to Treacherous Gall a week ago. Although a wider draw awaits Kaitoa, a role in the finish is again on the cards. IDEAL MARQUESS (3) has drawn suitably, compared to a wide gate when a closing 5.2m 3rd to Whataboyjack last week. With a kinder run likely to come her way, the 6yo daughter of American Ideal is more than capable of playing an active role in the finish. The consistent DENNY ROCKS (2) remains in contention after drawing well in two while KILLARA SAMURAI (4) and SHEFFIELD SPARKY (5) should be included in discussions when it comes to forming multiple transactions. THE METAL FLYER (11) has won his past two at Penrith, but the harder task, coupled with the outside gate, may prove a bridge too far.

CAPTAIN TOM 1, Power Up 2, Kaitoa 3, Ideal Marquess 4.

RACE EIGHT:

Following an impressive win, when second-up for the Brad Hewitt stable, at Menangle last week THE LOCOMOTIVE (8) will again prove to be the one to beat. After enjoying plenty of success when under the care of Wayne Potter in Victoria, the 4yo son of Muscle Mass debuted for Brad with a 16.4m 6th to Rockinwithattitude in the G1 The Great Square at AP on July 13. With the benefit of two runs back from a spell, The Locomotive contested a 2300m event last week, and despite the presence of a 20m handicap, the support kept rolling in for the entire. Courtesy of a safe beginning, The Locomotive was able to pick of those ahead with the minimum of fuss, resulting in Brad Hewitt staking the favourite to the lead. From that points onwards, The Locomotive wasn’t about to take on any unwanted stops, powering along in posting an impressive 9m victory over Leaf Stride and Speedy Lover. Back to a mobile assignment and The Locomotive is clearly the one to beat as his level of fitness continues to head in the right direction. No doubt, from the outset, Brad will have The Locomotive working up a full head of steam in finding the lead role and the winning post. TORO STRIDE (7) appreciate the mobile conditions after contesting the stand a week ago from behind the 20m tapes. Beginning safely and securing the one-one as a result, the Joe and Mary Rando-trained 5yo worked home stoutly, but was never a factor in recording a 14.3m 4th to The Locomotive. All of his nine career wins have been under these conditions so expect Toro Stride to be far more competitive this time around. SUPER SERVICE (3) also went around in the stand and was afforded every chance by Will Rixon. After leading out from his front line draw, Will elected to take cover with the 6yo, however, the son of Majestic son was unable to make it four wins on the bounce when he faded to post a disappointing 19m sixth. With an ideal draw next to his name, Super Service is entitled to another chance. CALIGULA (9) is capable of anything and then again nothing, but he remains in the mix  due to his talent when in the mood. Leading throughout three runs back in scoring by a big margin, the 8yo then galloped out and was never a contender in recording a 54.2m last to London To A Brick. Then, it was back to be competitive when a stout finishing 7m 2nd to Toro Stride. If, in the mood, Caligula is more than capable of being a serious player. HOT TO TROT (5) has also been mixing his form, with a win four starts ago, followed by some patchy displays, with a 3.6m 2nd to Super Service sandwiched between two unplaced efforts. The Sofia Arvidsson-trained son of Creatine remains in the mix when it comes to forming multiple transactions. KerryAnn Morris will be represented by SHEZA PLEASURE (4) and SUNNY GEE (6) and both have been doing enough of late to recommend them for a spot in exotic transactions.

THE LOCOMOTIVE 1, Toro Stride 2, Super Service 3, Caligula 4.

    - FORM ASSESSED BY MIKE KO'CASS