Racing and Sports Menangle Mail - February 22

21 February 2025

 

The final make-up of next week’s Chariots of Fire will be decided when the four-year-olds tackle the Group 3 Paleface Adios Stakes at Menangle on Saturday night.

Later Star Kiwi trotter makes his Sydney debut off an impressive last-start win in the Cranbourne Trotters Cup.
Race-by-race preview of Menangle, Saturday February 22
Race 1: NATIONALTROTGUIDE.COM.AU PACE
SPECULATING (3) made an encouraging return here last week when he placed from a wider barrier. He has yet to miss the top-three in four second-up attempts so should be improved and has the speed to take advantage of a lower draw. Hard to knock the recent consistency of DOM TORETTO (10) who has finished runner-up in all three starts since coming from a similar draw to win at this circuit and distance. Has only missed by a head in his last two outings. Big chance to atone. RAVISHING SLOY (5) was held up last time to follow a resuming placing from a back row draw at Penrith. Strikes at 50 per cent at this circuit and could be ready to show more third up. JOE NIEN (4) has claims after finishing runner-up from a wide draw last week.
Race 2: BESTINBEDS.COM.AU PACE
MR TEDDY (3) - pictured - performed well to finish third in a handy line-up here last start. Had been progressing strongly prior, winning four of his previous five outings. Strikes at 50 per cent at this venue, overcoming the outside barrier to score two back. Should get his chance from this favourable barrier. SWEETHEART BART (4) hasn't been far away in any of his three starts since a fresh win, last time beaten 4m into fourth at this circuit. Expect him to be in the finish again. The form of COMPETE (7) has tapered off since he won four in a row here earlier in the campaign but he did draw wide last week and wasn't disgraced. Must respect. KING TINTIN (6) was down the track last time but won his other three starts this time in so deserves another chance. JORDY (2) is finding it hard to win but can be competitive again from the low draw.
Race 3: EAST COAST STEEL PACE
BIRKIRKARA (4) arrived from Queensland unbeaten in five starts and performed well at this circuit last week, finishing third to a Chariots of Fire hopeful. Talented pacer who can measure up to these aided by the low draw. DASHING (9) was less than a metre behind Birkirkara last week. Draws wider but the prior form was strong, placing here two back to follow a string of wins in the country. Right in this. BALTUSROL (2) is progressive having won three of four here this time in and the draw could see him take the next step. THE TAX CULLECTOR (6) should be hitting peak fitness and looks close to a win after placing in two of his last three starts here, coming from wider draws both times. LOCHINVAR JAG (10) improved to place last week and while drawn wider he strikes at 50 per cent when third up.
Race 4: SUCCESS STUD EQUINE BREEDING LADYSHIP PACE
UNIQUELY IDEAL (3) put a surprise defeat from two back behind her when she proved too good here last week, leading from this draw and clearing away to score by more than 8m. That was her third success from her last four outings and the barrier gives her the chance to dictate again. MARIA ALLEGONDA (5) was first up for eight weeks when she came from a wide barrier for third here a fortnight ago. She should be improved that hitout and the better draw helps. PANDAIA (10) draws wide but will find this easier than her last-start fifth against the good mares and she did land a win here last month. DESTINY STRIDE (7) draws a few spots lower then when taking on the boys last week. Won her previous two and should enjoy the return to her own sex. HEAVENLY HOLLY (9) deserves respect of a good second here last week.
Race 5: ULTRA AIR FFA
Star Kiwi ITS MERLIN (1) makes his first appearance in Australia since he won the G2 Australian Light Horse FFA over this circuit and distance last March. Overcame the widest barrier on that occasion but draws the inside tonight and that should allow him to play a stalking role. He could prove too strong for them late. DON HUGO (2) loves the 2300m at Menangle with four wins from six starts including a Eureka and an Inter Dominion Final. He was a brave fifth in the Hunter Cup last start and should be able to push forward from the low draw. He won't be easy to get past. SPEAK THE TRUTH (5) is better known as a miler but he strikes at 50 per cent here and has won four of six fresh attempts so must be respected. KOSIMO (3) takes a big step up in grade but is in form with back-to-back wins here. First-four player along with TERRY (6) who was runner-up at Listed level here last start.
Race 6: CORDINA CHICKEN FARMS PALEFACE ADIOS STAKES (GROUP 3)
Exciting Queenslander THE JANITOR (10) made a big impression in his first local appearance last week, overcoming the outside barrier for a 1.7m win. Draws out again and this is stronger but he is two from two when second-up so should be improved and is building an impressive strike rate. He could take the next step. KINGMAN (1) didn't have a lot of luck when drawn wide in last week's Hondo Grattan but his resuming second in the 4YO Bonanza at Melton had merit. He is two from three when third-up so should be peaking and gets the ace draw. FIGHTER COMMAND (11) hasn't raced since August and draws wide for his return but was racking up the wins last campaign and has been readied with two trial placings. Keep safe. WE WALK BY FAITH (2) draws better than when midfield in the Hondo Grattan. He can be in the finish from this barrier while last year's NSW Derby winner SOHO SPECTRE (3) draws much better than last week and has been ticking along okay so could sneak into the exotics at odds.
Race 7: D M PLUMBING TROTTERS MOBILE
Looking for a bit of value with the in-form CONSTANTINOPLE (8). He made it back-to-back wins at this circuit when coming from this same barrier to score by 7m last week, taking his record at this circuit and distance to five from eight. He is a chance to land the hat trick. Top-class Kiwi OSCAR BONAVENA (9) comes off a Group 1 win in Victoria last start where he started from the back row and raced three wide without cover before easily winning the Cranbourne Cup. If he performs to that level again he'll be hard to stop despite the wide barrier. Manners proved a real problem for LONDON TO A BRICK (7) in the Inter Dominion series but he has been trialling well so may be back on his game. SUPER SERVICE (2) is building into his campaign and draws well so could peak following back-to-back placings.
Race 8: APG PACING WITH EXCITEMENT PACE
OOGA CHAKA (6) switches to the Pizzuto yard from Queensland where he has been tackling strong opposition but performed well the last time he visited Sydney, winning three times at this circuit. Placed in a recent trial here and can measure up to these. ITZMINEONTHELINE (4) has the hoof on the till after going under by narrow margins when runner-up in decent fields in his last two outings at Penrith. Cameron Hart drives and he looks to have found a winnable assignment. LOUS DREAM (8) locked wheels and was knocked out of the race when resuming last week so forget that. Has won two of three attempts when second-up so is worth another chance. OUR UNCLE JIM (5) hasn't been far away of late including a narrow second from the outside draw three back so can be competitive along with JALANEEL (2) who returned to winning form at Goulburn last start and gets a low draw.
BEST BETS:
Race 2 #3 Mr Teddy – In form and draws to dictate.
Race 8 #6 Ooga Chaka – Enjoys a class drop and has raced well in Sydney before.