Form Analysis by RACING AND SPORTS

Talented trotter Pesco Pollo will be looking to add to an impressive record at Menangle when he returns off a let-up and tackles a handy field in the Bay Johnny Trotters Handicap on Saturday night.

Top trainer Luke McCarthy could be in few a good night with several key chances incluidng Off The Charts, Beach Ball and Rudy Gee.

 

Race 1: OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS @ APG SALES PACE

OFF THE CHARTS (5) is an interesting newcomer to the Luke McCarthy yard from WA. Hasn't raced 12 weeks but closed off last campaign in good form, clocking in third at Gloucester Park last start and winning at Pinjarra three back. Readied with a trial placing so could make an immediate impact. PABLO ROCKS (8) found the New Years Gift Final beyond him when chasing a flying mare last start but this suits better and he was good when he resumed with a 4m second at this circuit and distance prior. LENNETH (1) didn't do a bad job when a 5m fifth from a wider barrier last week and looks well served by the ace draw. GUARANTEED END (2) faded when well fancied last start but looked good in the resuming win prior and draws well so is worth another chance.

Race 2: BESTINBEDS.COM.AU PACE

STILL ROLLIN (11) made a winning start for Jason Grimson when he scored by 4m at this circuit and distance first up then chased a quality mare when runner-up in the New Years Gift Final last start. Cops the outside barrier but is going well enough to overcome that. CLASSIC ELEGANCE (2) has been racing well and deserved her victory last start where she had enough speed to lead from a wider barrier before scoring by 7 metres at this circuit and distance. This looks stronger but she can take advantage of the low draw. JORGE STREET (7) disappointed at Bathurst last time out but did have to work. Came from the widest barrier to win at this circuit and distance prior so could bounce back. DOUGS FLAME (6) came from a similar barrier for a win at this venue and distance last month and looks close to another success after seconds in his last two outings here.

Race 3: BUBBA GUMP PEST CONTROL PACE

SINALOA (8) was last seen in the Breeders Challenge series in October where he won a heat at this circuit and distance before going on for a second from this barrier in the Group 1 final. Races very well fresh with two wins and a placing from three attempts and he should be ready to fire again off two trials. JETTER SON (3) was also last seen in the same Breeders Challenge final where he only beat a couple home but was held up late. Placed in both a heat and semi of that series prior and has joined Jason Grimson since. Proven fresh and readied with a trial so could strike first up from a good draw. PERFECT STRANGER (2) hit his peak third-up when he led from a couple of spots wider and fought well to win at Bathurst. Can give a sight again from the favourable draw. BUSINESS IN HEAVEN (6) could be close to another win after a second from the outside barrier last week.

Race 4: MENANGLE PARK COMMUNITY LADYSHIP PACE

JOANS RISING STAR (5) was very brave at this circuit and distance last week when she had to race three wide without cover but dug deep to score by close to 2m. That was her third success from her last five outings. Big chance again. DELIGHTFUL STAR (4) disappointed when resuming as a hot favourite last week but she is much better than that and had looked good when winning at the trials prior. Draws closer to the pegs and has won second-up before so progression is likely. Worth another chance. SALLY BIGTIME (8) was runner-up here two back then raced wide without cover from a similar barrier last week but boxed on for fourth. Player with better luck. MISSAUDACIOUS (9) made an encouraging return when third from a similar barrier. Races well second-up so can progress. WHILEMENA RITA (10) deserves respect off a second from a similar draw last week.

Race 5: CLUB MENANGLE BAY JOHNNY TROTTERS HANDICAP (LISTED CLASSIC)

PESCO POLLO (5) is back after eight weeks but was flying before the let-up, winning seven of his last eight starts at this venue. The last of those was from this handicap so the standing start holds no hears and he was readied with an easy trial win so can pick up where he left off. CONSTANTINOPLE (8) copped a check and broke when fourth last week but had resumed with a win here prior. Owns an impressive strike rate at this distance. Big chance if he gets it right. RAKERO BLAZE (7) is building towards a win having finished runner-up in both outings since a spell, beaten just over a metre last week. Could peak tonight. SPEEDY LOVER (6) is another that has been freshened since last seen but had been racing consistently with placings in his last three starts here, two of those behind Pesco Pollo. Respect.

Race 6: D M PLUMBING PACE

BEACH BALL (3) wasn't quite at his best last time in but raced well against stronger company in the previous campaign, placing in the Inter Dominion consolation. This is the lowest graded race he has encountered for some time and he should be ready to go off two trials. Has a decent fresh record and should get his chance from a good draw. UNFAZED (8) has been performing well in good company of late, finishing fifth in a Listed race last week and fourth to Swayzee the week prior. Draws wide but won the last time he raced below FFA level so this suits. CRAFTMANS CHARLIE (7) raced wide without cover from a tough draw in the Tamworth Cup last start so wasn't disgraced when midfield. Kicked off the campaign with a win at this circuit and distance so can measure up with his A-game. PETES SAID SO (5) hinted at a return to form with a placing at Listed level last week. A repeat of that performance would stack up well.

Race 7: FARMER JOES A FAMILY BUSINESS PACE

ROMANEE (10) produced a good effort last week when beaten just a neck as runner-up, his second placing from his last three starts at this circuit and distance. Has to contend with a very wide draw but looks close to a win. Big chance with even luck. MONTEFIORE (6) drew the outside at his latest appearance and had to work so did well to finish within 6 metres of the winner. He is better served by this barrier having finished runner-up from a similar draw at this venue and distance prior. OZZIE PUNTA (5) draws wider than in his last few outings but hasn't been too far away here of late, going under by less than 3m last week. MR TEDDY (8) is another that might require luck from a wide draw but has hasn't done a bad job lately so should be included.

Race 8: DOWNBYTHESEASIDE - MULTIPLE GROUP 1 SIRE ' DOWN UNDER'. PACE

RUDY GEE (6) has performed well in two outings at this circuit and distance since joining Luke McCarthy for this campaign, clocking in second when resuming before a fourth in this grade last time. That should have brought him close to peak fitness so he could break through in this suitable assignment. DELIGHTFUL CHARM (4) faded last start at Penrith but led from a similar draw to this and fought on for a close second when resuming at this venue and distance prior. Proven third-up and can push forward to give a sight. KING TIGER (9) draws out but is building in fitness and there was merit in his most recent appearance when beaten less than 5m away after racing parked. ONE FOR THE RODI (7) draws a little lower than last week and could be competitive in this line-up.

BEST BETS:

Race 1 #5 Off The Charts – Trialled well and looks nicely placed to kick for the new yard with a win.

Race 6 #3 Beach Ball – Finds the right race and a good draw gives him his chance for a winning return.