Race-by-race preview of Menangle, Saturday AUGUST 23

Race 1 -

ROYAL DIVISION (4) scored at long odds here two runs back this track two runs back after trailing the leader for most of the trip, before finishing second of 10 last start over 1609m at this track when after starting from a wide draw used his gate speed to find the front and fought on well to the line when trying to lead all of the way. Looks well placed to return to winning form. CAULONIA COURAGE (8) made it two straight victories last start when he scored by 3.5 metres over 1609m at this track after coming home well from there-back on the fence into the turn. Has a tough draw to overcome but in present form can't be overlooked. SPIRIT OF ARION (9) is right in contention after finishing in the placings for the second time in a row last start, including last time out when finishing third to the above selection. Each-way claims. CLASSIC MISSION (6) is in the mix following a last start second over 1609m at this track after racing outside the leader with 800n to run.

Race 2 -

SINALOA (4) scored an all of the way victory by 10 metres at Penrith over 2125m last start as the hot favourite deserved following his good second here two runs back as the favourite. Racing well and is capable of making it consecutive wins. COASTAL DRIVE (5) finished seventh two starts back when having no luck in the running then recorded a strong win last start when scoring as the favourite over 1609m at this track. If he can find the front could be hard to peg back again. ALTA WILLIAM (10) is worth another chance after a last-start eighth when well supported over 1609m at this track when he was badly checked with 800m to run and broke. ALTA MAGACIAN (6) will be sent out at long odds but is worth including in exotic bets.

Race 3 -

KINGMAN (6) finished second last start as the favourite in a Listed feature won by Captains Knock, who trailed him leading over 2300m at this track, beaten 2.75 metres. He scored an easy all of the way win as the hot favourite here two runs back and looks well placed to return to winning form. HORN PLAYER (2) looks close to another win having placed in all of his last six starts, including last time out over 1609m at this track when finishing second as the favourite after he had to race three-wide over the early stages. Has the benefit of a good draw and can atone. RIPP (7) comes right into contention after scoring last start by a nose at this track over 1609m when showing good gate speed from a wide draw to find the front and leading all of the way. ARDENS ACE (9) is looking to improve on his last-start third in a Listed event won by Max Delight over 1609m at this track after he raced in behind the speed for most of the trip. In the mix.

Race 4 -

BETTERTHANCASH (5) is racing in a much easier line-up than recent runs and will be a short-priced favourite to take this race out. Rates well as one of the best bets on the card. DOUBLE ACT (4) has been racing well, placing in the top-three in his last four starts, including a second most recently at this track over 1609m after racing three-wide without cover for most of the trip when sent out as the favourite. He has won 13 of 15 career wins at this track and can add to that tally today. OOGA CHAKA (3) recorded another solid performance last start when he battled on well to finish fourth of 10 over 1609m at this track after trailing the leader for most of the trip. From his handy draw has each-way claims. LAMANDIER (7) returned to form last start when finishing second at this track over 1609m when after finding the early lead came from three-back on the fence into the turn. Include in combinations.

Race 5 -

ROYAL CRUISER (6) recorded an all-the-way win at Albion Park two runs back when defeating Jimartee who won the Inter Dominion consolation. Last start he finished a game second over 1660m at Albion Park and looks well placed to go one better. SINALOA (1) gave his opponents no chance as the hot favourite last start when he raced away to a 10 metres victory over 2125m at Penrith. Should get a soft trip in the running from the inside draw and is worth an each-way ticket. MIKI TO SUCCESS (5) finished sixth two starts ago then registered a strong win last time out, scoring by 10 metres over 1609m at Charlton after racing three-wide over the early stages, then working hard to sit outside the leader. Can go back-to-back. BELLA DANZA (2) is looking for further success after leading all of the way as the favourite to score over 1609m at this track last start. Ideally drawn and can finish in the money.

Race 6 -

CHICAGO BART (11) is racing well and looks close to another win after having placed third in all of his last three starts, the latest effort at this track over 1609m after leading and then trailing the leader. Has to contend with the widest draw but rates well as a leading chance. STAGECOACH (10) is a talented entire who has managed five wins and two minor placings from seven starts this time in work. Shoots for a hat-trick following a last start victory over 1609m at this track when leading all of the way. Facing a tougher line-up here and has to be respected. PABLO ROCKS (9) comes right into contention after scoring last start by a head at Bathurst over 1730m after racing outside the leader at the bell. Having his first start at this track and is worth considering. ITZBUDDHA (3) following a last start win over 1740m at Riverina is next best and gets every chance from an inside draw.

Race 7 -

MORE GOODA (8) finished out of the money two runs back at this track then last time out finished third over 1609m at this track, beaten 2.5 metres when sent out as the favourite. Has to contend with a very wide draw but rates well as a leading chance. THE ANSWER (7) finished sixth last start over 1609m at this track, beaten 17 metres, after scoring at the previous start as the odds-on favourite over 1609m at this track. With luck in the running after starting from a wide draw can return to form. OUR SAYDIE KAY (1) must be considered after she finished runner-up over 1609m at this track last start after having raced three-back on the fence into the turn. Include in combinations. NOTHINGBUTWAVES (11) failed to fire last start when finishing last of 10 over 1609m at this track when sent at long odds after having won her two previous runs. Can place.

Race 8 -

TOMAHAWK BART (9) was responsible for a very good effort last time over 1609m at this track when finishing third as the favourite after leading early before handing up to trail the leader. Has to contend with a very wide draw. but in this line-up can atone. BARTELLO (2) turned in a better run last start when finishing second over 1609m at this track, beaten 2 metres. Will enjoy a nice run from his inside draw and can go one better. CAPTAIN TOM (1) disappointed last time out when well supported, finishing last of nine over 1740m at Riverina Paceway. From the pole draw can atone. THE METAL FLYER (3) is in the mix if he can recapture the form from two starts back that saw him finish third over 1609m at this track. Worth including in exotic bets.

BEST BETS:

Race 3 #8 KINGMAN went a strong race to finish second as the favourite last start and looks well placed to atone.

Race 4 #5 BETTERTHANCASH is racing in an easier field than last start and should be winning.