Will Menangle mile specialist and Group 2 winner Hi Manameisjeff prove too good again, or will Group 1 placegetter Illavabubbles have his measure at Tabcorp Park on Saturday night?

Tabcorp Park Menangle Preview & Best Bets – Saturday, June 15

Race-by-race preview of Menangle, Saturday June 15

Race 1: ALLIED EXPRESS TAXI TRUCK SERVICES PACE

BLUTO (7) is racing in good form at present. He raced three-back on the fence at the bell and finished fourth of 10 last start over 2300m at this track, beaten 7 metres when sent out as the favourite. Has a tough draw to overcome but meets a similar line-up and can atone. STRAVINSKY (5) did well to finish second of 10 here last time out over 1609m after getting checked after the start and racing four-wide over the final stages. With better luck in the running can go one place better. WINDY HILL TARA (2) comes right into contention after scoring last start by 2.25 metres at this track over 2300m when well supported. From her handy draw should get a good run and is well worth considering. TUPPENCE (4) was sent out at long odds here last start over 1609m and came from three-back on the fence to finish third in the same race as the second selection. Include in exotic bets.

Race 2: BESTINBEDS.COM.AU PACE

ANGUS INDIANA (7) has won his last 4 starts in Victoria and is his trainer's only runner here. The big track here will suit him and he can take this out at a nice each-way price. OUTSIDE FIGHTER (8) finished second of 10 last start over 1609m at this track, beaten 8 metres, after working to the lead early and then sitting in behind the speed. With luck in the running from a wide draw should be fighting out the finish. BARTELLO (3) shoots for a hat-trick following a last start all of the way win as the favourite over 1609m at this track, scoring by 6 metres. From his good draw should find the lead and prove hard to run down once again. OURTREACHEROUS REIGN (1) disappointed last time out when finishing eighth of 10 over 1609m at this track. Drawn the inside gate should get a nice sit in the running and can place. DONEGAL LUTHER (6) used his early speed to find the front last time out, then gave it up to take the trail and fought on well to the line to finish second. Stick with him.

Race 3: HYLAND SPORTSWEAR PACE

GOLDEN BAY (5) led all the way to score as the $1.35 favourite at this track over 1609m last start, the second win from his past three outings. This looks a sterner test than last time but he is capable of another big performance. Races well here having recorded three victories and two placings from six starts. EL CAMINO (4) after having won his previous four starts had no luck here last start over 1609m when getting checked after the start and then overracing, finishing last of nine. Won his only other previous start at this track four starts back and can return to winning form. MY ULTIMATE SNOWY (7) missed the placings for the second time in a row last start as the favourite when fourth of 10 over 1609m at this track after racing wide early and then sitting outside the leader at the bell. Has top-three claims. HAS THE COURAGE (8) after having placed in three of his last four starts scored at long odds here last time out when coming from three-back on the fence. Worth considering.

Race 4: AINSWORTH - AGTSLOTS.COM 3YO PACE

MINOS (9) finished second here two starts back after racing outside the leader at the bell, then used his early speed to find the lead and went on to score an easy victory over 1609m at this track as the hot favourite. Has a tough draw to overcome but with two wins and six placings from his last eight starts should be figuring in the finish. EVER ART (2) after racing three-wide early worked forward to take the lead and after that never looked in doubt, scoring as the red hot favourite over 1720m at Penrith last start. Having her first start at this track and from a good draw rates well as an each-way chance. CABANA (1) has recorded a win and three second placings from his last four starts, including last time out when finishing second of 10 here over 1609m when starting from a wide gate. Led all of the way three starts back when scoring from the inside draw. Worth considering. FORCE FULL (10) won last-start as the odds-on favourite at Newcastle over 1609m. Drawn badly but can place.

Race 5:  CLUB MENANGLE GOLDEN MILE

HI MANAMEISJEFF (11) was put on the unruly for this assignment after breaking in the score up here a fortnight ago which did not stop him from winning by a wide margin. He is likely to stay out of trouble this time and should just be too good again. ILLAVABUBBLES (1) has been chasing home a very smart type most recently and looks set to do the same here behind the top pick. But if that runner plays up then she can make full use of the pole position and give them all plenty to think about. HOT AND TREACHEROUS (3) gives Jason Grimson a huge hand in this race and is back from chasing Group 1 glory in Western Australia where he did not have all the luck. He will love being back on the big track here and he should be right in the finish again. MONTALBANO (10) is an honest performer with a strong track record. He will have his work cut out in this but can get a slice of the finish.

Race 6:  IRT LADYSHIP PACE

MAJOR ENVY (11) has rushed through the grades in lesser company and has earned another crack at some decent prize money on the metro track here. She might try and use her gate-speed to cross from wide out and in her current space, she can win again. CARRERA SUNSET (4) was checked at a vital stage when being beaten as favourite at Goulburn nearly 7 weeks ago. He was close up in a recent trial here and can return to his winning ways immediately. AMORE INFIDA (9) won from this gate earlier in the year and has been thereabouts in 4 subsequent runs. She is a consistent mare who should pick up another win at short notice. YOUTAKEMYBREATHAWAY (5) saves her best form for the provincial circuits but is in the right race to break her track duck in this.

Race 7: PRYDE'S EASIFEED PACE

TITIAN RAIDER (2) loves the big track here and tried hard off the front last week over 2300 metres. He is probably sharper over the mile and is drawn to take up the early running again. He could see it through to the end this time. RICKOSHAY (7) got going too late once clear at Bankstown 5 days ago and clearly prefers the bigger circuit here. Blake Fitzpatrick is back in the bike and he should be hard to hold out. MAYOR OF ELWOOD (4) has yet to hit his straps on this track over 2300 metres and gets a chance to show his true worth over the sprint trip. Stick with him on an each-way basis. RED REACTOR (3) is battling to find his best but he meets the right sort of field and is worth including in all combinations.

Race 8: ALLCOTT HIRE CAMPBELLTOWN TROTTERS MOBILE

CHIEF RUNNINGCLOUD (8) caused an upset when winning here 2 starts back over 2300 metres and then was surprisingly beaten as a raging hot favourite at Canberra last time out after leading up. He is better off over the longer trip here and can bounce straight back into the money. JUNGLE EYES (10) made the most of a sweet trip at Canberra 5 days ago when scoring very easily as favourite. He has to be driven for luck while he is outside the draw and with the right run he can double the dose. LEAF STRIDE (11) is another who has to start outside the draw and his recent form has still been very good in similar lineups here. Will Rixon is back in the bike and he can go one better this time. SHEZA PLEASURE (7) was an easy winner in a softer class here 4 days ago and will need some luck back up to this level. Include in all multiples.

Race 9: WOODLANDS STUD - WE SELL WINNERS PACE

ROMANEE (5) found the lead easily enough last start over 2138m at Albion Park but was outrun late, finishing third of eight as the favourite. Races well here and looks ideally placed to atone. HECTOR (4) broke in the score up last start over 1609m at this track, then shortly after found the lead but faded in the run home and finished sixth of 10. If he can improve his manners at the start should be finishing in the money. ROCKET BOY (1) did well to finish second of nine at long odds over 1720m at Penrith last start after getting checked in the early running and then getting held-up in the run home after racing three-back on the fence. With better luck in the running should be figuring in the finish. L L COOL J (8) was sent out at odds of $101 last start over 2300m at this track and finished fourth of eight after racing four-back on the fence. For value is worth including in exotic bets.

BEST BETS:

Race 5 #11 HI MANAMEISJEFF – Could prove too good again even after being banished to the outside of the draw.

Race 2 #7 ANGUS INDIANA – Should love his first time on the big Menangle Circuit.