Newcastle Race 8

The Steel City Cup (Listed Classic)

Stake: $68,400

CAPTAINS KNOCK (7) is in red hot form and looks set to continue on his winning way having used his gate speed to lead from one spot wider than this before going on to score by 4m last week at Menangle. That made it four wins on the trot and he came from the back row to win the first leg of this cup series at Wagga prior. The only time he raced at this circuit he won an Inter Dominion heat so everything points to another win. MAX DELIGHT (6) has chased CAPTAINS KNOCK home in his last three starts so will need to lift to turn the tables but can never be discounted. Unlike last week he draws inside CAPTAINS KNOCK and was only 2.3m behind him when third at Wagga prior. Has two wins and two placings from seven attempts at this distance so could make a race of it. CYA ART NZ (4) is hard to catch but was better when fourth to Captains Knock last week and grabbed him for an upset win in the G1 Len Smith Mile back in September. PETES SAID SO NZ (5) usually performs well here so is a trifecta hope.
  • Distance: 2550m
  • Class: LISTED CLASS
  • Track: fast
  • Weather: fine
  • Surface: All Weather
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1Rickie Alchin
  • Force Full (Fr1) 5184335116
  • Trainer: Rickie Alchin (Menangle Park)
  • Driver: Ashleigh Delosa (C)
  • Prize Money: $128,252
  • Win / Place: 25% / 44%

4 yo Bay Horse

Sire: SWEET LOU (USA)

Dam: EMERGING FORCE (AUS)

Owners: F Sgroi, R M Rumenovic

Racing and Sports - Trusted form provider for 20+ years91

Rating

Stats
Career
52: 13-3-7
Track
8: 3-1-1
Season
14: 4-0-3
1st Up
3: 0-1-1
2nd Up
3: 0-0-0
3rd Up
3: 1-0-0
Mobile
52: 13-3-7
All-Weather
52: 13-3-7
Best Mile
1:50.90
Comments
Last start 6th (Fr2) over 1609m at Menangle was 5th-13.16 at the bell, beaten 8 m by Huta (1:51.30) in NR up to 95 on November 29 at $12. Two runs back posted a big 3 m win as favourite (Fr7) at this track (1:54.00) beating Metallica Man in No NR on November 21 at $2 at the bell was 2nd-0.42. Draws the inside but not keen on his chances in this field.

Expected Settling Position: Pace

Last Starts days since last start
PlaceDateTrackDistanceStartSurfaceBarrierDriverRace TimeMile RateMarginSPDaysClassPrizePrize WonResult
6th of 1029/11/25Menangle1609mMobileAll WeatherFr2Rickie Alchin1:51.301:51.33.05L $12 8NR up to 95$23,256$456

1. Huta NZ

2. Van Basten

3. Unfazed NZ

1st of 1021/11/25Newcastle1609mMobileAll WeatherFr7Ashleigh Delosa1:54.001:54.01.15L $2.00f 6No NR$11,161$5,910

1. Force Full

2. Metallica Man

3. Luke John NZ

1st of 1015/11/25Menangle2300mMobileAll WeatherFr7Ashleigh Delosa2:45.801:56.00.45L $4.20f 70W/20K Stakes$23,256$12,312

1. Force Full

2. Alwaysbealady

3. Baxter Red

5th of 108/11/25Menangle1609mMobileAll WeatherFr8Ashleigh Delosa1:53.101:53.12.60L $7.00 70W/20K Stakes$23,256$912

1. Rakajed NZ

2. Our George Boston

3. Michaywey

3rd of 91/11/25Menangle1609mMobileAll WeatherFr5Rickie Alchin1:51.301:51.30.82L $4.00 7NR up to 80$23,256$2,508

1. Mikibequick

2. Pablo Rocks

3. Force Full

3rd of 1025/10/25Menangle1609mMobileAll WeatherFr6Rickie Alchin1:49.701:49.71.30L $71 7No NR$57,000$5,700

1. Our Goat

2. Royal Cruiser

3. Force Full

2Leon Jurd
  • Van Basten (Fr2) 1667876012
  • Trainer: Leon Jurd (Menangle Park)
  • Driver: Jye Coney (C)
  • Prize Money: $164,404
  • Win / Place: 25% / 44%
Track Specialist

5 yo Bay Gelding

Sire: SUNSHINE BEACH (USA)

Dam: VERTIGAL (AUS)

Owners: L C Jurd, Somerton Corp Pty Ltd (Mgr: L C Jurd)

Racing and Sports - Trusted form provider for 20+ years92

Rating

Stats
Career
54: 14-7-3
Track
11: 5-1-1
Season
13: 2-2-0
1st Up
5: 0-0-1
2nd Up
5: 3-0-0
3rd Up
4: 1-0-0
Mobile
54: 14-7-3
All-Weather
54: 14-7-3
Best Mile
1:51.10
Comments
Last start was well back in the run when 2nd (Fr6) over 1609m at Menangle was 6th-14.6 at the bell, beaten 5.5 m by Huta (1:51.30) in NR up to 95 on November 29 at $21. Two runs back won by 1.5 m after showing early speed, (Fr4) at Menangle (1:51.90) beating Cash And Bling in NR up to 80 on November 22 at $3.80 at the bell was 2nd-4.17. Going well but facing a more difficult assignment.

Expected Settling Position: Leader

Last Starts days since last start
PlaceDateTrackDistanceStartSurfaceBarrierDriverRace TimeMile RateMarginSPDaysClassPrizePrize WonResult
2nd of 1029/11/25Menangle1609mMobileAll WeatherFr6Chris Geary1:51.301:51.32.12L $21 7NR up to 95$23,256$3,876

1. Huta NZ

2. Van Basten

3. Unfazed NZ

1st of 722/11/25Menangle1609mMobileAll WeatherFr4J G Coney1:51.901:51.90.59L $3.80 5NR up to 80$23,256$12,312

1. Van Basten

2. Cash And Bling

3. Fire Fox NZ

10th of 1017/11/25Menangle1609mMobileAll WeatherFr10J G Coney1:54.401:54.43.72L $8.50 7NR up to 70$11,400$223

1. Pet Kitty

2. Harmony

3. Outside Fighter

6th of 810/11/25Menangle1609mMobileAll WeatherFr1B L McDonough1:53.001:53.04.42L $12 95 0K/5 Starts$11,400$223

1. Double Act

2. Loyalist NZ

3. Dom Toretto NZ

7th of 91/11/25Menangle1609mMobileAll WeatherFr2Will Rixon1:50.701:50.72.45L $15 14NR up to 95$23,256$456

1. Promising

2. Our George Boston

3. Dom Toretto NZ

8th of 1018/10/25Menangle1609mMobileAll WeatherFr2Rickie Alchin1:52.401:52.45.80L $21 7NR up to 95$23,256$456

1. Unfazed NZ

2. Our Vincent Can Gogh NZ

3. Franco Tyson

3Michael Xuereb
  • I Break The Line (Fr3) 81550x5365
  • Trainer: Michael Xuereb (Londonderry)
  • Driver: Nathan Xuereb
  • Prize Money: $200,998
  • Win / Place: 24% / 42%

5 yo Black Horse

Sire: BETTING LINE (USA)

Dam: PARKLANE ROYAL (NZ)

Owners: D Sammut

Racing and Sports - Trusted form provider for 20+ years88

Rating

Stats
Career
54: 13-6-4
Track
8: 3-2-1
Season
4: 0-0-1
1st Up
6: 1-2-0
2nd Up
6: 2-0-1
3rd Up
5: 2-1-1
Mobile
54: 13-6-4
All-Weather
54: 13-6-4
Best Mile
1:49.40
Comments
Last start 5th (Fr1) over 1609m after showing early pace at Menangle was 3rd-9.16 at the bell, beaten 14 m by Captains Knock (1:48.90) in No NR on November 29 at $31. Two runs back 6th (Fr3) over 2800m after showing early speed at Riverina Paceway beaten 35 m by Captains Knock (3:16.10) in LR No NR on November 14 at $51. Must do more.

Expected Settling Position: Off Pace

Last Starts days since last start
PlaceDateTrackDistanceStartSurfaceBarrierDriverRace TimeMile RateMarginSPDaysClassPrizePrize WonResult
5th of 929/11/25Menangle1609mMobileAll WeatherFr1Joshua Gallagher1:48.901:48.95.24L $31 15No NR$23,256$912

1. Captains Knock

2. Ripp

3. Nyack

6th of 1214/11/25Wagga2800mMobileAll WeatherFr3Nathan Xuereb3:16.101:52.713.31L $51 13No NR$68,400$1,026

1. Captains Knock

2. Don Hugo

3. Max Delight

3rd of 91/11/25Menangle1609mMobileAll WeatherFr1Nathan Xuereb1:49.301:49.31.93L $26 7No NR$23,256$2,508

1. Horn Player

2. Max Delight

3. I Break The Line

5th of 825/10/25Menangle2300mMobileAll WeatherFr8Nathan Xuereb2:40.501:52.37.10L $41 98No NR$23,256$912

1. Captains Knock

2. Ripp

3. Petes Said So NZ

98 Day Spell
2nd of 415/10/25Menangle1609m-Nathan Xuereb1:53.70-0.71L $0.00 -Trial$0-

1. Jay Ok

2. I Break The Line

3. Black Onyx

12th of 1219/7/25Albion Park2680mMobileAll WeatherSr3Jett Turnbull3:09.801:54.072.42L $8.50 7No NR$57,000$855

1. Jimartee

2. Nyack

3. Beach Ball NZ

4Kerryann Morris
  • Cya Art Nz (Fr4) 1588884794
  • Trainer: Kerryann Morris (Menangle Park)
  • Driver: Joshua Gallagher
  • Prize Money: $494,591
  • Win / Place: 7.48% / 39%

7 yo Bay Gelding

Sire: ART MAJOR (USA)

Dam: CYATHEA (NZ)

Owners: A M Gallagher

Racing and Sports - Trusted form provider for 20+ years87

Rating

Stats
Career
107: 8-16-18
Distance
12: 0-5-2
Track
3: 0-0-1
Season
14: 1-0-0
1st Up
7: 0-0-1
2nd Up
6: 1-0-2
3rd Up
6: 2-0-0
Mobile
91: 6-13-15
Standing
16: 2-3-3
All-Weather
105: 8-16-18
Slushy
2: 1-0-1
Grass
2: 0-0-0
Best Mile
1:47.50
Comments
Last start 4th (Fr2) over 1609m at Menangle was 4th-13.45 at the bell, beaten 11 m by Captains Knock (1:48.90) in No NR on November 29 at $81. At the run before 9th (Fr4) over 2300m at Menangle, beaten 21 m by Ubetcha Tigerpie (2:42.00) in No NR on November 22 at $23. Better last start and can bob up when least expected.

Expected Settling Position: Midfield

Last Starts days since last start
PlaceDateTrackDistanceStartSurfaceBarrierDriverRace TimeMile RateMarginSPDaysClassPrizePrize WonResult
4th of 929/11/25Menangle1609mMobileAll WeatherFr2Kerryann Morris1:48.901:48.94.09L $81 7No NR$23,256$1,368

1. Captains Knock

2. Ripp

3. Nyack

9th of 1022/11/25Menangle2300mMobileAll WeatherFr4Kerryann Morris2:42.001:53.48.14L $23 8No NR$34,200$684

1. Ubetcha Tigerpie

2. Helluva NZ

3. Petes Said So NZ

7th of 1214/11/25Wagga2800mMobileAll WeatherFr4Kerryann Morris3:16.101:52.714.76L $126 6No NR$68,400$1,026

1. Captains Knock

2. Don Hugo

3. Max Delight

4th of 108/11/25Menangle1609mMobileAll WeatherFr6Kerryann Morris1:50.501:50.50.93L $11 7NR up to 95$23,256$1,368

1. Our Sweet Delight

2. Smooth Buzz

3. Petes Said So NZ

8th of 91/11/25Menangle1609mMobileAll WeatherFr3Joshua Gallagher1:49.301:49.33.72L $21 14No NR$23,256$456

1. Horn Player

2. Max Delight

3. I Break The Line

8th of 1218/10/25Melton2240mMobileAll WeatherSr5Joshua Gallagher2:36.201:52.26.39L $151 7No NR$285,000$4,275

1. Kingman NZ

2. Hi Manameisjeff NZ

3. Leap To Fame

5Kerryann Morris
  • Petes Said So Nz (Fr5) 5054137337
  • Trainer: Kerryann Morris (Camden South)
  • Driver: Robert Morris
  • Prize Money: $664,073
  • Win / Place: 12% / 44%

8 yo Bay Gelding

Sire: WELL SAID (USA)

Dam: KAMWOOD SMARTY (NZ)

Owners: P Kohlsdorf

Racing and Sports - Trusted form provider for 20+ years90

Rating

Stats
Career
229: 29-39-35
Distance
9: 0-3-1
Trk/Dst
2: 0-1-1
Track
13: 1-2-6
Season
14: 1-0-3
1st Up
5: 1-0-1
2nd Up
5: 0-1-2
3rd Up
5: 1-1-0
Mobile
224: 28-39-35
Standing
5: 1-0-0
All-Weather
229: 29-39-35
Best Mile
1:49.30
Comments
Last start 7th (Fr4) over 1609m at Menangle was 6th-21.58 at the bell, beaten 17 m by Captains Knock (1:48.90) in No NR on November 29 at $51. Before that, a game effort when 3rd (Fr7) over 2300m after showing early pace at Menangle was 5th-8.94 at the bell, beaten 11 m by Ubetcha Tigerpie (2:42.00) in No NR on November 22 at $8. Among the trifecta chances.

Expected Settling Position: Off Pace

Last Starts days since last start
PlaceDateTrackDistanceStartSurfaceBarrierDriverRace TimeMile RateMarginSPDaysClassPrizePrize WonResult
7th of 929/11/25Menangle1609mMobileAll WeatherFr4Robert Morris1:48.901:48.96.62L $51 7No NR$23,256$456

1. Captains Knock

2. Ripp

3. Nyack

3rd of 1022/11/25Menangle2300mMobileAll WeatherFr7Robert Morris2:42.001:53.44.20L $8.00 14No NR$34,200$3,762

1. Ubetcha Tigerpie

2. Helluva NZ

3. Petes Said So NZ

3rd of 108/11/25Menangle1609mMobileAll WeatherFr9Robert Morris1:50.501:50.50.86L $5.00 7NR up to 95$23,256$2,508

1. Our Sweet Delight

2. Smooth Buzz

3. Petes Said So NZ

7th of 91/11/25Menangle1609mMobileAll WeatherFr6Robert Morris1:49.301:49.32.71L $16 7No NR$23,256$456

1. Horn Player

2. Max Delight

3. I Break The Line

3rd of 825/10/25Menangle2300mMobileAll WeatherFr2Robert Morris2:40.501:52.35.84L $21 5No NR$23,256$2,508

1. Captains Knock

2. Ripp

3. Petes Said So NZ

1st of 1020/10/25Menangle1609mMobileAll WeatherFr10Robert Morris1:51.301:51.31.00L $1.50f 95 0K/5 Starts$11,400$6,033

1. Petes Said So NZ

2. Smooth Buzz

3. Piccadilly Pete NZ

6David Aiken
  • Max Delight (Fr6) 2511552436
  • Trainer: David Aiken (Avenel)
  • Driver: Will Rixon
  • Prize Money: $1,671,723
  • Win / Place: 24% / 56%

9 yo Bay Horse

Sire: BETTOR'S DELIGHT (USA)

Dam: LADY EUTHENIA (AUS)

Owners: M J Maxfield

Racing and Sports - Trusted form provider for 20+ years91

Rating

Stats
Career
152: 37-22-27
Distance
7: 2-2-0
Track
5: 0-2-2
Season
8: 2-1-1
1st Up
8: 4-3-0
2nd Up
8: 4-1-1
3rd Up
8: 1-2-1
Mobile
152: 37-22-27
All-Weather
152: 37-22-27
Best Mile
1:48.80
Comments
Last start was well beaten into sixth after being driven well back, behind Captains Knock at Menangle over 1609m in a No NR on November 29 at $12. Raced better the start before that with a solid effort when 3rd (Sr4) over 2800m at Riverina Paceway, beaten 2.25 m by Captains Knock (3:16.10) in LR No NR on November 14 at $8. Can never be underestimated and could pose a challenge.

Expected Settling Position: Leader

Last Starts days since last start
PlaceDateTrackDistanceStartSurfaceBarrierDriverRace TimeMile RateMarginSPDaysClassPrizePrize WonResult
6th of 929/11/25Menangle1609mMobileAll WeatherFr9Will Rixon1:48.901:48.96.02L $12 15No NR$23,256$456

1. Captains Knock

2. Ripp

3. Nyack

3rd of 1214/11/25Wagga2800mMobileAll WeatherSr4Will Rixon3:16.101:52.70.86L $8.00 6No NR$68,400$7,524

1. Captains Knock

2. Don Hugo

3. Max Delight

4th of 98/11/25Menangle1609mMobileAll WeatherFr3Will Rixon1:48.201:48.22.90L $7.00 7No NR$34,884$2,052

1. Captains Knock

2. Don Hugo

3. Ripp

2nd of 91/11/25Menangle1609mMobileAll WeatherFr9Will Rixon1:49.301:49.30.11L $2.25f 42No NR$23,256$3,876

1. Horn Player

2. Max Delight

3. I Break The Line

42 Day Freshen-Up
2nd of 522/10/25Menangle1609m-Will Rixon1:52.80-0.04L $0.00 -Trial$0-

1. Arggghhh

2. Max Delight

3. Western Style

5th of 920/9/25Menangle1609mMobileAll WeatherFr9Will Rixon1:50.001:50.03.09L $2.70f 14No NR$23,256$912

1. Kingman NZ

2. Classic Mission NZ

3. Ubetcha Tigerpie

7Brad Hewitt
  • Captains Knock (Fr7) 2712231111
  • Trainer: Brad Hewitt (Goulburn)
  • Driver: Brad Hewitt
  • Prize Money: $804,070
  • Win / Place: 38% / 70%
Picket Fence

5 yo Bay Horse

Sire: CAPTAINTREACHEROUS (USA)

Dam: SCARLETT FINN (NZ)

Owners: Triple Play Syndicate (Mgr: A L Hewitt)

Racing and Sports - Trusted form provider for 20+ years100

Rating

Stats
Career
60: 23-10-9
Track
1: 1-0-0
Season
8: 5-2-1
1st Up
7: 4-2-1
2nd Up
6: 1-0-2
3rd Up
5: 2-1-1
Mobile
60: 23-10-9
All-Weather
60: 23-10-9
Best Mile
1:48.20
Comments
Comes here in the right form. Posted a big 4 m win as favourite when quickly away, (Fr8) at Menangle (1:48.90) beating Ripp in No NR on November 29 at $1.25 at the bell was leading 3.84. Two runs back won by 1.0 m (Sr3) at Riverina Paceway (3:16.10) beating Don Hugo in LR No NR on November 14 at $3. Flying at present and looks set to extend the winning streak.

Expected Settling Position: Leader

Last Starts days since last start
PlaceDateTrackDistanceStartSurfaceBarrierDriverRace TimeMile RateMarginSPDaysClassPrizePrize WonResult
1st of 929/11/25Menangle1609mMobileAll WeatherFr8Brad Hewitt1:48.901:48.91.49L $1.25f 15No NR$23,256$12,312

1. Captains Knock

2. Ripp

3. Nyack

1st of 1214/11/25Wagga2800mMobileAll WeatherSr3Brad Hewitt3:16.101:52.70.37L $3.00 6No NR$68,400$37,278

1. Captains Knock

2. Don Hugo

3. Max Delight

1st of 98/11/25Menangle1609mMobileAll WeatherFr5Brad Hewitt1:48.201:48.20.74L $3.60 14No NR$34,884$18,468

1. Captains Knock

2. Don Hugo

3. Ripp

1st of 825/10/25Menangle2300mMobileAll WeatherFr7Brad Hewitt2:40.501:52.31.56L $1.60f 7No NR$23,256$12,312

1. Captains Knock

2. Ripp

3. Petes Said So NZ

3rd of 1018/10/25Menangle1609mMobileAll WeatherFr10Brad Hewitt1:50.601:50.60.93L $3.20f 42No NR$34,884$3,762

1. Betterthancash NZ

2. Ripp

3. Captains Knock

42 Day Freshen-Up
2nd of 106/9/25Menangle1609mMobileAll WeatherFr3Brad Hewitt1:47.501:47.50.04L $9.00 21NR up to 120$171,000$29,070

1. Cya Art NZ

2. Captains Knock

3. Eye Keep Smiling

Race Review Abbreviations

Brk: Broke, Blkd: Blocked or held up, 1 x 1: One-out, one-back, Prkd: Parked, 3bk otr: 3 back on the outer, 3bk inr: Same as above, but on the inside, trld: Trailed, Gt spd: Showed gate speed, 3wd: 3-wide postd: Caught wide without cover, Held up: Held up, no gaps or few gaps: If they don't see any clear air in the straight, Inr-mid-wd -position: On the inside, mid = 1-off, wd = 3-wide or wider, flew hm wd: Flew home wide, dashd inr: Sprinted well on the inside, Chkd: Checked, Slow: Slow away at the start, Wltd: Wilted or got tired, Fdd: Faded late, Urgd: If the driver's getting stuck in

Racing and Sports - Trusted form provider for 20+ years

Racing and Sports™ Trusted form provider for 20+ years