The Insider - Australian Analysis March 19 Edition

Penrith (Friday, March 20)

Race 7

The Listed TAB Regional Championships (2125m) looks to be at the mercy of the Jason Grimson-trained IMA BOXA (10) who has won six races from seven starts. He won his heat by 13.2m after working around to the lead, carving out good sectionals of 1:56.3, 55.7, 27.4. Driver Cam Hart didn’t even move on the six-year-old gelding as he drew away late. Plan A will be to work around them again and take up the running – if he finds the lead, then it should be all over bar the shouting.

WITHDISTINCTION (2) should find the lead from THE GREEK GENERAL (1) and Jye Coney will have options once he finds the pegs. He can either park the favourite outside him or look to take a trail if he doesn’t want to cop the pressure. SIREN SEA (8) is a five-year-old mare for trainer David Hewitt and will be driven by Brad Hewitt. She has more ability than most of her rivals, but the map is the big negative at this track. Exotic hopes go to WESTERN STYLE (3) and IDEAL IN DREAMS (7).

Selections: 10-2-1-8

Quinella: 2 & 10

Trifecta: 10 / 1,2,8 / 1,2,3,7,8

---

Race 8

All eyes on the Brad Hewitt-trained and driven CAPTAINS KNOCK (9) in the Group 3 Renshaw Cup (2525m). I can’t imagine there is a horse in the field that will want to hold out the six-year-old entire and he should work around to find the lead and dictate the affair. Winning the Renshaw Cup not only lands connections $32,700 in prize money, but also the $1 million bonus. Barring some poor luck, CAPTAINS KNOCK (9) should win his 28th race.

Looking at place prospects, David Aiken’s veteran marvel MAX DELIGHT (10), UBETCHA TIGERPIE (11), former WA pacer MAGNUS VICTOR (8) and JAY OK (7) look the most likely despite all being off the second row. I can’t suggest anyone dives into the $1.30 for the favourite but I am not keen to take him on either, so will be looking towards the exotics.

Selections: 9-10-11-8

MAX DELIGHT (10) to place

Trifecta: 9 / 8,10,11 / 3,7,8,10,11

---

Gloucester Park (Friday, March 20)

Race 5

WA’s top pacer MINSTREL NZ (8) is the testing material in the FFA this week and he is expected to be a short-priced favourite. The horse that interests me the most in the race is the Justin Prentice-trained MIGHTY RONALDO (6), a million-dollar earner in his own right. Gary Hall Jnr is engaged and that could see an aggressive stance at the start as the gelding can fly the gate when asked. Back in August 2025, Hall Jnr drove him to perfection, working to the lead to defeat Magnificent Storm over 1730m in 1:52.6. It would make the race must-watch if the camp tries for similar tactics.

FINAL COLLECT NZ (1) and ROCKANDROLLARTIST (4) could both show early speed here – the latter is quicker on exposed form. This time around though, if ROCKANDROLLARTIST (4) finds the lead, he would most likely be trying to trail MINSTREL NZ (8) if that option presents itself. GEE HEZA SPORT NZ (7) resumes but will likely need the hit out.

Selections: 8-6-4-7

MIGHTY RONALDO (6) each way

Quinella: 6 & 8

---

Melton (Saturday, March 21)

Race 6

It was a luckless run for BULLETPROOF BOY (7) in the Miracle Mile after getting checked at the start and breaking as he lost significant ground. He obliterated the clock for his last 1200m, clocking 26.1, 27.1 and 27.1. Returns to Victoria for a nice class drop where he will appreciate not seeing Leap To Fame and Swayzee. Trainer Scott Ewen has done a wonderful job with the 11-year-old gelding and James Herbertson continues to drive him as he closes in on $1 million in stakes. Whether Herby runs the gate or drives him cold, BULLETPROOF BOY (7) is the horse to beat.

OLIVER DAN (4) has finished close behind BULLETPROOF BOY (7) in recent clashes and is one horse that is capable of beating him if things pan out. FIGHTER COMMAND (5) returns for Jess Tubbs and it is the gelding’s first race since the rich Eureka. He has won a pair of trials and whatever he does in this race, he should improve upon going forward.

Selections: 7-4-5-3

BULLETPROOF BOY (7) to win

Trifecta: 4,7 / 4,5,7 / 3,4,5,7

---

Menangle (Saturday, March 21)

Race 2

A competitive race with class runner HORN PLAYER (11) trying to recapture some of his best form. He has been chasing home the likes of stablemate Captains Knock, Don Hugo, The Janitor and Swayzee in recent runs. This could be the right race to give the six-year-old some confidence as he drops in grade.

BAINBRIDGE (9) is another dropping in class and his form is excellent, beaten 2.1m by Pinseeker, 4.3m by Bulletproof Boy in the Group 2 Newcastle Mile (1609m) and 5.1m by Hi Manameisjeff in Group 2 company. James Rattray could be aggressive early, but the horse is versatile and looks the horse to beat here.

CAPTAIN BELLASARIO (7) can smash the clock so has each-way claims. MIKI PINS NZ (8) resumes and his best is good enough to win also.

Selections: 9-11-7-8

BAINBRIDGE (9) to win

---

Albion Park (Saturday, March 21)

Race 2

The Junior FFA this week looks a terrific contest with last start winners DASHING (1) and WHOS DELIGHT NZ (6) clashing. The gate speed is the one query for DASHING (1) as they won’t want to get buried on the pegs as his death seat victory was phenomenal, beating ATTACHMENT (7) right on the line. All three can be major players again.

As long as he doesn’t get buried on the pegs, the last 800m split of DASHING (1) was enormous, running home in 53.2 seconds. I am putting him on top in the race with Nathan Dawson driving. DEUS EX NZ (10) will be hoping some of the favoured runners carve themselves up in order to run over the top late. Blowout chance in this race.

Selections: 1-6-7-10

DASHING (1) to win

This content was first released to The Insider subscribers.
Don’t wait days for the edge on the latest news. Get our previews, selections, and insights early by joining our free newsletter The Insider.