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Alexandra Park Race 8 - Irt Spring Cup Handicap Pace

Brilliant pacer MERLIN (8) resumes off a four-and-a-half month spell following a terrific campaign highlighted by a win in The Race By Grins. Boasts an impressive strike rate here and has yet to miss a place in four fresh attempts, winning twice. Has the class to overcome the 20m handicap for a winning return. SOONER THE BETTOR (2) produced some big results last campaign including seconds in both the Miracle Mile and Chariots of Fire in Sydney. Owns a strong fresh record and gets every chance from the front mark. JOLIMONT (3) also resumes having put together a string of wins at this circuit last campaign. Hasn't missed the top-three when fresh so can measure up. MACH SHARD (7) is a two-time first-up winner who must be respected after landing the Taylor Mile-Messenger double here last campaign.

Race Time:8:49 AM

Friday, September 20, 2024

Track:Good

Weather:N/A

Prize Money:$0.00

Distance:2200m

The Big Lebowski (1)434211182x

Trainer: Ray Green (PUKEKOHE)12 mths 31: 6-5-4

Driver: Tony Herlihy

7 yo B G

Sire: MACH THREE (CAN)

Dam: COOL MAIDEN (NZ)

Dam's Sire: Safely Kept

Stats

Career31: 6-5-4

LTS$54,605.00

BMR1:55.85

TS3: 1-1-0

Win %19.35%

Place %48.39%

Comments

Resumes today. At the latest first-up run 4th (Fr9) over 2200m at Ascot Park Raceway beaten 12 m by Nutcracker (2:42.50) in 4yo+ on February 12 2023 at $12.20. Probably needs this hitout and this class may test him.

Last Starts 469 days since last start

Place	Date	Days	Class	Prize	Track	Dist.	Cnd.	Driver	Mile Rate	Gate	Result	Margin	Starting Price
2/7	08/06/2023	13	R58 to R68, R69 to R71 with cond. MOB. PACE	$14,790.00	Alexandra Park	2200m	Fast	A C Drake	1:59.1	7	1. New York Minute 2. The Big Lebowski 3. Fernleigh Cash	0.5L	$1.90
8/9	26/05/2023	7	FFA PACE	$159,390.00	Alexandra Park	3200m	Fast	A G Herlihy Mnzm	2:00.9	5	1. Akuta 2. Self Assured 3. Smiffys Terror	9.5L	$15.40
1/6	19/05/2023	26	R57 to R70 MOB. PACE	$15,060.00	Alexandra Park	2200m	Neutral	B N Orange	1:55.8	5	1. The Big Lebowski 2. Brookies Jaffa 3. New York Minute	29.4L	$2.10
1/12	23/04/2023	17	4YO+ R48 to R61 MOB. PACE	$14,020.00	Ascot Park Raceway	2200m	Good	J C Morrison	2:00.5	8	1. The Big Lebowski 2. Nutcracker 3. Brookies Player	4.9L	$27.70
1/9	06/04/2023	7	R46 to R55 MOB. PACE	$8,860.00	Young Quinn Raceway	1609m	SS	N P Williamson	1:57.6	9	1. The Big Lebowski 2. Magnetic Beckers 3. Arnies Army	4.1L	$3.40
2/8	30/03/2023	12	3YO+ R53 to R60 MOB. PACE	$10,240.00	Central Southland Raceway	2400m	Neutral	N P Williamson	1:58.8	1	1. Treacherous Gall 2. The Big Lebowski 3. Lone Wolf	0.8L	$18.40

Sooner The Bettor (2)324222270x

Trainer: Barry Purdon & Scott Phelan (CLEVEDON)12 mths 28: 4-12-4

Driver: Scott Phelan

4 yo BR H

Sire: BETTOR'S DELIGHT (USA)

Dam: LUCKY POCKET (NZ)

Dam's Sire: In The Pocket

Stats

Career28: 4-12-4

LTS$379,098.00

BMR1:53.50

TS11: 2-5-2

Win %14.29%

Place %71.43%

Comments

Returns after five months in the paddock. Finished off last campaign when well beaten into twelfth behind Mach Shard at this track over 1609m on April 26 at $8.80. Previous preparation first-up won by 1.4 m as favourite (Fr5) at this track (2:38.90) beating Jolimont in 3yo on September 22 at $1.60. Strong prospects.

Last Starts 146 days since last start

Place	Date	Days	Class	Prize	Track	Dist.	Cnd.	Driver	Mile Rate	Gate	Result	Margin	Starting Price
12/12	26/04/2024	14	FFA MOB. PACE	$100,920.00	Alexandra Park	1609m	Neutral	S D T Phelan	1:53.9	5	1. Mach Shard 2. Don'T Stop Dreaming 3. Merlin	119.9L	$8.80
7/10	12/04/2024	8	FFA MOB. PACE	$917,430.00	Cambridge Raceway	2200m	Neutral	A G Herlihy Mnzm	1:53.4	11	1. Merlin 2. Don'T Stop Dreaming 3. Kango	9.7L	$66.20
2/10	04/04/2024	26	FFA MOB. PACE	$53,120.00	Cambridge Raceway	1609m	Fast	A G Herlihy Mnzm	1:52.1	1	1. Merlin 2. Sooner The Bettor 3. Don'T Stop Dreaming	0.8L	$2.60
2/8	09/03/2024	7	No NR	$1,000,000.00	Menangle	1609m	Neutral	G J Fitzpatrick	1:48.3	4	1. Leap To Fame 2. Sooner The Bettor 3. Speak The Truth	2.3L	$51.00
2/10	02/03/2024	7	No NR	$250,000.00	Menangle	1609m	Neutral	G J Fitzpatrick	1:49.4	1	1. Frankie Ferocious 2. Sooner The Bettor 3. Captains Knock	1.9L	$23.00
2/8	24/02/2024	14	NR up to 80	$20,400.00	Menangle	1609m	Neutral	G J Fitzpatrick	1:51.6	5	1. Don Hugo 2. Sooner The Bettor 3. Our Vinnie	1.2L	$2.30

Jolimont (3)44x111108x

Trainer: Arna Donnelly (CAMBRIDGE)12 mths 23: 6-5-1

Driver: Todd Mitchell

4 yo BR H

Sire: SWEET LOU (USA)

Dam: RUNNING ON FAITH (NZ)

Dam's Sire: Soky's Atom

Stats

Career23: 6-5-1

LTS$112,138.00

BMR1:56.00

TS11: 4-1-0

Win %26.09%

Place %52.17%

Comments

Resuming after four-and-a-half months off the scene. Finished off last preparation when well beaten into eighth behind Mach Shard at this track over 2700m on May 3 at $53.40. Previous preparation first-up won by 4 m as favourite (Fr3) at this track (2:06.30) beating Throwyaarmsaroundme in 3yo+ on March 1 at $2.10. Leading contender.

Last Starts 139 days since last start

Place	Date	Days	Class	Prize	Track	Dist.	Cnd.	Driver	Mile Rate	Gate	Result	Margin	Starting Price
8/10	03/05/2024	7	FFA MOB. PACE	$96,500.00	Alexandra Park	2700m	Fast	T W Mitchell	1:57.8	4	1. Mach Shard 2. Self Assured 3. Better Eclipse	25.9L	$53.40
11/12	26/04/2024	14	FFA MOB. PACE	$100,920.00	Alexandra Park	1609m	Neutral	T W Mitchell	1:53.9	4	1. Mach Shard 2. Don'T Stop Dreaming 3. Merlin	35.9L	$14.70
1/11	12/04/2024	21	R57 & faster DiscrHcp PACE	$22,530.00	Cambridge Raceway	2700m	Neutral	Mark Purdon	1:58.1	1	1. Jolimont 2. Smoke On The Water 3. Bad Medicine	3.8L	$2.50
1/10	22/03/2024	7	3YO+ R49 to R69 MOB. PACE	$22,550.00	Alexandra Park	2200m	Fast	Mark Purdon	1:56.0	9	1. Jolimont 2. Two Eye See 3. Wallflower	2.4L	$1.80
1/7	15/03/2024	14	3YO+ R50 to R59 MOB. PACE	$14,500.00	Alexandra Park	2200m	SS	Mark Purdon	2:02.1	5	1. Jolimont 2. The Surfer 3. Flying Ellie	5.7L	$1.70
1/8	01/03/2024	82	3YO+ R51 to R56 MOB. PACE	$14,780.00	Alexandra Park	1700m	Fast	Z J Meredith	1:59.6	3	1. Jolimont 2. Throwyaarmsaroundme 3. McKendrick	4.1L	$2.10

Fernleigh Cash (4)9942412x61

Trainer: Steve & Amanda Telfer (PAPAKURA)12 mths 31: 9-6-3

Driver: Josh Dickie

6 yo B G

Sire: BETTOR'S DELIGHT (USA)

Dam: NEW REVENUE (NZ)

Dam's Sire: McArdle

Stats

Career31: 9-6-3

LTS$104,258.00

BMR1:56.95

TS16: 4-1-2

Win %29.03%

Place %58.06%

Comments

Last start won by 2 m (10m 2) at this track (2:42.40) beating Aye Aye Captain in 3yo+ on August 23 at $6.70. Has the fitness edge on a few of these so could measure up again.

Last Starts 27 days since last start

Place	Date	Days	Class	Prize	Track	Dist.	Cnd.	Driver	Mile Rate	Gate	Result	Margin	Starting Price
1/5	23/08/2024	21	3YO+ R55 to R71 DiscrHcp PACE	$15,950.00	Alexandra Park	2200m	Fast	Kristina Denifostova	1:58.7	2	1. Fernleigh Cash 2. Aye Aye Captain 3. Lady Of The Light	1.9L	$6.70
6/6	02/08/2024	141	3YO+ R55 to R70 MOB. PACE	$16,270.00	Alexandra Park	2200m	Fast	Josh Dickie	1:59.7	6	1. Artisan 2. Twista 3. Triple G	17.3L	$4.50
2/6	14/03/2024	7	R50 & faster DiscrHcp PACE	$16,730.00	Manawatu	2500m	Neutral	Josh Dickie	2:02.4	1	1. Warloch 2. Fernleigh Cash 3. New York Minute	4.1L	$2.20
1/8	07/03/2024	32	R50 & faster DiscrHcp PACE	$21,730.00	Cambridge Raceway	2700m	Fast	K Denifostova	2:02.1	1	1. Fernleigh Cash 2. Miki Shan 3. Bad Medicine	1.9L	$12.20
4/12	04/02/2024	2	R50 & faster DiscrHcp PACE	$18,520.00	Hawera	2100m	Neutral	Josh Dickie	2:06.4	3	1. Smoke On The Water 2. Cos I Can 3. Whooshka	3.5L	$5.90
2/14	02/02/2024	7	R50 & faster DiscrHcp PACE	$19,170.00	Hawera	2100m	Neutral	Josh Dickie	2:07.7	3	1. Smoke On The Water 2. Fernleigh Cash 3. Cos I Can	3.5L	$20.70

Lady Of The Light (5)19112157x3

Trainer: Jeremy Young (PUKEKOHE)12 mths 33: 11-6-3

Driver: Sailesh Abernethy

5 yo B M

Sire: BETTOR'S DELIGHT (USA)

Dam: STEEL THE LIGHT (NZ)

Dam's Sire: Falcon Seelster

Stats

Career33: 11-6-3

LTS$231,104.00

BMR1:54.80

TS23: 10-3-3

Win %33.33%

Place %60.61%

Comments

Returned to racing last start with a solid effort when 3rd (20m 1) over 2200m at this track, beaten 5 m by Fernleigh Cash (2:42.40) in 3yo+ on August 23 at $4.30. Consider for exotics.

Last Starts 27 days since last start

Place	Date	Days	Class	Prize	Track	Dist.	Cnd.	Driver	Mile Rate	Gate	Result	Margin	Starting Price
3/5	23/08/2024	196	3YO+ R55 to R71 DiscrHcp PACE	$15,950.00	Alexandra Park	2200m	Fast	M W McKendry Mnzm	1:58.7	1	1. Fernleigh Cash 2. Aye Aye Captain 3. Lady Of The Light	5.1L	$4.30
7/14	09/02/2024	14	F&M FFA MOB. PACE	$105,420.00	Addington	2600m	Fast	M W McKendry Mnzm	1:58.9	3	1. Allamericanlover 2. Mr Kaplan 3. Manhattan	15.7L	$4.30
5/14	26/01/2024	42	4YO+ Mares MOB. PACE	$57,500.00	Addington	1980m	Fast	M W McKendry Mnzm	1:56.7	13	1. Allamericanlover 2. Manhattan 3. Kahlua Flybye	6.5L	$4.50
1/10	15/12/2023	7	3YO+ F&M FFA MOB. PACE	$98,290.00	Alexandra Park	2200m	Fast	M W McKendry Mnzm	1:57.0	8	1. Lady Of The Light 2. Lifes A Beach 3. Manhattan	5.7L	$9.60
2/8	08/12/2023	14	3YO+ F&M FFA MOB. PACE	$34,440.00	Alexandra Park	2200m	Fast	M W McKendry Mnzm	1:59.3	4	1. Aardies Express 2. Lady Of The Light 3. Manhattan	0.3L	$3.90
1/8	24/11/2023	14	3YO+ R59 to R71 MOB. PACE	$17,060.00	Alexandra Park	2200m	Fast	M Ranger	1:58.3	3	1. Lady Of The Light 2. Simply Sam 3. Jethro Bodine	7.3L	$2.70

Miki Shan (6)113x2675x7

Trainer: M W McKendry (PUKEKOHE)12 mths 28: 6-4-5

Driver: Maurice McKendry

4 yo B H

Sire: ALWAYS B MIKI (USA)

Dam: YANKEE DREAM (NZ)

Dam's Sire: Dream Away(USA)

Stats

Career28: 6-4-5

LTS$81,370.00

BMR1:57.53

TS23: 5-3-3

Win %21.43%

Place %53.57%

Comments

Comes here second-up after three weeks. Lacklustre first-up performance when 7th (Fr7) over 1609m at this track beaten 15 m by Better Knuckle Up (1:57.40) in 3yo+ on August 30 at $25. This looks too tough.

Last Starts 20 days since last start

Place	Date	Days	Class	Prize	Track	Dist.	Cnd.	Driver	Mile Rate	Gate	Result	Margin	Starting Price
7/7	30/08/2024	126	3YO+ R51 to R66 MOB. PACE	$14,100.00	Alexandra Park	1609m	Fast	M W McKendry Mnzm	1:57.4	7	1. Better Knuckle Up 2. Artisan 3. Twista	15.9L	$25.00
5/7	26/04/2024	14	R56 & faster DiscrHcp PACE	$33,490.00	Alexandra Park	2700m	Neutral	M W McKendry Mnzm	2:04.6	2	1. Smoke On The Water 2. Boudica 3. Village Rebel	17.8L	$8.20
7/11	12/04/2024	21	R57 & faster DiscrHcp PACE	$22,530.00	Cambridge Raceway	2700m	Neutral	M W McKendry Mnzm	1:58.1	2	1. Jolimont 2. Smoke On The Water 3. Bad Medicine	14.9L	$18.00
6/10	22/03/2024	15	3YO+ R49 to R69 MOB. PACE	$22,550.00	Alexandra Park	2200m	Fast	M W McKendry Mnzm	1:56.0	7	1. Jolimont 2. Two Eye See 3. Wallflower	24.0L	$5.40
2/8	07/03/2024	74	R50 & faster DiscrHcp PACE	$21,730.00	Cambridge Raceway	2700m	Fast	M W McKendry Mnzm	2:02.1	2	1. Fernleigh Cash 2. Miki Shan 3. Bad Medicine	1.9L	$5.00
3/10	24/12/2023	9	3YO+ R63 & faster DiscrHcp PACE	$22,340.00	Cambridge Raceway	2700m	SS	M W McKendry Mnzm	2:01.9	2	1. Dontstopmenow 2. Bad Medicine 3. Miki Shan	10.0L	$6.80

Mach Shard (20)312769118x

Trainer: Barry Purdon & Scott Phelan (CLEVEDON)12 mths 108: 20-12-12

Driver: Crystal Hackett

9 yo B G

Sire: MACH THREE (CAN)

Dam: SLY SHARD (NZ)

Dam's Sire: Panorama(USA)

Stats

Career108: 20-12-12

LTS$759,764.00

BMR1:49.70

TS45: 11-10-7

Win %18.52%

Place %40.74%

Comments

Resuming after four months off the scene. Finished off last campaign when well beaten into eighth behind Better Eclipse at this track over 3200m on May 24 at $6.10. Rates highly on his Group 1 double from last prep.

Last Starts 118 days since last start

Place	Date	Days	Class	Prize	Track	Dist.	Cnd.	Driver	Mile Rate	Gate	Result	Margin	Starting Price
8/8	24/05/2024	21	FFA PACE	$211,360.00	Alexandra Park	3200m	E	C J Hackett	2:00.3	5	1. Better Eclipse 2. Self Assured 3. Republican Party	123.1L	$6.10
1/10	03/05/2024	7	FFA MOB. PACE	$96,500.00	Alexandra Park	2700m	Fast	C J Hackett	1:57.8	5	1. Mach Shard 2. Self Assured 3. Better Eclipse	0.8L	$28.30
1/12	26/04/2024	14	FFA MOB. PACE	$100,920.00	Alexandra Park	1609m	Neutral	C J Hackett	1:53.9	6	1. Mach Shard 2. Don'T Stop Dreaming 3. Merlin	1.9L	$63.90
9/10	12/04/2024	8	FFA MOB. PACE	$917,430.00	Cambridge Raceway	2200m	Neutral	S D T Phelan	1:53.4	4	1. Merlin 2. Don'T Stop Dreaming 3. Kango	13.0L	$106.30
6/10	04/04/2024	13	FFA MOB. PACE	$53,120.00	Cambridge Raceway	1609m	Fast	S D T Phelan	1:52.1	5	1. Merlin 2. Sooner The Bettor 3. Don'T Stop Dreaming	4.1L	$81.60
7/7	22/03/2024	14	FFA MOB. PACE	$51,170.00	Alexandra Park	2200m	Fast	S D T Phelan	1:58.5	5	1. Don'T Stop Dreaming 2. Self Assured 3. Kango	10.3L	$32.00
2/3	25/10/2023	-	Trial	$0.00	Menangle	2300m	Good	J R Grimson		0	1. Swayzee 2. Mach Shard 3. Spirit Of St Louis	2.2L	$0.00
1/6	15/06/2022	-	Trial	$0.00	Redcliffe	2613m		L A McCarthy		0	1. Mach Shard 2. Justunderthelimit 3. Ariel Leader	35L	$0.00

Merlin (20)112511134x

Trainer: Barry Purdon & Scott Phelan (CLEVEDON)12 mths 28: 18-3-4

Driver: Zachary Butcher

4 yo B H

Sire: ART MAJOR (USA)

Dam: IMAGINARY BET (NZ)

Dam's Sire: Bettor's Delight

Stats

Career28: 18-3-4

LTS$1,065,296.00

BMR1:52.10

TS12: 9-0-2

Win %64.29%

Place %89.29%

Comments

Multiple Group 1 winner. First up. At the last run he 4th (Fr3) over 2700m at this track beaten 4 m by Mach Shard (3:17.70) on May 3 at $2.50. Has a strong record here and races well fresh so looks hard to beat.

Last Starts 139 days since last start

Place	Date	Days	Class	Prize	Track	Dist.	Cnd.	Driver	Mile Rate	Gate	Result	Margin	Starting Price
4/10	03/05/2024	7	FFA MOB. PACE	$96,500.00	Alexandra Park	2700m	Fast	Z E Butcher	1:57.8	3	1. Mach Shard 2. Self Assured 3. Better Eclipse	3.8L	$2.50
3/12	26/04/2024	14	FFA MOB. PACE	$100,920.00	Alexandra Park	1609m	Neutral	Z E Butcher	1:53.9	9	1. Mach Shard 2. Don'T Stop Dreaming 3. Merlin	2.2L	$4.20
1/10	12/04/2024	8	FFA MOB. PACE	$917,430.00	Cambridge Raceway	2200m	Neutral	Z E Butcher	1:53.4	5	1. Merlin 2. Don'T Stop Dreaming 3. Kango	1.1L	$4.70
1/10	04/04/2024	26	FFA MOB. PACE	$53,120.00	Cambridge Raceway	1609m	Fast	Z E Butcher	1:52.1	6	1. Merlin 2. Sooner The Bettor 3. Don'T Stop Dreaming	0.8L	$4.50
1/10	09/03/2024	7	No NR	$100,000.00	Menangle	2300m	Neutral	M Purdon	1:53.7	10	1. Merlin 2. Rock N Roll Doo 3. Max Delight	0.2L	$5.00
5/10	02/03/2024	7	No NR	$250,000.00	Menangle	1609m	Neutral	Z E Butcher	1:49.4	7	1. Frankie Ferocious 2. Sooner The Bettor 3. Captains Knock	5.5L	$7.00