9-10 Newcastle 04Sep26 1609MS $11,830 2 WINs 2 Sr2 Blake Hughes $81, btn 14.2m, wnr Bandleader 0, 1:54.8 (n/a,n/a,n/a,n/a)

Last start 9th (Sr2) over 1609m at this track, beaten 14 m by Bandleader (1:54.80) in 2yo on September 4 at $81. Two runs back was well back in the run when 7th (Fr6) over 1609m at this track, at the bell was 6th-12.35 beaten 13 m by Mcweapon (1:55.90) in 2yo on August 14 at $41. This looks a tough task.

6-7 Menangle 20May26 1609SS Trial Fr1 Bailey McDonough btn 11.1m, wnr LUCIENDO BIEN 0.0, (n/a,n/a,n/a,n/a)

First up. At the last run he solid effort when 2nd (Fr4) over 1720m at Penrith was 3rd-2.1m on the pegs at the bell, beaten 2.75 m by Passion And Pain (2:08.70) in 2yo on April 30 at $3.40. Drawn to advantage so looks for a good return.

5-10 Menangle 09Sep26 1609SS Trial Fr3 Luke McCarthy btn 13.1m, wnr POPS HOLLAQUIN 0.0, (n/a,n/a,n/a,n/a)

Two-year-old colt by Captaintreacherous out of Jeradas Delight on debut. Finished fifth at Menangle in a trial on September 9 over 1609m. Profiles nicely and draws well so could measure up.

9-10 Newcastle 11Sep26 1609MS $15,300 NR up to 55 2 Fr2 Declan Murphy $23, btn 15.8m, wnr Wildfire Stride 0, 1:56.8 (n/a,n/a,n/a,n/a)

Comes here second-up after a week. Lacklustre first-up performance when 9th (Fr2) over 1609m after showing early speed at this track beaten 15 m by Wildfire Stride (1:56.80) in 2yo on September 11 at $23. Needs to lift.

8-10 Newcastle 11Sep26 1609MS $15,300 NR up to 55 2 Fr7 Blake Hughes $126, btn 13.7m, wnr Wildfire Stride 0, 1:56.8 (n/a,n/a,n/a,n/a)

Didn't do much last time out, was well back in the run when 8th (Fr7) over 1609m at this track, beaten 13 m by Wildfire Stride (1:56.80) in 2yo on September 11 at $126. Before that was well back in the run when 6th (Fr4) over 1609m at this track, beaten 10 m by Bandleader (1:54.80) in 2yo on September 4 at $5. Not going well enough.

10-10 Newcastle 11Sep26 1609MS $15,300 NR up to 55 2 Fr8 D Jack $41, btn 17.2m, wnr Wildfire Stride 0, 1:56.8 (n/a,n/a,n/a,n/a)

Last start 10th (Fr8) over 1609m at this track beaten 17 m by Wildfire Stride (1:56.80) in 2yo on September 11 at $41. Before that, a game effort when 3rd (Sr3) over 1609m at this track, beaten 5.5 m by Bandleader (1:54.80) in 2yo on September 4 at $2.80. Improvement would not surprise.

2-4 Maitland 09Sep26 1648SS Trial Fr3 D Jack btn 5m, wnr DEECEE ROCKIN 0.0, (n/a,n/a,n/a,n/a)

Resuming after a spell of 12 weeks. Finished off last campaign when well beaten into fifth behind Gordons Ghost at this track over 1609m in a 2yo on June 26 at $1.60. Keep safe fresh.

1-10 Newcastle 11Sep26 1609MS $15,300 NR up to 55 2 Fr5 Ashleigh Delosa $1, won by 2.4m, 2nd Bandleader 0, 1:56.8 (n/a,n/a,n/a,n/a)

Two-year-old colt is racing in fine form. Won his last two outings at this track both over 1609m. Last start won by 2.5 m as favourite after showing early speed, (Fr5) at this track (1:56.80) beating Bandleader in 2yo on September 11 at $1.45. Draws wide but can continue his progress.

5-10 Newcastle 11Sep26 1609MS $15,300 NR up to 55 2 Sr1 Michael Formosa $101, btn 8.6m, wnr Wildfire Stride 0, 1:56.8 (n/a,n/a,n/a,n/a)

Finished up last campaign with a win at Bathurst, started this campaign won by a head when driven back in the field, (Fr7) held up early, at this track (2:28.70) beating Thripenny in on August 31 at $4.20 at the bell was 7th-13.38. Then last outing 5th (Sr1) over 1609m at this track beaten 8 m by Wildfire Stride (1:56.80) in 2yo on September 11 at $101. Looking to others.