Menangle Race 3 - Neutra-Syrup Nsw Derby Heat 2
Talented colt FIRE AND PASSION (1) brings an impressive strike rate from Queensland and the stable usually has success when travelling. Came from wider to win first-up, his first outing since a Group 1 win at home last August. It should have improved him and he has the speed to take advantage of the ace draw. USYK (3) is two from two this time in, leading to beat older rivals at Wagga last start. That took his career strike rate 50 per cent and he draws to be prominent again. He looks an each way hope as does MESSAGE BANK (9) who cops a wide barrier but will be fitter second-up and showed good ability last season, highlighted by his Group 1 Gold Crown win. SOHO CHARMER (7) won his lone second-up attempt so should be improved by his resuming effort where he came from this barrier for a midfield finish in the Simpson Memorial. YOTTIE (4) is a query having ended his juvenile season with a string of Bathurst wins. Trialling well and has upside.

Driver: Grant Dixon
Stats
Comments
Resumed from a 192-day break with a strong win by a head (Fr7) at Albion Park (1:57.30) beating Move It Lou in 3yo+ wins on February 24 at $2.60. First try here but the ace draw gives him every chance to continue the winning streak.
Last Starts 11 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/7 | 24/02/2026 | 192 | wins | $9,000.00 | Albion Park | 1660m | Neutral | Grant Dixon | 1:53.7 | 7 |
| 0.2L | $2.60 |
| 1/5 | 10/02/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Albion Park | 1660m | Good | Adam Sanderson | 0 |
| 5.4L | $0.00 | |
| 1/6 | 03/02/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Albion Park | 1660m | Good | Trista Dixon | 0 |
| 4.3L | $0.00 | |
| 1/10 | 16/08/2025 | 11 | No NR | $150,000.00 | Albion Park | 1660m | Neutral | Grant Dixon | 1:52.2 | 3 |
| 5.4L | $1.08 |
| 1/9 | 05/08/2025 | 7 | No NR | $9,800.00 | Albion Park | 1660m | Neutral | Grant Dixon | 1:53.7 | 6 |
| 9.9L | $1.35 |
| 1/9 | 29/07/2025 | 17 | No NR | $9,000.00 | Albion Park | 1660m | Neutral | Grant Dixon | 1:53.7 | 6 |
| 2.3L | $1.16 |
| 8/10 | 12/07/2025 | 7 | No NR | $500,000.00 | Albion Park | 1660m | Neutral | Grant Dixon | 1:51.6 | 2 |
| 54.1L | $3.60 |
| 1/10 | 05/07/2025 | 14 | No NR | $52,000.00 | Albion Park | 1660m | Neutral | Grant Dixon | 1:54.1 | 3 |
| 4.6L | $2.10 |

Driver: Luke McCarthy
Stats
Comments
Last start game effort when 3rd (Fr1) over 1609m at this track, at the bell was 2nd-4.77 beaten 4 m by Soho Trump (1:51.40) in NR 58 to 64 on February 24 at $2.80. Two runs back posted a big 11 m win as favourite after showing early speed, (Fr4) at this track (1:51.20) beating Stellar Stride in 3yo+ 2LTW so eligible 3yo+ NR55 on February 10 at $1.15 at the bell was leading 4.49. Decent effort last start. Draws well so each way claims.
Last Starts 11 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/8 | 24/02/2026 | 14 | NR 58 to 64 | $10,000.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Neutral | Luke McCarthy | 1:51.4 | 1 |
| 4.0L | $2.80 |
| 1/10 | 10/02/2026 | 227 | 2LTW so eligible 3yo+ NR55 | $10,000.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Fast | Luke McCarthy | 1:51.2 | 4 |
| 11.6L | $1.15 |
| 1/7 | 04/02/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Good | Luke McCarthy | 0 |
| 4.5L | $0.00 | |
| 4/6 | 28/06/2025 | 16 | No NR | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | D J Burns | 1:53.6 | 3 |
| 7.6L | $14.00 |
| 8/10 | 12/06/2025 | 64 | No NR | $20,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | Neutral | D J Burns | 1:53.6 | 3 |
| 27.4L | $11.00 |
| 1/4 | 10/05/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | Damien Burns | 0 |
| 8L | $0.00 | ||
| 1/5 | 09/04/2025 | 56 | 0-1 WIN | $6,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Neutral | D J Burns | 1:56.1 | 5 |
| 5.0L | $1.26 |
| 1/4 | 12/02/2025 | - | MAIDEN | $6,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Neutral | D J Burns | 1:55.7 | 4 |
| 14.8L | $1.25 |

Driver: Nathan Jack
Stats
Comments
Chasing a hat-trick. Last start posted a big 5.5 m win as favourite when quickly away, (Fr1) at Riverina Paceway (2:44.00) beating Kosimo in NR up to 80 on February 27 at $2. Hard to leave out on current form. In winning form and the low draw can see him make an impact again.
Last Starts 8 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/9 | 27/02/2026 | 14 | NR up to 80 | $11,830.00 | Wagga | 2270m | Fast | Nathan Jack | 1:56.2 | 1 |
| 5.7L | $2.00 |
| 1/10 | 13/02/2026 | 79 | NR up to 60 | $14,280.00 | Albury | 1770m | Fast | Tasmyn Potter | 1:57.7 | 3 |
| 2.5L | $2.15 |
| 1/4 | 02/02/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | D Jack | 0 |
| 4L | $0.00 | ||
| 4/12 | 26/11/2025 | 11 | No NR | $15,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Nathan Jack | 1:56.8 | 2 |
| 10.6L | $3.50 |
| 8/11 | 15/11/2025 | 10 | No NR | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Nathan Jack | 1:55.4 | 5 |
| 15.1L | $18.00 |
| 1/10 | 05/11/2025 | 32 | No NR | $10,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Nathan Jack | 1:57.8 | 5 |
| 8.4L | $5.50 |
| 1/5 | 30/10/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Shepparton | 2190m | Nathan Jack | 0 |
| 0.2L | $0.00 | ||
| 5/6 | 04/10/2025 | 42 | No NR | $20,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Nathan Jack | 1:52.3 | 5 |
| 28.6L | $1.90 |

Driver: Bernie Hewitt
Stats
Comments
Resumes. Finished off last preparation recording to make any headway until the straight; raced back and made ground from the turn; posted a big 20 m win as favourite (Sr3) at Bathurst (2:02.50) beating Cowboy Culture in 2yo 0-2 WINs on October 29 at $1.07. Showed promise last time in and has been trialling well so keep very safe.
Last Starts 5 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/9 | 02/03/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bathurst | 1730m | Good | Bernie Hewitt | 0 |
| 0.1L | $0.00 | |
| 2/8 | 23/02/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bathurst | 1730m | Good | Bernie Hewitt | 0 |
| 0.1L | $0.00 | |
| 1/7 | 16/02/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bathurst | 1730m | Good | Bernie Hewitt | 0 |
| 13.5L | $0.00 | |
| 1/10 | 29/10/2025 | 19 | 0-2 WINs | $9,790.00 | Bathurst | 1730m | Neutral | Bernie Hewitt | 1:54.0 | 3 |
| 20.2L | $1.07 |
| 1/10 | 10/10/2025 | 9 | 0-1 WIN | $6,940.00 | Bathurst | 1730m | Fast | Bernie Hewitt | 1:53.3 | 5 |
| 35.2L | $1.08 |
| 1/8 | 01/10/2025 | 14 | MAIDEN | $6,940.00 | Bathurst | 1730m | Neutral | Bernie Hewitt | 1:56.0 | 1 |
| 8.8L | $1.25 |
| 5/10 | 17/09/2025 | - | No NR | $15,000.00 | Bathurst | 1730m | Neutral | J T Hewitt | 1:56.3 | 4 |
| 10.5L | $13.00 |

Driver: Anthony Frisby
Stats
Comments
Last start was driven from back in the field when 9th (Fr10) over 1609m at this track beaten 30 m by Hollywood Strip (1:50.40) in 3yo LR No NR on February 14 at $126. Two runs back won by a head when quickly away, (Fr5) at Goulburn (2:01.40) beating Nocturnal in 3yo NBT1WTS on February 1 at $4.60 at the bell was leading 6.4. This looks a tough task.
Last Starts 5 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/9 | 02/03/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bathurst | 1730m | Good | Anthony Frisby | 0 |
| 0.1L | $0.00 | |
| 9/10 | 14/02/2026 | 13 | No NR | $30,600.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Fast | Anthony Frisby | 1:50.4 | 10 |
| 32.1L | $126.00 |
| 1/6 | 01/02/2026 | 8 | NBT1WTS | $11,830.00 | Goulburn | 1710m | Fast | Anthony Frisby | 1:54.2 | 5 |
| 0.2L | $4.60 |
| 0/10 | 24/01/2026 | 43 | NMT2WTS | $11,830.00 | Junee | 1760m | Fast | Anthony Frisby | 2:00.2 | 2 |
| 99.0L | $1.25 |
| 1/5 | 19/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bathurst | 1730m | Good | Anthony Frisby | 0 |
| 17.1L | $0.00 | |
| 1/7 | 12/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bathurst | 1730m | Good | Anthony Frisby | 0 |
| 8.7L | $0.00 | |
| 1/10 | 12/12/2025 | 258 | 0-1 WIN | $12,240.00 | Dubbo | 1720m | Fast | Anthony Frisby | 1:58.5 | 4 |
| 27.5L | $1.40 |
| 7/10 | 29/03/2025 | 8 | No NR | $150,000.00 | Bathurst | 1730m | Neutral | Anthony Frisby | 1:54.8 | 3 |
| 14.0L | $41.00 |
| 2/8 | 21/03/2025 | 13 | No NR | $9,790.00 | Bathurst | 1730m | Neutral | Anthony Frisby | 1:55.4 | 7 |
| 9.4L | $10.00 |

Driver: Cameron Hart
Stats
Comments
Didn't do much last start, 6th (Sr3) over 1720m at Penrith was 7th-14.03 at the bell, beaten 15 m by Rocky Road Star (2:03.80) in 3yo 1 WIN on February 19 at $2.50. Before that was well back in the run when 6th (Fr7) over 1609m at this track was 10th-21.12 at the bell, beaten 14 m by Oakie Smokeshow (1:52.00) in 3yo+ 2LTW so eligible 3yo+ NR55 on February 3 at $26. Will need improvement to figure.
Last Starts 16 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/10 | 19/02/2026 | 16 | 1 WIN | $11,830.00 | Penrith | 1720m | Fast | B L Mcdonough | 1:55.9 | 3 |
| 15.5L | $2.50 |
| 6/10 | 03/02/2026 | 6 | 2LTW so eligible 3yo+ NR55 | $10,000.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Fast | Ashleigh Delosa | 1:52.0 | 7 |
| 14.5L | $26.00 |
| 5/8 | 28/01/2026 | 11 | NR up to 60 | $11,830.00 | Newcastle | 1609m | Fast | Ashleigh Delosa | 1:52.4 | 3 |
| 12.8L | $13.00 |
| 4/5 | 17/01/2026 | 11 | 1WTS | $20,400.00 | Menangle | 1609m | W | Ashleigh Delosa | 1:55.9 | 2 |
| 23.8L | $3.90 |
| 3/8 | 06/01/2026 | 19 | No NR | $11,830.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Fast | Ashleigh Delosa | 1:52.4 | 4 |
| 6.4L | $2.60 |
| 3/8 | 18/12/2025 | 10 | NR up to 55 | $9,790.00 | Penrith | 1720m | Fast | Ashleigh Delosa | 1:56.8 | 2 |
| 3.6L | $2.20 |
| 2/6 | 11/11/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | Jordan Leedham | 0 |
| 12.6L | $0.00 | |
| 1/5 | 28/10/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | Jordan Leedham | 0 |
| 0.2L | $0.00 |

Driver: Michael Stanley
Stats
Comments
Resumed when over this distance beaten 9 m fifth behind Hollywood Strip in a 3yo LR No NR on February 14. Strips fitter and is among the chances.
Last Starts 21 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/10 | 14/02/2026 | 84 | No NR | $30,600.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Fast | Chris Geary | 1:50.4 | 7 |
| 9.0L | $18.00 |
| 3/7 | 04/02/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Good | Michael Stanley | 0 |
| 2.1L | $0.00 | |
| 1/7 | 21/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Good | Michael Stanley | 0 |
| 9.3L | $0.00 | |
| 4/12 | 22/11/2025 | 7 | No NR | $100,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Michael Stanley | 1:55.9 | 2 |
| 4.6L | $7.00 |
| 1/11 | 15/11/2025 | 10 | No NR | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Anthony Butt | 1:55.4 | 3 |
| 1.4L | $10.00 |
| 2/10 | 05/11/2025 | 18 | No NR | $10,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Michael Stanley | 1:53.7 | 1 |
| 0.2L | $6.00 |
| 2/9 | 18/10/2025 | 16 | No NR | $20,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Michael Stanley | 1:54.3 | 4 |
| 1.7L | $4.60 |
| 1/9 | 02/10/2025 | 35 | NR up to 47 | $9,790.00 | Penrith | 1720m | Neutral | Michael Stanley | 1:58.3 | 4 |
| 16.3L | $1.05 |

Driver: Brad Hewitt
Stats
Comments
Last start 8th (Fr2) over 1609m at this track, beaten 14 m by Hollywood Strip (1:50.40) in 3yo LR No NR on February 14 at $21. Two runs back 4th (Fr3) over 1609m at this track was 7th-11.3m on the pegs at the bell, beaten 9 m by Hollywood Strip (1:50.60) in 2yo G1 No NR CG on October 25 at $7.50. Draws wide but will strip a lot fitter so watch for improvement.
Last Starts 21 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/10 | 14/02/2026 | 112 | No NR | $30,600.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Fast | David Hewitt | 1:50.4 | 2 |
| 14.0L | $21.00 |
| 4/7 | 05/02/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Goulburn | 1710m | Good | David Hewitt | 0 |
| 22L | $0.00 | |
| 4/10 | 25/10/2025 | 14 | No NR | $150,000.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Neutral | David Hewitt | 1:50.6 | 3 |
| 9.2L | $7.50 |
| 2/10 | 11/10/2025 | 24 | No NR | $25,000.00 | Menangle | 1609m | Fast | Brad Hewitt | 1:52.7 | 4 |
| 1.3L | $1.40 |
| 1/10 | 17/09/2025 | 172 | No NR | $15,000.00 | Bathurst | 1730m | Neutral | Brad Hewitt | 1:55.5 | 2 |
| 7.2L | $1.10 |
| 3/4 | 04/09/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Goulburn | 1710m | Good | Harrison Ross | 0 |
| 16L | $0.00 | |
| 1/10 | 29/03/2025 | 8 | No NR | $150,000.00 | Bathurst | 1730m | Neutral | David Hewitt | 1:54.8 | 6 |
| 2.6L | $13.00 |
| 1/8 | 21/03/2025 | - | No NR | $9,790.00 | Bathurst | 1730m | Neutral | Brad Hewitt | 1:53.7 | 6 |
| 7.3L | $7.00 |