McCarthy ready to strike

03 June 2023 | HRNSW MEDIA | AMANDA RANDO
Logo
Driver Luke McCarthy.

Driver Luke McCarthy.

Champion reinsman Luke McCarthy may be getting ready to face one of the biggest tasks of his career but has business to take care of first at Menangle tonight.

McCarthy is set to take on UFC champion Charles Oliveria in a match race as a highlight on TAB Eureka night on September 2 but before that, the Group 1-winning driver will be looking to add to his metropolitan tally.

Currently sitting in second position in the Metropolitan Drivers’ Premiership, McCarthy is just six wins behind Cameron Hart.

With only five drives locked in tonight, it’s impossible for McCarthy to regain the lead, however, he has strong chances to close the gap.  

This includes McCarthy’s drive on Bondi Lockdown in the J D Watts Memorial.

Bondi Lockdown finished sixth to stablemate Artillery at Menangle last week and has since undergone blood and endoscopic tests, passing fit to race tonight.

McCarthy also has drives in both NSW Bred Finals with El Franco De and Devlis Bling as well as Fairy Tinkabell in race nine.

The iForm best bets for Saturday:

Menangle best bet

Race 9: Braeview Kelly (8)

Brilliant mare although first up could have their measure impressing at Menangle trials.

Menangle next best

Race 5: Most Triumphant (3)

Rates highly back amongst her own after a brave Wagga defeat.

Play the exotics

The Menangle quaddie

Race 5: 3-2-10-8

Race 6: 4-5-8-1

Race 7: 6-7

Race 8: 13-14-6-11-1-12

$96 for 50%

To view the complete iForm for Menangle click here.

 

Related News

11 March 2026
Wharton: VIC breeders provide formidable backbone to Nutrien Sydney
The strength of the Victorian breeding industry was on full display at the Nutrien Equine Sydney Yearling Sale at Warwick Farm on Sunday. Vendors from south of the border sold 16 lots for a total of $694,000, an average of $43,375. CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL STORY AT THETROTS.COM.AU
11 March 2026
Coney's dream Miracle Mile drive
CAM Hart’s surprise decision to partner Swayzee has paved the way for youngster Jye Coney to land the fairytale drive on Captains Mistress in Saturday night’s $1 million Miracle Mile. Coney, who only turned 18 in August and has driven just 267 winners, said his head was spinning when the...
11 March 2026
Strengthening Education, Rehoming and Welfare Pathways for the Harness Racing Industry
Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) today announces the introduction of a 1% industry contribution applied to prizemoney, reinforcing the organisation’s ongoing commitment to strengthening education, training, welfare and rehoming outcomes across the sport. This decision forms an important component...
11 March 2026
Hart beats for Miracle win
Menangle Park trainer Jason Grimson will make a three-pronged attack on this Saturday night’s Garrards million dollar Miracle Mile at Tabcorp Park Menangle. The premier sprint which is recognised internationally was first run in 1967 and was won by Robin Dundee who posted a record-breaking time...
11 March 2026
Wayne Hamilton: From Ship Deck to Sale Ring
The ranks of hobby breeders come from all walks of life, but Hunter Valley enthusiast Wayne Hamilton has a background that is a little outside the typical path. Hamilton is a former officer with the Royal Australian Navy, working on frigates and destroyers for almost two decades. He spent time in active...
Click for more