The Janitor. Photo by Club Menangle
Exciting Queensland raider The Janitor can take a step up to the big time when he tackles a strong field of established stars in the Len Smith Mile at Menangle on Saturday night.
Chantal Turpin's four-year-old faces his acid test against the big guns but he is an untapped prospect who was terrific from some tough draws through the Brisbane winter carnival.
That hard racing could be the making of The Janitor – much as it was for Don Hugo in similar races last year - and he has already shown a liking for Menangle where he has won two of three visits.
He fared well at the barrier draw so should get his chance to take this step.
Champion pacer Swayzee presents as a huge stumbling block in his return to the track.
He may be better known as a stayer but has a strong record at the distance with four wins from seven tries along with a luckless fourth in this year's Miracle Mile.
He strikes at 50 per cent when fresh and was primed for the Len Smith with an eye-catching trial win.
Swayzee loves Menangle having won eight of his 11 starts at the circuit and as a multiple Group 1 winner represents the class factor in the race.
Kingman is a pacer on the up and has been good in three Menangle starts since joining Luke McCarthy, winning twice.
He gets the same draw he had when leading to score last start so should be prominent.
Captains Knock has been racing well in Sydney since returning from another Inter Dominion series.
He finally draws a favourable barrier and that brings him into contention.
Evergreen veteran Max Delight draws out but is in form with wins at his last two starts, one from a wider barrier so he must be respected.
Smart colt Mac Bon looks one of the better bets on the program despite a wide draw in the NSW Breeders Challenge Blue 3CG Final.
He was good without much luck through the Brisbane winter carnival before proving too strong in his heat last time.
That took his record at the distance to four wins and two placings from six attempts and he is the class runner of the field.
Jungle Dragon is a danger despite having to settle for third as a hot favourite in his heat when off a wider barrier. He won two in a prior and a better draw can see a good showing.
Soho Darknstormy draws wide but is consistent and won the 2CG version of this race last year so expect he has been set for this.
It is one of four Breeders Challenge Blue finals on the card and the best of the others looks to be promising filly Smirkin Serene in the 3F race.
She scored her third win in a row when resuming in the heats to make it two from two at the circuit and distance and she should be fitter for it.
She has the gate speed to take advantage of a low draw so can add to the winning streak.
