“Life is good”

Considering the size of his team, Menangle harness racing trainer Pete Russo has an extraordinary strike rate.

And the hard-working trainer is beginning to reap the rewards.

Fresh from a winning treble on Monday – one at Bankstown and two at Menangle, Russo has serious chances in the first four races at Menangle tonight.

And next week might turn out even better when his stable star Mahomes makes his return to the racetrack as well.

Yet tonight is where Russo hopes to strike early, although admits will need a bit of luck if Prosecution Witness is to repeat his impressive effort in scoring at Menangle on Monday night.

Russo has again booked in-form young reinsman Jack Callaghan to get the job done.

“The team is ticking along so well and we had a really good Monday and most of them are backing up again,” he said.

“Prosecution Witness went really well last week although this is a bit stronger field and we didn’t have much luck with the draw.

“He’s probably at the right price at around 10-1 but he’s definitely going well enough to be in the finish again.”

Always Rockin (Race 2) also has Callaghan aboard and is at $4.50 in early markets.

“He’s got his right trip and a good draw – he does love the 2300m,” said the Menangle trainer.

“The 95 grade is about him and if he finds the top and rolls along, he should be right in the finish somewhere.

“David Aiken’s horse, Major Bob is going really well at the moment but if things go his way he’ll be thereabouts.”

Russo has stable newcomer The Golden Cross ($1.55 favourite) in Race 3.

“I’ve had him about a month. He’s coming back after injury and I’ve been working him up.

“He trialled really well last Wednesday week and on paper it looks a winnable race.

“Beau Cishlom (Race 4) is in a similar race to last week and is a good sit-and-sprint horse and I’d like to think he can be in the finish too.”

“They all pulled up well from Monday so decided I could send them around again.

“Most of my stable are older, tried horses but it’s a fair achievement to be in the top 10 with the size of the stable we do have.

“I’ve been lucky to get a few new owners and have been offered a few extra horses. Life is good.”

To view tonight’s Menangle fields click here.

By Michael Court for HRNSW