Stars line up at the ‘Big M’

Harness racing couple Belinda and Luke McCarthy have packed up 10 horses and headed to Queensland to campaign their during the winter months.

Yet that hasn’t stopped their stable foreman Jack Callaghan’s stunning run of success in recent weeks.

Callaghan will drive just three for the McCarthy stables at Menangle tonight, The Croupier (by Roll With Joe, Race 1), Alta Orlando (Courage Under Fire, Race 6) and Majestic Simon (Majestic Son, Race 8) and all are well found in early betting.

Yet Callaghan still finds himself in demand with outside stables and he has picked up several more excellent chances, including one for his father Mark.

In fact, Stellas Delight (Bettors Delight, Race 4) will be one of the shorter-priced favourites of the night with the last-start winner perfectly drawn in gate one to go on her winning way.

Ace conditioner Michael Doltoff has also nabbed Callaghan to drive Duggee Sloy (Somebeachsomewhere, $3.25), who is chasing a hat-trick of wins despite an awkward draw in Race 3.

And the well-travelled former Miracle Mile placegetter Alta Orlando has been listed as the $3 second favourite for tonight’s feature, the $30,600 J. D. Watts Memorial (Race 6).

Should he prevail tonight he can probably also pack his bags for a trip to the Sunshine State.

Luke McCarthy has declared Alta Orlando will probably join his Queensland team and chase feature races like the Sunshine Sprint and the Blacks A Fake, should he produce his best form at Menangle this month.

Meanwhile connections of in-form mare Debutante Party hope its third time lucky when they return to Menangle tonight.

A surprise package since crossing the Tasman to join Brad Hewitt’s stable, Debutante Party has had six Australian starts for four wins.

“She is no superstar, but she tries her heart out,” said Hewitt.

“She is only a tiny thing, but has a heart as big as herself and a bit of an attitude to go with it.

“She has a competitive nature and enjoys being in a tussle.

“She has certainly done a top job so far and we’re pretty happy with her.”

Debutante Party (Bettors Delight) has drawn gate four in Race 7 tonight, the Bestinbeds.com.au Ladyship Pace .

“There are some handy types and a bit of form in the race, so it won’t be an easy first-up task,” said Hewitt.

“She’s had one trial a couple of weeks ago where she went quite well and her work has picked up since, so she is ready to go.”

For complete Menangle Saturday fields, click here.

by Michael Court, for HRNSW