ON THE PACE: Little separates region's leading drivers

Painting has won nine races, and had a dead heat, in the last four weeks to lead Blake Jones by half a win at the midway through the season.

The 34-year-old has won 46 and a half races in the region since January, Jones sits on 46 with Blake Micallef the next best on 30.

Jones has won the last four titles and cut into the margin with three winners at Leeton on Tuesday.

Meanwhile David Kennedy six and a half wins clear of Ellen Bartley in the trainers premiership.

After winning the title last year, Kennedy has won 34 and a half races so far this season.

Bartley is next best on 28 with David Micallef and Trevor White equal third with 18.

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THE Stunning Nun returned to winning ways at Menangle on Saturday.

After winning four straight races since leaving the Riverina, the five-year-old broke her run when second last week.

However she responded in swift fashion for owner Billy Mitchell.

It was one of three winners on the night for former Junee reinsman Cameron Hart and one of two winners for former Young trainer Jason Grimson. The pair also combined with Island Fire Dance.

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TWO of Stephen Maguire's former charges battled out the finish in the group three feature at Menangle on Saturday night.

However Maguire, who still part owns Major Roll, had to settle for second with Loorrim Lake going on to win by two metres.

It backed up Loorrim Lake's win in the group two Treuer Memorial at Bankstown last month.

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IMPERIALS Gem won her first start for new trainer Belinda McCarthy at Menangle last week.

Sent to Sydney by Narrandera owners Keith and Drew Kenna, the five-year-old won in her second start for the stable with Jack Callaghan doing the driving.

The pair also combined to win with the Riverina owned Lets Katchmeifucan later on the program.

Johnny Star Racing also won with Fairy Tinkabell at Albion Park on Saturday night.

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ULTIMATE Machete will stand alongside Hes Watching at Tipperary Equine in Young this season.

Standing for $2200, The four-time group one winner's oldest progeny are weanlings and he served 100 mares in Australia last season.

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MICHAEL Day Jnr trained his first winner since the 2014-15 season at Parkes on Friday.

Lining up for just the second time since then, the Young trainer tasted success with Cashbox.

It was the five-year-old's first win at start two.

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WAGGA will hold a bumper 10-race card on Friday.

The first race, which is for the trotters, is at 12.12pm.

Young races on Tuesday.