WINNO'S WINNERS: GRAFTON, JULY 17, 2025

By Darren Winningham | Wednesday, July 16, 2025

WINNO is at GRAFTON for the fourth day of the 2025 GRAFTON JULY CARNIVAL. It is the traditional GRAFTON CUP 2025 this year sponsored by long term club sponsors WESTLAWN. Today the track is rated ‘Good’ and the rail is in the true position for the entire circuit.

NB: As these selections were made prior to race-day, please check for any changes to track conditions and for any scratchings on the day.

Race 1 SKY RACING MOTHER’S GIFT

This is a race over 1400 metres – for the fillies and mares. There is some serious speed in the race.

So Rosie (6) Is trained by Sue Grills from Tamworth. She has a tremendous strike rate over the Carnival every year. This mare is third up in the preparation and last start raced here on this track over 1115 metres. On that occasion she missed the start and then just seemed to work home fairly behind the other runners. I think she needs the longer distance and the key engagement of jockey Ash Morgan would suggest that down in the weights she is a genuine chance. My mail is that Andrew Grills will finally step out from eating pies and drinking XXXX and strap this one for the stable – better late than never!

Yellowhammer (7) Is trained by Toby Edmonds on the Gold Coast. This is her second run for the new stable. She raced over 1400 metres on the Gold Coast on the heavy track for her debut run for the stable. I thought that she raced very well and probably didn't enjoy the genuine heavy track. With a firm surface at Grafton look for a sharp improvement. Kyle Wilson-Taylor (KWT) will ride her.

Leica Model (4) is trained by Stirling Osland with Ben Looker aboard. She is second up here. She has a solid second up run statistic - the first up run over 1200 metres at Tamworth demonstrated she was looking for further. She will be thereabouts when the judge calls a halt to the races.

Selections:

6 – So Rosie
7 – Yellowhammer
4 – Leica Model
1 – Tara Jasmine

Race 2

Class 1 over 1400 metres. Big field here – many formlines to consider as well.

Luke “Sausage” Rolls rides Shalamiyna (13) here for Paul Kelly. She was second up at Coffs Harbour over 1415 metres last start. On that occasion it was a very poor watch if you had backed her. She missed the start then tried to get into the race in the straight and just ran up the backsides of horses in front of her. I expect with the wider Grafton track and with any luck in the running that she will get the job done here at a very good price - $31.

Punch One Out (3) will be ridden by Aaron Bullock. Is trained by Glen Milligan. He's only a lightly raced three-year-old that looks like he has some ability - he was gallant in defeat last start at Taree over 1400 metres – drawn well expect a bold effort in this race.

Give Me Joy (2) is trained by Lucy Longmire with Jack Baker riding. She has drawn terribly in barrier 20. It is very difficult to line up her form as she has been racing in the southern area of NSW. Last start was over 1280 metre trip where she controlled the pace in front, demonstrating that she will probably lead here and with any luck be somewhere in the finish.

Causeways (7) won over 1515 metres at Coffs Harbour in maiden grade last start. His last few efforts have been very solid and may just go on with it now he has found the winner’s stall for the first time – Andrew Adkins will ride.

They have come for one here trained by Matthew Dunn – Dernier Lien (10) who won first up over 1100 metres – will be ridden by Jett Newman – keep safe.

Selections:

13 – Shalamiyna
3 – Punch One Out
10 – Dernier Lien
2 – Give Me Joy
Rough chance – (7) Causeways

Race 3 CORBETT EARTHMOVING BIG SUPER MAIDEN

A maiden race – with a nice purse of $22,000 for the winner. The race is over 1175 metres.

Master Artist (2) was first up for the new stables … Stephen Lee … when he was run down in the shadows of the post over 1100 metres. He is second up here with Ash Morgan aboard and is drawn well. I expect him to be handy in the running and should prove very hard to beat.

What A Gent (3) will be ridden by Aaron Bullock for trainer Tracey Bartley. He resumes here after a 32-week spell. However, he has had two recent barrier trials. In the last trial Bullock rode him and he won nicely at Newcastle. Drawn well and with his previous form he cannot be underrated in this race.

Totally Underrated (10) is trained locally by Samantha McGuren - her husband Matt will ride. She was heavily supported in her first up run over 1200 metres at Murwillumbah after a four week freshen up. On that occasion she raced on a soft track and appeared to race in the worst section of the track. The jockey did report after the race that the filly didn't handle the conditions. I would overlook that effort and on a firm surface she could be a rough outsider.

A tough race to start the BIG 6 off!

Selections:

2 – Master Artist
3 – What A Gent
10 – Totally Underrated
4 – Winchman

Race 4 NBN NEWS SPRINGBOARD TO FAME – TWO-YEAR-OLD SHOWCASE PLATE.

A 1175 metre race for the babies.

Herman Said (3) Is having the second career start with Andrew Gibbons retaining the ride. He was first up at Scone over 900 metres for the Kris Lees stable and was dominant throughout, winning the race in superb fashion. A repeat of that effort will see him claim victory in this feature race, but he does face some stiff opposition.

Exoflo (2) is trained by David McColm and will be ridden by Danny Peisley. He won first up here 10 days ago and on that occasion was dominant leading throughout. His sectional times are very fast and he is drawn very well in barrier 4. It would be great to see Peisley claim a feature win with all the effort he has put in after being out of the saddle for a period – good luck mate!

Toby Edmonds trains Steffi Electrica (12) who also was first up 10 days ago and won the race boldly. When compared to the times run by her and Exoflo (2) - it is obvious that her effort was better. I suppose it all comes down to who has the most improvement in them and who will go on with it. She will be written again by Damien Thornton. She has drawn barrier 9 - and in their last start effort here they did use her up early to take the lead - I really don't think they can do that this time so they may have to alter their tactics.

Lord Of Flames (5) is a first starter for the Matthew Dunn stables. He has been trialling well - and may run a bold race - keep safe.

Selections:

3 – Herman Said
12 – Steffi Electrica
2 – Exoflow
5 – Lord Of Flames
Rough chance – (1) Albany Road

Race 5 VILLAGE GREEN HOTEL BM66 SHOWCASE HANDICAP

A 1000 metre race at the BM66 grade. First leg of the Quaddie. This is a very open field and could prove a Quaddie killer.

Brett Cavanough trains Vierville (8) who led them up last start at the Gold Coast over 1200 metres. However, as they entered the straight the jockey felt there was something wrong with the action and didn't ride him out. After the race the vet found no abnormality - so he's had to freshen up since and resumes here with Mitchell Bell to ride.

Helluva Teen (7) is trained by Neil Osborne and apprentice Glen Cahill will ride and claim 2 kilograms. She is drawn barrier 7 and that should help her get away cleanly and take up the running. Her last start at Taree over 1000 metres is a forgive run as the heavy track affected her performance. Her trainer has a tremendous strike rate at the Grafton Carnival every year and I expect that this filly will be freshened and might be very hard to beat in this race.

I think I may have found one at odds – Enterprise Legend (5) – who is trained by Holly Williams and Siena Grima will ride again. The gelding was first up at Tamworth and drew wide and then managed to get across from the wide barrier and take up the running and never gave anything a chance throughout the race. He has drawn barrier 3 in this and is ideally placed to either lead or to take a sit in behind the speed - either way he shouldhave a say in the finish.

Boambee Beach (10) Is trained by Brett Bellamy and was a gallant second last start to Tryanza (17) at this track over 1175 metres. He has drawn well in barrier 2 and should get the run of the race.

Tryanza (17) is an emergency runner and will need some luck to make the field. However, if he does make the field, he will deserve every consideration after his last stop performance here where he won for trainer Darren Campbell. I really think that if he makes the field that is a definite threat to this race and should not be overlooked. Barrier 4 is ideal for this runner.

Selections:

5 – Enterprise Legend
7 – Helluva Teen
8 – Vierville
10 – Boambee Beach
Rough chance – (17) Tryanza

Race 6 ERA LEGAL COUNTRY CLASS 6 SHOWCASE PLATE

First leg of the Treble. Class 6 plate over 1175 metres.

Matthew Dunn Racing has three genuine chances in the race.

The Godfather (13) may be the one here with Ash Morgan riding. His first two efforts look plain on paper but when you analyse them, they are better than what they appear. His last start at Eagle Farm he got too far back on a leader’s biased track. On that occasion the sectionals were superb and his last 600 especially demonstrated that he was flying home on a day where not many horses were making much ground - if Morgan can put him closer to the speed, I expect him to be winning.

Emperor (5) is the stablemate who was an unexpected winner last start at Doomben over this distance at a midweek meeting. The key engagement is jockey Blake Shinn - this probably will entice the punters and he will start shorter than what he should. In saying that, that effort would probably suggest that he deserves his chance to post another victory.

The other stablemate is Bravely (4) who has been performing consistently. Jett Newman will ride. He is a last start winner at Murwillumbah. There is one interesting fact about this runner that should not be overlooked - he has had two starts at the Grafton track and has been victorious on both occasions. Normally strong form at this track normally holds up - so do not underestimate this runner even if he is the longest price of the three runners Matthew Dunn is presenting in this race.

I have found one here at around $151 – Scotland (10) – he may just pull his kilt down and shock the crowds! He is trained by Karen Owen and will be ridden by Madeliene Owen. I've looked at his first up effort at Taree where he resumed out wide on a heavy track. On that occasion Owen was forced to go back from the wide barrier, after also missing the start - and then he had to be ridden for luck throughout the running. He managed to finish on the heels of the eventual leaders only being defeated by less than two lengths - I think he is worth an each way ticket at huge odds.

Tony Newing has Key Legend (9) in the race and is another genuine chance at good odds.

Selections:

13 – The Godfather
4 – Bravely
5 – Emperor
10 – Scotland
Rough chance – (9) Key Legend

Race 7 2025 WESTLAWN GRAFTON CUP

The second last race and the feature race of Day 4 – the time-honoured Grafton Cup raced over 2350 metres.

The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott team have won the Grafton Cup in recent years – 2023 with Zoumon. They have Bear On The Loose (5) engaged in the race with Angela Jones to ride. In recent years the Sunshine Coast Cup has been a tremendous form for this race. His last run was in the Sunshine Coast Cup where he ran a bold race, however, was beaten soundly by a very talented runner that looks to have a very bright future – Half Yours, a runner trained by the McEvoy family in South Australia. He was not disgraced and looks the likely and only leader here – so if they are winning in front he will be hard to run down.

Matthew Dunn continues to have an amazing 2025 Carnival and he has the pre post favourite for the 2025 Grafton Cup – Belvedere Boys (1) with Blake Shinn to ride. Shinn will be looking to win consecutive cups as he won the race last year aboard the Anthony & Sam Freedman trained Deny Knowledge in a bold front running effort. Shinn has won the race on three previous occasions – 2013, 2015 and again last year. If he can win it this year, he will equal Larry Olsen’s record of four wins in this race! He won it in 1974,1975 1987 aboard Kensei who went on to win the Melbourne Cup and he won the race in 1989 aboard Shuzohra.

Belvedere Boys (1) raced in the McKell Cup at Rosehill over 2000 metres – again another solid form race into this race. On that occasion he looked to get some clear running in the straight however was hampered slightly and finished a gallant second. The way he raced on that occasion suggests that he was looking for further and he gets this opportunity in this race. The only concern I have is he normally gets back in his races. It needs a lot of luck in the straight to get the job done. Across the carnival so far horses racing in the first half of the field or in the first four or five runners have seemed to have a distinctive advantage at the end of the race. The stable has Shinn aboard and he is a masterful rider - it may just prove the difference late in the race.

I have gone for a runner who I believe is on the up and has plenty of talent and just needs the opportunity to show how good she really is. She is trained by John O’Shea & Tom Charlton – Quietness (7) - who is an ex European runner running for the third time for the new stable in Australia and she continues to thrive and improve at each start. The last start at Eagle Farm in the Tatt’s Gold Crown over 2100 metres was solid on a day where leaders thrive. She sat off them and made a bold surge late to just miss. That shows me that this distance will be ideal for her. I see that the 2024 Ramornie winning jockey Andrew Adkins has been booked to ride. There Is no better jockey currently in form to get this mare across the line in this feature race. It would be amazing to see Adkins ride the winners of the feature races at Grafton in consecutive years. She has a tremendous third up record as well. I just hope it holds up here for this race.

Alysha Collett will ride the last start winner Bacio Del Mist (12) trained by Lee & Cherie Curtis. She is a seven-year-old and she did win in restricted grade last time – but she was impressive and did run some time.

Selections:

7 – Quietness
1 – Belvedere Boys
5 – Bear On The Loose
12 – Bacio Del Mist
Rough chance – (9) Don Diego De Vega

Race 8 THE SIR JAMES KIRBY (QUALITY)

The last race of the day - the traditional Kirby sprint held on Cup Day. As normal they will go fast early – can the leaders hold on late!

I am going for Bomarea (8) trained by Marc Quinn with Andrew Adkins in the saddle. She is a four-year-old filly.

I declared her last year in this race and she was beaten by a very talented sprinter called Compelling Truth who led all the way - in saying that she finished a gallant second and at that stage she was only a three year old filly. Moving forward resuming from a spell and a sensational recent trial win, I think she may get the job done this year.

Toby Edmonds trains Burning Bell (3) and she will be ridden by Zac Lloyd – he is first up after a decent spell and holiday in Europe. She does resume after a four-month spell and has had three trials to get her ready for this race - in every trial she has been prominent and has won two of the three trials. She is drawn nicely in barrier 3 and probably will just sit him behind the speed and possibly finish over the top of them late.

Outishka (4) is trained by Scott Singleton and resumes after an eight week freshen up. She has had a recent trial at Scone where she was second and she looked to have plenty of improvement left in her. She has an amazing first up record especially over these short sprint distances where she can run some very good time and she has good sectionals in these races when she has won. She must be respected and there has been a mountain of money since the markets opened on Monday. Alysha Collett will ride her.

Mabel (3) from the Tracey Bartley stables has been going around on the wet tracks in Sydney. Down in grade and on a firmer surface look for an improved effort.

Enuff Pills (10) could cause a headache for punters in the last – maybe we will all need some pills to help us recover after two awesome days at Grafton!

Selections:

8 – Bomarea
3 – Burning Bell
4 – Outishka
6 – Mabel
Rough chance – (10) Enuff Pills
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Jockey’s Challenge

An open affair on Cup Day – Ashley Morgan, Aaron Bullock, Andrew Adkins and Blake Shinn all have chances. I will stick with Ashley Morgan to just pip Andrew Adkins.

Early Quaddie (races 1 to 4)

4,6,7 / 2,3,10,13 / 2,3,10 / 2,3,12 - cost is $108 to $1

Value Early Quaddie (races 1 to 4)

6,7 / 3,10,13 / 2,3 / 3,12 - cost is $24 to $1

Quaddie (races 5 to 8)

5,7,8,10,17 / 4,5,10,13 / 1,5,7,12 / 3,4,8 - cost is $240 to $1

Value Quaddie (races 5 to 8)

5,7,8 / 4,13 / 1,7 / 3,8 - cost is $24 to $1

Treble (races 6 to 8)

4,5,10,13 / 1,5,7,12 / 3,4,8 - cost is $48 to $

BIG 6 (races 3 to 8)

2,3 / 3,12 / 5,7 / 4,13 / 1,7 / 3,8 - cost is $64 to $1

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