WINNO'S WINNERS: GOLD COAST, MAY 4, 2019
By Darren Winningham | Thursday, May 2, 2019
GOLD COAST RACES 4 MAY 2019
Racing warms up under the sunny skies and surf on the Gold Coast this weekend.
The program is a very competitive nine race program featuring the A.D. Hollindale Stakes – the Gold Coast Guineas and a personal favourite of mine the Bat Out Of Hell in which the winning trainer will ride away with a Harley Davidson Fat Boy which has been offered as prize as part of the Gold Coast Turf Club’s promotion of the race.
WINNO has returned from the amazing FWD Champion’s Day at Sha Tin last Sunday. Yet again the Hong Kong Jockey Club continue to make a world statement in hosting world class racing and events.
It was no better summed up by HJKC CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges when, in an HRO exclusive interview with Graham Potter, he said: “We realise we are in the entertainment business. Racing is part of entertainment … and we have customers. One theme that we have pushed very much since 2012 is customer centricity … because in the end where does the value come in? It comes in with customer centricity.”
In other words, customer is king.
And, talking about promotions, the Gold Coast Turf Club recently ran a promotion with a chance to share in the ownership of a race horse. It has been drawn and six lucky winners will share in the horse to be trained at the Gold Coast by Toby Edmonds. The filly is a QTIS Magic Millions Sale horse that cost $80,000. The breeding is Super One out of the mare Picture Play. I think we will read a lot more about this in the coming week – however, what a wonderful promotion for racing!
Earlier in the week Damian Browne announced his retirement from the saddle. He was a wonderful and talented rider and who can ever forget his wonderful association with the QLD champ – BUFFERING. I hope we will still see him around the tracks and that Queensland Racing can find a role for him – he would be a wonderful mentor for our large number of apprentices that need some guidance.
The Gold Coast track is rated “GOOD” and the rail will be in the true position this weekend. The weather is forecast to overcast with the risk of rain in the coming days – let’s hope it stays away until Sunday and we will get through this wonderful program!
I am a little tired from the commitments in Hong Kong, but I hope I can find some winners this week. I would like to thank all the HRO readers who have sent Graham and I messages in appreciation for the coverage we were able to achieve over the six days we were in Hong Kong on assignment.
On behalf of Graham and I, I must also extend our appreciation also to the HKJC for permitting us to attend and report on their wonderful product!
NB: As this form assessment was made prior to race-day, please check final fields and track conditions for any changes on the day
**************************************************************************************************
Race 1
One of these 1800 metres races – a massive field with an early start 11.25am.
I have much respect for The Candy Man (3). He was sensational last start winning at Doomben – an amazing effort and even a better ride from Michael Cahill. I just think he may need some serious luck here this weekend in such a large field as he will get back and need to weave a path in the straight to win the race.
Tunero (4), second up here and to be ridden by Hugh Bowman, has drawn well in barrier 8. First up I thought he may have raced further back, however, he raced around 6th and finished off well to run second. I think if Bowman can get him to settle in about the same spot he may be the one to get the better run.
Dansez (12), trained by Kelly Schweida Racing, has won three starts here at the Gold Coast. He will appreciate the firm track this weekend and the step up in distance. With $14 on offer he represents serious great each way value!
The top weight, Gold Ambition )1), trained locally by Michael Costa and to be ridden by Blake Shinn is fourth up and looks ideally placed.
Selections: 4-12-3-1
*************************************************************************************************
Race 2
The Gold Coast Cup at Quality conditions is our next race over 2400 metres.
Chris Waller has the top three runners here – they look to be very difficult to hold out.
The Lord Mayor (1) - the Toowoomba Cup winner - steps out here for his first start after that impressive win. He will be partnered by James ‘Jay Mac’ McDonald who had a successful hit and run mission at Sha Tin last weekend riding his first winner in Hong Kong since 2014.
(*Jay Mac won the first race at Sha Tin on the John Moore trained Monica. After the race he was questioned by several probing reporters who wanted to know would he be interested in returning to Hong Kong full time - “Not yet, I’ve only been back riding for a year so I’m just taking it as it comes. Maybe one day,” he said!)
Xebec (2) is another Waller runner who I think will improve sharply here this weekend. His last run on a heavy surface should be simply forgotten – he just despises these tracks. However, he did run an honest race. I like the fact that Kerrin McEvoy has been booked to ride his as well - $10 on offer he must be a chance.
Ruby Guru (6) ran a super race last start on the heavy track at Doomben. I think that if the Michael Nolan trained mare had been on a dry track, she wins the race! Dale Smith goes back aboard for this assignment and he has a tremendous record on her – riding her to victory on 3 occasions from four rides. Big odds as well at $12.
The Jason Edwards trained Sir Barnabus (8) is on the quick back up after a dominant win last weekend at Eagle Farm. As the races get longer, he gets better – do not underestimate this runner again this weekend.
Selections: 1-2-6-8 rough chance 3
***************************************************************************************************
Race 3 Ken Russell Memorial Classic (Group 3)
A Group 3 race for the two-year old’s honouring a wonderful jockey who rode this track so well and just had a knack on youngsters being able to get them to settle and run for him! He was sadly killed in a fall at Rosehill in 1993.
Waller again people!
Accession (1) won a recent barrier trial in great fashion and looks well placed for an assault on the Brisbane Winter Carnival. Another nice ride for James McDonald.
The Tony Gollan runner Epaumada (10) has a run under her belt. Despite leading and being run down late first up at Eagle Farm three weeks ago I think she would have benefitted from the run and will be difficult to beat here. Brad Stewart takes the ride this weekend – he has a 100%-win rate on her for 2 rides for 2 wins.
Dubious (2) is first up after running in the Golden Slipper and is trained by the Maher and Eustace team from Victoria. He ran a wonderful second to Exhilarates in the Magic Millions back in January. He is undefeated first up and Clayton Douglas rides him for the first time.
Let’s Cheer Again (7) is massive odds but looks the likely leader from barrier 1 for Stuart Kendrick. Luke Tarrant rides.
Selections: 1-10-2-12 rough chance 7
**************************************************************************************************
Race 4
The Gold Coast Bracelet – a Listed event over 1800 metres.
The Waterhouse and Bott trained Pinup Miss (15) was very impressive at Hawkesbury – I know it was only a maiden but I think she may be in for a big Carnival. Blake Shinn rode her there and stays aboard at the Gold Coast.
Rocknavar (6), trained at Murwillumbah by Matthew Dunn, has been racing in Sydney in Group 3 and Group 1 races. I think that dropping back in class she may be running home late, but her ultimate mission will probably be the Queensland Oaks in a months’ time.
Tony Pike trains Intrigue (14) who comes off a Group 2 second at Ellerslie last start. She will probably also be aimed at the Oaks but the fact that he has elected to run her here and not the first race probably means she may be competitive in the higher grade. Leith Innes - the Kiwi jockey - stays aboard.
Word for Word (8) was storming home last start at Sunshine Coast when narrowly beaten by Baccarat Baby (2). The way she closed up late over the 1600 metres I think that the extra distance will add to her chances. Kerrin McEvoy rides and will need some luck from barrier 18.
Baccarat Baby (2) will be ridden again by Michael Hellyer this weekend and he will be looking to ride consecutive Listed winners for the first time in his career! Good luck Muppy!
If you are looking for a real rough chance I would not go past the Garry Newham trained Winning Ways (4). As his name suggests he has been winning – in fact he has won his past two starts and is looking for a hat trick this weekend. He is undefeated in 3 starts over 1800 metres and has won 3 races here on this circuit.
Selections: 15-8-6-14 rough chances 2 and 4
**************************************************************************************************
Race 5
The Gold Coast Harley Davidson 2019 Bat Out Of Hell over 900 metres. Blink and you may miss it!
Guard of Honour (2) won the race last year and comes into this race in solid form – but has drawn barrier 16.
Spurcraft (3) has drawn barrier 1 and will bounce out and probably drive to the lead – but there are some others engaged in the race that will push forward and may pressure the Charlotte White gelding to be ridden by Bubba Tilley.
Edmonds Racing has Whypeeo (6) and Prompt Return (8) – they both race well fresh and they both have won recent trials on their home track.
Tony Sears trains Tycoon Ace (7) who has won four times here as well – always seems to pull a distinguished effort out here and with the speed in the race should get a nice trail into the race.
Boom Chicka Boom (15) is trained on the track by Les Kelly and loves this track as well. The King of the Gold Coast - Daniel Griffin - rides him this weekend. He can run some time and could be a rough hope.
It’s an open field where anything could happen!
Selections: 6-3-8-7 rough chances 1 and 15
**************************************************************************************************
Race 6 Prime Ministers Cup 2019 – Listed Race
This race can normally turn up a rough result.
If my selections salute you may need an armoured car to get the money home!
Coldstone (6) resumed on a heavy track last start. I think the track was against him and he needs a firm surface which he should get this weekend. He runs well second up and I think at around $20 he is wonderful value.
Mishani Bullitt (13) is first up this weekend for Taylor Marshall and trainer Leon Phillips. I keep going back to his run on Magic Millions Day where he was beaten by Chapter and Verse after having no luck – sitting wide and still only being beaten by around 3 lengths. Chapter and Verse won last weekend. This runner has the winkers removed for the first time and blinkers applied – this may prove a winning move!
Aqua Vite (9) always runs a great race on his home track. He is trained locally by Scott Morrisey and is second up here. He will probably race midfield, however, he will be storming home late.
Tribal Wisdom (10), trained by Michael Moroney, gets in well at the weights. He does race very well over 1400 metres and is second up after a 12-month break.
Some roughies for the race includes Snippets Land (5) who always seems to come to Queensland and win at large prices for Snowden Racing.
Malvern Estate (11) trained by Desleigh Forster and Freddie Fox Trot (12) trained on the track by Les Kelly are others who could make their presence felt.
I think we may be in for a rough result – it may pay to go the field in your Quaddie!
Selections: 6-13-9-10 rough chances 5, 11 and 12
***************************************************************************************************
Race 7 Gold Coast Guineas (Group 3)
We come to the Gold Coast Guineas - this is a nice race.
Chris Waller had Zousain (2) and Charge (6) in the race. They both have been scratched.
The other “Z” runner is Zoustyle (4) trained locally by Gollan Racing. He took all before him last preparation winning 3 from 3. He is undefeated in five career starts and this is the toughest assignment he has faced to date. He has been off the scene for 20 weeks, but I am sure Gollan will have him ready for this race!
The other Gollan runner is Ef Troop (3) who will be competitive now these other runners have come out.
The top weight is Boomsara (1) trained by Munce Racing. This gelding won the Magic Millions Guineas back in January in emphatic style with Tim Clark aboard. They reunite here again first up and look to win running feature races.
Locally trained Churning (10) the filly from Edmonds Racing could cause an upset on her local track
Selections: 4-1-3-10
**************************************************************************************************
Race 8 A.D. Hollindale Stakes (Group 2)
The feature race on the program. This is another open contest.
I have gone for some value with the Grahame Begg trained Miss Siska (14) who was finishing at a rate of knots last start at Randwick in the Queen of the Turf won by Kenedna (9). I think stepping up to the longer distance here she gets her chance to reverse the last start result.
In saying that Kenedna (9), despite being sent out as an outsider lasts start at $26, did race well in a race where the speed allowed the back markers to get home. I am not certain that they will be that keen in this race this weekend, however, if there is some genuine speed some back markers will get home late.
Shillelagh (8) was beaten by Winx last start and prior to that did run a very good race in the Doncaster. He did perform well in the Australian Cup too. He does not win out of turn but does have some consistent form to suggest he will be in the finish here.
The Youngstar (10) is another Waller runner who resumed last start after her solid effort in the 2018 Melbourne Cup. She did not fire over 1400 metres – but stepping up to 1800 metres may be the key to her chances this weekend. She has drawn wide in barrier 16 but I expect her to get back and bide her time before unleashing late in the straight.
Luvaluva (12) is trained by John Sargent and will be ridden by the inform Blake Shinn. Her recent run in New Zealand was good after which she has returned to Sydney and won a barrier trail at Randwick last week. She normally races on the speed – I just think that this may mean that this runner may get the favours this weekend with some of the more fancied runners having to settle and come home late.
Selections: 14-9-8-10 rough chance 12
***************************************************************************************************
Race 9 Silk Stocking (Listed)
Test the World (10) trained by Bjorn Baker ran second in this race last year. Baker’s horses always run well here at the Gold Coast track. She was caught wide last start at Randwick and kept on making up ground to only just get beaten. Tim Clark is aboard for this run here – drawn nicely in barrier 2 and at $10, I like this one to fill our pockets come the last race of the day.
Spirit’s Choice (14) has been a model of consistency in recent starts and is trained by Matt Kropp. With the conditions of the race she does get in quite well this weekend with 54 kilograms. I expect her to race handy and late in the day after nine races this may prove to enhance her chances.
Outback Barbie (7), from the Gollan Racing stables, has worked well leading up to this race and she has had the addition of blinkers for this run this weekend. There has been a lot of hype around this runner with her expected to strike back to her old winning form. For mine – I would like to see her win again before she gets my money.
From Within (3) is trained locally by Toby Edmonds. She was dominant in her recent win at Eagle Farm over 1000 metres when she led all the way. Kerrin McEvoy takes over from Jeff Lloyd this weekend who has been engaged to ride Outback Barbie (7).
Sexy Eyes (2) resumed to win the Weetwood in Toowoomba in an unequivocal fashion. She could show up here again this weekend – but she has paid for that win being lumped to carry 59 kilograms.
Godolphin have Demerara (6) and Epidemic (8) in the race. Personally, I like the chances of Demerara (6) who has an exceptional first up record with four wins from five starts.
Selections: 10-14-7-3 rough chances 2 & 6
**************************************************************************************************
Jockey Challenge
James McDonald for mine – looks to have a nice book of rides!
Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5 NSW only)
1,2,6 / 1,2,10,12 / 4,6,8,15 / 3,6,7,8 - cost is $192 to $1
Quaddie (races 6 to 9)
6,9,10,12,13 / 1,4 / 8,9,10,14 / 3,7,10,14 - cost is $160 to $1
Value Quaddie (races 6 to 9)
4,6,10,13 / 4 / 9,14 / 7,10,14 - cost is $18 to $1
Treble (races 7 to 9)
1,4 / 8,9,10,14 / 3,7,10,14 - cost is $32 to $1
WINNO v FLEMO
FLEMO claimed a win last weekend in our tipping competition. I was at a disadvantage being focussed on Hong Kong racing – well that is my excuse! Be sure to check the up to date and amended tips each Saturday morning on Facebook after any track changes of scratchings!
Good luck and good punting!
More articles
|