WINNO'S WINNERS: DOOMBEN, MAY 21

By Darren Winningham | Thursday, May 19, 2016

As this form assessment was made prior to raceday, please check final fields and track conditions for any changes on the day.

Rail is out 2m the entire course this week. It looked like the track chopped up last week on the inside but did not seem to affect the chances of any runner.

I did manage to tip some winners last week on a tough program and did find Blake Shinn at $8 in the jockeys challenge.

We may see history this year with Blake Shinn trying to win his third successive Doomben Cup. In 2014 he rode Streama to victory and last year he rode Pornichet. He looks like a great chance to win three in a row!

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Race 1 – Chief De Beers (Listed Race)

Bjorn Baker brings Selita (10) to the Queensland Carnival after winning two recent trials in Sydney. His team has been firing over recent weeks and it could prove the one to beat here. Last week under 60kgs Wicked Intent (4) from the Chris Munce yard ran a wonderful race. Straturbo (3) was great first up from a spell going down narrowly to Into The Red last start - however, he has a poor second up record. The Northern Rivers galloper Plateau Gold (5) from the astute Jim Jarvis stable has won a recent trial and performs well here at Doomben - the barrier is a problem.

Selections: 10-4-5-3

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Race 2

Astronomos (1) was my selection in the JRA Cup last week but was scratched. I am hoping that it was so it could win this week! Col ‘n’ Lil (6) will be assisted by the 3 kilogram claim for apprentice Josh Oliver and performed well at the Gold Coast last start. In the same race Mr Lebrock (11) had no luck and raced as if it was looking for the 2000m next start – I hope to see it improve.

Selections: 1-11-6-3. Rough chance 13

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Race 3 – Hampden Stakes (Listed Race)

Another great two year old race. Jericho (4) from the Peter and Paul Snowden stables won well first up from a spell – has drawn badly but with master Blake Shinn on board is sure to give a bold sight. Redouble (5) scored at its only run at Canterbury flashing home last for a narrow victory. Oink (1) has been racing well but has drawn wide and will need some luck from out there. The interesting runner is Baltic Whisper (9) from the Bjorn Baker stable who has Hugh Bowman on board for this run – it was a good run first up and probably now is looking for the 1200m of this race. I like the run of Real Classic (8) last start but I think this horse could be a real 1400m – 1600m star later in the Carnival.

Selections: 4-9-5-1. Rough chance 8

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Race 4 – Bright Shadow Handicap (Listed Race)

Perignon (1) has had no luck in the last two runs – it has won a recent barrier trial. Miss Cover Girl (3) from the Kelly Schweida stable ran a great race first up at the Gold Coast and has a good second up record. For the placegetters you can take your pick, Frill Seeking (8) won a recent barrier trial at Randwick, whilst Miss Tenpins (7) was backed last start at the Gold Coast and was disappointing. Zestful (10) was a good run as well last start.

Selections: 1-3-8-10. Rough chance 7

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Race 5 – Darley BRC Sprint (Group 3)

A real tough race to start the quadrella – you may need to go wide here! Artlee (4) ran a great race last week and is backing up this week. Michael Cahill was dislodged from the horse after the post last time and fortunately did not sustain any serious injuries. Bachman (5) and Religify (7) are coming off some nice recent runs. Religify led last start and won with 60 kilograms at Rosehill and is trained by the powerful Chris Waller yard. Tan Tat Diamond (13) has drawn barrier 13 but should settle at the rear of the field and be coming home late. If there is some speed on, which there looks to be, this could be the one that blows them all out at massive odds.
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Selections: 4-7-5-6. Rough chance 13

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Race 6 – Magic Millions The Roses (Group 2)

I am thinking a swooper may win the race here. There are many horses that like to lead or be ridden handy could set it up for something to get lucky along the rails or come wide and beat them all. For the reason I am tipping Falkenberg (11) with the winkers off - just didn’t get a crack at them at the Gold Coast last start. Could be better this track and, ridden by Damian Browne again, you could see it saluting here. Self Esteem (5) ran well in the same race at the Gold Coast. Look to the Stars (2) was impressive at the Sunshine Coast a few weeks ago and has been freshened winning a recent barrier trial. Ambience (1) is the class runner of the field winning the Wakeful Stakes last spring – just not sure if she is ready to show her best this week. Queen of Wands (6) was in a pig of a mood last start at the Gold Coast and I think you should forgive that run. With a different attitude she may improve out of sight.

Selections: 11,5,2,1. Rough chances 3 & 6

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Race 7 – 2016 Hardy Brothers Doomben Cup (Group 1)

Hauraki (2) has blinkers on for this start. I still think it is best when the track is rain affected, but it was a very honest run at the Gold Coast last start. Volkstok’n’barrell (1) is a proven Group 1 winner and has won two Group 1 races at the 2000m. I thought he was desperately unlucky at the Gold Coast last start. I am hoping to see Blake Shinn win his third consecutive Doomben Cup aboard him! Messene (6) is being ridden by apprentice Jimmy Orman looking for his first Group 1 winner. It won well last start at Wagga controlling the pace out in front and then slipping away and winning the race. I am sure Jimmy would have been studying the tapes all week and may adopt similar tactics here. I liked the run of the French import Spritjim (8) from the Waller yard at the Gold Coast last start. I am not sure whether this is the race for this horse but I am sure it will be winning a nice race over the Brisbane Winter Carnival. It’s Somewhat (5) is back to 2000m and gets it’s chance to win a Group 1 race.

Selections: 1-5-8-2. Rough chances 6 & 10

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Race 8 – 2016 Sky Racing Fred Best Classic (Group 3)

What an amazing group of three year olds brought together to contest this race! I tipped Takedown (2) last start at the Gold Coast and saw Gary Moore celebrate like he had just won the Melbourne Cup – plus I scored a photo with him. This week the horse has drawn barrier 19 and will need more than luck to win this race. Jockey Tim Clark will have to perform a miracle! Sir Bacchus (6) has won two from two since resuming from a spell and has drawn well. Rageese (3) won well last start in South Australia as a short priced favourite. Rangipo (1) is resuming but is a proven Group 1 winner. Sold for Song (16) has been so consistent and is probably due for a change of luck. It did win the Gold Edition last preparation quite convincingly – with the 1350metres of this race it could be the one storming last and winning. Privlaka (8) has drawn well and loves the track.

Selections 6-16-3-8 with rough chances 1, 2, and 11

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With State of Origin upon us I am tipping NSW to dominate this weekend at Doomben with at least five winners after a pretty even battle last week.

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Quaddie (races 5 to 8) 4, 5, 7, 13 / 1, 2, 5, 11 / 1, 5, 8 / 2, 3, 6, 8, 16 - cost $240 for $1

Treble (races 6,7,8) 1, 2, 5, 11 / 1, 5, 8 / 2, 3, 6, 8, 16 - cost $60 for $1

Small Quaddie (races 5 to 8) 4, 7 / 2, 11 / 1 / 3, 6, 8, 16 - cost $16 for $1

This week’s MAD QUADDIE 4 / 2, 11 / 1 / 3, 6, 8, 16 - cost $8 for $1

Jockeys Challenge this week –

This week it looks like it is between the three Sydney jockeys – James McDonald, Hugh Bowman and Blake Shinn. I am tipping a narrow Blake Shinn victory!

*And last but not least, congratulations to Glen Colless who rode Malaguerra to victory in the Group 1 UBET BTC Cup last weekend.

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