WINNO'S WINNERS: SUNSHINE COAST, SEPTEMBER 30

By Darren Winningham | Friday, September 29, 2017

SUNSHINE COAST – SATURDAY 30 SEPTEMBER 2017

This week we are heading up the freeway to the magical and sunny Sunshine Coast track at Caloundra. The track should be rated as “GOOD” and a warm day is forecast for Saturday with a marathon ten race program scheduled. The rail is in the true position for the entire course this week.

The weather should be amazing, so if you are looking for a day out the Sunshine Coast Turf Club does has some wonderful facilities for punters and families!

Form-wise though, to be honest after reviewing the meeting I am finding it hard to get excited about the meeting. My focus will be on Sydney ... on Randwick and with a slight eye on the Sunshine Coast.

A special HRO shout out to Jane and Tony Gollan who welcomed their first child into the world last Thursday, “Jamieson Jane Gollan” – congratulations to you both!

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Race 1

A small field to contest the first race – so a small comment!

Rancho Montoya (2), ridden by Damien Browne, to win again here for the Stuart Kendrick stables who train on the track.

The only danger is the top weight trained by Chris Anderson – Mishani Bullitt (1).

Selections: 2-1-4-7

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Race 2

Here we go the weekend Lotto draw – pick a number and hope for the best! These races are so hard each week!

I am going with the Chris Waller trained My Giuliano (1) who was narrowly defeated last start by the in-form Ingeegoodbe at Doomben. There was a controversial protest lodged over whip use on the winner, but the stewards chose not to overturn the race result. He was solid in that run and I expect him to be competitive here this week.

Mustarrid (5), from the Ben Currie stables who just seem to be having a great winning success in recent meetings, steps up to 2200 metres for the first time. He likes to lead. He is lightly raced and is down on the limit – a fair few positives if he can handle the dour 2200 metres here.

As for the rest throw them in a hat and see what numbers you pull out.

Selections: 1-5-3-2

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Race 3

The likely leaders are Snitzel’s Joy (11) and Girl In A Million (13). I think that the Ben Currie trained Girl In A Million (13) probably has the speed to cross from the wide barrier and lead them. Brad Stewart continues his association with the filly this weekend and he has been in solid form in recent meetings.

Last start at Doomben Girl in A Million (13) did beat Snitzel’s Joy (11) and was subject to a protest – again the stewards said “no”. I am probably talking through my pocket as I did back Snitzel’s Joy (11) and she was hampered at the 150 metres or so. That being said I am not certain that she would have won.

This weekend a big track, second up and a winning record here at the Sunshine Coast I am hoping for a reversal of the race result at Doomben with the Danny Bougoure trained mare turning the tables here.

Tarzan (3), trained on the track by Stuart Kendrick, loves this distance and track, has drawn barrier 10 and could be the one to knock the two I have mentioned out of the winning stall. There are some impressive stats here with six starts – 3 wins and 2 seconds at the track!

Selections: 11-13-3-8 rough chance 15

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Race 4

There is one here that has exceptional form second up – the Ben Currie trained With a Promise (4). She has won three from three second up and did return to racing at Doomben two weeks ago with a solid run. This could mean a race to race double for the Ben Currie and Brad Stewart team if he can win the previous race with Girl in A Million (race 3 – 13).

Supreme Effort (2) was very good behind Zumerberlina last start at Rosehill. He makes the journey to the Sunshine Coast for trainer Kim Waugh. She has engaged track specialist rider Damian Browne to ride the gelding – so there is a strong lead here.

Selections: 4-2-6-1

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Race 5

It is no secret I did declare Lordag (2) last start at Doomben and the Rob Heathcote trained gelding landed the chocolates. This weekend he steps up to 1800 metres and Jimmy Orman retains the ride. I note that he has a definite liking for this course with 9 starts, 3 wins and 4 placings and he has won here over this distance. I can see no reason not to get back aboard him again this weekend!

Mr Epic (1) does race well over the 1800 metres. The Toby Edmonds trained gelding will be well in the race here with his latest form.

Sabkhat (5) trained by Steven O’Dea also won last start at Doomben. He steps up in distance and that is my only hesitation here – but he is down in weight and Jag Guthmann-Chester will claim three kilograms which makes him even more attractive as a chance.

Selections: 2-1-5-10

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Race 6

I cannot really separate the two runners from NSW at Murwillumbah trained by Matthew Dunn.

Madame Lily (5) and Madame de Ban (9) – looks like a Madame quinella for mine!

Madame Lily (5) won second up at Doomben three weeks ago and she looked as if she had plenty of improvement left in here. The stable didn’t miss her on that occasion as well – she was heavily backed late and that confidence turned into an impressive win! Robbie Fradd retains the ride this weekend.

Madame de Ban (9) is first up here and Jeff Lloyd has elected to ride her.

She raced in far superior races last preparation and, whilst she didn’t post any wins, she showed that she was competitive at the higher level. Back in class this weekend to a BM75 and with a solid barrier trial under her belt at the Gold Coast a fortnight ago, she will be thundering home late out wide.

My Girl Hayley (6) from the Gollan stables always races well here at the track. She likes to lead and has drawn barrier 14 this weekend. sso Jim Byrne may have to work some of his magic from that draw!

Then you have the top weight Oradonna (1) to be ridden by Michael Murphy who has recently returned from a brief expedition in Sydney. I caught up with him the other week and he told me he had learnt so much down there and hopes to bring those lessons to his riding and be a force to be reckoned with in Brisbane. He rides this mare for his new boss Lindsay Gough.

I see my old mate Con Searle has his bonny mare Zouzoukakia (10) engaged here. Con has been on the mend since a recent kidney transplant and he has stayed loyal with apprentice Jag Guthmann-Chester riding her again after winning on her here two starts ago. Last start she stepped up into Open company and acquitted herself well – a definite rough chance!

In summary it looks like it will be the battle of the Madame’s and the battle of the veteran South African jockeys in this race. All I need now is HRO’s Graham Potter to get in there somewhere and we have a unique South African trifecta!

Selections: 5-9-6-1 rough chance 10

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Race 7

Well we have finally made it – race 7 on the program and it is the first leg of the Quaddie! Take a breath and sigh!

It is a tough field as well to open the Quaddie this weekend.

I am a real fan of horses trained here and who have won here before. So keeping to that thinking I am going for another Stuart Kendrick runner – Beat Street (3). He has won four races and two placings from eight starts here.

The maestro of the Sunshine Coast, Damian Browne, is aboard this one and at $5 he is looking a nice each way bet.

Helarocity (1) is a nice six year old gelding – trained by Lindsay Hatch and to be ridden by apprentice Emma Ljung. He always races well first up and he won at the Gold Coast last start over 900 metres. Whilst he has never raced here at the track I think he will be hard to beat after reviewing the first up win.

The runner that stays under notice should be Zahspeed (2). This one is now being trained at the Gold Coast by Toby Edmonds after a stable change from Danny O’Brien in Melbourne. He has had two barrier trials where I think he just went through the motions. I do think he will strip better for the run and will be better over longer distances ... however, I think that there is limited depth to this field and with some speed in the race it may suit this one.

Selections: 3-1-2-8

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Race 8

Another BM 75 race to have a crack at – these races are getting harder as the day gets longer!

I have been backing and watching this one in the last month. I really think the bigger and wider track at the Sunshine Coast gives this Stuart Kendrick trained runner the best chance to post a win. It’s name - Raja Ampat (8).

He can get back in his races and I really think at Doomben, with the larger fields, he has struggled to get a real crack at them in the straight. Worth respecting here back at his home track here with Damian Browne aboard (he has ridden him 10 times for 4 wins, 2 seconds and 2 thirds).

I Am The Sculptor (11) has a victory here. He is trained at the Gold Coast by Toby Edmonds and I think first up at the Gold Coast he looked like he needed the run. This weekend he will strip fitter and as like Raja Ampat (8) he will appreciate the wide track and will race wide and make a late run.

Mishani El Lobo (3) was gallant in defeat last start at Doomben when beaten by the improving Impregnable. This weekend Chris Anderson has elected to change the rider and put on local Adam Sewell – he rides this track extremely well and will give this runner every chance.

The favourite is the David Vandyke trained Deep Image (9). I really cannot warm to this one - he has drawn barrier 13. His trial was very good at the Sunshine Coast a month ago and I think that he deserves to be favourite on his win prior to a spell 24 weeks ago but I just am not to certain how he will race first up.

Selections: 8-11-3-9 rough chance 12

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Race 9

Now to use a phrase that Sky Racing’s Anthony Collins uses, “we are ready for the penultimate race”!

Class 3 Plate race over 1400 metres – I have no idea where to look!

I am going for the Liam Birchley trained Night Attire (4) who is looking for a hat trick of wins. I think his recent win at the Gold Coast was solid leading all the way and holding off the opposition. Matt McGillivray who has been riding in career best form, winning races on favourites and at long prices, is aboard. At around $10 I give him a great sight here.

The two Robert Heathcote runners have genuine chances – Takarakka (8) to be ridden by Jimmy Orman and No Annamossity (14) to be ridden by the Trevor Patel who has won over 1000 races in India.

Takarakka (8) won here last start over 1600 metres. That run was three weeks ago. I think dropping back to 1400 metres this weekend will not be an issue. He has drawn well in barrier 6 and should race handy on the speed. In this large field this handy position may prove vital in the final 100 metres.

Trevor Patel rides No Annamossity (14) who has had so many gear changes and just has not put it together so far this preparation. I am going to go out on a limb here and say, with the long straight and the wide track, that if ever this Mossman gelding is going to return to form and post a win – it could be this weekend! If he doesn’t win or show me something I am sacking him!

Scrabble (7) put in a nice run when beaten by Madame Lily at Doomben last start (she is engaged in race 6) so it may pay to review that performance as this one here looks well placed.

If you are looking for some roughies the David Vandyke trained Don’t Doubt Marley (10) I think needed the run at Doomben last start and will strip fitter for the run. I see my good mate Michael “Muppy” Hellyer is aboard. He has ridden her previously for a victory here.

Don’t Doubt Da Wife (15) has been installed as the early market favourite she has always shown some ability in previous runs. I would rather see her win a race before I put my money down on her.

Selections: 4-8-14-7 rough chances 10 & 15

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Race 10

The last race – we are finally here – the sun may have got the better of the punters and they may be well and truly weary by now! But head to the bar, grab another drink and freshen up and get ready to launch into the last race of the day!

This is probably the best race of the card to be honest. There are some good ones engaged here who have been in solid winning form.

As you all know I have been on Manias (5) for the past few weeks and still that winning combination of Rob Heathcote and Jimmy Orman continue to work this Denman gelding through his grades. He ground away last start at Doomben for another solid win – making it three in a row! This weekend he faces his toughest test and having to run 1400 metres.

The obvious danger is the Toby Edmonds and Jeff Lloyd team with Impregnable (10) who is having his first start over 1400 metres here. He is looking for a hat trick of wins this weekend. He has been up a while now but just keeps pulling out some great efforts and winning. He can have a habit of missing the start but with the long straight here that should not pose a problem.

I think that the other serious contender is the Steven O’Dea trained Capetown Hussey (12) who received an 11 out of 10 ride last start at Doomben over the mile by Brad Stewart. I really don’t think the drop back in distance will be a drama this weekend. There is some solid speed on in front and I think that this Husson mare could be one at value in the last race.

Mandryka (15) just didn’t seem to fire last start at Doomben over the mile when beaten by Capetown Hussey (12). I think you can overlook that run. He doesn’t normally fire second up. However, his third up record is commendable and he gets the chance to show his best form. I prefer him over 1400 metres and at the Sunshine Coast where he has a solid record with 9 starts, 2 wins and 5 placings.

Rob Heathcote has Brotherly Secret (7) engaged as well. Last start he went solidly in front and nearly held them off in the final 50 metres – until his stable mate Manias (5) ran him down in the shadow of the posts. He will be competitive here again this weekend. There is a long run to the first turn from the 1400 metres so the 15 barrier may not be such a problem for Ronnie Stewart.

Selections: 10-12-5-15 rough chance 7

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Early Quaddie (Races 3 to 6 NSW TAB only)

3,11,13 / 2,4 / 1,2,5 / 5,6,9 - cost is $54 for $1

Quadrella (races 7 to 10)

1,2,3 / 3,8,9,11 / 4,7,8,14 / 5,10,12,15 - cost is $192 to $1

Small Quaddie (races 7 to 10)

1,3 / 3,8,11 / 4,8 / 5,10,12 - cost is $36 to $1

Mad Quaddie (races 7 to 10)

3 / 3,11 / 4,8 / 10,12 - cost is $8 to $1

Treble (races 8 to 10)

3,8,9,11 / 4,7,8,14 / 5,10,12,15 - cost is $64 to $1

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Jockey Challenge

This week the field looks like an even bunch. I have settled on a battle between Brad Stewart and Damian Browne. This may come down to the last race – but I am going with Brad Stewart with his current book of rides.

Best Bets

Race 1 – My Giuliano (1) around $4
Race 4 – What A Promise (4) around $3.70
Race 5 - Lordag (2) around $4

Best Roughies

Race 3 – Snitzel’s Joy (11) around $16
Race 6 – Madame de Ban (9) around $8
Race 8 – Raja Ampat (8) around $15

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Last weekend Josh Fleming claimed a victory at Ipswich in our weekly tipping competition – I think I will apologise on behalf of us both as it was a tough day and we really didn’t fire. But a win is a win. Well done Josh!

This week we resume here at the Sunny Coast. This is Josh’s home track so I should claim a $2 head start, but I know that will make him whinge (as he is a Queenslander after all). This weekend over a marathon ten races be sure to check out Facebook on Saturday morning for our tips for the program!

I suppose he is supporting the Cowboys this weekend – I will support the STORM!

Good luck and good punting!

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