WINNO'S WINNERS: GOLD COAST, DECEMBER 23
By Darren Winningham | Thursday, December 21, 2017
GOLD COAST RACES SATURDAY 23 DECEMBER 2017
Well it is getting closer - the 2018 Magic Millions and we are heading to the Gold Coast this weekend for a mammoth ten race program as a warm-up. There are two races for the two year olds - some have the last chance to qualify for the big race on the 13 January 2018.
The track should be rated “GOOD”. The rail is out 4 metres from the 1400 metres to the winning post and then 2.5 metres the rest of the track.
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Winno attended the Queensland Racing Media Association (QRMA) luncheon on Monday. Toby Edmonds was awarded the Personality of the Year. His success in 2017 has been well documented and his stable continues to fire!
After the event there was a barefoot bowls competition. The final was between “The Penetrators” - with Les Ross and Winno in that team versus “Sticky Wickets“ featuring Josh Fleming, Paul Dolan, Michael McInally and the stunning Gabby Fleming (Josh’s wife - you are batting Merrin’s champion).
After three ends it was the Penetrators 3 and the Stick Wickets on 0. So we all expected to win!
Then the last bowl of the day - Gabby Fleming steps up and drives one down the middle of the green - spraying the jack and the bowls everywhere! Somehow she managed to get 6 shots for her team - and they won!
Talk about State of Origin pain on the bowling green!
Winno was devastated!
So congratulations to Gabby Fleming - as she carried the rest of them!
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Now this weekend - Josh Fleming has issued WINNO a challenge to follow through with a promise to squirt him with his super soaker whilst Josh does his preview on Sky Channel on Saturday around 10.30am.
Challenge happily accepted big fella! So make sure you stay tuned to see how he handles the drenching and the distraction!
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NB: As this form assessment was made prior to raceday, please check final fields and track conditions for any changes on the day.
Race 1
Looks an open race to start the day.
The quality runner is the top weight All Too Huiying (1), trained by the eccentric Gary Moore, who won a distance race over the Flemington carnival. I think this weekend the colt may need the run as he will be aimed at a race on Magic Millions Day.
Boom Boom Epic (2) is back at his home track. He has been very consistent in recent runs. I think he will not be at a disadvantage with the 1800 metres. Matthew McGillivray gets back aboard and has two rides on the Toby Edmonds trained filly for a win and a second - let’s hope he can get her home in the first!
Weekend Saga (3) is from the Rob Heathcote stables. This filly won last start at the Sunshine Coast over the mile. That run would suggest she will love the longer distance this weekend. I see Jimmy Orman has taken the ride.
Selections: 2-1-3-6
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Race 2
This is one of these famous 900 metre dashes at the Gold Coast. Normally you have to draw nice to win one of these races.
Now in saying that I have put one that has drawn 14 on top - go figure!
Invincible Heart (8) is trained by Chris Meagher and is to be ridden by Bridget Grylls. The mare is first up here and has been working nicely in some recent trials at Doomben. Even though she has drawn wide I think she may just get in with the speed and make a late surge.
Ben Currie has Crusher (14) and Bella Ochi (15) nominated. I am not sure whether the later will take her place in the field from the wide barrier. Crusher (14) was successful here over the same distance back in May. She is undefeated in two career starts and looks well placed here by the Currie stable.
Do not underrate the chances of the 2017 Kilcoy Cannonball winner - Life’s Like That (5) at the silly odds of $25. This Greg Cornish trained gelding has had no luck in the barrier draws in most of his career starts - this weekend he has drawn mid field in barrier 8. I expect apprentice Michael Murphy just to take a sit, just off the speed and have a crack at them around the 150 metre mark. This is a genuine knock out chance.
Selections: 8-14-5-11
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Race 3
This is the first of the two year old races.
I am going for the Les Ross trained Holdin’ My Own (5) as she has won here - a fortnight ago. This weekend Zoe White is aboard and she gets a 3 kilogram allowance that should be beneficial. I expect her to lead and dominate the field from start to finish, unless one of the unraced brigade wants to take the lead up.
Steven O’Dea trains Katy’s Daughter who was impressive on debut at Doomben. She is coming back in distance this weekend. That may be the telling factor, however, expect her to be storming home late.
The top weight Mishani Phantom (1), trained by Kelly Schweida, was great on debut at Doomben when run down late after leading all the way. She has had the benefit of a recent trial at Doomben when she performed well. She will test these.
Liam Birchley has Awesome Mo (1) engaged. This was the filly that was sent out favourite in the first two year old race of the season at Toowoomba and just ran out of steam. This weekend she is having her second career start and has had two trials to get her ready for this mission.
Selections: 5-1-2-6
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Race 4
Heat two for the two year olds!
Last weekend I declared Sunlight (6) from the Tony McEvoy stables, but it was scratched. The filly won a trial here three weeks ago beating the Tony Gollan trained Outback Barbie who came out and won last week on debut at Doomben. That result franks that trial form. She has drawn nicely in barrier 4 and Luke Currie makes the trip to the Gold Coast to partner her on her way to the Magic Millions. She will be short odds with $2.30 on offer at the moment.
I have put two debutants marked in to fill the placings.
The first is Dram of Delago (8) from the Matthew Dunn stables at Murwillumbah. This filly won nicely in a trial at Deagon and looks a ready-made galloper.
The other one is trained by Chris Anderson - Yamazaki (10) - who was impressive in a trial at Doomben three weeks ago. If she gets any luck she may be in the finish.
Toby Edmonds has a debut runner as well - Ancient Aztec (2). The colt has been working nicely on his home track and this may be prove to be beneficial in this race.
Selections: 6-8-10-2
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Race 5
I remember watching the Tony Gollan runner Prue’s Angel (11) win at the Gold Coast on debut back in May this year when ridden by the Toowoomba apprentice of the moment Baylee Nothdurft.
Whilst on the subject of Baylee he must be congratulated for his efforts last weekend. He rode a winner at the Gold Coast before driving back home up on the range to Toowoomba and riding another 5 winners - a massive effort 6 winners in a day. Well done mate!
Prue’s Angel (11) was beaten last start at Ipswich - but I think she was unlucky. With Jim Byrne back in the leather this weekend and Tony Gollan coming off a four winner week last week I am putting this one on top in a tough race.
Plan Red (3) is another Gollan runner who has drawn a little wide, however, it has Zoe White aboard and gets the benefit of her 3 kilogram claim. This Show A Heart gelding may just go on with it now she has put a win on the board.
Bold Adventure (4) resumes here after a 41 week spell. The recent barrier trial at the Gold Coast suggest he has come back well and was very good in that trial - in fact he ran second and if they wanted I am certain he could have won the trial. His chances are hampered by drawing barrier 16 here, however, he does like to settle midfield and make a run late. With the speed that is in the race - maybe Jeff Lloyd can get some luck and win this race.
Kelso Wood & Patricia Gesler have Criquette (10) nominated. This mare looked underdone at Doomben first up and raced that way. I think that she will strip fitter this week for this run and her racing record suggests that she does race well second up with a previous win second up. I can hear the cries now … are you going “Gesler Hunting” this weekend. I will answer that call for you all! You are on notice Patricia!
Sharpamal (6) from the Helen Page stables was hampered at the start last start and lost all chance of winning. Forget that run and this week on his home track look for Jackson “Patty Wack” Morris to jump this Jet Spur gelding out cleanly from barrier 8 and take up a forward position where he races best.
Selections: 11-3-4-10 rough chance 1 & 6
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Race 6
Winter Bride (2) resumed at Doomben three weeks ago and performed exceptionally when beaten by the classy Peter & Paul Snowden trained Pretty Fast. This weekend she is back at her home track and I expect her to be very difficult to beat in this grade at around the $5.50 mark.
Steven O’Dea has Francisca (7) drawn in barrier 7. She has had three barrier trials and there has been some early money for her since the markets opened. Paul Hammersley is aboard and she does have a win to her credit here at the Gold Coast track.
Femme Fireball (6) comes back in distance from her last start win at Doomben over 1350 metres. I tell you what, she was very impressive on a day at Doomben where not many runners made ground and won. She won easy. She is up in grade here this weekend but keep your eye on her.
Susurri (6) from the Barry Lockwood yards ran into a good one first up at Doomben. She will be better for that hit out and Ric McMahon is back aboard. Barry and Ric have a lethal strike rate when they combine.
The mystery runner is from the Les Ross stable. He is the new trainer for Ruler (13) who is a lovely bred Sebring gelding. He won a barrier trial 3 weeks ago here when ridden by Ryan Plumb and was very impressive in that win. Again there has been some early money for his runner to win on debut for the new stable.
Selections: 2-7-6-9 rough chance 13
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Race 7
The first leg of the Quaddie - wow this is a long day!
Les Kelly trains Sheza Lily (5) who has been in dynamic form at the Gold Coast in recent weeks – with two wins there and then another win at the Sunshine Coast. She then stepped out at Doomben for her first weekend city run and acquitted herself well, coming from well back and being beaten narrowly. That form looks great for this race.
Aqua Vite (7) comes off a win last weekend at Doomben when Jamie Lee Kah lifted him over the line to win in a photo finish. He is trained here on the track by Scott Morrisey and has an good record at the track. Jeff Lloyd takes over for the run this week. I am a big fan of this gelding – but he had a tough run last weekend and he has had some sustained racing of late, so I have put him in for second here this weekend.
Endless Days (8) is a genuine roughie here – trained by the father and son team of Peter & Will Hulbert. I think that he will be looking for a race on Magic Millions Day, however, he returns to a track where he has two previous wins and steps up to a more suitable distance of 1800 metres. I would prefer to see him over 2000 metres, but I think that will come in a few weeks’ time.
Hi Harry (13) is trained locally by David Kelly. This four year old gelding ran a nice race last week at Doomben when beaten by Aqua Vite (7). He has 3 of his 4 career race wins at this Gold Coast circuit. He could be one at odds here.
Feltre (1) is another horse that seems to fire this time of the year and does love the Gold Coast circuit. Again I think we will see the best of him Magic Millions day but he may just manage to lob here at odds.
Selections: 5-7-8-13 rough chance 1
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Race 8
Kirini (6) will start a short priced favourite in this race and deservedly so. She was back in distance last start at Doomben and stormed home powerfully to finish off the race and be closely beaten over 2000 metres. Back to the 2200 metres this weekend I rate her a good thing (as I did last start). She has drawn barrier 1 and as long as she gets a clear crack at them in the straight she should be winning here!
The Rumour File (1) is her stablemate from the Chris Waller yards at the Gold Coast. He has been racing very consistently and will be competitive again here.
After talking about Scott Morrisey in the previous race – he has another runner here – Perilous Love (3). This Love Conquers All mare is quirky and always seems to need some luck and things to go her way in her races. I have always thought she is better on a wet surface, however, her runs of late at Doomben has been eye-catching and I think this weekend with Jimmy Orman back on her (he has won on her previously) we may just see her storming seven or eight wide in the straight to make a lunge at them on the winning post.
Toby Edmonds has She Goes Pop (11) in the race – this is her fifth start this preparation. Again stepping up in distance, but I think she is now looking for these longer races and she may be a rough hope.
Selections: 6-1-3-11 rough chance 14
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Race 9
This is another nice race – a Benchmark 90 over 1200 metres. These races can throw up a rough result here at the Gold Coast so be warned!
The form runner is without doubt Amanaat (6) trained at Toowoomba by Ben Currie and again to be ridden by Michael Murphy, who is looking for his fourth win in a row on the gelding. She is looking to post her sixth consecutive win. She is drawn nicely and with Murphy’s claim of three kilograms gets well in at the weights.
Then you have the Kelly Schweida trained Oink (8) part owned Grant Bell – obedient husband and server of the Keiley Bell! I think the mail is that they will be up for Magic Millions so I will catch up with them then!
Oink (8) was scratched the other week but has had a barrier trial since then and looked good in that trial. I am going to put him on top this week (that will spell doom for team OINK as I normally don’t tip him). I just think that he will be racing off the speed and there appears to be some speed in the race which normally suits him as he can come late and finish off the race strongly.
Fiery Heights (4) went to Sydney last start and I think was not suited by the Canterbury track – so I suggest you completely put a line through that run and go on his previous performances when he has been very competitive at Doomben. The other thing that draws me to this Toby Edmonds runner is that he has two wins and one second from three starts here at the track – and Jeff Lloyd rides this gelding well.
Upstart Pride (1) is another runner who thrives at the Gold Coast track with two starts for two wins. This weekend apprentice Boris Thornton climbs aboard the Michael Nolan trained gelding. He does claim three kilograms and drawn in barrier two this weekend I think we may see him back to his old running style where he leads them and attempts to break them all in the running. He loves this track and can get out and dominate. The weight is the only concern with him having to carry 59.5 kilograms after the claim.
Selections: 8-6-4-1 rough chance 2
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Race 10
The last race at the Gold Coast for 2017 – well before Santa comes!
I hope by now your sack is full of money and you have some more $$$ to spend on some beer, ham and prawns for the big day!
Ryan Plumb (the Gold Coast’s leading rider to date in 2017) has made an appearance in the last race! About time you turned up Plumby! He is aboard the Les Kelly trained Desmon’s Pride (5). Over the recent months Les Kelly and Ryan have formed a formidable combination winning a number of races together in the distinctive royal blue and white cap silks of the stable – so I am hoping that they salute in the last race here!
Just be careful that the Edmonds stable don’t have other plans with their tough little mare Plucky Girl (14) who, whilst has never won a race here at the Gold Coast circuit, has 4 placings from as many starts here. She was impressive last start winning at Ipswich. That run was six weeks ago and she does go well on firm ground. This weekend drawn in barrier 6 and Jeff Lloyd riding I would not be surprised to see a late betting move from the stable if they have some success earlier in the day!
Manaya (11) is an enigma – however, if she can turn up and put her best foot forward she will absolutely destroy this lot! However, it just depends on what Manaya comes across the road at the Gold Coast from the local Michael Costa stables on Saturday! This mare is very good but she is a handful to train.
Matthew Dunn at Murwillumbah has Delightful Feeling (6) going around here and I think that he ran well enough 3 weeks ago at Doomben when beaten by Privlaka (who won again last weekend). He loves the Gold Coast circuit as well – so a few things are in his favour.
Ringo’s A Rockstar (9) just has been racing without luck. It would not surprise me to see him competitive here.
Selections: 5-14-11-6 rough chance 9
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Early Quaddie (NSW races 3 to 6)
1,2,5 / 6,8 / 3,4,10,11 / 2,6,7,9 - cost is $96 to $1
Quaddie (races 7 to 10)
5,7,8,13 / 1,3,6 / 1,4,6,8 / 5,6,11,14 - cost is $192 to $1
Value Quaddie (races 7 to 10)
5,7,8 / 1,6 / 4,6,8 / 5,11,14 - cost is $54 to $1
Mad Quaddie (races 7 to 10
1,5 / 6 / 4,8 / 5,14 - cost is $8 to $1
Treble (races 8 to 10)
1,3,6 / 1,4,6,8 / 5,6,11,14 - cost is $48 to $1
Jockeys Challenge
Jeff Lloyd looks like he has another solid book or rides. The only danger appears to be Matthew McGillivray and Michael Cahill.
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Finally ...
As predicted last weekend - Josh Fleming from Sky Channel was beaten by WINNO in our tipping competition. Be sure to check out our Facebook this Saturday morning for our up to date tips!
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