WINNO'S MM WINNERS: GOLD COAST, JANUARY 13

By Darren Winningham | Thursday, January 11, 2018

MAGIC MILLIONS DAY 2018 - GOLD COAST RACES 13 SATURDAY 2018

Well we are here ... the 2018 Magic Millions Day racing on the Gold Coast!

A warm day is forecast, and the track was on fire last weekend.

The track is rated “GOOD” and the rail will 1 metre out from the 1000m to the 400m and in the true position for the rest of the track.

The Magic Millions franchise in conjunction with the Queensland Government and other sponsors do such a wonderful job promoting this major event in South East Queensland. There has been so much happening on the Gold Coast in the week of Magic Millions – it is truly a Carnival of racing.

The card is full of many chances and the races are very open. If you like one this weekend stick with it! Don’t let me sway you as the results could punish the punters!

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

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Race 1

The Magic Millions Maiden – this race each year is always open and very tough. Trainers and owners prepare their horses for this race and hope to win a motza on Magic Millions Day. There are always hundreds of owners in the enclosure for this race with high hopes and expectations.

The two Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott runners look well placed here.

Let’s start with Dinnigan (10) who last start raced at Doomben in the Vo Rogue (Group 3) race as a maiden and lead until she was run down late by Pierata (engaged in Race 7 – MM 2018 Guineas). The short odds of $1.60 suggest that she is past the post – to be fair if she has pulled up well after the run at Doomben it will be a hard task for them to beat her here.

The other Waterhouse runner is Westrock (2) a lovely bred Pierro gelding who had a number of solid trials before his debut run at Gosford. As with most Waterhouse runners he led them up at Gosford and was only run down in the final 50 metres. I think he will have derived some benefit from that run and looks well placed here.

Chris Waller has Balearic (5) with Hugh Bowman trying to knock of Gai in the first race. This Smart Missile gelding was knocked from pillar to post at Randwick on New Year’s Day. Forget the run - drawn in barrier 14 he will need some luck but I think he will be making a late rush at them here.

Rob Heathcote represents the Queenslanders in the first race with Love and Rock It (7) who had a very impressive trial recently at Doomben. Long priced winning jockey Ronnie Stewart rode him in the trial and retains the ride for his second career run. Unfortunately, the barrier gods have not been kind to Rob and his team and have allocated him barrier 21 – Ronnie will need a GPS from out there!

The other one is the Bjorn Baker Zabeel’s Choice (12) who has had a mountain of work and barrier trials and was impressive on debut a month ago at Wyong. I think this filly would have taken some benefit from the run and will be race smart here this weekend – look for a solid run!

Selections: 10-5-12-2 rough chance 7

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Race 2 Lexus Magic Millions Country Cup

This is one of those races you should just sit back and watch. There is form from all over the place and trying to line it up to compare is difficult.

I am going to tip One Golden Day (1) from the Ben Currie stables in Toowoomba with Blake Shinn riding. This horse just loves a good or fast track and I can see him getting those conditions here this weekend. He has drawn handy and has a solid record here at the Gold Coast track – so those are the reasons for my selection!

He’s a Moral (5) from the Darren Weir stables has drawn nicely as well. His last start at Seymour can be overlooked. He was held up badly and when he got clear and got a crack at them he motored home late. Any luck here this weekend and he could be difficult to beat.

Zafina (15) has grabbed my attention as well. Trained in the nation’s capital in Canberra by Matthew Dale she has been plagued in her last few starts by having to run on wet tracks. All of her best performances have come on dry tracks. I think we will see a sharp improvement here this weekend – drawn handy as well and Jason Collett to pilot her.

Tye Angland is aboard the Wyong trained Trust Me (10) – drawn wide but knowing Tye he will ride this Sepoy gelding quiet and have one crack at them late in the straight.

I do have to mention one other runner here – I’m Alone (currently around $81) is part owned by a good friend Kurt Croft. Now I have it on good authority that if the gelding wins on Saturday he may no longer be “Not Alone” as he will go home and propose to his long-time girlfriend Sammy! Let’s hope that the horse wins and WINNO can grab an exclusive look at the ring after the race! So, seems like Kurt will not be shouting us Yum Cha this weekend – instead he has spent it all on his fiancée to be!

Selections: 1-5-15-10 rough chance 7 & 11

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Race 3 Racing Queensland Magic Millions QTIS Open

Bourbon Road (10) is a true Gold Coast specialist with three wins and a placing here from 6 starts. He normally races well with a break between each run and he gets that here this weekend from trainer Tony Gollan after a win here on 13 December. He gets a full month between runs and I think he is well placed here and is some decent odds in a tough race (currently $19).

The topweight Upstart Pride (1) has been racing well with massive weights of late. He does love the Gold Coast circuit and drawn in barrier 4 this week and I wonder whether we will see the old Upstart Pride back here? The one that gets out and makes them chase him and normally runs them into the ground. Either way, if he leads or takes a sit I am sure Blake Shinn will give him every chance here.

Realing (13) from the Matthew Dunn stables has had a month off since his last win at Doomben over the mile. I think he will go well here and is a chance at odds.

Liam Birchley has Havasay (3) here third up this weekend. Last start in the Falvelon Quality he had not much luck and was bumped in the running a couple of times and I think he lost his momentum. He is a nice type who likes to get a sustained look at them and get his momentum up. He is one that I fear in this race if Matthew McGillivray can get clear running and get in from the wide barrier.

The other Birchley runner is Fit For Purpose (14) who had similar luck to his stable-mate last start at Doomben when he too was subjected to being checked, steadied, and then held up prior to getting out late and just running on fairly.

These two runners could be dark horses if they get any luck in running – and Liam Birchley does seem to grab a win on these big race days.

Selections: 10-1-13-3 rough chance 9 & 14

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Race 4 Sky Thoroughbred Central Magic Millions Trophy

Look there are some horses from down south here that have been racing well, but I am going to stay with the locals who I have seen in recent weeks.

Last weekend we saw the Will Hulbert Endless Days (9) come out and give them a good beating. I know he is up in class here this weekend – but wow did he hit the line well last time. After the race he looked like he could have gone around again! This horse does love the Gold Coast and is at massive odds ($26) to repeat the dose this weekend. I am sure the Lilivale Stud and connections will go nuts if he can win again!

The other runner that I have been following and I think has been screaming out for this trip is the Gary Moore trained All Too Huiyang (11). He has had a couple of runs now here over 1800 metres and I think he is ready to step up to the 2200 metres here. Again, $21 is on offer for this runner as well. This could be a result for the bookies!

The more favoured runners like Payroll (2) have some solid form on the board and Richard Laming has had him here getting ready for the race. He was out swimming the other morning at Southport and looks like he has travelled up well and acclimatised well. He is looking for a hat trick of wins.

The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott trained Sedanzer (4) comes off a solid run in the Group 3 Gosford Belle of the Turf. She is down in weight this weekend and she has performed over these longer distances before. I think she may race handy or just off the pace and could be hard to run down.

If you want a knock out chance Feltre (7) is the one – that wily Brian Smith seems to get this horse ready for this day and race each year. He could just pop up!

Selections: 9-11-2-4 rough chance 7

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Race 5 It’s Live! In QLD Magic Millions Fillies and Mares

Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott have Global Glamour (1) engaged – she is a mighty mare and always runs well fresh and should be hard to beat here.

She has had two solid trials to get ready for this race – the last one on 29 December at Randwick where she looked awesome. She was beaten last year here on Magic Millions day by Flying Jess (a $101 shot) in a boil over. I can’t see that occurring this year.

If there is a horse that we should look at that gets in well at the weights it has to be the Peter & Paul Snowden trained Pretty Fast (16) who has drawn barrier one and has a short let up of 6 weeks since her last dominant win at Doomben. As usual the Snowden team gave her a hit out in a barrier trial on the same day as Global Glamour (1) and she looked like she went to the line with plenty in reserve. Down in the weights she is a serious contender at some super odds of $10.

Sylpheed (11) from the local Toby Edmonds yards at the Gold Coast has come back in great form. She will be tested this week from barrier 18 – but she has had a five-week let up and a nice trial at the Gold Coast a fortnight ago.

Pepperano (12) has only ever had one race here – that was in 2015 when she ran second to Le Chef in the 2-year-old Magic Millions. She has put in two splendid runs since resuming from a 48-week spell. Some may say she has been unlucky in both runs since resuming and deserves a change of luck. She has drawn well and does like this distance.

Selections: 1-16-12-11 rough chance 4

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Race 6 Woodford Reserve Magic Millions Cup

Well last start at Doomben Care to Think (11) looked like he was in all sorts of trouble caught on the inside of Trubia and with nowhere to go. Somehow Jeff Lloyd – cool, calm and collected - managed to get him out and when he saw daylight he smashed the opposition. This is probably his toughest assignment to date, however, the way he won last start suggests that he will be competitive in this race.

The barrier is a major concern – he has drawn 19 but I am certain that somehow trainer Matthew Dunn and Jeff Lloyd have worked out a plan for this race to ensure we see the best of him this weekend. There are many happy owners associated with this, So You Think gelding including Blair “Gibbo” Gibson and Damien “Quinny” Quinn. I bet these two jibberers will be at the Gold Coast track this weekend. Now remember to wear some trousers and a collared shirt Quinny – else you won’t get into the winners’ stall area!

Crack Me Up (3) has been freshened since his dynamic Villiers win in Sydney. I think that Damien Browne will be riding this one for luck here in the straight – but he does have a powerful finish. I was worried about him coming back from 1600 metres at Randwick to the 1400 metres at the Gold Coast but I think this race usually has some serious speed in it and I just think from the nice barrier he will be sitting off them in the pack before Brownie unleashes him in the straight. I think he may get the favours in running and could be better placed than Care To Think (11).

Most Important (2) was defeated last start at Doomben by Care To Think (11) but I thought with the large weight and the way the race was run he was gallant in defeat. This Tony Gollan trained gelding can run time so he cannot be left out of your exotic bets.

I Thought So (12) was unlucky a fortnight ago in the race won by Care To Think (11) at Doomben. I am in no way saying he would have beaten him all things considered, however, he was held up at a vital stage around the 150 metres and really did not finish off the race. This runner on his day can produce an extraordinary run. His third up record is solid as well – I think if jockey Michael Walker can get in from barrier 16 and get a clear crack at them in the straight he will be flying home late.

Selections: 11-3-12-2 rough chance 1

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Race 7 – 2018 MAGIC MILLIONS GUINEAS

This is a great field!

Pierata (1) has been in sensational form and has drawn barrier 1. Corey Brown was asked about the speculation of drawing barrier 1 being a disadvantage and he responded with “it is the shortest way home that little white thing on the right of you”.

On the last start performance at Doomben he is the one to beat this weekend.

On this day last year, the trainer of Pierata tasted victory with Private Secretary who stormed down the outside and won in a lengthy photo decision. On that occasion he lost his wallet somewhere – I hope he keeps a tight hold of his wallet this weekend!
The runner I think is a genuine danger is Curdled (4) from the Peter Robl stables. Last start at Doomben, in the race won by Pierata (1), he was tightened for room – got held up – steadied – do you get the picture yet? I think we can overlook that run and look for some luck this weekend at the Gold Coast with Jim Byrne taking the ride.

Kris Lees has Sasso Corbaro (15) looking for a hat trick of wins. The last two victories suggest she will find a place here. Damien Oliver rides the All Too Hard filly.

The Hawkes team’s Wild Heart (9) comes off a first up win at Wyong. Since then he has had a lack lustre barrier trial. I think the trial was more to blow the cob webs out and, after looking at it on video, I think this one will be very competitive here as well.

Be warned this race each year can turn up a major upset – favourites do not have a solid record in this race!

Selections: 1-4-9-15 rough chances 3, 7 & 13

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Race 8 2018 MAGIC MILLIONS 2-YEAR-OLD CLASSIC

The fortune of the barrier draw? Do we place so much emphasis on it? Should we? Or should we punt on what we have seen and know?

Since the barrier draw if you want to read the press Ef Troop (2) and Sunlight (11) cannot win! Well last year Houtzen drew wide and still managed to win – are they as good as her? Time will tell.

Then you have Jonker (1) who drew barrier 3 and who some say is now unbeatable – one because of the barrier draw and secondly as it has the world’s best jockey aboard Hugh Bowman!

There are lots of twists and turns in this year’s Magic Millions race.

I am torn between two runners here – Meryl (9) and Sunlight (11). I really think the race is between these two fillies. Both owners are syndicates of women, so they are eligible for the Women’s bonus.

I cannot go past the runs of Sunlight (11) in recent outings in Brisbane. Tony McEvoy has her firing and I think she can win this year’s Magic Millions ... BUT ... watch out for Meryl (9) who I think will stalk the leaders everywhere and, with expected mad speed in the race, she and Christian Reith could be the one finishing over the top of them late. I think you can back them both each way with some confidence.

Meryl (9) comes off the B.J.McLachlan Group 3 win at Doomben over 1200 metres. The run was amazing. They went hard in front and Reith just sat and waited and peeled off around the heels of the leaders before putting them to the sword at the 100 metres. That run was very good, and she is one of the few runners that has won over 1200 metres leading into this race. She is second up here, however, she has drawn well in barrier 5. This will give Reith many options in the run.

Ef Troop (2) and Matthew McGillivray have been dynamic in his two career wins. Matthew has been riding in career best form and if you are looking for a wonderful local Queensland based story there is none better if this Tony Gollan gelding can get past the post first for Matty. I will be cheering him home if he can get a crack at them!

The other Gollan trained runner is Outback Barbie (13) and despite drawing well has been completely overlooked in the markets as a chance. She did run well in a barrier trial on the Gold Coast that was won by Sunlight (11). Then she won on debut at Doomben. She could be one at odds that gets under everyone’s guard.

Jonker (1) is trained at Newcastle by David Atkins. The win at Wyong was good. I am not knocking the performance – I am just not sure that the depth of that race is the form line we should be following here this week. I cannot rule this Spirit of Boom colt out of the race. He has won both career race starts and has drawn very well.

Quackerjack (3) from the Mark Newnham stables has drawn out near Main Beach in barrier 19 – ironically Bondi (7) has also drawn close to the beach in barrier 20. These two I thought were genuine rough chances in the race. They both have not fared well in the barrier draw but I think they may be able to fill a place at odds if they get any luck.

All things considered – I am going to bracket Meryl (9) and Sunlight (11) to win the 2018 Magic Millions – maybe a dead heat!

Selections: (11-9)-1-2 rough chances 3,7,13

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Race 9 Harrold’s Magic Millions Snippets

There is some speed here in the last race with Pinch River (5) and Snitzkraft (14) engaged. I just hope they do not go and cut each other up in front.

Last start at Doomben Snitzkraft (14) who is trained by Kelso Wood & Patricia Gelser led all the way and was dominant. He looked like he had some more improvement in him – but can he beat these older seasoned horses with the compressed weights? I am sure if he wins Kelso and Patricia will be dancing around the winner’s circle!

Viddora (3) from the Lloyd Kennewell stables in South Australia ran a gallant second here last year behind Target in Sight (oh that did hurt Winno’s pocket). Since then this mare has been racing consistently and won the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes at Ascot. That is solid form for a race like this – but she does have a massive weight to contend with – but she has earned it!

Egyptian Symbol (9) was dominant on a heavy track when resuming at Rosehill six weeks ago. She has been freshened and has had two solid barrier trials that she has won to keep her ticking over for this race.

This mare has raced here twice on Magic Millions days and on both occasions she has been unlucky – just not getting an uninterrupted run at them. Both of these runs were tremendous despite not getting the chocolates. This weekend with the smaller field I really cannot see any excuse why she cannot slay this lot in the last race on the program.

Matthew Dunn has Perfect Dare (10) drawn poorly in the race. This horse loves a dry fast track – so unless there is a late afternoon storm come the last race the track will be hard, fast and like concrete in which case I would assume and he will get the conditions he loves most – some odds of $26 are on offer and represent great value.

I wonder if co-owner Brian Charman will be on course to watch him go around?

Selections: 9-3-10-14 rough chance 4

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Jockey Challenge

Looks like it could be a three-way tie for mine – and true NSW V QLD battle.

In the BLUE corner Tim Clark and Jason Collett (we will claim him before QLD does) and in the MAROON corner Jim Byrne.

They may be all good value so take your pick!

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Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5 NSW only)

1,5,10,15 / 1,3,10,13,14 / 2,4,9,11 / 1,11,12,16 - cost is $320 to $1

Quaddie (races 6 to 9)

2,3,11,12 / 1,4,9,15 / 1,2,9,11 / 3,9,10,14 - cost is $256 to $1

Value Quaddie (races 6 to 9)

3,11 / 1,4,9 / 9,11 / 3,9,10 - cost is $36 to $1

Mad Quaddie (races 6 to 9)

11,12 / 1,4 / 9,11 / 3,9 - cost is $16 to $1

Treble (races 7 to 9)

1,4,9,15 / 1,2,9,11 / 3,9,10,14 - cost is $64 to $1

Value Treble (races 7 to 9)

1,4 / 9,11 / 3,9 - cost is $8 to $1

NSW Tote Big 6 (races 4 to 9)

4,9,11 / 1,16 / 3,11,12 / 1,4 / 1,2,9,11 / 3,9 cost is $288 to $1

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This weekend the tipping competition between Josh Fleming (Sky Racing) and WINNO will continue as usual.

He has been in solid form of late – so credit where credit is due to the big fella.

Maybe the news of being a dad later in the year has improved his form!

Whatever the reason – I will have my work cut out for me this weekend. So be sure to check out Facebook for our tips on Saturday.

Good luck and good punting!

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