WINNO'S WINNERS: GOLD COAST, MAY 5, 2018
By Darren Winningham | Friday, May 4, 2018
Well it is racing on the GOLD COAST this weekend!
The track is rated “GOOD” and the rail will be in the true position this weekend.
The Gold Coast had last weekend off racing last week and normally after a small let up the track will race fast – expect some track and class records to be under threat this weekend with fine conditions forecasted.
I must pay tribute to Josh Fleming from Sky Racing – he gave me a right old touch up last weekend in our tipping competition. Strangely he tipped the NSW horses – no loyalty there and they all won!
This meeting has been dominated by the southern invaders in recent year. Will there be the same result this weekend?
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In WINNO news this week.
Featuring this week is the assault at the Tamworth Cup meeting by the Edmonds Racing team and jockey Jimmy Orman – 3 from 3 with them taking out the Cup with Plucky Girl. Well done guys!
My next item is ... well, I am going on a rant! I am fed up of seeing posts in social media about punters sending rude, insulting and threatening messages to jockeys, trainers and others involved in horse, pacing and greyhound racing. I assume by the comments and threats made that they have lost money.
Simple way to stop that. If you cannot afford to have a bet – just do not bet!
I am certain that a large majority of participants in these sports are giving 100% and I think that if you have nothing good to say – then maybe say nothing at all!
Personally, I would like the governing bodies – be it Racing Queensland or the other parties around Australia - to be available to receive complaints from their licensed participants in this regard and for them to access these complaints and, where applicable, to pass them onto the police for investigation and possible prosecution.
I think that this must stop!
Just my opinion. Feel free to let me know if I am right or wrong – but keep it clean!
In other WINNO news – I am getting around to doing some 60 seconds with WINNO currently – punters, trainers, strappers, jockeys – so if you feel the urge look me up, send me a message on Facebook or come see me at the track and let’s get something happening!
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
We start the day with an 1800 metres race.
I must say I have some confidence here. I was here a couple of weeks ago to see Dauphin de France (15) from the Toby Edmonds stables when he won here. I thought he was super impressive that week under a large weight and wonderfully ridden by apprentice Jackson Murphy – this week Jeff Lloyd, the maestro of Brisbane racing takes over.
I think if he makes the field that we should get off to a good start on the day!
Skytrek (4) from the Barry Lockwood team has won previously over the track and distance. He does race well fresh. Expect a bold showing first up.
Double Superlative (5), from the Kelly Schweida stable, comes off a nice win at Sunshine Coast. He normally races handy to the speed and I think being the first race of the program he will be nicely placed from barrier 3 by the in-form jockey Jimmy Orman.
There are several locally trained runners that could pop at some value – do not underestimate the chances of Denbern (11) trained by Scott Morrisey and Nordic Show (12) trained by Mel Eggleston. Nordic Show (12) has won her past 3 starts here over 1800 metres but she is drawn terrible in barrier 19.
Selections: 15-5-4-16 rough chances 11 & 12
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Race 2
A quick one here – Mr Marbellouz (4) – forget the last run on a bog where he was caught against the rail which proved to be the “slow lane” and restricted him getting home in his normal dominant fashion. I am sure I will be getting to Kevin Kemp after the race and shaking his hand – Jag Guthmann-Chester stays aboard, While I think whilst $1.50 is a short price – he does look a certainty!
Take your pick for the placings – looks an even bunch. I notice that Tyzone (8) has been sent to the Toby Edmonds stables on the Gold Coast and he makes his debut here on his new home track for his new trainer.
I have always thought this Written Tycoon gelding is above average and I do not think we seen the best of him last preparation when he received no luck in his runs at Doomben. He won a recent trial here and I think that if there are any chinks in the armour of the favourite this is the runner to be on - $14 each way – seems nice odds to me.
Tony Gollan is represented with I’m A Rippa (1) who won on Magic Millions Day when he led all the way. He is a great sprinter and does race well fresh. He resumes from a 12-week spell, has drawn wide but should surge forward from barrier 13.
Selections: 4-8-1-10
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Race 3
Look, I think that it is a nice race for Oink (13) to return to the winner’s stall. The run at Doomben last start was great on a bog track and he will be ready to shine on the fast Gold Coast track. I have good mail that part owner Grant Bell is coming to the Gold Coast to settle some recent sledging that WINNO has offered up in my tipping blogs. So why stop now … so I believe he has had a rash in a private spot – not saying what type of rash it is … but his GP has provided some “Oinkment” to fix it up!
The horse that I fear the most is Divine Unicorn (15) from the Matthew Dunn stables. This gelding is stepping up to Class 6 for the first time. He does resume here but certainly has some good ability. His trial behind stable mate Care To Think at Murwillumbah ten days ago showed he is forward enough to run a solid race.
Steven O’Dea trains Sabkhat (5) who usually runs solidly second up. He gets in nice this weekend with apprentice Boris Thornton’s claim and he could be one to be storming home late if they go fast up front.
Local trained gelding Impregnable (7) has the Edmonds/Orman team combining again after their success at Tamworth last Sunday. Again, the heavy track at Doomben last start may have been detrimental to his chances – back at home on a fast surface this weekend he may sneak a place at nice odds.
Selections: 13-15-7-5
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Race 4 Gold Coast Cup – Listed Race
This is a tough race this one – eleven runners and they all have a genuine chance.
Aqua Vite (8) is locally trained and has some good form here at the track. This Northern Meteor gelding is coming back from a mile to 1400 metres. I think with Dreams Aplenty (6) in the race there will be some genuine speed on up front and this should suit the Scott Morrisey gelding to be ridden by Paul Hammersley.
Dreams Aplenty (6) is trained on the track as well now by John Zielke and was solid first up at the Sunshine Coast when Tegan Harrison attempted to lead all the way and was just run down close to the post. Tegan stays aboard this weekend and she loves to get her own way in front. She may just capture them all napping and may scoot away in the straight with this Listed Race.
Ruettiger (7) is trained by Ben Currie and ... well we have the showman Bobby El-Issa booked to ride the gelding this weekend. He is third up here and he didn’t handle the wet track at Doomben last start. He is a duffer in the wet and you should forget that run and look at his solid performance in the Weetwood on his home track in Toowoomba when beaten by 4 lengths by his stable mate Amanaat.
Snippets Land (4) is from the Peter & Paul Snowden and has run some super races here on the Gold Coast track without winning. He probably is a good chance to upset the more favoured runners and Snowden’s horses always seem to perform well at the Gold Coast track.
Selections: 8-6-7-4 rough chance 9
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Race 5 Ken Russell Memorial Classic
A Group 3 race for two-year-old horses named after a wonderful jockey who dominated here at the Gold Coast track winning four Gold Coast jockey premierships. He also had a knack to get the best out of the two-year-old horses that he used to partner, and it is appropriate that this race is named after Ken Russell.
I like the locally trained Blue Book (2) to bounce back here at the set weight conditions. Kelly Doughty trains the Denmarket gelding who went under narrowly when resuming at the Sunshine Coast carrying a monster weight. I am hoping that run would have tightened him up here for this assignment. He has drawn barrier 1 and Jeff Lloyd should be able to trail nicely into the race with some speed in the race. I see that Luke Milligean celebrated his birthday on Thursday and he claims he is “Gold Coast’s number one strapper” so it would be quite apt to see the horse get home. I just hope Luke wears a nice blue shirt to match the name of the gelding and to get in the spirit of State of Origin that is upon us – we all know a NSW BLUES victory is on the cards for 2018.
Lean Mean Machine (3) was beaten by Paquirri last start at Randwick and has the Chris Waller polish. He was belted around in that run and lost a near fore plate in the running but still turned in a solid performance beaten only 2 lengths. He has a barrier trial 12 days ago at Canterbury and could have won the trial – but just worked home nicely to the line. Corey Brown jumps aboard for his debut in Queensland. I think that he may be getting ready for our feature races in weeks to come – but he must be considered here this week.
Boomsara (1) surprised everyone – well except trainer Chris Munce and jockey Matthew McGillivray - when he won the 2-year-old JEWEL here back on 17 March. He led on that occasion. This time I think he may just sit in behind the speed horse Zoom By (9) from the Liam Birchley stables. He is another Spirit of Boom sensation who may just be getting ready for the feature races over the Brisbane Winter Carnival, but must be respected here with a 2 starts for 2 win record at the Gold Coast.
Selections: 2-3-1-9 rough chances 7 & 12
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Race 6 Bat Out Of Hell
The 900-metre sprint – they go fast and hard here – anything can happen!
Prompt Return (4) won this race last year. He resumes after taking on Group races in the Winter Carnival last year – in fact it is 45 weeks since his last run! He won a trial at the Gold Coast on 10 April and looked well above himself. I think from barrier 3 he should get a nice run in behind the tearaway leaders. If Toby Edmonds has him ready and he is fit enough he could be making a late dash along the rail and sneaking home.
Guard of Honour (5) loves these short distances and seemed a little unlucky at the Sunshine Coast last start. Damian Browne stays aboard here, and I think now he has a feel for this Northern Meteor gelding from the Kris Lees stables at Newcastle we may see a sharp improvement.
You cannot leave out Yarrapower (11) – his form has been super. He has won his last two starts dominating out in front with apprentice Jag Guthmann-Chester in the saddle on both occasions. Trainer Darryl Hansen has retained him for this run and I think from barrier 9 he will be out in front for a long way.
Latin Boy (9) is from the Richard Freedman team – another short course specialist and does represent some solid value at around the $15 mark if you want to go a little wide in your selections.
Snoopy (3) – well I just have to put him in. (You all know I just love beagles). This Chris Munce gelding seems to race well fresh. He is not known to win over these short distances, but he does has class on his side.
Tiyatrolani (12) has drawn barrier 20 – he may have well been starting on the Gold Coast beach from out there! But it Jim Byrne can get him in and work late into the race he may show up.
Selections: 4-5-11-9 rough chances 3 & 12
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Race 7 2018 Gold Coast Guineas Group 3
Despite drawing barrier 11 I like the locally trained Whypeeo (1) for the Edmonds Racing team and Jeff Lloyd.
He won first up at Doomben in the Mick Dittman Plate (Listed) on a heavy track. I don’t think the track flattered the performance but leading on that day and surface did pay dividends.
In the same race Marble (5), from the James Cummings – Godolphin stables, got too far out of his ground but did make some ground to finish third, beaten by 4.75 lengths. He is no good on wet tracks and I think on top of the ground we will see an improved performance.
Champagne Cuddles (10) is trained by Bjorn Baker and won a recent barrier trial at Canterbury before heading north. She is the early favourite at around $2.80 and to be fair is probably a deserved favourite considering she has been competing in Group 1 races. I just wonder whether she will be better over 1400 metres as the Carnival warms up – but she will be ready to run a great race here this weekend.
Selections: 1-10-5-3 rough chance 11
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Race 8 A.D.Hollindale Stakes Group 2
This is our feature race this weekend. I am not sure if it one of the best fields I have seen in recent times but a field of fourteen will face the starter. Anything can happen.
I am going away from the favourite runners and putting Oregon’s Day (11) on top here. This Mick Price runner has been racing in such consistent form in the Sydney Carnival in Group 1 races and seriously has just seemed to be beaten by a better one on the day. Will that happen this weekend – let’s hope not. Jim Byrne who has been quietly working into good form has scored the ride on this runner. He is due for a big win. Let’s hope my mate who looks great in BLUE can get this runner home – after all, the silks are Royal Blue and White!
I did like It’s Somewhat (1). I liked him first up at Randwick – he didn’t seem to be able to get a clear run at them in the straight in the All Aged Stakes (Group 1). He just plugged home, but he can turn in a good performance second up. He must be respected in this weak Group 2 field.
Chris Waller is well represented with five runners. I think the best of them has to be Comin’ Through (2) and the enigma Tom Melbourne (3). They both have been racing consistently in Group 1 races in Sydney and I really think that 1800 metres is their go. I look forward to seeing how they perform this weekend.
Selections: 11-1-2-3
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Race 9 Silk Stocking Listed Race
We finish off the big day with a Listed race for the fillies and mares.
Now be warned this race can turn up some horrible results – so you may have to look for something at massive odds!
I like the Mark Newnham trained Anatola (5) who resumed with a solid win at Randwick when well backed late. Joshua Parr (another great NSW rider who bleeds BLUE) has made the journey to the Gold Coast to partner this mare again. He has a great affiliation with her with three rides – two wins and one second.
Crystal Fountain (7) resumed at Caulfield five weeks ago in what I consider to be a pretty good performance. She is stepping up in grade here this weekend and is drawn wide in barrier 12 but I think she will be mid field so that should not trouble her. She is a nice chance here at around the $12 mark.
Test The World (3) resumed and was beaten by Anatola (5). She meets her two kilograms better here for that defeat but I cannot see the alteration in the weights making any difference here. However I expect her to run a solid race.
Two local horses could show up here at some odds. The first one is the Tony Gollan trained Of The Day (10) who I remember stormed home here one day to knock off a nice field. She probably may need to run but watch out for her second up where she normally does perform well.
The other runner is Cellargirl (11) who has not won here at the track but has won 3 times from 4 starts first up. Jimmy Orman resumes his association with this Kelly Schweida three-year-old filly. He has won two times on her from four rides. Maybe this reuniting of them may see her running a great race.
Selections: 5-7-3-11 rough chance 10
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Jockey Challenge
Looks like a landslide to Jeff Lloyd – take the short odds and just line up to collect!
Early Quaddie (races 1 to 4 NSW only)
4,8 / 7,13,15 / 6,7,8 / 2,3 - cost is $36 to $1
Quaddie (races 6 to 9)
4,5,9,11 / 1,3,5,10 / 1,2,3,11 / 3,5,7 - cost is $192 to $1
Value Quaddie (races 6 to 9)
4,5 / 1,10 / 1,2,11 / 5,7 - cost is $24 to $1
Mad Quaddie (races 6 to 9)
4 / 1,10 / 11 / 5 - cost is $2 to $1
Treble (races 7 to 9)
1,3,5,10 / 1,2,3,11 / 3,5,7 - cost is $48 to $1
Good luck and good punting!
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