WINNO'S WINNERS: SUNSHINE COAST, JUNE 2, 2018

By Darren Winningham | Thursday, May 31, 2018

Well, we are heading to the Sunshine Coast course on Saturday for the next instalment of the Winter Carnival.

The track is rated “HEAVY” and the rail will be in the true position this weekend for the entire track.

BUT – this is after they race here on Friday afternoon with the rail out 10 metres for the entire course for the seven-race program! I assume that the track will be awesome for the 10-metre section they do not race on the day before.

The weather forecast is looking great for the coming days so the track may improve. The Sunshine Coast always seems to favour horses that makes a run out wide on the crest of the track – maybe this weekend they may be best served hard up on, or a couple off, the rail.

Who knows!

I think I will be watching the first couple of races and if it looks uneven or racing poorly I will be raising the white flag and just stand back and take photos for the rest of the program!

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In WINNO news this week.

Look, I do not sing my own praises too often, however, I must thank the loyal punters who have sent me messages for last week’s effort in tipping the Quaddie and Treble at Doomben.

In fact, between myself and my great mate Josh Fleming we tipped it on our Facebook tips on Saturday morning!

How good last weekend – Jeff Lloyd cracked his 100th winner again for consecutive seasons. He achieved this in riding Tyzone to victory in the first race on Queensland Oaks Day. Well done Jeff – you are truly one gifted and very competitive horse man. With the news doing the rounds that you are about to retire later this year … racing in Queensland will miss your unique and competitive riding style.

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As it is my last post before the first State of Origin Game in Melbourne I must have one last jab at you wonderful Queensland supporters!

There will be no excuses come next Thursday morning when NSW have a 1 – 0 lead in the series.

Please do not blame the ground conditions – the match officials – or the video referee!

Just cop it on the chin … NSW will be too good for you!

Last weekend I managed to present Sky Racing’s Josh Fleming with a Queensland jersey – then it was on!

Ding, Ding – we came out swinging (see the photos on the side). Despite a massive height, reach and weight advantage WINNO managed to a hit and run win!

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

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Race 1

We have a later start to the day 12.42pm – looks like I get a sleep in this weekend!

Hold on – we don’t start the last race until 5.50pm under lights! I had better pack a swag!

We start with a sprint race over the 1000 metres!

Look, this is an awful race that really does not excite me.

For the record I think that the Peter & Paul Snowden trained Spending to Win (12) gets in well after a massive run at Scone in the Ortensia Stakes (Listed level) last start when beaten by To Excess. I think that after reviewing his recent runs he gives me the impression that 1000 metres will be better for him. He just seems to lose his way in the final 100 metres in his last few starts – back to the shorter distance I think we should see an improved performance. This runner has been smashed opening at $2.60 and firming rapidly into $1.80 since markets opened.

Love Me Baby (5) is trained by Paddy Cunningham and will be ridden by Tegan “Tegz” Harrison. This Foxwedge mare won two starts ago in solid fashion at Doomben and then won the Inverell Shorts back on New Year’s Day. She has been off the racing scene for 21 weeks – but do not despair – wily old Paddy loves to set his runners for a first up plunge and he is renowned for landing a good old-fashioned go! I think at $15 and with an impeccable first up record – watch out!

The other NSW runner is Lucy Rose (6) who performed well recently at the Gold Coast in the 2018 Bat Out of Hell race over 900 metres. This weekend they have put apprentice Mikayla Weir aboard the Joe Cleary runner. She has a nice 3-kilogram claim that will be beneficial on this wet track. Another thing that has got my attention is that she has drawn barrier 3 this weekend and should be able to be ridden in the lead or just off the speed. She really does thrive in this role and has raced generously previously in this capacity. I note that 4 of her 6 career race wins have been over the 1000 metres as well – again – she is some nice odds at $8.

Wudang Blade (9), trained at the Gold Coast by Marcus Wilson, loves this distance and loves wet tracks – he must be included in the selections here for your exotic bets.

Selections: 12-5-6-9 rough chance 14

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Race 2

Well a capacity field here over the 1000 metres again for three-year old’s.

Miss Exfactor (5) gets the nod here from the Tony Gollan yards after winning on a heavy track last start three weeks ago at the Gold Coast. Despite drawing barrier 11 there appears to be some speed on in the race and I think Jim “Queenslander” Byrne will just sit off them and smoke his pipe before making a dash at them in the final 120 metres!

The topweight Prom Queen (1) had her debut run in Australia when beaten by Winter Bride last start at Doomben. She has some solid form on wet tracks with 7 wins! Boris Thornton has been booked to ride her and his 3-kilogram claim will come in handy to offset the 60 kilograms that has been allocated to her.

Will and Peter Hulbert have Cooroi Chase (7) engaged – but she has drawn out wide in barrier 19. I managed to catch up with Michael “Muppy” Hellyer at JB Hi Fi purchasing a GPS to help him around the track! I noted that he was purchasing it from his own money as Will had none to give him! Maybe if “Muppy” can get this one home at around the $10 mark the sling from Will may pay for the GPS!

On a serious note this Show A Heart filly loves wet tracks and the heavier the better! So, the Hulbert Racing Team will be hoping the track stays in that “heavy” range!

Bring It Home Pop (2) always performs fresh and loves his home track as well! He is trained by Darryl Hansen and is a knob in the wet! Despite no official barrier trials my spies tell me he is quite forward and has been working well in the early mornings on his home track – watch out for a nice run here first up. I note the KING of CALOUNDRA – Mr Damian Browne has the ride. This certainly gets my attention!

Envy of All (8) is from the strong Newcastle stables of Kris Lees. I probably may have overlooked the winner here!

She was held up and didn’t get a crack at them last start at Scone in the Listed Denises Joy Stakes. I would strongly suggest you overlook that run and if she has travelled up well she will be super competitive here. Jeff Lloyd has been booked for the ride. She has solid wet weather track form with a career win on a heavy surface where she won at Canterbury. In her other three starts on soft tracks she has 3 starts for 3 placings. There has been some solid support for this one being well supported from $7 to $4.40 since the early markets have opened! You all know where there is smoke there is fire! A gear change as well – winkers are off for the first time. Maybe this well see her race more genuinely!

Selections: 5-1-7-2 rough chance 6 and 8

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Race 3 – The Listed Phoenix

A Listed Race for the two-year-old’s over the mile with most of them looking at the mile and a bog track for the first time! Punt at your own peril!

Sokudo (2) owned by James Harron Bloodstock Syndications and trained by Peter & Paul Snowden raced in the Listed Fernhill at Randwick nearly two months ago where I think he was nearly a good thing beaten when he got caught behind tiring runners and went to the line untested. He then was sent to Newcastle and franked that run with a dominant win - sure it was only in Maiden company, but wow did he look like a nice type! I think the mile is right up his alley and the win at Newcastle was on a “soft” track so I think that form will hold him in good stead here.

The Waratah Thoroughbreds team are setting a big task for their Pierro gelding, Commander, in just his third career start. He seems like the type who has been looking for the longer distance and he gets that here. Dean Yendall – a very good Victorian rider has been booked for the ride!

Grim Reaper (1) is trained by Steven O’Dea and is managed by the Aquis Farm team – is this a sign? With those bold BLUE colours … maybe it is an NSW colour win? This gelding comes off a solid win here three weeks ago over 1400 metres. This type of preparation is typical of the O’Dea team who sometimes let their charges have a look at a track prior to a big race. Paul “Hammer” Hammersley retains the ride.

Selections: 2-7-1-9

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Race 4 The Listed Oxlade Stakes

Back to back two-year-old races this weekend – this one is at Listed level as well but over 1200 metres.

Only Wanna Sing (1) loves a wet track and looks well placed by Rob Heathcote this weekend. His good mate and partner in crime Damian Browne has the ride again aboard this Your Song gelding. His run in the Champagne Classic (Group 2) when beaten by Zousain was excellent form for this race. You will remember that Zousain ran a great second last weekend in the Sires Produce (Group 2) when he was the victim of circumstances and was ridden without luck by Kerrin McEvoy. Taking a line through that run – I like this runner a fair bit!

The danger must be the Toby Edmonds trained Granny Red Shoes (8) – but as usual the barrier gods have frowned upon the Edmonds Racing team allocating this filly the widest barrier – barrier 16. Seems like that Jeff Lloyd will have to weave some magic from out there but the way she finished last start at Doomben when storming home from last to finish a gallant second behind Eawase was solid form for this race. Keep in mind that this track does allow horses to settle back and come home – probably more favourably than Doomben. She may be ridden quiet again and allowed to release her barnstorming finish again in the straight.

Clockwise (9) has been racing very consistently in recent starts. Last start she was caught wide on the track and had to cover a heap of extra ground. Back on her home track where she has a previous win over 1000 metres on a slow track I think we could see an enhanced effort.

Axella (15) is an interesting runner from the Matthew Dunn yards at Murwillumbah. She was working her way nicely into the race last start in the same race (Bill Carter Stakes) as Granny Red Shoes (8) and was held up at a vital stage at the 100 metres before just going to the line hard held. Again, the wide track - clear running at the in form ex-Kiwi Michael Walker aboard – this runner certainly ticks some boxes and is great value at $21. Do not leave this one out of your exotics.

The locally trained Don’t Doubt Lara (14) has the polish put on her by Stuart Kendrick. She has won on a bog over 1100 metres at the Gold Coast when Ryan Wiggins was aboard. He returns to the saddle this weekend and we all know how “Wiggo” loves to cause an upset and land a winner at a massive price. This one is $41 in some markets!

Selections: 1-8-15-9 rough chance 14

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Race 5 P.J.O’Shea Stakes (Group 2)

The first of our Group races today – this one over 2200 metres.

Only a small field on nine to go around for the $200,000 prize money!

Will I have egg on my face by tipping Egg Tart (7)? I thought she would return to form last start at Doomben and was just beaten in the shadows of the post by her stablemate Comin’ Through. They both stormed away from the field in the Group 1 Doomben Cup and they fought out an epic battle over the concluding stages. She gets her chance to return to the winner’s circle - after nearly 12 months of outs when she won the 2017 Queensland Oaks this time last year!

I really like the run of Megablast (4) trained by Nigel Tiley in New Zealand last start at Doomben when he finished strongly in the Chairman’s Handicap. It was one of those races where the way the track played had a distinct impact on the result. I think this runner is an absolute mud lark and if it turns out to be a slog in the final 100 metres this weekend watch for Damian Browne to be lifting this one over the final stages!

Nigel Tiley was a champion rider in his day. When I was just a whipper snipper I remember him and Jim “Pumper” Cassidy riding in the 1986 Gosford Cup going to war aboard the Brian Mayfield trained horses – Pumper on Sea Pictures and Colour Page ridden by Nigel Tiley. It was a battle supreme over the final 200 metres with Sea Pictures prevailing in a photo!

Tradesman (5) is trained by Darren Weir and has just been plodding in recent starts – maybe a big wide track will see some improvement.

Karavali (9) is trained by Kris Lees and was solid last start in the Scone Cup. She loves a wet track and will be suited settling back before making her run late.

Selections: 7-4-9-5

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Race 6

The Listed Lightning sprint race and our first leg of the Quaddie!

This is a tough assignment – it is such an even bunch and any one of the eleven starters could reign supreme!

I am staying solid here. I tipped Nieta (2) last start in the Chief De Beers (Listed Race) at Doomben and my comment was “The only veto I have is that she has an impeccable record on wet tracks – I just hope she is not a mud lark!”.

I am certain now that she loves the cut out of the ground and the wetter the better – so I am hoping the track is wet, torn and chopped up come this race – that way we may just see the best of her!

Gracida (3) won well last start at Doomben after chasing down the tearaway leader Spurcraft – but I think he was all but out on his feet. Despite the two weeks break I am steering away from this runner. He goes up in weight and I think that may be the downfall at his home track!

We all know that I just love beagles – so I must put Snoopy (4) in as a chance! This Chris Munce trained runner was very good in the Bat Out of Hell first up on the Gold Coast. He came from an impossible position and somehow managed to finish a gallant second. He is proven on wet surfaces and has a nice second up record. I think he represents good value at $10 each way and, with Damian Browne aboard for the first time on a track where he dominates, I think this runner is a serious chance. Go Snoopy – hopefully a good run will mean my beagle “Buster” gets some extra chicken wings this week to eat!

Tumbler (7) resumes from a 43-week spell. Last preparation she ran some nice races – she likes “soft” ground and what grabs my attention is she is undefeated first up from four starts. Barry Lockwood has always had an opinion of this Time Thief mare and has always been patient with her. Her trial a fortnight ago at Deagon on a soft track looked good. She will be in this race up to her eyeballs. Dean Yendall has been booked to ride her for the first time. This runner has been well backed since the markets went up – firming from $3.60 to $2.50.

Prompt Return (5) was great at the Gold Coast as well in the Bat Out of Hell. It was a strange run by him – settling back then making a solid run and then he just seemed to run out of condition in the final 50 metres. He will strip better for that run and despite drawing wide should be ridden just in behind some of the speedsters that are drawn inside of her. The run from the 1000 metres probably means that he should not get caught too wide. I don’t think he will appreciate a heavy track. He does have a good second up record.

Tough way to start our Quaddie punters – we may have to go wide!

Selections: 2-4-7-5 rough chance 3

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Race 7 Moreton Cup (Group 2)

A Group 2 sprint over the 1200 metres.

Only a small field to contest this race. Looks like one of those races where a roughie may turn up and blow us out of our Quaddies!

Well I am tipping the top weight here – Aide Memoire (1) trained by Kris Lees and to be ridden by Corey Brown for the first time. I think to put a big black line through her last run over a mile at Randwick in the Queen of The Turf (Group 1). Her form on wet tracks is outstanding with wins on heavy and soft surfaces. I keep on referring to the form from the Coolmore Classic (Group 1) in recent weeks as it has held up well in Brisbane. Her run in that race was amazing – she ran on well and was finishing hot on the heels of the winner. I probably think that she will be better suited in the Tatts Tiara at Doomben in a months’ time over 1350 metres – but the trial on her home track at Newcastle over 800 metres suggests that she will be very competitive this weekend in this field.

Then I have found the Peter & Paul Snowden trained Calanda (3) who won the 2017 Grafton Ramornie with Jim Byrne aboard. Jim reunites with this Snitzel four-year-old gelding – pretty hard to go past a 100% win rate I would say! (Talking about the 2018 Grafton Carnival WINNO and HORSERACINGONLY will be present for the entire Carnival with previews – stories and exclusive photos from the wonderful five days of racing that traditionally starts with Westlawn Day on the Thursday the week prior to the Grafton Cup and the Ramornie}.

This gelding has always been competitive – he gets his chance to win a Group 2 race in what could be described as an average lot here. The win in the Takeover Target (Listed) sprint at Gosford was his last start and win. This race has traditionally been a good lead into horses competing in the Brisbane Winter Carnival. He has had two solid trials at Randwick on heavy tracks – he appeared to be working home well on both occasions without being tested. Maybe if he has an easy Queensland Carnival he may head back to Grafton to defend his Ramornie title in 2018!

Handsome Thief (6) from the Darren Weir team was flashing home late in the Goodwood (Group 1) at Morphettville last start – 3 weeks ago. Dean Yendall rode the Shamardal gelding in that race and has packed his bags to head north to the Sunshine Coast to partner him again. To be fair that run on video looked amazing – I cannot leave him out.

Henry Dwyer has a Pins mare Legless Veuve (4) making her debut in Queensland. She raced ungenerously in the UBET Classic (Group 1) a month ago at Morphettville. Since then she had made her way to the Sunshine Coast where she has settled in nicely and recently performed admirably over 850 metres in a trial here on a soft track. Again, I think she will be in the race for a long way – but I also think that she may be heading towards the 2018 Tatts Tiara in a months’ time.

Now if the track remains heavy and is a bog I must mention a mudlark who has webbed feet (3 from 3 wins on heavy tracks and 5 wins from 10 starts on soft) – trained locally as well. That is Irish Constabulary (7) to be ridden my Michael “Hell Yea” Hellyer! I must declare a degree of bias here as Michael is a wonderful jockey, however, a lousy poker player so it would be great to see him notch a Group victory! Seriously, this horse loves this track, loves wet surfaces and Michael has a wonderful affiliation with the horse! WINNO is putting it out there … if you win this Muppy I am putting you on my shoulders to celebrate with you!

Selections: 1-3-6-4 rough chance 7

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Race 8

Looks like I will be having dinner somewhere on the Sunshine Coast – the second last race kicks off at 5.15pm. Hopefully the lights come on – or else we will be heading home early!

Saturday metropolitan racing under lights. Maybe this is the way forward for the future?

23 nominations – where do I start for this Listed Race?

I am just going to work my way from the top of the field. Secret Trail (2) super impressive last start at Doomben, sensationally ridden by Ronnie Stewart – up in weight but, on that run, each way all day!

Kimberley Star (6) to be ridden by Jimmy Orman for the Tony Gollan stables. Last start held up badly entering the straight – loves a wet track – third up this weekend and at $41 may be a roughie to cause a serious upset.

Test The World (7) ran in the BRC Sprint (Group 3) last start over 1350 metres. I think the Bjorn Baker trained mare is better suited over 1200 metres so should be super competitive here this weekend. She comes back in grade, has drawn nicely and Leith Innes has taken the ride. Barrier 7 for number 7 … some people bet like this can you believe it! Baker has put blinkers on this Testa Rossa mare. This could improve her chances!

River Racer (9) trained by Les Ross – Taylor Marshall aboard this weekend – his claim will come in handy. This runner was caught wide last start at Doomben – but he loves wet tracks! If it is a bog and they are struggling this one may be one to jump on here this weekend.

Crystal Fountain (13) was just beaten last start at Doomben by Secret Trail (2) – with Jim Byrne in the saddle. He keeps the ride this weekend and last start at Doomben he was held up at a vital stage in the straight and when he got clear flew home only just missing the eventual winner on the line. He probably gets his chance to reverse the decision this week. He does have some reasonable form on soft tracks.

Team BLUE ... (no not NSW) I am talking about Godolphin! They have a lightly raced Lonhro filly in the field who has drawn well. I remember backing Epidemic (18) in the Gosford Guineas back in January this year. She was checked abruptly in the straight and had no luck. I am not talking through my pocket when I say that she should have won that race!

She then went for a spell and then won a barrier trial at Warwick Farm and since then has resumed for two back to back wins so she is looking for a hat trick this weekend where she is stepping up in class and meeting some more experienced opposition, but she may just measure up here and be extra hard to roll.

Platinum Angel (20) is a Victorian visitor from the Darren Weir team coming off a nice win at Caulfield. She was well supported last start and won well in restricted company over 1440 metres. Not sure how that form will measure up here – but she does face a tough task drawn out in barrier 19.

Now I have totally confused you all – where does the dart land?

Selections: 13-18-7-2 rough chances 6, 9 and 20

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Race 9

If you are alive in the Quaddie come this race – should you cash out or look to win a motza! Your choice but good luck! Maybe a field selection is in order here for your exotic bets.

24 nominations – a field of 18 only to go around – so there are 6 reserves – I expect we may see a massive field in the last race – a Listed Race as well!

We start this race at 5.50 pm local time – by now I will be cold – hungry and ready to head home!

This is a lottery!

I will work my way through them from the top again for you all.

Ulmann (1) was solid last start motoring home late in the BRC Sprint won by I’m A Rippa (5) who he meets much better at the weights this week for that defeat. I really think this big open spatial track will suit this Darren Weir runner.

I’m A Rippa (5) and Jeff Lloyd look for another win,again – he loves to lead and dominate out in front – will he get the 1400 metres – I think not!

Snippets Land (6) – trained by the Snowden team – Jim Byrne aboard $20 in some markets and has drawn badly in barrier 24. Mr Byrne will have to be a magician from out there, however, he gets back and does work home nice. Has a nice second at this track and will appreciate the sting out of the ground.

Dreams Aplenty (9) trained by John Zielke and to be ridden by Tegan Harrison. A brave, bold win at the Gold Coast a month ago in the Gold Coast Cup when he just kept on going after leading them and dominating in front. This is his bold running style and Tegan just loves to ride them in front. The real question here is will she offer up the lead to the speedy I’m A Rippa (5)? Or will they take each other on in front and set up a ridiculous tempo and allow something to swoop home from the rear late?

Privlaka (10) is one of those horses that loves to be ridden off the speed and can motor home late. In fact, I thought last start at Doomben he probably could have won the race. Craig Williams lost his whip and he got checked as he made his move into the race – many, many excuses. He loves this track and he loves wet ground. He is a genuine contender around the $15 mark. Interestingly trainer Rob Heathcote has put the new kid on the block Jake Bayliss aboard this Mossman gelding.

I am leaving Plucky Girl (11) out – I think they will scratch her from barrier 20 and save her for another day.

Outraged (12) from the Kelly Schweida stables goes well here at the Sunshine Coast track and loves the track to be soft. He can make a real nuisance of himself second up and has run some enormous races second up. The run when resuming could not be missed, motoring home late at $101 to finish strongly. He will be better for that run!

Noire (14) is from the Chris Waller stables – how good are they going up here now? This runner resumed in a BM89 Handicap last start at Rosehill and did so many things wrong in the run – even nearly tipping the jockey off at the start! Then things just got worse in the run – checked, tightened and hampered. Probably fair to say had no luck.

This weekend she will get a wet surface and a wide track and should be coming home late. I just would like to see her win a race before I put her on top. She is undefeated third up (2 starts – 2 wins) maybe her next run in Queensland is the race we should be getting on her!

Now I have nearly covered the whole field for you – just one more. The runner that I keep on coming back to is the Brian Smith trained Order Again (15) who resumed at Doomben over an unsuitable 1350 metres last start. He is undefeated on a heavy track (2 wins – 2 starts) plus he has won here before. He won the Grand Prix (Group 3) last year on a heavy track at Eagle Farm – I think he is a massive chance here. Brian Smith places his horses well. I backed him first up at Doomben – he had no luck when ridden for luck along the rail. He was held up at the 300 metres, got clear made ground and was thundering home before running into a wall of horses and front of him and just ambled to the line without being tested. A group winner from last year in this race – I must be having something on him. Maybe I am one run early, but this big track may just suit him. Larry Cassidy is aboard – he could well win the last two races under lights on this massive program!

Selections: 15-1-10-6 rough chances 5, 9, and 14

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Jockey Challenge

I think the State of Origin jockey challenge may have come to town 6 months early. It looks like a battle between Corey Brown (NSW), Dean Yendall (Victoria), Damian Browne (New Zealand), Jeff Lloyd (All Stars) and Jim Byrne (the other mob! – well you know the ones that cannot spell beer “XXXX” – okay, okay Queensland).

Look you all know I am NSW through and through – so it must be Corey Brown for me! BUT – you may get some serious value about both Jim Byrne and Dean Yendall this weekend in what could be an open field.

WINNO v FLEMO

Well last weekend I did return to form with a BANG! I tipped the Quaddie and the Treble. I gave the Queenslander Josh Fleming a nice old thrashing – must be a sign – a prelude to the flogging you Queenslanders are going to cop next Wednesday night! Be sure to review our tips and thoughts on Facebook on Saturday morning!

Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5 NSW only)

1,2,5,8 / 1,2,7 / 8,9,15/ 4,7 - cost is $72 to $1

Quaddie (races 6 to 9)

2,4,5,7 / 1,3,4,6 / 2,6,7,13,18 / 1,6,10,15 - cost is $320 to $1

Value Quaddie (races 6 to 9)

2,4,7 / 1,3,6 / 7,13,18 / 1,10,15 - cost is $81 to $1

Mad Quaddie (races 6 to 9)

4 / 1,3 / 13,18 / 1,10,15 - cost is $12 to $1

Treble (races 7 to 9)

1,3,4,6 / 2,6,7,13,18 / 1,6,10,15 - cost is $80 to $1

Value Treble (races 7 to 9)

1,3 / 13,18 / 1,10,15 - cost is $12 to $1

Good luck and good punting!

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