WINNO'S WINNERS: GOLD COAST, JANUARY 5

By Darren Winningham | Thursday, January 3, 2019

Can you smell the sand … the surf … the sun? It must mean Magic Millions week is upon us!

All roads will lead to the Gold Coast over the next week for the Magic Millions Racing Carnival and Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling sale as well as a host of other events … from the barrier draw on the Surfers Parade foreshore, to the Carbine Club Luncheon and the Launch Party and the Women in Racing luncheon, to the day at the Polo. All in all, it is quite a racing and social extravaganza which can be enjoyed on many levels.

So, on Saturday we are At the Gold Coast track where the rail is in the true position and the weather is forecast to be fine. There have been some showers around on Thursday but it should make the track great for racing on a track which is currently rated as ‘Good’.

We have a difficult nine race program to assess this weekend, Here we go!

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

This is one of those 900 metre dashes at the Gold Coast – blink and you may miss it!

Toby Edmonds starts the day at his home track with Acqume (9) going around for the first time for the stable. She was dynamic winning a recent trial at Doomben a month ago over 1000 metres. Since then she has been nominated and scratched due to some poor barrier draws. She has been sensationally backed from $3.40 into $2 since the markets have opened. She is drawn well in gate 2 and with the speed that is in this race she should be able to sit off them before storming home late.

Metis (6) from the Tony Gollan stables looks the likely leader here. She is looking for a hat trick of wins. Brad Stewart is in the saddle. She comes off a win last start at Warwick where she bolted in.

I Am Queen (4) is a Victorian visitor who was scratched last weekend from Doomben. She probably will appreciate a longer distance, however, with the speed in this race I think that she will sit back off them and fly home as well.

Boom Chicka Boom (1) made an impressive debut here on 15 December for the Les Kelly stable, winning over this distance. He led all the way in that run and in his previous starts he has always raced handy. I think that this weekend Jim Byrne may take a sit in behind them. Despite the large weight he could well post successive wins on his home track for owner Michelle Lang-McMahon. I think he is silly odds as well at around $8.

Barry Lockwood has had some great results in recent weeks – the stable is really firing! He trains Showus Ya Diamonds (7). I remember seeing this mare debut at Doomben in December 2017. She was super impressive and ran them off their feet in good time as well. She hasn’t drawn that well in barrier 10 but she should be able to track the speed into the race. She has had no barrier trials in the lead up to this resumption to racing but this stable has a habit of producing them fresh ready to race! Be warned – she could be one at odds.

Overall the race looks difficult to assess so any one of these 5 could win.

Selections: 4-1-7-9 rough chance 6

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Race 2

An open affair greets us here with the 3-year old’s going around over 1800 metres.

I must make mention of Baylee Nothdurft – a promising apprentice making his debut on a Saturday metro meeting and he has a live chance riding the Tony Sears trained Barefoot (1). This runner has a great record at the track and is stepping up to the 1800 metres for the first time. With Baylee’s three kilogram claim she gets in well here.

Toby Edmonds and Jeff Lloyd combine again here with Windermere (8) who just ran out of steam last start at Coffs Harbour over 2000 metres. Maybe the distance was the issue? I think back to 1800 metres she will appreciate the distance and could be the one to beat here.

Luke Tarrant rides the Stuart Kendrick trained He’s The Deel (7). He rode Sold For Song last weekend to victory in the Magic Millions “The Buffering” – a great ride and a great win – so he should be full of confidence! I think that this runner, despite being a maiden, seems like he is looking for this longer distance. He is $10 and a great each way chance and I expect him to be finishing the race off quite well.

Miss Sara (6) from the Les Ross yards drops back in class this weekend. She may show up in weaker company.

Selections: 8-7-1-6

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Race 3

A small field over 1800 metres. A few off these runners are badly out of form and will be looking for a hange of fortune.

Last weekend Michael Murphy and trainer Steve Tregea combined to win the Listed Bernborough with Bergerac. This gave Michael his first Listed race winner. He rode it well. They combine this time with Prioritise (3) who went around in the same race and ran seventh, beaten just 2.5 lengths. He is having his first run at the Gold Coast track and looks well placed here.

Honey Toast (2) also went around in the same race and motored home late to run second with Jeff Lloyd in the saddle for trainer Ben Currie. The quick back up suggests that he has done well and will be competitive again here this weekend.

Aqua Vite (4) also comes out of the Bernborough where he really didn’t fire. I would suggest you overlook that run. He loves his home track and he has performed here well in the past. Maybe this weekend he may be ridden in a forward position by jockey Jag Guthmann-Chester and he may just outstay the others.

Miss Shanti (6) is a Chris Waller runner that has been sent to his satellite Gold Coast stables. She makes her debut here this weekend. She has been racing over longer distances and comes back from 2200 metres last start to the 1800 metres. She will love the firm conditions this weekend. Robbie Fradd takes the ride. She has been well supported firming from $7 to $4.20 since the markets were posted on the race.

Selections: 6-3-2-4 rough chance 7

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Race 4

This race is scheduled for 2.12 pm. I think I may go and have some afternoon tea! You see it is one of these 2200 metre races that just get the better of me nearly every week!

I like Happy Go Plucky (3) to maybe post consecutive wins – I know this is a rare occurrence! He will be ridden by Jimmy Orman again who is riding in career best form. He won last start at Eagle Farm on this John Gilmore gelding after sitting handy and then sprinting from around the 200 metres and putting them to the sword. He may have to adopt some different tactics this weekend from barrier 16, however, I think he will be difficult to beat.

Lucky Captain (14) raced in the same race as Happy Go Plucky (3) and worked home very well late to be beaten 2.85 lengths. This Robert Heathcote runner has won here previously. I think he may be able to get home late again and maybe fill a place.

Evolo (12) is trained on the track by Edmonds Racing. He has won over this distance and has been working up to this trip this preparation. He is fourth up this weekend, has no weight on his back and should be competitive.

Bochy (9) is a Kris Lees runner who posted a win last start at the Sunshine Coast over 1800 metres. Drawn well and likely to get the run of the race from barrier 4 he may prove the testing material.

As I said, not a race that excites me.

Selections: 3-14-9-12 rough chances 1 & 4

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Race 5

This race looks to be dominated by Toby Edmonds with his runners Tyzone (1) and Impregnable (6).

Tyzone (1) has had very little luck in his recent starts and has blinkers applied for the first time. He has raced well at this track previously and I see they stable has gone for the claim here engaging Jag Guthmann-Chester, so he will only carry 57 kilograms in the race.

Impregnable (6) won well 3 weeks ago with Jackson “McLovin” Murphy in the saddle. Murphy suffered a tumble last weekend and escaped serious injury – however, may require some hand surgery. Let’s hope that he just needs some time to recover and we see him back in the saddle ASAP – he has been riding in sensational form and especially with the Edmonds Racing Team where he has an amazing strike rate! All the best Mc Lovin! This weekend Jeff Lloyd takes over so the I Am Invincible gelding will lose no favours there – plus Lloyd has ridden him 5 times for 3 wins!

Suspense (2) is trained in Sydney by the Snowden Racing team and will be ridden by Kerrin McEvoy. Despite being out of form in recent runs he comes to the Gold Coast second up. He has won previously second up and with some speed in this race he may be one to salute at super odds of $12.

Dream Finnish (3) resumes here for Michael Nolan. She has not won at the Gold Coast in three previous attempts, however, she does race well fresh.

Selections: 6-1-2-3

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Race 6

This race brings two-year-old Magic Million hopefuls into a contest which gives some their final chance to make the 2019 Magic Millions race next weekend! So, it will be very competitive!

Sun City from the Tony McEvoy yards was my early tip for the Magic Millions and he was scratched earlier in the week with a leg injury. However, do not despair because I think another runner from his yards may just be able to show up here this weekend at the great odds of $18 – Hills (10). She won well at Ipswich over 1025 metres and looked to have plenty of improvement left in her. She is on a quick back up just 8 days since her last run but I think she may beat the more fancied runners here. Mark Du Plessis retains the ride.

Betaima (3) is another Edmonds/Lloyd runner. They could have a field day if they get any luck this weekend on their home track! She won a month ago at Doomben after being very unlucky at Sunshine Coast. She will probably race in a prominent position and sometimes at the Gold Coast horses who are drawn well and lead in these two year old races are very difficult to run down and get past.

Lubuk (5) was a debutant last start in the Phelan Ready Stakes at Doomben. He run was very good and he look liked he needed the run. He will be fitter and wiser for the experience. Again, he has drawn well here and has the addition of blinkers for this run.

Devine Factor (8) ran well on debut and was beaten by one of the early Magic Millions favourites Dubious. She did settle back and made a sustained run home. She looked like she will appreciate the extra distance of this race and she has drawn nicely in barrier 3.

The Godolphin runners were in great form last weekend at Doomben claiming two races. Will their good fortune continue this weekend with their lone runner here – Exhilarates (9). A Snitzel filly who raced well in the MM lead-up race at Wyong. She finished 1.30 lengths behind Unite and Conquer there, the Hinchinbrook colt trained by Gai Waterhouse who is undefeated in two starts and is the early Magic Millions favourite! Kerrin McEvoy has elected to come to the Gold Coast to keep his association with this runner and the stable has applied blinkers for this run.

Will & Peter Hulbert have Oh Five Glory (5) engaged here. I think this could be their first 2YO Magic Millions runner. They will be happy to see her go well this weekend and make the final field. She has a horrid barrier but watch out for her on Grand Final day next weekend.

Selections: 10-9-3-8 rough chances 1, 5 & 6

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Race 7

Another open race with a tough field here over 1200 metres.

I like the locally trained Elixir (6) to get a nice run in behind the speed from barrier 3. He resumed last start when narrowly beaten by Doss (5) at Eagle Farm. He meets that winner 2.5 kilograms better for that defeat here. He has won here at the track and should race well second up. Jim Byrne takes the ride this weekend.

Unconditional (1) opened at $16 (I managed to snag some of those odds) and has since firmed into $7.50. He is third up here this weekend for Michael Nolan and Jeff Lloyd has taken the ride. He had no luck last start in the race won by Doss (5) – he was hampered at the start and then had no luck in the straight being held up on several occasions but he still managed to finish off the race nicely. He has won previously third up – watch for an improved performance this weekend.

As already mentioned Doss (5), from the Barry Lockwood stables, won well first up from a spell exploding away from the opposition at Eagle Farm coming from back in the field. Dale Smith rode him on that occasion and remains aboard this weekend. I am just not that certain the tight track at the Gold Coast will suit him.

There has been some support for the Matthew Dunn trained Snow Valley (9) who won last start at Lismore. She is undefeated in both of her career starts. Look, she looked well winning both times but at $3.10 she is too short for me! She may turn out to be one right out of the box but I will be watching her this weekend stepping out in Saturday company!

Selections: 1-6-5-9

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Race 8

A large field here as well with several chances.

If the track has any leaders bias the runner to be on here is Natch (2) who loves to lead, set up the race and then fight on and destroy his opposition. He may get these conditions this weekend.

Cruze (11) has been destroyed since the markets opened – firming from $21 into $11. His run first up was very good and he looks well place here this weekend.

Lulu Express (12) is an Edmonds Racing runner who is around the $21 mark in some markets. I liked this mare’s win last start at Doomben a month ago. She is coming back in distance here from the 1350 metres but she could be one at long odds to knock out the favourite runners.

Snitz (3) looked like he may have needed the run first up at Doomben when beaten by Impregnable (engaged here Race 5 number 6). He surprised me when he stormed home late to be beaten by just 0.5 lengths. He has a good second up record and I expect him to be very competitive here.

Auerbach (5) won for the Waller stables last start at Doomben. He comes back to 1200 metres this weekend and goes up in grade – he may need some luck here.

Looks Like Elvis (7) – what can I say! Last start he went forward from the wide barrier and fought on well. I think he is best ridden from behind – but he has drawn wide again here this weekend.

Oink (9) gets back to a track where he always seems to perform well. The Kelly Schweida and Jimmy Orman combination have been lethal in recent weeks – this “pig” may just pull their pants down this weekend and claim a victory!

Selections: 12-3-11-9 rough chances 2 & 7

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Race 9

We end the day with a No Metro Win race. Anything can happen here – hopefully we are still alive in the Quaddie and Trebles. Maybe it is worth taking the field here?

Chris Munce Racing has been having some luck lately – maybe his runner Skate to Paris (12) can end the day well for punters at around $7. She carried me when she resumed at Doomben two weeks ago lumping 60 kilograms! This weekend she gets 54 kilograms and Ronnie Stewart to ride her. She has run two great seconds here so she likes the track. Although she has drawn wide in barrier 11, she looks well placed here with the speed inside her.

Desert Man (3) has drawn the rails again this weekend. He won last start at Doomben when well rated by Jag Guthmann-Chester – this weekend Jimmy Orman takes over the ride. I expect him to be handy in the running.

Unlikely Story (4) was soundly defeated by Desert Man (3) las start and meets that runner 3.5 kilograms better for that defeat. He got too far back last start at Eagle Farm. It was an odd effort – it may pay to overlook that run and go on his previous solid consecutive wins.

Dream Master (5) could end a “dream” day for the Edmonds Racing team who have appeared to have thrown everything at this program on their home track! He has won his last two starts and has drawn well so there is a lot to like here and he is going around at his home track where his record is impressive – 4 starts for 2 wins and 1 second.

If you want to play wide Conquering Lass (8) for the in-form Tregea and Michael Murphy combination is probably well placed. She has drawn a horrendous barrier – barrier 15. Murphy will need some luck from out there but she does race well here and she has had a month between runs.

Selections: 12-5-4-3 rough chance (8)

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Jockey Challenge

Well it looks a battle between the veteran South Africans – Jeff Lloyd and Robbie Fradd. HRO Chief Graham Potter will be delighted with this prediction I bet! Jeff Lloyd to get the chocolates in a close battle.

Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5 NSW only)

1,7,8 / 2,3,4,6 / 3,9,12,14 / 1,2,6 - cost is $144 to $1

Quaddie (races 6 to 9)

3,8,9,10 / 1,5,6,9 / 3,9,11,12 / 3,4,5,12 - cost is $256 to $1

Value Quaddie (races 6 to 9)

9,10 / 1,6 / 3,9,12 / 5,12 - cost is $24 to $1

Treble (races 7 to 9)

1,5,6,9 / 3,9,11,12 / 3,4,5,12 - cost is $64 to $1

Value Treble (races 7 to 9)

1,6 / 3,9,12 / 5,12 - cost is $12 to $1

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FLEMO v WINNO

WINNO won the FLEMO / WINNO tipping competition last weekend! Remember to check out our last-minute tips and preview on Facebook on Saturday morning after the track and final scratchings have been sorted out!

Good luck and good punting!

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