WINNO'S WINNERS: GOLD COAST, JANUARY 12

By Darren Winningham | Thursday, January 10, 2019

MAGIC MILLIONS DAY - SATURDAY 12 JANUARY

Well it is here the 2019 Magic Millions Carnival this weekend at the sunny and picturesque GOLD COAST racecourse! The track where the back drop has normally pristine blue skies and a plethora of high-rise buildings in the skyline as you look across the track to the finish line – what a sight – what a track!

Million-dollar races spatter across the program. The trainers and owners from all around Australia have flocked to the Gold Coast for the Magic Million sales. Celebrities have followed as well. It is a premier event on the racing calendar each year!

In the races this weekend I expect them to swoop late and surge out wide. The track was in sensational form last weekend. It was a little firm and there was some commentary that it needed some water on it to take the edge off it. This weekend I expect to race wonderfully and for every runner to have their chance.

The track is rated “GOOD” (Thursday morning) and the rail will be out 1.5 metres from the 1000 metres to the 400 metres and then in the true position for the rest of the course.

There is a hot day (like 31 degrees) forecast for Saturday. That means there will be plenty of drinking and partying occurring on course!

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

The Magic Millions Plate for maiden horses is our first race of the day. This race is always competitive and fiercely contested. The problem is lining up all the form – the races and the performances - as they come from all around Australia. First prize is $150,000 to the winner!

The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott trained Terminology (11) was very good when resuming from a spell in the Gosford Guineas – that sees her right in this race and she has drawn a nice barrier. She has been well found in the markets firming from $3.90 into $2.80. There seems to be a degree of confidence around this runner this weekend.

Dunbrody Power (12) is trained by John Thompson and James McDonald is in the saddle. She resumed in a maiden on the Kensington track at Randwick. I liked the run over 1100 metres – and I would say that she will be better now she is getting the 1200 metres. As much as $15 has been offered about this runner with her price fluctuating with the support for other runners. I think at the odds this is the one to be on!

Emergent (5) has drawn the rails in barrier 1 and has Tommy Berry riding for John O’Shea. This runner put in a solid effort over 1100 metres when resuming at Randwick and that run looked good on the video. Tommy loves this Gold Coast track and has ridden two previous Magic Millions winners (in consecutive years) in 2011 Karuta Queen and in 2012 Driefontein.

Altair (2) has been working well and has had two nice barrier trials in preparation for this race. He is trained by Chris Waller and Hugh Bowman is in the saddle. He has drawn midfield in barrier 9 and should be provided with a good passage in the running.

Munich (4) is trained by Peter Snowden who has won this race two times and he must be respected.

Rock (1) is trained by the Hawkes team. They have won this race three times – the most successful trainers of any stable for this race. They seem to get one ready every year and target this race. This runner looked the part winning a barrier trial at Rosehill on 2 January. On that run in the trial I had him on top in my selections. However, he has drawn out at Main Beach – in fact he may as well have been tacking a gallop along the beach and surf in barrier 19. Kerrin McEvoy will need to be a magician to win from out there but do not underestimate this runner if McEvoy can get in and get some luck.

Selections: 12-11-5-1 rough chances 2,4, 8 & 13

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Race 2 Magic Millions Country Cup

Toby Edmonds and team Edmonds Racing come off a wonderful winning treble on their home track last weekend. They have Stanley Park (3) engaged here. Michael Walker takes the ride on the four-year-old gelding. He has raced in great fettle over the last few months. His last start win at the Sunshine Coast was solid but prior to that run he ran a gallant second to his stable mate Impregnable (who ran a great race here last weekend). This form should be good enough to see him go close here.

The visitor is Miss Toorak Road (11) who has been well backed around the $3 mark since the markets were released on this race. Her trial last weekend at Doomben when she won was very impressive, so she does deserve the tag of “favourite” for the race. But barrier 18 is the big question for me. That barrier may be her downfall. Ironically Kerrin McEvoy has two great chances on form in the first two races and they are both drawn woefully out wide on the track.

So Invincible (8) is trained on the Sunshine Coast by Stuart Kendrick and Like Tarrant remains in the saddle. This runner has performed well in the past at the Gold Coast, has drawn barrier 1 and will probably just tuck in behind the speed here. I would have been more confident over 1400 metres. However, the speed that is engaged here may see this runner storm home late along the rails.

Splitz (16) is trained by Gollan Racing. This runner won last start at Warwick carrying half the grandstand (59 kilograms). He drops down to 54 kilograms and is drawn handy. He looks the likely leader and should be able to get across and take control of the race once we go 150 metres – Robbie Fradd will probably look for some cheap sectionals. If he gets left alone in front, this runner could be very hard to run down.

Gollan has Most Important (15) in the race too. This runner was solid in a higher-class race last start at Warwick and just managed to finish third. He has drawn well too, and I think on his recent runs around the Brisbane tracks he is a genuine chance.

The emergency could put the cat amongst the pigeons if it gets a run. I am talking about Calzini (18) trained by Bevan Laming. She has three career wins from 6 starts and she won her last start a fortnight ago. Jason Taylor is a very underestimated jockey and he keeps his solid association with this filly this weekend. He has ridden her to all three career victories – would it not be special to see him post a win on Magic Millions Day 2019!

Selections: 3-11-8-15 rough chances 16 & 18

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Race 3 Magic Millions QTIS Open

A race that sees the winner get $650,000 – this is serious money!

Looks like the Queensland trainers have some good chances here.

Chris Munce has Skate to Paris (12) and Ours To Keep (5) in the race. They both come off last start victories. Skate To Paris (12) won here last weekend and looked very good returning to form and the winning stall with Ronnie Stewart in the saddle (did I mention I tipped it as well!). Ours To Keep (5) returned to winning at Eagle Farm after an injury that nearly ended his career. It was an emotional win on that occasion for the Munce Racing team. I think - on barriers - I am going to go for Skate to Paris (12) to post back to back wins here this weekend.

Tony Gollan has two live chances as well in Umberto (14) and Tokoriki Lad (15) to be ridden by the South Africans Robbie Fradd and Jeff Lloyd respectively. Umberto (14) flashed home first up at Eagle Farm over 1200 metres and always runs well second up. Then you have Tokoriki Lad (15) who has drawn barrier 2 and won here a fortnight ago. The run prior to that when defeated by Auerbach was solid. He has won two of his four career starts here on the Gold Coast circuit and will be difficult to beat.

Chapter and Verse (10) is trained by Desleigh Forster. He normally gets back and storms home. I just think with this large field he may need a lot of luck here on this tight course at the Gold Coast – however, his recent runs have been very good, and he must be placed in your exotics.

Mishani Bullitt (4) resumed with a superb run first up at Doomben. This Les Kelly runner runs well second up and has drawn barrier 12 and should be handy in the running.

Selections: 12-15-4-10 rough chances 5 & 14

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Race 4 Magic Millions Trophy – 2200 metres

Tunero (15) is trained by Chris Waller in Sydney and was impressive winning last start at Randwick. Waller will be looking for consecutive wins in this race as he won it with Tumultuous (4) last year who stormed home with no weight at around $26. The preparation for that runner was very similar to this one so I am hoping I have found the winner here down on the minimum weight of 54 kilograms.

Tally (1) was superb last start leading all the way over 2200 metres at Doomben with Brenton Avdulla in the saddle. It was a brilliant ride by Avdulla and the rest of the jockeys must have been scratching their heads when he scooted further away from them at the 150 metres and held off all the challengers. Can he get away with an easy run like that this weekend? I think not!

Tumultuous (4) lines up to try and attempt to win consecutive Millions Trophy races – this has never been completed in the history of the race. He stormed home behind Tally (1) last start at Doomben and I think that effort tops him off nicely for his assignment here this weekend. Robbie Fradd retains the ride.

Endless Days (9) is trained by father and son Will & Peter Hulbert and was bred by Lilivale Stud. This runner was very unlucky in the running last year in this race. He raced a fortnight ago when beaten by Tally (1) by just 0.6 lengths. He was working home probably better than any other runner in the race. Once Matthew McGillivray got him balanced, he came home strongly and was narrowly defeated. Everyone was happy with the run – even WINNO. He will be right in this race for a long way. The other factor that draws me to him is that he has won 3 of his 6 career victories on this track.

Ready For Danger (13) returned to winning form here over 1800 metres on 29 December. He too has a fetish with this track winning here 3 times as well. He will also benefit in the step up in distance, but has drawn severely in barrier 19. Jason Collett has a great record in distance races. He could be the key to this runner.

Surprise Bullett (10) won last start at Eagle Farm over the mile. He has performed well previously at 2200 metres without winning, however, with the light weight and his solid win last start he looks well placed by trainer Barry Lockwood. Jimmy Orman has found himself in the saddle this weekend. He has been in solid form in recent months and will give this runner every possible chance.

It is a tough affair with these prospective young stayers holding the key to the race – can they step against the more seasoned runners and defeat them?

Selections: 15-14-4-9 rough chances 1 & 13

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Race 5 Magic Millions Sprint

I was looking at this field for ages. Wondering where will Houtzen (3) end up in the running with speed horses like Fiery Heights (7) and Invincible Star (5) engaged in the race. I think that Fiery Heights (7) and Invincible Star (5) will go like the clappers in front – can they keep going? Will something settle back storm home late? Can Houtzen (3) back up after a sensational return to racing running a track record? We will know around 2.02 pm on Saturday.

I was bullish in 2017 when Houtzen (3) won the Magic Millions 2-Year-Old Classic here. I must stay loyal – her run first up was grand. No stuff it – IT WAS ASTONISHING!

She jumped, she led, and she ran a track record in the Listed Bribie. Jeff Lloyd stays aboard her this weekend I am not sure we will see a track record but, then again, with the speed that is engaged here we may well see the race and track record fall!

Do not underestimate the Triple Crown Syndications old warhorse here – Dothraki (1). The faster they go they faster he will race home. He has a great record here winning two previous starts on the Gold Coast track. The run first up at Doomben when beaten by Fiery Heights (7) just over 1 length was great. He always puts in second up and I think he will be trained to the minute by the Peter & Paul Snowden team.

The other runner that will appreciate a genuine speed is Irish Constabulary (9) who despite being a 10 year old gelding is racing in career best form. He finished second last start at Doomben, behind Fiery Heights (7). He has drawn awkwardly in barrier 13 but I can see Larry Cassidy settling back before making his move around the Gold Coast track coming around seven-wide. Look out for those pale and dark blue distinctive silks coming wide and fast on Saturday.

Usain Bowler (13) is the Victorian runner here who comes off a slashing win last start at Flemington down the straight. He settled out of his ground and stormed home late for a noteworthy win. Ben Melham has come to the Gold Coast to ride the John Sadler trained runner. He must be confident.

Selections: 3-1-13-9 rough chances 5 & 7

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Race 6 Magic Millions Fillies & Mares

Invincibella (1) won this race last year and backs up again to defend her title. She is second up here after being defeated by Manicure (5) last start at Doomben. There is not much difference in the weights for that defeat, however, Hugh Bowman goes back aboard, and he has a superb record on this runner steering her to 3 career wins.

Manicure (5) won well last start in a similar class race. I think she gets in well here. Larry Cassidy has been replaced by James McDonald in the saddle. She is only very lightly raced with 3 wins from 7 starts. This could be a good mare in the making. Trained by James Cummings and owned by Godolphin, could this be the precursor to a great day for the BLUE army?

Irithea (6) is a Bjorn Baker Racing runner who loves to race on the speed. She is coming back from the mile in a solid performance in the Belle of the Turf at Gosford. I think she will look like the winner at some stage in the Gold Coast straight on Saturday.

Problem Solver (7) won the Maiden Race last year and is back looking for another win on Magic Millions Day. The Gerald Ryan trained runner has been racing well, but this is a step up in class this weekend.

I Am Queen (13) I feel was extraordinarily unlucky last weekend in the first race won by Acqume over 900 metres. She was held up in the straight – then could not get a run and when she finally got clear flashed home over an unsuitable distance. She steps out this weekend to run 1300 metres so watch out! She could be the runner to run home late with some speed in the race and provide jockey Tommy Berry a win.

Selections: 5-1-13-6 rough chance 7

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Race 7 Magic Millions 3-year-old Guineas

This race has a history of roughies winning and the bookmakers cheering each year!

Be careful. It can turn up some odd results – I think I may play wide and take the field in the Quaddie and Trebles.

The favoured runners have drawn wide. I have no idea what to do here.

Let’s start at the top and work our way down for this race. Munce Racing trains Boomsara (1) and he was awesome winning at Doomben last start. He led all the way with Damian Browne in the saddle – however, this weekend he has drawn barrier 18.

Bondi (3) is a Snowden Racing runner who could be considered to have been unlucky in recent starts. He is third up this weekend and will be fitter now. He has drawn barrier 16.

The Fire Trap (4) is trained at Murwillumbah by Matthew Dunn Racing and has been racing out of sorts – this weekend the stable has applied blinkers to this runner. He has drawn well in barrier 8 and they have elected to put Hugh Bowman on board. Bowman has won on this runner previously at Rosehill over 1400 metres.

Star Fall (5) is from the Ciaron Maher & David Eustace team in Victoria and will be ridden by regular rider Linda Meech. She has ridden the Zoustar colt three times to three wins. He has performed well over the shorter distances and likes to lead in his races. He has drawn barrier 17.

Outback Barbie (8) is the locally trained favourite for the race – trained by Tony Gollan. Last start she was hampered when Granny Red Shoes (9) dislodged Jackson Murphy in the running. She seems to always just find trouble in her runs because she normally races in the second half of the field and needs luck in running. This weekend she has drawn an ace barrier – barrier 3. She really gets her chance to win a good race.

Granny Red Shoes (9) was my tip for this race a fortnight ago. Despite dislodging the rider in running she did not suffer any injury and she has a superb record third up. She is trained on the track, she has drawn barrier 13 and she has won at this distance. Brett Prebble goes aboard this weekend for the injured Jackson Murphy.

Light Up The Room (13) is another Gollan runner. Brad Stewart remains aboard this weekend. I think the 1400 metres will suit her and she is well placed at the set weights. Drawn well too in barrier 9.

Unconditional (17) is an emergency trained by Michael Nolan Racing and will be strapped by Nick Hahn. His run last weekend behind Snow Valley I thought was credible enough to be considered this week. Jeff Lloyd stays aboard. He just needs to have some scratchings to make the field.

Barefoot (16) won last weekend here with Baylee Nothdurft aboard giving him his first Saturday winner. That win was over 1800 metres and he was super impressive. Granted, it was restricted grade but he humped a massive weight and won like a good thing. He has a terrific record at this track with 3 starts for 2 wins and 1 second. Mark Du Plessis takes over this weekend. He may be a hope at a massive price and he is drawn extremely well in barrier 1. He is trained at Toowoomba by Tony Sears and they were buoyant after the win last weekend.

Now I have mentioned half the field I have probably missed the winner!

Selections: 9-16-13-1 rough chances 3,4,5,8 and 17

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Race 8 The Star Gold Coast 2019 Magic Millions 2 Year Old Classic

The feature race on the program with a field of 16 to face the starter – 21 declared now (5 emergencies). I think the two Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott runners have genuine chances despite drawing wide. Unite and Conquer (1) and Czarson (7). Both have won their last starts. The met in a recent trial on 27 December at Warwick Farm where, to be fair, there was nothing much between them – however for the record Czarson (7) won the trial.

They both have raced forward in their races and like to get out and bowl along. There is nothing between them for mine.

I normally like to back a runner who has had a look at 1200 metres prior to the race but that theory does not always pan out. If I apply that theory for these two runners then I must have Czarson (7) in front for team Waterhouse.

Yes Yes Yes (3) is from the Darren Weir yards in Victoria. He has a great record winning 2 times and 1 second from his 3 career starts. He won last start very well at Moonee Valley over 1200 metres. He will probably have to be ridden for luck by Mark Zahra as he has drawn barrier 21 – ouch!

Dubious (4) is the Maher & Eustace runner – 2 wins from 2 starts – you cannot perform any better than that! Of the more favoured runners he has managed to draw barrier 7. I am just not that convinced that he will run a solid 1200 metres.

Exhilarates (8) is the first Godolphin runner in this race. Can history be created this weekend? She was very impressive winning last weekend beating the Kelly Schweida trained The Odyssey (2). There is a swing in the weights this weekend – will this improve the chances of The Odyssey (2)? Can Jimmy Orman win his first Magic Millions? Will big Darren Wilson bear hug me after the race if she wins like he has threatened? STAY TUNED!

Back to Exhilarates (8) who was dominant last weekend. McEvoy jumped off and was glowing in his report to James Cummings of her performance and the prospects of backing up and winning this race. The history shows that the winner of that race last week has been very competitive the week later.

Then we have the Rockhampton flash Better Refection (11) who has won both of her starts for trainer John Wigginton and jockey Nigel Seymour. The way she won the Calaway Girl race a month ago suggest to me that the 1200 metres will not be a problem this weekend – and what a story this will be for racing if this team and their owners can win this race!

The last runner that I must preview is the Hayes and Dabernig Racing team runner Movie Role (14) who was unsupported in betting last start at Randwick and won impressively lowering the colours of a few other runners looking to get a start in the 2019 Magic Millions race. James “Jay Mac” McDonald has the ride at the Gold Coast this weekend, drawn not all that well in barrier 13 but could be a surprise runner that could fill a place at massive odds.

Since the markets opened Unite and Conquer (1) has always been solidly fancied. Now he has drawn wide everyone has run to the hills and says that he cannot win! Well I am not too sure. I have heard the Johnny “Group 1” Wright is coming to strap this cantankerous runner for the stable. It will be great to catch up with him on the day. Maybe he can add a Magic Millions winner to his belt this year! It could be another first with Adam Hyeronimus claiming his first Magic Millions winner too!

Selections: 7-1-11-8 rough chances 3,4 and 14

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Race 9 The Magic Millions Cup

Well we have made it – the final race. Let’s hope we are front coming to this race!

I maybe should head for the exit points for the course as well and the taxi line and car park. There are sure to be some interesting and amusing sights as some patrons leave the racecourse!

Sambo (5) from the Waller Racing stables has been smashed in betting firming from $16 to $7 since the markets have opened. He was soundly defeated in the Villiers on 15 December for mine. Maybe the firm track that is forecast this weekend is the reason he has been sensationally backed.

Arbeitisam (2) is resuming here. He loves to get out in front and get the job done by running the opposition into the ground. He has been well prepared first up here by the Waterhouse Racing stables with two very solid trials. Tim Clark has a good affiliation with this gelding and I think he will be very competitive.

Redouble (10) is a Bjorn Baker runner who comes off a good win over 1400 metres last start at Randwick. He has drawn the rails. This may be a slight hinderance come this race late in the day. Craig Williams is booked to ride this one.

Cadogan (11) the Edmonds Racing runner who just keeps going from strength to strength in each run this preparation has the services of Brett Prebble this weekend. Has drawn barrier 10 and will be in the finish for sure. Last weekend the Edmonds team nearly won the last race at their home track with Dream Master – maybe they can get that win this week!

Shogun Sun (12) has been steadily working up to this 1400 metres. He does race well over this distance and has drawn well in barrier 3. Brenton Avdulla takes the ride.

Cruze (15) ran very well last weekend here over the 1400 metres. He has never won third up before in any preparation, however, with some speed drawn inside in this race, he will be well suited and should be able to storm home late.

Selections: 2-11-5-10 rough chances 12 & 15

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Jockey Challenge

It is a tough assignment this weekend – James McDonald – Tim Clark – Michael Walker and Tommy Berry all have reasonable chances. It probably will come down to who wins the Magic Millions in race 8. For that reason, I am going Tim Clark this weekend.

Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5 NSW only)

3,8,11,15 / 4,12,15 / 1,4,9,14,15 / 1,3,13 - cost is $180 to $1

Value Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5 NSW only)

3 / 12,15 / 14,15 / 3 - cost is $4 to $1

Quaddie (races 6 to 9)

1,5,6,13 / 1,8,9,13,16 / 1,3,7,8,11,14 / 2,5,10,11,15 - cost is $600 to $1

Value Quaddie (races 6 to 9)

1,5 / 9,16 / 1,7,8,11 / 2,5,11 - cost is $48 to $1

Treble (races 7 to 9)

1,8,9,13,16 / 1,3,7,8,11,14 / 2,5,10,11,15 - cost is $150 to $1

Value Treble (races 7 to 9)

9,16 / 1,7,8,11 / 2,5,11 - cost is $24 to $1

BIG 6 (NSW TAB only races 4 to 9)

14,15 / 3 / 1,5,13 / 1,8,9,16 / 1 7,11 / 2,5,11 - cost is $216 to $1

FLEMO v WINNO

FLEMO claimed a massive win last weekend in our tipping competition. I think he tipped 4 or 5 winners on the program – well done mate! Remember to check out our last-minute tips and preview on Facebook on Saturday morning after the track rating and final scratchings have been sorted out!

Good luck and good punting!

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