WINNO'S WINNERS: EAGLE FARM, FEBRUARY 23, 2018
By Darren Winningham | Thursday, February 21, 2019
Eagle Farm is back again this weekend
The track is rated “GOOD” (Thursday morning) and the rail will be out 6 metres for the entire course this weekend. There is a storm approaching (I can see the weather reports in the USA). Will the cyclone winds and rain off the Queensland coast impact the meeting? Will the rains come and test the new track? So, basically, I’m not sure how the track will be come Saturday.
The last few meetings horses that have raced handy have seemed to have a distinct advantage at the new track. With that in mind I have considered that with my selections this weekend.
I am on the last leg of my trip – this week reporting live from Los Angeles – hoping to get close to the Oscar Award ceremony on Sunday. Will be home at some stage next week in Australia, although I have bought a few tickets in the $240 million lottery over here – maybe I can jag a 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
The first race has a small field.
I went off Raay Of Dreams (2) last start but did give it a wrap and it saluted at nice odds. Jeff Lloyd, who rode Raay Of Dreams on that occasion, elected to ride the original $1.80 favourite – Alligator Blood (1) – so that meant the is a jockey change for Raay Of Dreams. I am filthy that I am in the USA as Andrew Gibbons has loaded his saddle and headed to Queensland this weekend. I can assure you this Kris Lees trained Dream Ahead filly will not lose anything with him in the saddle. Good luck Gibbo – I hope I haven’t put the WINNO mock on you!
The Matthew Dunn trained Leshrac (3) debuted behind Raay Of Dreams (2) and will have stripped fitter for that experience. I think this colt will be the danger this weekend.
The undefeated Alligator Blood (1) was at prohibitive odds for this race but he is an early scratching.
To sum up, I just like the run and win of Raay Of Dreams (2) and the fact we are stepping up to 1300 metres this weekend.
Selections: 2-3-6
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Race 2
A Class 2 plate race on a Saturday – and maybe on a wet track! Not for me - sorry!
Lady Bing (8) has drawn wide – however, her last start win at Ipswich on a soft track looked good. She is trained in Toowoomba by Rex Lipp and I think she is progressive and could go on with it here this weekend.
Belle Roc (12) is trained by Brian Smith. She is a nice filly and will be right in this race – do not leave her out.
Erringhi Spring (13) won her last start around a month ago. She looks well placed as well.
If the track gets worse than slow on the weekend the Natalie McCall trained Beat The Beast (2) loves the mud and will be suited by wet conditions.
Selections: 8-12-13-2 rough chance 3
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Race 3
A pretty weak field here for the Open race.
Brains (7) is trained by Tony Gollan who had a great weekend last weekend training 7 winners on Saturday.
Brains is coming back from a mile to 1400 metres where he won here at Eagle Farm a month ago with Brad Stewart in the saddle. They combine again this weekend and I think he will be difficult to beat.
Malvern Estate (3) looked unlucky last start. With the smaller field this weekend this Desleigh Forster trained runner should be competitive here. My only concern is that he has never won over 1400 metres in his career. His style of racing does suggest he will get it easy.
Oink (5) my old mate from the Kelly Schweida stables could show up. A small field – and maybe a wet track – he may get conditions to suit. As I haven’t tipped him on top this weekend he probably will get up.
Selections: 7-3-5-8
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Race 4
A Class 4 race over 2200 metres – another tough race for punters.
Wu Gok (8) makes his debut in Queensland for the Chris Waller stables. He likes wet tracks and I think he is well placed here this weekend and Jeff Lloyd is in the saddle. At $14 he represents great value for mine.
Tony Gollan trains Teodora (13) now. She has some solid form in Victoria and will be right in the race.
Miss Sara (9) is racing in consistent form for Les Ross and apprentice Clayton Gallagher stays aboard this weekend. Winning form is good form and if the track gets wet, she will be well supported in the markets.
She’s Reliable (14) is a lightly raced mare that I have always thought is better over the longer distances. She posted an easy win last start at Ipswich over 2200 metres – maybe she has gained some confidence from that win and can go on with it and post two in a row.
Selections: 8-13-9-14 rough chance 2 & 6
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Race 5
I tipped Masterati (12) from the Steven O’Dea stable last start and he was beaten by the exciting Meet Mr Taylor by 2 lengths. That is good form for this race.
Ryan Wiggins rides Bold Xavvi (6) this weekend for Garnett Taylor. He has drawn wide in barrier 16 and may need some luck from out there.
Tony Gollan has the favourite here – Capital Connection (7) who also resumed with a nice effort behind Meet Mr Taylor. He will be fitter for that run. He likes wet tracks and has drawn well.
Cejay Graham, a Mid North Coast apprentice, comes to Eagle Farm for her first ride at the track (I think – she rode at Doomben last week).
She rides the Wayne S Lawson trained Dominant Crown (11) who won last start at Grafton. Her 3-kilogram claim will be of benefit to this runner. He is one of those horses that if he ever puts it together on the day can win any race – I have always had an opinion of him, plus, he will appreciate a wet track. Do not overlook this runner if the rain comes.
Selections: 12-6-7-11
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Race 6
Boomtown Lass (3) from the Chris Anderson Racing team has been in career best form winning her last two starts. She thus comes here looking to post a hat trick of wins. She has drawn a little wide and that may prove challenging for Ronnie Stewart. But she looks the one to beat.
Dawson Diva (4) is second up this weekend after winning at her home track at the Sunshine Coast a month ago. She was very striking winning that race and beat a good field. She has drawn well, and Ryan Wiggins remains in the saddle.
Tatcee (9) is from the Waller stables on the Gold Coast. She has had a few starts over the mile now and may pop up here.
Love Struck (13) is trained at the Gold Coast as well be Scott Morrisey and gives me the impression that he is looking for the mile. The big wide track at Eagle Farm will suit as well. Look for jockey Michael Hellyer to push forward from the outside barrier and race close to the lead and then try to outsprint them in the straight.
Selections: 3-4-9-13 rough chance 11
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Race 7
I am hoping that Brains (1) races in Race 3 and not here – otherwise he will be competitive here.
Reckless Choice (12) returned to the winners stalls last start with an emphatic win over the mile at Doomben. He loves the mile and, despite going up in grade, I expect him to be very competitive here again this weekend.
Realing (11) produced a nice run last start here over a mile three weeks ago when just defeated by Bluebrook. He normally races midfield and makes his run late. This race looks ideal for him as there is some speed in the race and he should be carted into the race nicely. Watch out for this runner here at some generous odds of around $17.
Le Juge (6) has won his past two starts. Robbie Fradd continues his good association with this gelding – he has won 3 times from 4 rides on him. He should not be left out of your exotics.
Surprise Bullet (14) from the Barry Lockwood won here over the mile on 22 December when he was heavily supported in the markets. Since then he ran on Magic Millions day and did run very well over 2200 metres. Since that run he has had a let up and had a nice trial on 5 February over 1200 metres which he won. It would not surprise me if this runner wins this race resuming from a short let up. The silly odds of $25 each way look attractive to me.
Selections: 12-11-6-14 rough chance 8
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Race 8
Let’s just go to the bottom four runners of the field here. They look the ones to beat!
Langhro (12) ran a nice race last start after leading all the way at Doomben and was run down in the straight. He looks like he will be better for that run. He is having his second start for the Steven O’Dea stables.
Baccarat Baby (11) was sensational last preparation and she gave Michael Hellyer his first ride in a Group 1 race in the Flight Stakes at Randwick in which she was beaten just under a length. She looks like she has returned from a spell in great fettle as she won a barrier trial at her home track at the Sunshine Coast on 12 February. I thought the 1200 metres maybe a little short for her but with the speed that is engaged in the race she will get a nice cart into the race. Look for her to sprint well. I am sure trainer David Vandyke has some bigger races planned for her this preparation. I hope “Muppy” Hellyer gets to keep his solid association with her.
Skate To Paris (14), from the Munce Racing team, won here 3 weeks ago. Despite the rise in class she acquits herself well and will be very competitive again this weekend.
River Racer (13) is trained by Les Ross. If the track is rain affected make sure you have something on this runner. She loves the wet surfaces and revels in them!
Selections: 12-11-14-13
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Race 9
This last race over 1400 metres look very tough. If you are in front come this race you may wish to sit back and watch.
I think that Steven O’Dea has a nice mare here in Francisca (15). She resumed last start over 1200 metres and now steps up to 1400 metres second up this weekend. She has a very impressive record second up with 3 starts for 2 wins and a placing. I can see no reason why she could not get away with this race.
Champ Elect (12) is a good runner from the Munce Racing team stables. She resumed with a credible performance behind King Lear in a Class 6 race. She drops back in class this weekend and is second up. I have put this runner in as I think that she is maybe ready to show something more this weekend.
Crystal Amor (13) from the Rob Heathcote stables has been racing well and posted a nice win midweek last start at Doomben when she led all the way. She always races on the speed and will be well suited if the track is favouring horses on the pace. Dale Smith is in the saddle this weekend.
Belle Roc (18) is trained by Brian Smith and is an emergency. She has always shown she has some ability. She resumed with a solid effort three weeks ago. If she gets a run in the field, she may be a knock out chance at the nice odds of $16.
Selections: 15-12-13-18 rough chances 2 & 8
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Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5 NSW only)
8,12,13 / 3,7 / 8,9,13 / 6,7,12 - cost is $54 to $1
Quaddie (races 6 to 9)
3,4,9 / 6,11,12,14 / 11,12,13,14 / 12,13,15,18 - cost is $192 to $1
Value Quaddie (races 6 to 9)
3,4 / 11,12,14 / 11,12,14 / 12,15,18 - cost is $54 to $1
Treble (races 7 to 9)
6,11,12,14 / 11,12,13,14 / 12,13,15,18 - cost is $64 to $1
FLEMO v WINNO
WINNO won the Flemo v Winno tipping competition last weekend – in a dominating fashion as well punters. I destroyed FLEMO by a whole 10 cents. I can still hear him offering praise from his race calling box at Doomben! 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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