WINNO'S WINNERS: SUNSHINE COAST, JUNE 29

By Darren Winningham | Thursday, June 27, 2019

SUNSHINE COAST RACES SATURDAY 29 JUNE 2019

We are heading north this weekend – it is the annual Caloundra Cup Day!

I suppose you will have to get on the road early with traffic always a drama from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast and with rain forecast I am sure the rat bag drivers will be out in force.

The track is rated “HEAVY” (Thursday morning) and the true position for the entire course this weekend. There is rain forecast for the rest of the week. How much who knows? Maybe you will have to be on the lookout for the mud larks!

There are some large fields – but I assume they will be decimated with the wet weather and rain that is around.
With that in mind I think I will be brief this weekend.

Actually - before going to that - I have an official WINNO apology.

Earlier in the week I mentioned that Josh Fleming “was soundly beaten” in our tipping competition over the Carnival. The score was much closer with me winning 4 – 3.

But you see I was watching State of Origin 2 in Perth when I wrote the article and, you know what, maybe I was a little zealous as Queensland were “Soundly beaten” – well actually FLOGGED – I don’t believe they even crossed the try line!

The other apology I must offer is I dressed his wonderful daughter (Olivia) up in NSW Blue colours last weekend whilst he was working calling the races!

Dear Josh – please accept my humble apology – you will be eating humble NSW BLUE pie in a fortnight when we win in Sydney!

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

Tony Gollan trains the impressive Our Swan Lake (12) who made a dynamic impression when debuting at Doomben midweek three weeks ago. She wears the maroon colours of Glenlogan Park who bred and own her and ironically the Queenslander himself Jim Byrne will be in the saddle to get her home to victory! He did get me in good last weekend prior to Origin at the track – I will be looking to have something to say when I see him this week!

The Matthew Dunn Racing team has Karaja (11) second up this weekend. Overlook the last start failure at Ipswich. She had no luck and I think will be better suited this weekend on this big track. Robbie Fradd rides.

Jeweliana (10), trained by Steven O’Dea, was impressive on debut here on a soft track a month ago. Since then she has posted another win at Ipswich a fortnight ago and remains undefeated in her two career starts. She is silly odds at $5 – keep your eye on her here.

Tony Sears trained Raging Pole (4) also comes off a midweek win and steps up to weekend racing for the first time.

The Stuart Kendrick trio represent massive value in the race – going around on their home track with all having good recent form – it would not surprise me to see them feature in the finish and cause a major upset in this field. They are – in race book order – Chill The Beer (2), Embattled (3) and Well Prepared (5).

Selections: 12-11-6-4 rough chances 2,3 and 5

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Race 2

I think Tarzan (1) won this race last year. He races well here at his home track and loves this distance.

Tycoon Ace (2) was unlucky last start at Doomben when he drew off the track, had no luck from the wide barrier and only just got beaten. Prior to that he won the Bat Out Of Hell on a heavy track. He ticks a few boxes here this weekend and with the claim for apprentice Baylee Nothdurft he looks ideally placed by the Tony Sears stable.

I went a little wide here for my second selection – Bachelor’s Art (9) trained locally by Andrew Williamson. He is very lightly raced and won here last start over 1000 metres in a Class 2 and is down in the weights and up in class. Jeff Lloyd has been quiet over the Carnival and he is in the saddle again this weekend. With the speed in the race I really think he will settle off the speed and storm home late - and he will handle the wet track.

Rhyme Nor Rhythm (8) returned to racing after a 48 week spell at Ballina on a heavy track with a massive weight. He was not disgraced and I think with the soft track and Jackson “McLovin” Murphy in the saddle, only carrying 52 kilograms in this field, he is a great rough chance at $21.

Boomwa (4) is Rhyme Nor Rhythm (8) stable mate – both trained by Lindsay Hatch. This runner has a superb record here at the track with four starts for 2 wins and 2 placings. He loves wet tracks as well.

Selections: 2-9-4-8 rough chance 1

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Race 3

This is a tough race over a mile.

I like a roughie at around $21 Mewstone Rock (13) trained here by John Symons and Sheila Laxon. She was second up last start at Doomben in a midweek race and won very convincingly. She has performed well here and on wet tracks and with the claim for Jackson Murphy she gets in extremely well. “McLovin” may be able to post an early race to race double if he gets any luck!

Queen of Kingston (5) is trained by Danny Bowen in NSW (Go the BLUES) and comes off consecutive wins at Casino and Ipswich racing in career best form. She is well performed on soft surfaces and not so flash on heavy tracks. I just like her recent runs and she has been strong at the end of her races – she will go well here.

Aqua Vite (2) has been racing reliably and comes off a Listed race, last weekend at Eagle Farm, to restricted grade. He is well performed on wet tracks.

Savacool (4) is the early pre post favourite and comes back from a Listed race to this grade. She is third up this weekend and must be respected – trained on the Gold Coast by Chris Waller Racing. She did win third up previously at Kensington and she is well performed on wet tracks.

Red Colour (12) from Less Ross Racing loves wet tracks and has won here on two previous occasions. Luke Tarrant is riding her here this weekend – he rides this track exceptionally well. She is a rough chance.

Selections: 13-5-4-2 rough chances 10 & 12

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Race 4

Johnny Whitesox (7) is another Munce Racing runner who comes off a poor effort at Ipswich last start where he was backed up within a week after winning here over 1200 metres on a slow track. Munce reported to stewards after that race that, in his opinion, maybe he did not appreciate the quick back up.

Mail Escort (8) comes off a solid run at Ipswich last run. He has won here previously and will handle the conditions. The barrier is not too favourable – barrier 20. Jimmy Orman rides again here this weekend. I expect him to get back and surge late out wide as there is some nice speed in the race.

Angel Dane (9) is trained by Steve Tregea. She has a great record here and loves the wet tracks. She likes to get back and then run home late in her races – she was not afforded that opportunity last start at Ipswich. I think back on this track we will see the best of her this weekend. Jackson Murphy’s claim should assist.

Intrinsic (11) has won here previously on a heavy track and last start at Ipswich raced in the Listed Gai Waterhouse Stakes and was not disgraced. She had no luck and got too far back on a track that did favour on pace runners. This weekend she will love this track.

Le Dude (3) is trained locally and loves heavy tracks.

Selections: 11-9-8-7 rough chance 3

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Race 5

The Provincial Sprint Final – a massive field over 1200 metres.

I watched the Donald “Ducky” Baker trained Snipstream (6) win the Kilcoy Cup last start with Emma Ljung in the saddle. It was an incredible performance and he raced like he has so much improvement left in him. Such was the confidence of “Ducky” after the race he said – “we are going to town next start – Emma will you ride him for me?”. He has won on heavy tracks, and slow tracks and has a wonderful record – 8 starts and 5 wins.

Now in saying that the runner up in that race was Mr Strachan (2), trained here by Stuart Kendrick, who meets Snipstream (6) two kilograms better this weekend for the defeat at Kilcoy. He was never in the race to be fair. The run was remarkable and at $21 he is ridiculous odds. Ryan Wiggins has a tremendous record on him and he has been riding in sensational form all around the State in the past fortnight – riding winners everywhere – do not underrate this runner people.

Toby Edmonds trains Tardis (7) who is chasing a hat trick of wins this weekend here in the Final. She has won on heavy – has won here – and has Jeff Lloyd on board – tick, tick, tick. The best bet of the day for mine if she gets any luck.

Bella Occhi (10) is a very promising mare – trained by Lindsay Hatch she will be ridden by Glen Boss. She probably will be scooting along in front for a long way here – I am just concerned with that last 100 metres on a heavy track this weekend.

John Smerdon trains Removal (11). He loves wet tracks and he has been well backed since the markets have opened.

Selections: 7-6-2-10 rough chance 11

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Race 6

The 2019 Sunshine Coast Guineas. This race has a very great history – at Group 3 level.

Winx started her winning streak in this race in 2015. The Bostonian won this race last year and went on to win two Group 1 races at this year’s Carnival.

AGHHH … this pains me. Sorry Muppy in advance! (I won’t put the mocks on you).

I have gone wide here and tipped the lightly raced Peter and Paul Snowden trained Zavance (11) who will be ridden by Jim Byrne. This combination has a solid record when they team up in feature races. She is fourth up this weekend and she ran well last start at Rosehill over 1500 metres when she was steadied and lost some momentum in the straight. I keep coming back to her win prior to the spell at Warwick Farm over a mile on a heavy track – that run was excellent and would suggest that she is ready to peak this weekend. This stable has had a solid Carnival.

Baccarat Baby (9) was forced to race wide last weekend in the Group 1 Tattersall’s Tiara. She loves wet tracks – she is trained here by David Vandyke and she is undefeated on her home track – 3 starts – three wins. My good mate and NSW supporter Michael “Muppy” Hellyer will ride her again this weekend and try to claim his maiden Group winner. I probably just increased her chances by not tipping her on top! She has never backed up so quickly, but she is such a wonderful filly who races so generously – she will be right in this race.

Muppy – you are on the shoulders if she wins!

Junipal (2) comes off a solid run in the Group 2 Queensland Guineas where he was held up at a vital stage and had to be steadied and then lost all momentum. He will be better for that run and Ciaron Maher & David Eustace will be looking to finish the Carnival with more success. Ryan Maloney will take the ride here this weekend.

The top weight Leonardo da Hinchi (1) comes out of the QLD Guineas as well. He is trained by Mick Price and Glen Boss will take the ride. He should be at peak fitness this weekend fourth up from a spell.

Asharani (12) is fourth up here as well for the Kris Lees Racing team based at Newcastle – however, he does have several horses stabled at the Gold Coast periodically with Mel Eggleston. They have had great success as well. She has very good wet track form.

Mick Lakey trains Enterprise Jack (6) and he is $101 – a real rough chance but he loves wet tracks. The heavier they are the better he goes! He is third up now and could run a bold race at massive odds.

Selections: 11-9-2-12 rough chances 1 & 6

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Race 7 – 2019 Caloundra Cup

Igraine (5) has been racing consistently since being in Australia. She is a distinguished wet track performer in New Zealand and gets her chance to post a maiden victory in Australia this campaign after some very solid performances.

Big Duke (1) ran a wonderful race last weekend in the Tattersall’s Cup (Group 3). He has been looking for a wet track since he has been in Queensland. He gets that this weekend, so I anticipate another solid performance despite the large weight. Last weekend he ran the 3000 metres right out – if this track is heavy 10 on Saturday the 2400 metres will probably feel like 3000 metres for many of these runners.

His stable mate from the Kris Lees stable is Saunter Boy (4). He has come from England and is only having his third start in Australia. All his runs have been quite good. Last start he raced in the Winter Cup at Rosehill and just seemed to be working into the race as the race came to an end. Jeff Lloyd has been booked for the ride this weekend and he does have an excellent success rate in distance races in Brisbane – he thrives riding stayers!

Chris Waller trains Casterton (3) who is third up. His best performances are normally third up and he thrives also on wet and heavy tracks. Brad Stewart has been booked to ride this runner this weekend.

Tony Pike trains Terra Sancta (11) – she is down in the weights this weekend and gets a wet track to show her best.

Selections: 5-1-4-3 rough chance 11

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Race 8 – 2019 Glasshouse Handicap

Hard to miss the run of the Richard Laming trained Jamaican Rain (3) last weekend in the Group 1 Tatt’s Tiara. She was only beaten 1.35 lengths. She looks well placed here this weekend with Tegan Harrison in the saddle and the mare loves wet tracks, in addition she has won three times over the distance. She is the 2018 defending champion of this race – can she win consecutive Glasshouse Handicaps?

Niccanova (2) loves wet tracks and this week get conditions to show his best. His form this time in has been a little equivocal, however, in the past, when he strikes wet tracks, he seems to show his best. Jimmy Orman has stuck with the Steve Tregea trained gelding. I keep going back to 2017 when he won the Group 3 Fred Best on a bog track. If he could reproduce that run, he wins this race easily! He has a very good record as well at 1400 metres.

Godolphin are attempting to increase the approximate $2.3 million prizemoney from their successful Winter Carnival with Organza (7) who could not get a clear run at them at Ipswich in the Gai Waterhouse Classic last start. Back to this big wide track she should have no excuses why she cannot win this race and be very competitive. They have gone with Larry Cassidy to ride this runner.

Toby Edmonds has engaged Glen Boss to ride his runner Platinum Angel (8) who is down in weight and looks like she is ready to peak coming off a gallant second in the Dane Ripper (Group 2) behind Invincibella who then came out and won the Tatt’s Tiara last week. She has never won on heavy tracks. She has had three weeks between runs and her last win was 58 weeks ago – seems like a tough task – but if anyone can get her to fire it will be Toby Edmonds.

If you wish to play wide Cruze (16) for Barry Lockwood has had five weeks between runs and has had a solid hit out last week in a barrier trial. Again, no wins on a heavy track but there must be some respect for this runner to be ridden by Dale Smith.

Kelly Schweida Racing has Shogun Sun (12) going around after some solid efforts in recent starts. This gelding went down in the final stride last weekend at Eagle Farm in a great ride from Blake Shinn. He won here last year on the same program on a heavy track – he gets the same conditions – down in weight – a big chance at $21.

Oink (17) is the stables other runner and he has drawn well this weekend. Despite no heavy track wins he has performed well on soft tracks. He is down in weight drastically from his first up effort at Ipswich. That track did not suit him – he needs space and likes to wind up and work into the race strongly. Bubba Tilley get in the saddle and at $81 he could be a knockout chance and cause a major upset this weekend here.

It is a very open field this year.

Selections: 2-3-7-12 rough chances 8 & 16

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Race 9

The last race on a massive day of racing is scheduled for 5.50pm – we will be racing under the lights for sure! I think the last race could be a blood bath for punters.

I think Defence Missile (2) from Les Ross gets back to his favourite track and gets conditions to suit this weekend. Clayton Gallagher gets a 2-kilogram claim off the weight as well and at around the $31 I think he is a great gamble on a track where he has performed well all his career.

Stuart Kendrick has two nice chances here. Tambo’s Mate (16) resumed midweek at Doomben and won easily. He has won on soft ground but gives me the impression he will handle the wet track. Matthew McGillivray has ridden him to both career wins and keeps the association with him going this weekend.

The other runner is Winter Passage (6) who, like the stable mate, loves soft surfaces with limited results on the heavy tracks. I think with the 2 kilograms off for Jackson Murphy she gets in well. She never fired or had much luck in running last start at Ipswich. Forget that run – back on her home track she will be competitive.

Boomtown Lass (7) is trained by Anderson & Heathcote Racing – she is third up this weekend – look for an improved run.

Granny Red Shoes (4) resumes for the Edmonds Racing team – she has been trialling well – could be a rough chance.

Steven O’Dea has the favourite for the race – Jami Lady (5). She could well win the race and send the punters home on a winning note – I just think she may be challenged by the wide barrier this weekend.

Selections: 2-6-16-7 rough chance 4 & 5

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Jockey Challenge

Looks an open field this week – maybe something on Robbie Fradd, Jackson Murphy or Larry Cassidy may see you get a nice result.

Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5 NSW only)

2,4,8,9 / 2,4,5,12,13 / 8,9,11 / 2,6,7,10 - cost is $240 to $1

Value Early Quaddie (race 2 to 5)

2,9 / 4,5,13 / 9,11 / 2,6,7 - cost is $36 to $1

Quaddie (races 6 to 9)

1,2,9,11,12 / 1,3,4,5 / 2,3,7,12 / 2,5,6,7,16 - cost is $400 to $1

Value Quaddie (races 6 to 9)

2,9,11 / 4,5 / 2,3 / 2,6,16 - cost is $36 to $1

Treble (races 7 to 9)

1,3,4,5 / 2,3,7,12 / 2,5,6,7,16 - cost is $80 to $1

FLEMO v WINNO

FLEMO got me last weekend on a tough day. I hope we can find some winners here on this challenging program. 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!