WINNO'S WINNERS: EAGLE FARM, 15 FEBRUARY, 2020

By Darren Winningham | Friday, February 14, 2020

EAGLE FARM RACES – SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2020

Eagle Farm races this weekend. The track rated “GOOD” and the rail is in the true position for the entire course. The weather is supposed to be raining for the rest of the week – but this track is like a sieve and drains – so we will be racing rain, hail or shine!

Last weekend the horses came down the middle of the track and they seemed to find a fast lane around 4 or 5 off the rail. I think this weekend they will roll back to the rail and probably come no further than 3 wide on the unraced part of track.

Time to look at the program this weekend.

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

Race 1

The two-year-old runners are engaged here over 1000 metres.

I like the Heathcote Racing runner – Rothfire (1). He was solid last preparation with two starts for two very impressive wins. This weekend he carries some weight and is first up. That could be the only drama, however his trial a fortnight ago was impressive – he looks well in here.

He was ridden to both his victories by Jim Byrne who subsequently suffered a broken leg and recently told me he is on the mend and close to getting back in the saddle!

Kisukano (6) from the Michael Nolan yards at Toowoomba was super impressive at her home track on debut winning by 7.5 lengths – can she bring that form to town and to this fickle Eagle Farm track where some horses handle the track whilst others do not?

Xerri (11) from Toby & Trent Edmonds stables on the Gold Coast won impressively in a trial last week. He could be the surprise packet on debut. Baylee Nothdurft, who has got the ride on this runner, has been riding in sensational form in recent weeks – can he start off the day with a winner?

Tumble Ridge (5) is trained by Steven O’Dea. The runner made his debut back in October and was gallant when defeated by a smart one in Kavak. I think he would have learnt a lot from that experience. He won a recent trial demonstrating he is ready to show his best in his return to his second spell.

The race is very open – it may pay to avoid the favourite if he gets into a silly price and punt wide.

Selections:

1 – Rothfire
6 – Kisukano
11 – Xerri
5 – Tumble Ridge
Rough chance – (2) Uncle Frank & (7) Mishani Miss

Race 2

A distance race here – I think I will buy a Lotto ticket!

The Chris Waller runner Raqeeq (10) won last start in Sydney at Canterbury and has a massive drop in weight. Sure, he is up in class but seriously he stormed home so well last start and ran the fastest 800 sectional on the day. That has to hold him in good stead for this race here. Matthew McGillivray who rode a treble last weekend is aboard.

Ethan Ensby’s undefeated three-year-old colt – Torrens (8) - probably faces his stiffest test this weekend. I think he is a genuine stayer that could be a star of the future. In fact, I can see him being a great chance in a race like the Sunshine Coast Cup or the Grafton Cup later in the year.

Ruby Guru (7) finished second last start to Torrens (8) at the Sunshine Coast and will be hard to toss here. I hear that this Michael Nolan runner will be strapped by Greer Beck who calls this runner “his girl!” I will be sure to look out for him and Nick Hahn with their HRO (horseracingonly) caps this weekend! Here lies the challenge lads!

Respect the Heathcote Racing runner here as well – Our Mantra (4) who has an great third up record and loves this track.

Selections:

10 – Raqeeq
8 – Torrens
7 – Ruby Guru
4 – Our Mantra
Rough chance – (9) Art Attack

Race 3

A massive field over 1000 metres – another tough assignment for punters.

Brian Wakefield trains Jardin Rouge (7) who resumes here. She has had two trials and looks well placed here in a no metro win race. This mare is only lightly raced with ten starts for five wins. That is better than some of the other runners here!

Gypsy Toff (6) raced well first up - and was well supported in the betting - but just ran out of steam in the final 80 metres of the race. She will be fitter for that run – however, barrier 19 does pose some difficulty for her as she normally likes to race on the speed. Maybe trainer Tom Button and jockey Luke Tarrant can devise a plan to ride her quiet back in the field and see if she can storm home late.

One Stryke (5) continues to run well every time he steps out for-trainer Lauren Abbott. This is a winnable race for him, and he only went down in a narrow photo first up here. He is third up this weekend – keep your eye on him.

Umsanov (8) is the early short priced favourite. With three starts at Eagle Farm for no placings, I am happy to go against him this weekend. Better to wait until he gets to Doomben or back on his home track on the Gold Coast for mine.

Selections:

7 – Jardin Rouge
6 – Gypsy Toff
5 – One Stryke
8 - Usmanov
Rough chance – (10) – Lets Cheer Again

Race 4

The three-year old’s step out and there are some quality runners here. A good field to face the starter.

Better Reflection (1) has been very consistent in recent starts and has just keep going from strength to strength. His last start victory at the Sunshine Coast was eye-catching and Brad Stewart rode him a treat. They again combine here this weekend and they look the ones to beat.

Wandabaa (3) from the Kris Lees yards at Newcastle is second up here after a great effort first up in similar company. She gets in with a light weight and maybe that could be a factor in determining her chances. Andrew Mallyon takes the ride for the stable.

Go Deep (5) resumes here with Jake Bayliss aboard for Sunshine Coast trainer Darryl Hansen. This gelding does like this track and I think first up will put in a bold performance. My spies tell me that his work has been good on his home track.

Jagged Edge (2) resumed on his home track at the Sunshine Coast a fortnight ago with an all the way winning effort. He normally races well fresh and I expect him too to be competitive here this weekend.

Selections:

1 – Better Reflection
3 – Wandabaa
5 – Go Deep
2 – Jagged Edge
Rough chance – (12) Spirit Rich

Race 5

An Open handicap over 1400 metres – the race highlights the Family Race Day that will be held on 4 April – always a wonderful day for families – especially the children (even the big ones like Josh Fleming).

Impasse (7) was superb winning here a fortnight ago with Robbie Fradd aboard. They combine again here. Sure, he goes up in class, but he was strong to the line last start and should be winning again.

Queen of Kingston trained at Lismore by Danny Bowen steps up in grade as well. She finished third to Impasse (7) here last start when she was held up at a vital stage in the straight – had to be steadied and came around the heels of other runners and then finally gained her momentum and stormed home. I liked the run and at massive odds of $12. She could upset the favourite.

Selections:

7 – Impasse
9 – Queen of Kingston
5 – Fortensky
1 – Cruze

Race 6<

The first leg of the Quaddie over 1800 metres.

Twilighter (9) was dynamic in her win last weekend. I just think the further she goes the better she will get, and we may see a very good horse. Trainer Desleigh Forster and jockey Mark Du Plessis will be looking to post back to back wins here. I think she can do it!

The Kingdom (4) sprouted wings last start in the final 100 metres and was solid going to the line over a mile. I don’t think the step up to 1800 metres will be a drama for this gelding. Trained on the Gold Coast by Les Kelly, this weekend he will be partnered by Adin Thompson and his claim will come in handy. Barrier 18 maybe a drama – but I think ridden quiet and allowed to find his feet like last start will suit him again this weekend.

Thompson is just starting to get some momentum now he is riding more each weekend in the city. He turned in two wonderful rides last weekend for some unlucky placings – maybe he can upset the favourite this week.

Slow Hands (12) was beaten in the last stride last start by The Kingdom (4). I just thought he may have been caught in the wrong part of the track late. Maybe with some more luck he can finish off the 1800 metres.

Selections:

9 – Twilighter
4 – The Kingdom
12 – Slow Hands
8 – Missed the Alarm
Rough chance – (11) Miss Shanti

Race 7

Class 3 race here over 1200 metres – could be an upset result here in this massive field

Ingear (15), trained by Tony Gollan, had three weeks between runs before her last start here over 1400 metres. Maybe that found her out – just the distance and the fact she had little luck in the running. She flew home late and dropping back to 1200 metres this week with only a fortnight between runs I think she looks well placed.

Foxpack (3) is trained by Robert Heathcote. She has had five weeks between runs and I think you can overlook the last start failure at Doomben when she was forced to race wide and had no luck. She goes up in weight, but they have gone for the claim with apprentice Adin Thompson who could guide her home at a massive price.

Enterprise Louise (2) races well here on the Eagle Farm surface for trainer Mick Lakey and jockey Brad Stewart – keep her safe.

Invigorating (9) has the addition of a tongue tie this weekend – could bring a sharp improvement.

Selections:

15 – Ingear
3 – Foxpack
2 – Enterprise Louise
9 – Invigorating
Rough chance – (11) – Denman Unlimited

Race 8

A class 3 event for the boys. Probably the same dilemmas as the last race – anything could happen here!

There is some serious speed in this race – you probably should be looking for a run-on horse.

I am going wide here with the Danny Bougoure trained Mittere (16) who gets in nicely with the claim for Justin Huxtable. From barrier 8 he probably will take up a forward position.

Chris Anderson trains Pensaquito (12) who is at around $31. He does race well fresh and has been trialling well. His last trial over 800 metres here was good and I think first up he could pose a huge threat and ensure the bookmakers clean up in this race.

Eric The Eel (14) – I suppose there will be lots of people getting on him and tipping him. He did race in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas last start but I think he will get too far back even though he will be working home late. The speed in the race here could put him right in this race – look for jockey Jimmy Orman to peel him out five wide at the top of the straight and come home at a rate of knots.

Navy (10) I think will appreciate the Eagle Farm track – and will add massive value to my trifecta and first 4.

Selections:

16 – Mittere
12 – Pensaquito
14 – Eric The Eel
10 – Navy
Rough chance – (8) – Heritage Sash

Race 9

The last race of the day – a 1400 metre contest.

Gresham (5) turned in a solid win here last start over a mile. Coming back to 1400 metres this weekend may be the only challenge. Matthew McGillivray stays aboard again. I think he has the wood on the opposition.

Magnufighter (6) was scratched from an earlier race to run here. Dale Smith is aboard and will be looking to strike a blow on a Saturday and post a win on this gelding that he has partnered to success in the past.

Red Chase (13) is a Desleigh Forster runner who is up in grade but drops dramatically in the weights. He has an awesome record at Eagle Farm and could test these older runners.

Galtero (4) from the Gollan Racing stables will be ridden by Baylee Nothdurft. He is one of those horses that if he turns up will slay the opposition – I would suggest that you take a close look at any movements in the betting which might support the enhanced chances of this runner.

There are some other chances that I have listed (see below) – but I think they may need some luck this weekend.

Selections:

5 – Gresham
6 – Magnufighter
13 – Red Chase
4 – Galtero
Rough chances – (9) The Tax Accountant and (10) Femme Fireball

**************************************************************************************************

Jockey’s Challenge

Looks like a solid battle between a few jockeys – Matthew McGillivray for mine this week – maybe a sly saver on Adin Thompson who could be massive odds.

Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5 NSW only)

7,8,10 / 5,6,7,8 / 1,3,5 / 5,7,9 - cost is $108 to $1

Value Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5)

8,10 / 6,7 / 1,3 / 7,9 - cost is $16 to $1

Quaddie (races 6 to 9)

4,8,9,12 / 2,3,9,15 / 8,10,12,14,16 / 4,5,6,13 - cost is $320 to $1

Value Quaddie (races 6 to 9)

4,9 / 2,3,15 / 12,14,16 / 5,6,13 - cost is $54 to $1

Treble (races 7 to 9)

2,3,9,15 / 8,10,12,14,16 / 4,5,6,13 - cost is $80 to $1

WINNO V FLEMO

WINNO smashed FLEMO last weekend (actually he has been on holidays)! FLEMO is still on holidays this weekend – I would say lucky for him! Be sure to check the up to date and amended tips each Saturday morning on Facebook after any track changes or scratchings!

More articles