WINNO'S WINNERS: EAGLE FARM, JUNE 13, 2020
By Darren Winningham | Friday, June 12, 2020
EAGLE FARM RACES – SATURDAY 13 JUNE 2020
What a day last weekend – Straddie Day 2020.
It will go down in history as the quietest and arrest free days in history! No patrons at the track. No ladies frocked up – no fashions on the field and no star attraction on the main stage at the end of the races to rock the patrons! Ho hum – WINNO was just at home watching the races on the TV with his best mate Buster Beagle!
I was a little filthy on myself to be honest – I declared Tyzone in the 2019 race and got off him this year. It was wonderful to see Edmonds Racing – Toby and Trent Edmonds (I am going to call them the “nude nuts” from now on) win their first Group 1 race!
Then you had the 2-year-old Rothfire. Trained by Robert Heathcote superbly rated by Jim Byrne to win the Group 1 J.J. Atkins. Jim Byrne winning his first Group 1 in a few years after fighting back from a broken leg in December 2019 just goes to show that hard work and resilience does pay off! Jim is a great bloke.
Rothfire is a real find in 2020 – the story behind this horse and its rise to fame is amazing – be sure to check it out on the HRO website.
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This weekend with the track rated “GOOD”.
The rail is out 5 metres from the 1500 metres to the winning post and 4 metres the rest of the circuit. There has been plenty of commentary about the track in recent weeks. Again, to me, last weekend it looked like the inside was off late in the day with horses scouting wide and making ground easily.
They are forecasting rain on the weekend – but with the superb draining system at Eagle Farm I doubt whether this will have any impact on the meeting and the track conditions. Plus, the weathermen have been off the mark all week in Brisbane!
Time for a brief look at the racing this weekend.
NB: As these selections were made prior to race-day please check for any changes to track conditions and for any scratchings on the day
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Race 1
An even race to start the day.
I think that the Gold Coast trained Elixir (5) may be the right “tonic” to start the day.
His runs have been great after resuming from a spell – third up here this weekend and Justin Huxtable in the saddle I think he has the chance to post a win at some generous odds - $8.
The pre post favourite is Thy Kingdom Come (2) who was gallant in defeat three weeks ago when finishing behind the smart Red Chase who won again in his subsequent start, Thy Kingdom Come is a NSW runner trained by John Thompson and he will be ridden by Michael Cahill. With that run under his belt and with the break between runs I can see why there is serious support for this runner. Favourite punters may get off to a flying start following this runner, however, I am looking for some value.
Plenty (7) just keeps winning and is on the short back up after a solid effort last weekend. Jake Bayliss and trainer Stuart Kendrick have given this four-year-old gelding a new lease on life and racing. He has won his past three starts now and aims up to post a fourth win this weekend – again he is some serious value at $4.
Selections:
5 – Elixir
2 – Thy Kingdom Come
7 – Plenty
4 –Defence Missile
Rough chance – (8) Racecourse Road
Race 2
A small but competitive race with many chances!
Edmonds Racing has The Pines (7) going around. They combine again with the jockey of the moment, Robbie Fradd, with this four-year-old mare. She has had three runs following a spell now and at each start she has made some improvement. She gets back in her races and has a late sprint. The small field …. and with some pace in the race … it may just suit her.
Tardis (5) is trained by Edward O’Rourke who is now based at Murwillumbah. Jake Bayliss has another good ride here. This runner was solid in the recent Silk Stocking on the Gold Coast going down narrowly in a blanket finish. The form out of this race has been proven since the result with horses coming out of this race winning subsequently.
She is a little quirky this mare and I think if she can settle and get a nice trail into the race, she could be causing an upset here at $10.
Winter Passage (2) is probably the most aptly named runner on the program with the cold snap and morning frosts striking Queensland this week. Hopefully she is on fire on the track and can post her first win at Eagle Farm. She is third up here with Brad Stewart in the saddle.
Selections:
7 – The Pines
5 – Tardis
2 – Winter Passage
4 – Solar Star
Rough chance – (9) Amicitia
Race 3
This is one of the toughest races of the day. A very open affair that could well see an upset result.
Having said that, I have stayed with the favourite Wapiti (5) who won in fine fashion last start on the Gold Coast on a heavy track. He has had three weeks off since that run and should be able to cope with the reduction in the trip back to the mile of this race. (from 1800m). Ryan Maloney is to ride for Gary Duncan.
Tatcee (8) is a Chris Waller runner based at the Gold Coast. She has drawn terrible in barrier 20 so Luke Dittman will probably have to ride her back in the field, but she has raced generously in other starts when ridden back and making a run late. She is a nice type who just seemed to be a little unlucky last preparation. She has a distinct love for the Eagle Farm track with two wins and four placings from seven starts here. A mile will suit her, and she is second up where she has won twice previously. With $17 on offer in some markets I think I will be having something on her!
Couldn’t Refuse (9) raced at Group level last start and was not disgraced. He will love dropping back from 1800 metres to the mile this weekend. I think he relishes the mile and with all three career wins at the mile he may show some improvement this weekend. Andrew Mallyon is in the saddle for trainer Desleigh Forster.
There are a host of chances – play wide here!
Selections:
5 – Wapiti
8 – Tatcee
9 – Couldn’t Refuse
13 – Joymaker
Rough chance – (7) Lucky Jackson
Race 4
A listed race – the first of the feature races – the Dalrello Stakes for the two-year olds.
I think that at the set weights there is only one runner I can have here – the topweight trained by Steven O’Dea and to be ridden by Boris Thornton – and that’s Tumbler Ridge (1).
There is some early speed here that should see the race run at a good tempo. This runner has been carrying massive weights in recent starts and back to the set weights of this race stands out for me! I cannot believe some markets bet $10 earlier in the week. These were good odds. He has been up a while this preparation, but I really think that he deserves to win a black type race with his consistency.
Smart N Sexy (7) is another runner trained by Toby and Trent Edmonds. She was awesome first up when resuming behind September Run in the Bill Carter at Doomben. She missed the start slightly, settled back in the field prior to storming home late and being beaten only 0.8 lengths running a gallant fifth. The extra distance will suit her this weekend. The bigger track should assist as well. I am just not too certain whether Eagle Farm might bring her undone. She is the pre post favourite at $4.20.
Ready For Magic (2) resumed and led last start and was run down in the shadow of the posts. Can the Heathcote Racing and Jim Byrne success continue this weekend with this two-year-old gelding? They are in winning form and this runner is a serious contender here. Will “Magic be Made”?
There has been not many moves for any runner in the market so I would suggest that you keep your eye on the markets to see if they come for anything – this may prove the key to this race.
Selections:
1 – Tumbler Ridge
7 – Smart N Sexy
2 – Ready For Magic
8 – Plutocrat
Race 5
This race is at Group 3 level. The Tattersall’s Cup for 2020. It is a Waller Racing assault with six of the eleven runners in the field.
I am just going to start with – IF they are leading and winning take the $51 on Kubis (6) it will give you a serious run for your money!
I tipped Black On Gold (5) last start at Doomben. That was a fortnight ago. He got back to the rear of the field and that was never any issue as that is his style of racing. But as he started to make his run he has knocked down, lost momentum and then when Jake Bayliss finally got him moving again, he powered home in behind the eventual winner still without much luck! This race is 2400 metres this weekend. A big long straight, with Jake Bayliss aboard again and with $9 on offer, that will do me – I am following my money!
Another Dollar (10) will be ridden by Jim Byrne this weekend. She raced in the same race as Black On Gold (5) and finished third behind the stablemate Le Juge (3). I think she goes better with the sting out of the ground – so if the rain comes her chances will be enhanced.
Savacool (11) stormed home at Doomben last start as well when going down to Le Juge (3). Mark Du Plessis stays aboard this weekend and, although she has never won at 2400 metres, she is down in the weights and gets her chance to post a black type race to her career stats!
Seems like Waller Racing will probably trifecta and may even get the first 4 again here as he did in the Chairman’s Handicap (Group 3) last time.
Selections:
5 – Black On Gold
10 – Another Dollar
11 – Savacool
3 – Le Juge
Rough chance – (6) Kubis
Race 6
The first leg of the Quaddie - at Listed level - the TAB Ascot Handicap for the sprinters.
Tarzan (4) will ensure the race is run fast. With that in mind look for some late runs and horses that settle back and come home late to possibly win this race. Tegan Harrison is aboard Tarzan and she rates them well in front!
That is the way I have assessed this race.
Chapter and Verse (5) is a Desleigh Forster trained runner who will love the speed on. Taylor Marshall combines with Forster again with this runner. They have had some serious success in recent weeks when pairing up. I hope that winning success continues here with weekend with this runner who is at $15. Chapter and Verse resumed in the Group 2 Victory Stakes three weeks ago. He has a wonderful record second up with three wins from five efforts. I can see him ridden midfield from barrier 5 and really hitting the line strong late.
Scallopini (2) resumed with a cheeky win at Doomben in the Listed Hinkler Handicap. He settled back and jockey Boris Thornton made a perfectly timed run to beat Boomtown Lass (10) in the final stride. He does race well at Eagle Farm and has posted some solid efforts at Listed level. He should make his presence felt here again and the 1200 metres should be right up his alley second up.
Heathcote Racing has Emerald Kingdom (9) going around here. He has won three starts from three efforts here at Eagle Farm – his run last start in the Hinkler at Doomben was a solid effort in preparation for this race. Stephanie Thornton takes the ride.
Right or Wrong (8) resumed last start for trainer Lindsay Gough after two years away from the track. The effort in winning first up was amazing – let alone the training effort to get him back to the track and to fire first up. Justin Huxtable has retained the ride this weekend. Right Or Wrong is up in class and drops 7 kilograms from his last start win at Class 6 grade. This runner always has raced in good company and is a serious sprinter. If he turns up and his legs are good this weekend – watch out!
Selections:
5 – Chapter and Verse
2 – Scallopini
9 – Emerald Kingdom
8 – Right or Wrong
Rough chance – (1) Brave Song and (10) Boomtown Lass
Race 7 Group 2 The Roses
The Group 2 Magic Millions – The Roses.
Short and sweet here – hopefully a Group 2 win for the Edmonds Racing team with the most improved Vanna Girl (2). She has posted three wins in a row. Last start her effort was mind blowing – settling back in the field and coming home as if the opposition was nailed to the fence. It was a 11 out of 10 ride by Brad Stewart who retains the ride this weekend. Vanna Girl has really come of age this preparation and should beat this lot here.
Celestial Falls (4) was second last start to Vanna Girl (2) and looks the only contender to knock her off this weekend. She is trained by Mark Newnham in Sydney. She won over the 1800 metres distance at Flemington last year and if there are any chinks in the armour of Vanna Girl (2) this weekend she looks like the only runner that may spoil the Edmonds Racing party!
The stable mate is Money Magic (7) who raced on the pace last start at Randwick and was run down late over 1800 metres. Ryan Wiggins (go NSW) has the ride for the Newnham Racing team this weekend. She has drawn wide, but I can still see her getting across them early and taking up the pace.
Cellarmaid (5) I think will go better on top of the ground this weekend. Last start she struck a heavy track and still put in when beaten by Wapiti (Race 3 – number 5). Jimmy Orman rides her again for Kelly Schweida Racing. She is owned by Darren Wilson. He would be very happy to see her cause a major upset in this Group 2 race at around $25.
Sky Horse (9) must stay on the radar. She has had three weeks off since her first up effort in Queensland when she raced well when beaten by Supergiant in the Group 3 Gunsynd Classic.
Selections:
2 – Vanna Girl
4 – Celestial Falls
5 – Cellarmaid
7 – Money Magic
Rough chances – (9) Sky Horse
Race 8 Group 2 Ascot Green Eagle Farm Mile
The run last weekend of Niccanova (3) in the Group 1 Stradbroke was exceptional - being back 15th at the 400 metres and storming home late to run a gallant third. On that run he deserves to be favourite this weekend despite the quick back up. I am certain that the mile of this race will see him super competitive in this race. Niccanova is trained by Steve Tregea and will again be ridden by Jimmy Orman,.
Military Zone (3) is trained in Sydney by Snowden Racing and will be ridden by Ryan Maloney. His run in the Scone Cup a month ago was quite a good lead in for this race. He won here last year over the Carnival at Group 3 level and returns 12 months later to attempt to go one better at Group 2 level. Since that effort at Scone Snowden has trialled him over 1100 metres where he looked enormous and raced well on a heavy track. He is syndicated by Triple Crown Syndications and, with his races spaced out superbly this preparation, I think he can post a victory here this weekend.
Godolphin racing are looking to continue a reasonable Winter Carnival in Queensland with their runners Gaulois (5) and Best Of Days (1). Gaulois (5) will be ridden by Brad Stewart this week. He comes off a solid effort in the Wayne Wilson Listed at the Sunshine Coast last start when defeated by a $61 chance – Victory Eight (7). He carried a mammoth 60.5 kilograms and the weight certainly told late. This weekend 56.5 kilograms on his back and racing at the mile again he commands some respect and attention.
Silvera (6) a Gollan Racing runner does love the mile and does love Eagle Farm – Jim Byrne to ride.
Selections:
3 – Military Zone
4 – Niccanova
5 – Gaulois
6 – Silvera
Rough chances – (1) Best Of Days and (15) Ella Divine
Race 9 Group 3 The Dane Ripper Stakes
The last race of the day – another Group 2 race – The Dane Ripper Stakes.
The race is 1400 metres for fillies and mares.
I am going to tip Irithea (2) from the Bjorn Baker Racing team in Sydney.
Bloody COVID-19 means that we are not at the track to see Bjorn Baker hold the trophy above his head if she can manage to win this race! I just hate this bloody virus just as much as I hate Queenslanders come State of Origin time.
Talking about Origin this race is probably a good contest – NSW v QLD! I reckon I will stay solid with my NSW trained horse and Josh Fleming will be tipping the Queensland trained Krone (15)!
Back to Irithea (2) who resumed racing on the speed at Rosehill a month ago and won well. She has had a barrier trial a fortnight ago and if she has travelled up here well she should be given the run of the race by Ryan Maloney from barrier 1. Her last start win was at Group 3 level. Just one concern she has been here three times at Eagle Farm for no placings – hopefully that will change this weekend.
Krone (15) is a new runner for the Gollan Racing team. She is third up here this weekend and at each start has been very progressive and improved. Last start she raced home well and was beaten by her stable mate Shalwa (10) at Doomben in a Listed race. At the set weight she meets a few of the runners she raced against last start much better at the weights. She will be ridden by Jim Byrne. Jim could cause some upsets across the program and she is another one that fits that category.
Shalwa (10) was heavily backed last start at Doomben and had the race run to suit. She is a very talented mare who just keeps turning up. She loves this track and will thrive again at 1400 metres. Brad Stewart takes the ride this weekend.
Winter Bride (1) I thought was a genuine outside chance last weekend in the Group 1 Stradbroke. She raced well and did not disgrace herself. Back to her own sex, at set weights and only beaten last weekend by 2.4 lengths at the track and distance she rates well here. Robbie Fradd in the saddle looking for more Group race success.
Baccarat Baby (5) missed making the field last weekend for the Stradbroke. She gets in well here and, despite coming back in distance, should race well as there is some speed in the race that should cart her well into the action.. Michael “Muppy” Hellyer stays aboard his favourite mare. I am not too certain if I should wish him well after his recent provocative messages when his Manly team gave my team the Bulldogs a thrashing. I was all set to return the serve on Thursday night until the “Bronchokers” found a way to lose again. Like who would be able to show their face in public if you were beaten by the Broncos! Next time Muppy – next time!
Romani Girl (14) is a Waller runner. I think she has been looking for the bigger track. She gets that this weekend at Eagle Farm and she gets Jake Bayliss aboard. Look for Jake to bring her wide in the straight and set her alight down the outside late – could be a rough chance here.
Selections:
2 – Irithea
15 – Krone
1 – Winter Bride
10 – Shalwa
Rough chances – (5) Baccarat Baby (14) Romani Girl
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Jockey’s Challenge
I think the result will be hard to pick. Jim Byrne, Brad Stewart, Robbie Fradd and Ryan Maloney al have some genuine chances in every race. I may just put Ryan Maloney on top this weekend! Fradd may be some value if you want to skirt a little wider.
Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5 NSW only)
2,4,5,7 / 5,8,9,13 / 1,7 / 5,10,11 - cost is $96 to $1
Value Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5)
5,7 / 5,8 / 1,7 / 5,10 - cost is $16 to $1
Quaddie (races 6 to 9)
2,5,8,9 / 2,4,5 / 3,4,5 / 1,2,10,15 - cost is $144 to $1
Value Quaddie (races 6 to 9)
2,5 / 2,4 / 3,4 / 2,15 - cost is $16 to $1
Treble (races 7 to 9)
2,4,5 / 3,4,5 / 1,2,10,15 - cost is $36 to $1
WINNO V FLEMO
FLEMO beat WINNO last weekend with some great tipping. We had some long-priced winners and place getters– hopefully we can lead you into some value again this weekend. Be sure to check the up to date and amended tips each Saturday morning on Facebook after any track changes and scratchings!
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