WINNO'S WINNERS: GOLD COAST, MAY 8, 2021

By Darren Winningham | Thursday, May 6, 2021

GOLD COAST RACES – SATURDAY 8 MAY 2021

This weekend we are on the scenic GOLD COAST at the AQUIS track at Bundall for the massive annual HOLLINDALE CUP and GOLD COAST GUINEAS race day.

This weekend the track, at the time of writing, is rated “HEAVY”and the rail is true for the entire circuit.

There is forecast of some showers and rain leading into the weekend – so you keep your eye on the track conditions.

Let us hope the sun is out – the skies are clear, and we can race on an even surface for all runners.

The big jockeys are in town – James McDonald – William Pike – Oppie Bosson – Nash Rawiller and last year’s Melbourne Cup winning jockey Jye McNeil – things are really warming up in Queensland for the 2021 WINTER CARNIVAL.

Lastly – HAPPY MOTHERS DAY to all the mum’s out there for Sunday – have a great day!

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.

Race 1

A nice race to start off the day – over 1800 metres.

I think we could do better than to launch into this race – so let us go with I Could Do Better (8). Trained by Chris Waller, he does get back and race home – the heavy track will assist his chances and Ryan Maloney rides.

Cellarmaid (4) is trained by Kelly Schweida who is having a great run of late – as too is jockey Jimmy Orman. This mare does love wet tracks and has performed well here on the track in the past – must be respected.

The horse that is only lightly raced is Olympic Class (13) trained here by Michael Costa and Jag Guthmann-Chester to ride. He gets in on the minimum and has good form on a wet track. Resumed last start with a solid win at the Sunshine Coast after sitting in behind the speed and then powering home late over 1400 metres. He has performed admirably in his first preparation up to a mile and I think the distance will not be a problem this weekend … it is just if he is progressive enough to take that next step up to Saturday grade and 1800 metres on a rain affected track. Clearly some people think he is as he has been well found in the early markets firming from $4.80 into $4.

The top weight is Tavion Prince (1) who resumed for the new stable – Gollan Racing – with a win. Has performed well on wet tracks and does have the assistance of a 3-kilogram claim for apprentice Leah Kilner. Could upset them again here this weekend with another win.

I keep putting in Captivator (2) – has been so honest in recent runs without much luck. Michael Hellyer is back on this weekend and does have a tremendous record at the track with four wins here.

Selections:

8 – I Could Do Better
4 – Cellarmaid
13 – Olympic Class
1 – Tavion Prince
Rough chance – (2) Captivator

Race 2 BAT OUT OF HELL

The featured sprint at the Gold Coast – they will go fast here.

I like the Edmonds Racing runner first up at his home track Usmanov (3). Comes back from an eight-week let up and the blinkers and Baylee Nothdurft go on. Drawn well – likes the track – likes wet conditions and should be trained to the minute by Trent & Toby to get the chocolates! I think, with the speed in the race with the likes of Sugar Boom (4) and Iconic Star (10) he will get a cosy trail in behind the speed.

Spurcraft (2) is another Kelly Schweida Racing runner with Jimmy Orman aboard. This runner has learnt to settle and then storm home – likes the Gold Coast circuit and a wet track. Maybe he can win this race.

The Gollan Racing pair are Sugar Boom (4), to be ridden by James McDonald and Niedorp (6), to be ridden by Glen Boss. Last time out here Sugar Boom (4) did not handle a heavy track and suffered an injury and tailed off – she is very fast and looks the likely leader. After an 8-week fresh up she could just ping the lead and leave them all behind!

Niedorp (6) resumes – a recent solid effort in a trial and finally has drawn a barrier, she is right in this race and comes off Listed races last preparation. That form looks good for this race.

The roughie that always shows up first up and loves the Gold Coast track is Tycoon Ace (5) – massive odds of $21. With five wins at the track, he could cause a major upset for the training duo of Tony and Maddy Sears.

Selections:

3 – Usmanov
2 – Spurcraft
6 – Niedorp
4 – Sugar Boom
Rough chance – (5) Tycoon Ace

Race 3

These races are normally won by the horses that are supported on the day in the lead up to the race – it seems as if everyone gets their chance to win a distance race!

However, in saying that, the locally trained Traduce (7) is on the quick back up after winning last weekend at Eagle Farm for local trainer Maryann Brosnan.– he has won his past two starts very well. Both wins have been at Eagle Farm. I have some concerns with the Savabeel gelding on the rain affected track and back on his home track where he has had two starts for no results. I think this weekend despite the rise in grade and the weight relief he is a risk – for those reasons and the distance of 2400 metres. Robbie Fradd will ride again.

Stardome (6) and Humbolt Current (4) are both trained here on the track by the Chris Waller team. Stardome (6) won impressively last time out at Doomben over 2200 metres and has won on wet tracks. Sure, he is a question at the distance as well – but he just seemed to show me last time that he has good staying ability. In some previous starts he has got back and travelled well and then worked home late and been narrowly beaten – I think that he rates well here.

The stable mate is Humbolt Current (4) to be ridden by Jim Byrne. He has no questions to be answered around running a solid 2400 metres. The issue is really whether he will cope with a rain affected track – his form on these surfaces is equivocal. In saying that he is up in grade and down in the weights and that may be just the key to success this weekend.

Lord Belvedere (2) was caught wide last time out at Caulfield and plugged home in the straight. I am looking for him to get a more economical run this weekend in this smallish field. He will again be ridden by Mark Zahra. This is the first of many of the Ciaron Maher & David Eustace runners we will see over the Winter Carnival – they normally place their runners well and when they come to Queensland they perform well – respect this runner.

Selections:

6 – Stardome
7 – Traduce
2 – Lord Belvedere
4 – Humbolt Current

Race 4

The Listed Goldmarket over 1200 metres. Sponsored by the local radio station HOT TOMATO – 102.9 on the FM dial.

Kelly Schweida Racing has Racecourse Road (3) flying with two wins from two starts after resuming from a spell here on a heavy track and winning nearly two months ago. His races have been well spaced by the stable and Ronnie Stewart remains on the gelding. He is two wins from two starts here at the Gold Coast track – looks ideally placed.

Wisdom of Water (11) – probably the topical tip after the rain deluge in the middle of the week in SE QLD. This Headwater colt is trained in NSW by Annabel Neasham and will be ridden by Jye McNeil. He does race handy and has drawn nicely. Despite not winning a race on a heavy track he does has some amazing efforts in trials on very heavy surfaces – so the track conditions do not concern me. He is on the minimum and looks the testing material here if he gets a cosy run. This runner has a three win from four starts record on the track – he was previously with Edmonds Racing.

I liked the looks of the Chris Munce Racing runner Stampe (6) last weekend in the parade ring when engaged in the Group 2 Victory Stakes – he got my attention and raced up to those looks when, at WFA grade and at Group 2 level, he worked home nicely to be beaten only 2.7 lengths by Niccanova. He has wonderful form on this track and sneaks in on the minimum here this weekend. He must have done well during the week to back up so quickly. He has backed up with a week between runs previously and has performed well. He has been kept safe in the markets as well at $7 and I think is great each way value this weekend. The stable has engaged Craig Williams for the ride this weekend

Scallopini (1) resumes here for Steven O’Dea & Matthew Hoysted. Always runs well fresh and is undefeated on slow tracks (3 wins from 3 starts). Keep safe.

Selections:

3 – Racecourse Road
11 – Wisdom of Water
6 – Stampe
1 – Scallopini
Rough chance – (5) Sir Barnabus

Race 5

The Ken Russell Memorial – a two-year-old race at Group 3 level.

Chris Waller has Ranch Hand (4) and Cork Harbour (6) engaged.

Ranch Hand (4) is the more favoured of the two in the markets being posted the pre-race favourite at around the $3.20 mark. He raced on Magic Millions day and was only beaten by 3.45 lengths behind Shaquero and there were some excuses on the day. Since then he has had a spell and a recent trial at Rosehill where James “JMAC” McDonald rode him, and he won with plenty in hand.

The other runner from team Waller is Cork Harbour (6) who resumed with a midweek win at Canterbury. On that occasion JMAC rode him – so, I assume that he had the choice of what runner he could have ridden here in this Group 3 event. I think he may have gone the wrong way! Probably I will be proven wrong, however, I really like the effort of this runner first up. He is drawn a little wide here and he did lead last time out. Brenton Avdulla may have to get across and take a sit behind the likely leader of the race, Debussy (5). If he gets across and settles, I think, with his recent race experience, that he may be hard to beat in the final stages.

In saying that the locally trained Debussy (5) was heavily backed on debut at Eagle Farm and led all the way for a dynamic win with Robbie Fradd in the saddle. He is trained here by Toby & Trent Edmonds and has drawn well enough for Fradd to bounce him out and take up the running. If he gets away with some cheap sectionals, he may run the opposition into the ground. He looked an exciting prospect for the Winter Carnival on his win at Eagle Farm and I am certain that they have bigger plans for him in the weeks to come – however, the acid test is this weekend.

Some roughies that could upset these more favoured runners are the Gillian Heinrich trained Invisible Tears (13) and Dovetail Diva (15) who is trained by John Symons and Sheila Laxon. Both runners have had solid efforts in their respective last starts.

Selections:

6 – Cork Harbour - Cork Harbour has been scratched from the race since these selections were made

5 – Debussy
4 – Ranch Hand
13 – Invisible Tears
15 = Dovetail Diva

Race 6 GOLD COAST BRACELET (Listed)

First leg of the Quaddie this weekend. One of the feature races on the program – a massive field as well to face the starter. Most of these runners will be using this race as a springboard into the Roses and The Oaks in the future weeks.

The Chris Waller Racing stable is well represented here with six runners out of the 18 nominated.

I think he could jag the trifecta and maybe the first four in the race!

Grace and Harmony (7) has resumed with two striking wins and, despite them being in restricted grade, I just think she looks very progressive. James McDonald is riding this filly here. She is only lightly raced with four career starts and has two wins. I think that at this stage of her career the 1800 metres looks a nice distance to test her and see if she is a genuine contender for the Group races in the coming weeks. I am gambling on her – but she will need to get through the wet track.

The stable mate Signora Nera (13) will be ridden by kiwi Opie Bosson. She comes out of the Australian Oaks (Group 1) and I believe that coming back in distance will be no drama with a three-week period since that solid effort. She is drawn midfield and if she doesn’t get caught wide here, I think that she will be belting home late.

Easifar (2) made her debut in QLD last start with a resounding win at Doomben when given a perfect run in behind the leader Tycoon Evie (1) by Luke Dittman. She has drawn terrible this weekend in barrier 17. Not sure what magic Luke can muster – but if she gets in and has any luck in the running, she could upset them again this weekend.

The roughie from the stable that has been winning in an easier grade, including a win last time out here over the distance on a good track, is Ruru (12) – she is a So You Think filly and looks like a ready made stayer. A sharp rise in grade this weekend, but sometimes these lightly raced runners can step up and cause and upset. Jim Byrne will be looking guide her home with some luck as well from barrier 15.

Tony Gollan trains Good Soize (3) and she will be partnered by Ryan Maloney. I have always thought she looks a solid chance moving into the Carnival for a race like the Oaks. I was not perturbed by her first up effort when she worked home well and was beaten by 5 lengths in the race won by Easifar (2). She has won second up – does like soft surfaces and is challenged by barrier 14. Still there looks like some speed in the race and, if she gets any luck, she should be able to work home nicely into the race.

Tycoon Evie (1) was a sitting duck for something to run her down last time out at Doomben. If she settles, and I think she gets in behind the NSW runner Nothinsweetaboutme (16) who looks the likely leader, I think we will see an improved effort.

Let’s talk about that likely leader - Nothinsweetaboutme (16) from the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott stables. Looks like she will just jump and lead from barrier 1 with William Pike to ride for the stable. I think that she will be improved by the run this weekend. Maybe she will be a contender as the races get longer. However, in saying that, a few weeks ago the Gold Coast track had a leader’s bias – if there is any bias this weekend – she could be the runner to be on.

Snowden Racing has Gunmetal Girl (8) coming from a last start effort in South Australia. I have learnt over the years that to overlook or underrate their runners will be at your own peril. She was big odds last time out over 1800 metres – but she was very solid in that effort. I think that the wet track enhances her chances and Mark Zahra will ride her.

It is a very tough race – so keep your eye on any market moves or if there is any track bias – that may lead you to the winner.

Selections:

7 – Grace and Harmony
13 – Signora Nera
2 – Easifar
3 – Good Soize
Rough chances – (1) Tycoon Evie, (8) Gunmetal Girl, (12) Ruru, (16) Nothinsweetaboutme

Race 7 GOLD COAST GUINEAS (Group 3)

Another good race on this superb program. The Guineas over 1200 metres.

Rocketing By (2) from the David Pfeiffer stable has been well supported since the markets opened firming from $10 into $6. He is second up – hoof filler as well but has solid form on wet tracks and did work through his grades last preparation winning the INGLIS sprint in February. His first up effort was good – second up, drawn well I can see why they have come for him. Pfieffer’s runners do have a good record here at the Gold Coast when they put the money on – keep safe.

Simply Fly (3) from the Rex Lipp yards won the JEWEL here back in March on a heavy track – gave nothing else a chance that day and it was a terrific win. Last time out he tipped Stephanie Thornton off soon after the start. Since then he has trialled and did a good job – drawn well in a race where there is some serious speed – he will be getting home late. If the track gets into that heavy range – his chances will be enhanced.

I like two other Sydney runners – not sure which way to go with them – but maybe bracket them both – Lord Olympus (5) and Marboosha (12). It may come down to the barrier draw as well.

Lord Olympus (5) drew wide last start at Doomben and Michael Cahill went back and got the Mark Newnham gelding clear in the straight to fly home and defeat the opposition. I think, with the speed in the race, he may only be three pairs back and a little closer this weekend. He loves wet tracks and I think he still had plenty left as he went to the line on that last win. He looks a solid chance to me here this weekend and the odds are appealing at $7.

Marboosha (12) is from Snowden Racing – if she had drawn a little better, I would have had her on top. She is fourth up this preparation and her runs have been very well spaced by the Snowden team. She comes to QLD off a very good effort in the PJ Bell last start at Randwick where she flew home late to go under narrowly. Jim Byrne will need some luck from barrier 15 – but with the speed that I anticipate in this race she looks perfectly placed.

Amish Boy (1) is a rough chance – drawn wide however. His run in the Magic Millions Guineas was superb back in January when he finished second. He has been racing in Group races his past few starts. Maybe could cause and upset for the Maher & Eustace stables.

The Actuary (14) from Gollan Racing has a solid record on rain affected ground. I think she performs better as she gets some runs under her belt – maybe should sprint well fresh.

Selections:

5 – Lord Olympus
12 – Marboosha
3 – Simply Fly
2 – Rocketing By
Rough chances– (1) Amish Boy & (14) The Actuary

Race 8 HOLLINDALE CUP (Group 2)

The feature race on the program today over 1800 metres.

I cannot split two runners here – Fifty Stars (1) from the Dabernig and Hayes stables in Melbourne and the New Zealand mare Two Illicit (14) trained by Roger James & Robert Wellwood. It is difficult to line up their form as well.

Fifty Stars (1) was freshened after a run in the All-Star Mile at Moonee Valley and resumed in the All Aged Stakes at Randwick. Was sent out at $61 and really worked home well late to be beaten under 2 lengths. William Pike has picked up the ride – it will be the first time he throws his leg over the stallion. The Pike Magic could see him land a feature win on the Gold Coast at his first look at the track!

Two Illicit (14) will be ridden by veteran kiwi Vinnie Colgan who has tasted success at the QLD Carnival in the past. This mare resumed last start over 1400 metres in New Zealand – belted home late and if she has travelled well and has settled in well could present a drama for these more fancied Australian runners. She is solid in soft ground and I think will race handy as she is drawn in barrier 6. Look for her to cause an upset at around the $26 mark.

As I said, you can back them both each way – I think you will get a tremendous sight for your money.

Zaaki (7), trained by Annabel Neasham and with James McDonald to ride, was sent out favourite last start and finished second in the JRA Plate at Randwick over 2000 metres. I am not too certain whether the distance was the issue as he was second up on that occasion. He will have stripped fitter and tightened up after that run and is a serious contender here at the shorter distance. He will be sure to be hitting the line late hard.

Shared Ambition (6) is a nice ride for Jim Byrne for the Chris Waller stables. Last time out he went to the front at Rosehill and gave nothing else a chance. He can race off the speed and, with horses like Homesman (3) and Paradee (12) engaged who should push forward, I expect him to get a cosy run in behind the leaders. He will look the winner at some stage in the straight.

You cannot overlook the New Zealand champion mare Melody Belle (9). She is one that thrives on wet tracks. She has drawn out in barrier 17 and Opie Bosson will need some luck from out there – but I tell you what if she gets any luck in running, she will be giving this lot a headache in the final 100 metres.

Paradee (12) won consecutive races at the track and distance over the Magic Millions Carnival. Trained in Victoria by Danny O’Brien and with Craig Williams keeping that successful association with the mare, she could pop up.

Vanna Girl (13) from Edmonds Racing is the local chance. The Gold Coast will erupt if she can get the job done for the local stable. She can win this race with any luck – Brad Stewart gets back aboard her this weekend – their combination in the past has been undefeated with 2 rides for 2 wins.

It’s a tough field and race – I have left out Avilius (2) who I think will be better when he gets to Doomben or Eagle Farm – then again, I may be wrong!

Selections:

14 – Two Illicit
1 – Fifty Stars
7 – Zaaki
6 – Shared Ambition
Rough chances – (9) Melody Belle – (12) Paradee – (13) Vanna Girl

Race 9 Silk Stocking (Listed)

The last race – on a massive day of racing – let us hope the rain will stay away!

This is a tough way to end the day. This race can cause some upsets – so be careful!

Again – there is good speed in the race. I suppose the following in the last race for William Pike will mean that there will be some support for the Annabel Neasham trained Maui Girl 915) who has drawn well – a rough chance for mine.

Steven O’Dea and Matthew Hoysted train Wonderful Riri (7) who was fabulous winning last start at Doomben over 1350 metres with Ben Thompson aboard. The team remain together here in this Listed event. She likes wet tracks and, with the speed in the race, she gets into the race perfectly. She will just need some luck at some stage in the straight with this large field.

Enterprise Keren (7) is trained by Mick Lakey and will be ridden by Taylor Marshall. She has posted wins at her past two starts and sure she steps up from No Metro Win to Listed company this weekend, but she will race in behind the speed and not be far off the leaders as they turn into the straight. If they are struggling making ground, she should get the perfect run from barrier 4.

Locally trained Seentoomany (8), from the Michael Costa stables with Jag Guthmann-Chester to ride, could be one at odds (around $51) that could cause a major upset in this last race. She has a superb record on wet tracks – has won twice first up and loves this Gold Coast circuit. She has had a solid hit out in a barrier trial three weeks ago – it will not surprise me if she gets home here and causes a boilover in the last race of the day!

Yamazaki (2) is a David Pfieffer runner – proven here at the track and distance. She resumes here off a freshen up and has had the benefit of a barrier trial at Warwick Farm. Mark Zahra rides for the stable.

Gem Of Scotland (5), trained by Rex Lipp, has more gear changes. At her best she would test this lot – I am just not sure she has come back since that injury here over 12 months ago. I do hope for connections and Rex that she can show us the form that she exhibited two runs ago when she flashed home late to be narrowly beaten by Wonderful Riri (7) at Doomben.

Selections:

7 – Wonderful Riri
14 – Enterprise Keren
8 – Seentoomany
2 – Yamazaki
Rough chance – (5) Gem Of Scotland - (15) Maui Girl
____________________________________________________________________

Jockey’s Challenge

James McDonald has a solid book of ride and looks the obvious choice on a tough day. Keep your eye on the price of Jim Byrne – he could post a win at good odds as his book of rides all have great chances.

Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5)

2,3,6 / 2,6,7 / 3,6,11 / 4,5,6 - cost is $81 to $1

Value Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5)

2,3 / 6,7 / 3,11 / 5,6 - cost is $16 to $1

Quaddie (races 6 to 9)

2,3,7,8,13 / 1,2,3,5,12 / 1,6,7,9,14 / 2,7,8,14 - cost is $500 to $1

Value Quaddie (races 6 to 9)

3,7,13 / 3,5,12 / 1,6,7,14 / 7,8,14 - cost is $108 to $1

Treble (races 7 to 9)

1,2,3,5,12 / 1,6,7,9,14 /2,7,8,14 - cost is $100 to $1

WINNO V FLEMO

FLEMO beat WINNO last weekend in our tipping competition – so, let’s see what happens this weekend. Be sure to check the up to date and amended tips each Saturday morning on Facebook after any track changes and scratchings where I will post our selections and any late mail!

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