WINNO'S WINNERS: DOOMBEN CUP DAY
By Darren Winningham | Friday, May 21, 2021
DOOMBEN RACES – SATURDAY 22 MAY 2021
It is DOOMBEN CUP week!
This weekend with the track rated “SOFT” and the rail is out 2 metres for the entire circuit.
The track will probably stay at this level or slightly improve as there is some nice winter warm weather forecast.
Breaking news!!! I must congratulate my tipping bunny Josh Fleming and his amazing wife Gabrielle as they welcomed the second edition to their family – Jackson Carter born last Saturday night. They are both home and doing well. CONGRATULATIONS GABRIELLE – you did all the hard work! I am sure that I can get a NSW jersey made just in time for State of Origin 1 – I am certain your Jackson will look superb in a winning jersey! Afterall he is part of a winning family!
I must also take the time to congratulate Will & Peter Hulbert after they trained their first Group winner last weekend when Criminal Defence saluted at massive odds to win the Group 3 Rough Habit Plate – it was great to see the celebrations after the race.
Then Joe Pride stole the show winning the Doomben 10,000 with Eduardo – superbly ridden by Nash Rawiller. So, it is NSW 1 – QLD 0 in the Group1 count!
The races are getting better each week now – and they will keep getting better.
Race 1
We start the day off with a 2000 metre race.
The Kelly Schweida Racing stable is well represented here with Cellarmaid (4) and Joymaker (5) – both runners have genuine chances. Last start at the Gold Coast over 1800 metres Cellarmaid (5) flew home with Jimmy Orman aboard to go down narrowly on a heavy track when defeated by I Could Do Better (6). This weekend on a better surface and a longer distance and at a track where she has won – she looks well placed.
Joymaker (5) has been performing well over longer distances. She comes back in distance and Jim Byrne jumps aboard this weekend. I think with a three week freshen up and a solid tempo in the race she too looks well placed here.
I Could Do Better (6) won last time out at the Gold Coast when heavily supported late. Trained on that track by Chris Waller Racing he goes up in weight and James McDonald takes over. Still will be competitive here.
Prince Of Arragon (10) was super impressive last time out at Gosford for NSW trainer John Thompson – Craig Williams has been booked to ride. That run was over the mile. Stepping up in distance and he has been well supported since the markets opened. He will get the distance easily – he raced up to 2400 metres last preparation – but I just have a big question on the quality of the field he beat last time out.
Some roughies to consider include Tavion Prince (2) trained by Tony Gollan. I think you can overlook the run at the Gold Coast last time out on a heavy track and second up – with Ryan Maloney aboard and a step up in distance there could be some support for this runner closer to the running of the race.
Michael Costa has Olympic Class (11) in the race. Again, raced on a heavy track second up on the Gold Coast – possibly the track got him beaten. He was supported heavily by punters on that occasion and started favourite. Ben Thompson, who could win on a broom-stick at the moment, takes the ride.
Selections:
4 – Cellarmaid
5 – Joymaker
6 – I Could Do Better
10 – Prince of Arragon
Rough chances – (2) Tavion Prince & Olympic Class (11)
Race 2
Guntantes (6) is a Robert Heathcote trained runner with three weeks between runs and last start worked home well when narrowly beaten by Slow Hands. He likes the mile and I expect him to be competitive this weekend with Robbie Fradd in the saddle.
Tony Gollan has Goldifox (12) coming out of the Gold Coast Silk Stocking. She steps up to a mile and, on that run, she looks like she will appreciate the longer distance this weekend – Craig Williams to ride.
Cloak (2) is trained by David Vandyke and will be ridden by apprentice Kate Cowan – her claim will be valuable here this weekend. Last time out was very good over a mile at Eagle Farm – with two career wins at Doomben maybe a change in fortunes this weekend.
The Dark (11) I think may be ready to show his best over the mile – will be big odds again this weekend – keep safe.
Right Or Wrong (4) is on the quick back up from last weekend for Lindsay Gough – there was some money last weekend for this runner.
Mocambo (10) is trained by Mick Lakey and Taylor Marshall will be riding. I think back at Doomben he could be a rough chance.
Selections:
6 – Guntantes
12 – Goldifox
2 – Cloak
11 – The Dark
Rough chances – (4) Right or Wrong & (10) Mocambo
Race 3
The two-year-old runners go around here over 1200 metres – set weights for the fillies.
Chris Waller Racing had no luck last weekend on day 1 of the Carnival – maybe they can have a change of fortune this week. He is well represented here with Hoover Lucy (6) and Morioka (8). I like the chances of Hoover Lucy (6) who was heavily backed last start at Hawkesbury and was run down late over 1400 metres. I think the drop back in distance will see her right in this race at around $10. Hugh Bowman has the ride.
Dovetail Diva (7) ran an exceptional race in the Ken Russell (Group 3) last time out at the Gold Coast. She led and was swamped late, but still managed to finish on the heels of the place getters. Ronnie Stewart retains the ride and I think this runner will be hard to run down.
Socialist (5) comes out of a midweek race win at Canterbury race on a heavy track for the Ciaron Maher & David Eustace team. Led all the way on that occasion and Kerrin McEvoy will ride here.
Stellar Magic (1) is the locally trained runner and will be ridden by Baylee Nothdurft for the Steven O’Dea and Matt Hoysted yards. She will benefit from the set weight conditions and I think with the extra distance she looks ideally placed.
Chris Munce Racing has Rhapsody Rose (2) who resumed racing on the Gold Coast and ran well – could pop up here as well – stable apprentice Justin Huxtable will ride.
Selections:
6 – Hoover Lucy
7 – Dovetail Diva
5 – Socialist
1 – Stellar Magic
Rough chances– (2) Rhapsody Rose
Race 4 THE DARBY MCCARTHY PLATE
A sprint for three-year-old runners.
I think that the distance of 1110 metres holds the key to this race.
Maybe something resuming may test the field. With that in mind I like Our Playboy (2) trained by Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) whowill be ridden by Jim Byrne first up here. Drawn well, he won a recent barrier trial and his efforts last preparation were very good without much luck in some good quality races. After the short spell I think he may be able to get a good run in transit. He does like to get back in his races – that is a concern – especially if they are leading and winning this weekend.
Rocketing By (5) is now trained by Matthew Dunn Racing after the controversy earlier in the week with David Pfieffer. He was second up in the Gold Coast Guineas and, to be fair, had very little luck in running. The track may have been a hinderance as well. Third up here now – he must be considered – James McDonald rides him again this weekend. From his barrier he probably will be three pairs back and should get the run of the race.
Lord Olympus (4), trained by Mark Newnham, went around in the Gold Coast Guineas as well after a very good win first up here on this track. I think he will be better suited by the distance and the tempo of the race. Joshua Parr takes over this weekend – something tells me that he may have a dramatic improvement in form.
Kisukano (14), the locally trainer runner from the Michael Nolan yards in Toowoomba, seems to be getting back to her old form. She gets every chance to return to the winner’s stalls this weekend with Michael Rodd again to ride.
Selections:
2 – Our Playboy
5 – Rocketing By
4 – Lord Olympus
14 – Kisukano
Rough chances– (1) Wisdom of Water
Race 5 Pam O’Neill Fillies & Mares (Group 3)
This race is over the mile – looks a tough race on paper.
Paradee (1) is resuming from a spell and looks to have the best form in the race – but she is resuming after a striking effort in the Group 1 Australian Cup back in March. She looks well placed with the conditions of the race – most of these runners should be getting five or six kilograms off her – Craig Williams will ride. He has a 2 win from 3 rides record on her.
Nudge (4), from the Chris Waller Racing, is the ultimate consistent mare, but she just keeps running places in big races. So, she must be put into the selections. Maybe she can grab her third career win here with Kerrin McEvoy to ride here – he is a patient rider that just may be able to hatch a plan to see her win.
Yamazaki (3) has been transferred to Matthew Dunn Racing since her dramatic win in the Gold Coast Silk Stocking last time out. She gave nothing a chance in that race and surged to the line. A step up in class this weekend and a step up to a mile may be the challenging factors that see her tested. She has never won at the mile – Hugh Bowman rides.
Gem Of Scotland (9) is a Rex Lipp trained runner. Slowly getting back to her old form. She steps up to the mile and I think she has been looking for this distance. Last start she was forced to race forward from the wide barrier in the Gold Coast Silk Stocking that was won by Yamazaki (3). I just think that she is now looking for a longer distance. Jimmy Orman returns to ride her this weekend – he does have 5 wins and 2 placings from 10 rides on her. There is good speed in the race, and this should suit.
The horse that could make the bookmakers cheer here is Seentoomany (11) from the Michael Costa stables on the Gold Coast. She resumed on the Gold Coast with a good effort. I thought that she got stuck in the wrong section of the track late and her run was full of merit. She always races well fresh and is second up. She is $26 in some markets and I think is a genuine chance to win this race – Jag Guthmann-Chester continues his association with her and the stable and it would be great to see him post a feature win on Doomben Cup day. He is very underrated jockey – he rode Axe to perfection in the last race on Doomben 10,000 day to win for the stable.
There has been a solid push and backing for the John O’Shea trained Le Gai Soleil (10) as the week has progressed. James McDonald has the ride and the mare has some solid form over a mile – maybe see if the support continues leading into Saturday.
Selections:
1 – Paradee
4 – Nudge
3 – Yamazaki
9 – Gem of Scotland
Rough chance – (11) Seentoomany & (10) Le Gai Soleil
Race 6 Chief De Beers (Listed)
First leg of the Quaddie this weekend. A Listed sprint. This is very open – you can probably make a case for almost every runner in this field and still miss the winner.
I went wide and tried to find some value here with the Steven O’Dea and Matt Hoysted trained Kylease (1). She normally leads in her races – or is handy. She has drawn perfectly in barrier 2 with Stephanie Thornton to ride and likely to take up a prominent position in the running. Some good odds on offer as well with some markets having her at $17.
The Odyssey (1) raced well last start at Group 2 level. He comes back in distance – has drawn barrier 3 and Jimmy Orman has been given the chance to restore his winning association with this stallion who has been a wonderful conveyance for the owners posting $1.7 million in prizemoney in just 28 starts. He loves this track and if there is any rain around when this race is scheduled I will be jumping ship and having something on him as I am sure he has webbed feet and thrives on a wet surface.
King Of Hastings (4) resumes here with Jim Byrne riding for the Anthony and Sam Freedman yards. He was very good in the Magic Millions Sprint back in January. Since then he has had a break and has had two solid trials to get ready for this first up assignment. He has drawn a little awkwardly in barrier 14 – but he does have a tremendous record fresh. Whatever he does this weekend he will be one to follow in the coming weeks. If he had drawn better, I could have put him on top here.
Niedorp (10) resumed at the Gold Coast a fortnight ago – the run was solid for this weekend – do not dismiss this Tony Gollan runner who will be ridden by Glen Boss.
The stablemate is Sugar Boom (6) who resumed on the same day on a track that did not suit her. She was very strong throughout and finished a commendable second. This weekend Hugh Bowman takes the ride and she will put some pace into the race that may suit some of these backmarkers like King of Hastings (4), Niedorp (10) and California Zimbol (2). Then again – she has proven in the past to be too quick and just ping to the front and run the opposition into the ground.
California Zimbol (2) is a Snowden Racing runner with James McDonald to ride. Has been mixing her form recently but with the speed on in this race, she could benefit and be flying home late.
The Astrologist (14) has had several gear changes – of note is the tongue tie going on. Trained by Leon & Troy Corstens with Ben Thompson to ride, he is not without a rough chance. He won a trial last week and looks forward enough to threaten this field.
Selections:
13 – Kylease
4 – King Of Hastings
1 – The Odyssey
10 – Niedorp
Rough chances – (2) California Zimbol (6) Sugar Boom (14) The Astrologist
Race 7 – 2021 – CHANNEL 7 DOOMBEN CUP (Group 1)
The feature race at Group 1 level. The first leg of the treble here.
Zaaki (5) was super impressive in the Hollindale on the Gold Coast when he cruised up and put the opposition to the sword. It is hard to go past him this weekend here with James McDonald riding again for Annabel Neasham. It appears there will be good speed in the race again so he will probably just sit in behind them and then unleash that powerful finish like he did on the Gold Coast – if he turns in another performance like that he will be winning the Group 1 Doomben Cup easily. They supported this runner late and backed him solidly into favourite – I am certain there will be the same support this weekend.
Sir Dragonet (1) from the Ciaron Maher & David Eustace stables has been a very consistent performer at Group 1 level. There is no doubting his credentials to win this race as well. He was excellent in the Queen Elizabeth last time out beaten around 1.6 lengths. Glen Boss to remain aboard and I think he looks the likely threat to the favourite.
Chris Waller Racing has a few runners here and I think Shared Ambition (7) is the best of them. Third in the Hollindale last time out – Jim Byrne to remain aboard – he could cause an upset.
The stable mate is Toffee Tongue (12) who will be ridden by Nash Rawiller. She could make it “sticky” for this field if she gets some luck in running. It is just sometimes she mixes her form and is hard to catch. But this weekend she is $21 and that is when she normally pops up with an unexpected win.
Mugatoo (2) trained by Kris Lees Racing and to be ridden by Hugh Bowman – a rough chance.
Selections:
5 – Zaaki
1 – Sir Dragonet
12 – Toffee Tongue
7 – Shared Ambition
Rough chances – (2) Mugatoo
Race 8 BRC SPRINT (Group 3)
Another wonderful race on the program. Just head down to the bottom of the field here for the chances for mine.
Skins (17) from the David Vandyke has drawn terrible in barrier 18 – if he had drawn a barrier, I think he would have been heavily supported and shorter in the markets. In saying that he is currently around the $6 mark. In his two runs from a spell he has stamped his authority all over them. He has been sent out at prohibitive odds each time and has got the job done. Vandyke has made no secrets about the ability of this son of Sepoy and I expect him to still run a bold race this weekend – Stephanie Thornton rides him, and she has won on him previously.
O’Dea & Hoysted train Wonderful Riri (15) who was very good behind Yamazaki (Race 5 – 3) in the Gold Coast Silk Stocking last time out. This mare continues to take up each challenge the stable sets her in her stride and just keeps trying every time she steps out onto the track. I think the race sets up nicely for her this weekend with Ben Thompson keeping his association with her (4 rides – 2 wins – 2 seconds). I really cannot see her not finishing in the placegetters this weekend – maybe a little side bet between Stephanie and Ben – who wins the race buys dinner!
Garibaldi (14) could not run-down Fender (13) last time out at Eagle Farm He stormed home, but Fender (13) had too much of a winning break on him on that day. Glen Boss takes over this weekend for Gollan Racing and I am certain that he will not get so far back this weekend – it looks a close battle between them again.
Brett Cavanough trains Fender (13) – he did draw well last start and got a fair bit of luck in the running. This weekend he has drawn wide and Michael Cahill replaces Hugh Bowman. He will need some luck from barrier 14, but I really think this four-year-old has some serious ability and to be tipping against him is probably stupidity. But let us see how he goes against this opposition – if he gets the job done and he can find his way into the Stradbroke he will get in with a light weight and could be the one to beat.
Axe (16) is on the quick back up from last weekend – not sure if he will be able to cross and dominate the running like he did last week from barrier 13 – but stays under notice.
Groundswell (8) won at Morphettville quite well last time out and Anthony & Sam Freedman continue to have success with their horses in QLD. Damian Lane retains the ride here – a rough chance – drawn well and will be given every possible from barrier 1.
Dragon Leap (7) is a kiwi runner – first run in QLD for Lance O’Sullivan & Andrew Scott – will need a run for mine and will probably be better for the effort and as he steps up in distances could win a race whilst he is here.
Selections:
17 – Skins
14 – Garibaldi
13 – Fender
15 – Wonderful Riri
Rough chances – (7) Dragon Leap & (8) Groundswell & (16) Axe
Race 9 The Roses (Group 2)
The last race – an extremely competitive field – who will get the ‘chocolates’ here?
Let’s just get something straight here – I think the Chris Waller Racing pair of Grace and Harmony (3) and Signora Nera (10) are the two to beat in a few weeks in the QLD Oaks 2021.
I just think that they will be doing their best work late here this weekend – and of course then they will be identified as being favourites for that race. They were both super in the Gold Coast Bracelet over 1800 metres. Both went to the line powerfully and giving every indication that they will again be difficult to run down here this weekend. Grace and Harmony (3) will be ridden by James McDonald again – she was given a perfect run last start and had the best luck in running and was just too good – plain and simple.
Signora Nera (10) will be ridden again by kiwi Opie Bosson this weekend. She has no luck in the running was back 14th at the 800 metres and slowly made ground to finish a gallant second to the stable mate. I think that she will probably find Doomben a little tight and she may get caught up in the running again, but I tell you what wait until she gets across the road at Eagle Farm for the QLD Oaks on the wide track – she will come right into her own.
These runners have a stable mate, Only Words (8), who finished third in the Gold Coast Bracelet – Waller Racing had the first three placegetter in that race – a quality trifecta! This weekend Craig Williams steps up and takes the reigns. She is syndicated by Star Thoroughbreds – a genuine contender and the crowd will go wild in the grandstand if she can post a win in this Group 2 event.
In saying all of that I have tipped the Mark Newnham trained Bargain (2) here. Like who doesn’t like a bargain! She has been very consistent in Group races in recent weeks in Sydney and raced well in the ATC Oaks (Group 1) last start when narrowly beaten by Hungry Heart. That is good form for this race – she has drawn perfectly in barrier 3 and Joshua Parr will ride her. She has had a solid barrier trial late last week at Randwick – I think she is the one to beat here.
Gollan Racing has Good Soize (6) in the race. She gets back as well and storms home. Again, come QLD Oaks day across the road she will be a serious contender – for this weekend she will need some luck – but she is a classy filly and Ryan Maloney will ensure she gets a good run in transit.
Selections:
2 – Bargain
3 – Grace and Harmony
10 – Signora Nera
6 – Good Soize
Rough chances – (8) Only Words
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Jockey’s Challenge
Looks like it will be a tough challenge between several jockeys – James McDonald, Craig Williams, Hugh Bowman and local Stephanie Thornton – maybe something on Hugh Bowman this weekend.
Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5)
2,6,12 / 1,5,6,7 / 2,5,14 / 1,3,4 - cost is $108 to $1
Value Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5)
6,12 / 5,6,7 / 2,5 / 1,4 - cost is $24 to $1
Quaddie (races 6 to 9)
1,4,6,13 / 1,5,12 / 13,14,15,17 / 2,3,10 - cost is $144 to $1
Value Quaddie (races 6 to 9)
1,4,13 / 1,5 / 13,14,17 / 2,3 - cost is $36 to $1
Treble (races 7 to 9)
1,5,12 / 13,14,15,17 / 2,3,10 - cost is $36to $1
WINNO V FLEMO
WINNO got FLEMO last weekend in our tipping competition – it was a drubbing – as he was busy in the theatres with his wife assisting her bringing their son into the world! He is back this weekend – I will try and go easy on him. State of Origin is looming – I assume he will be beating his chest soon with that awful phrase that I despise – “QUEENSLANDER”!
Be sure to check Facebook on Saturday morning for our updated information where I will post our selections and any late mail!
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