WINNO'S WINNERS: GOLD COAST, JANUARY 8, 2022

By Darren Winningham | Friday, January 7, 2022

This weekend we are on the scenic GOLD COAST at the AQUIS track at Bundall … now just one week away from the 2022 MAGIC MILLIONS!

The track is rated “soft” and the rail is in the true position for the entire track. With more rain forecast– we will be racing on a wet track.

Earlier in the week controversy around Novak Djokovic – will he or wont he play – who cares for mine! I suppose the real challenges lie in the coming months with COVD-19 and the management of the disease. We all know it thrives in winter – it seems to rapidly escalate. Just look at the latest numbers in the USA and Europe.

The challenges will be for sporting bodies like the NRL and AFL. Firstly, the player and staff and match official protocols. Then the challenges of playing in front of depleted crowds – empty stadiums. I wonder whether you will risk your family in attending a match in person – rather than staying at home on the lounge in a safe hopefully COVID free environment.

There are many challenges in front of us.

One thing for sure is regardless of your beliefs the data suggests that if you are vaccinated – the symptoms and hospitalisation rates are reduced.

Well on that sombre note, it is 2022 – stay safe everyone – and let’s get some cash at this meeting!

NB: As these selections were made prior to raceday please check for any changes to track conditions and for any scratchings on the day.
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Race 1

A nice race to start off the day.

Gollan Racing combines with Jim Byrne with Frosty Mango (3). This filly resumed on Boxing Day at Doomben and was storming home at the end of 1050 metres. Given the extra distance and that she has had a look previously at this track I think she is great value at the $5 mark to get the job done here.

Starman (1) is from the Chris Waller stables. Will be ridden by Nash Rawiller. This runner hasn’t raced on a wet track. However, has always trialled well on soft surfaces – he will do okay on this track for mine. He last raced over 1400 metres at Rosehill – second up. I think he is better served over 1200 metres and he gets that distance this weekend. Nash will probably sit in behind the speed early – I think that his fitness will test these other more fancied runners here late.

Manhood (9), trained here by Michael Costa, won on debut in maiden company on a soft track over 1100 metres. Ben Thompson will ride him this weekend – there has been an avalanche of money for this runner since the markets have opened – the stable rarely miss when they back them so you must respect the move in the market. Just second up - against some more seasoned runners - I am willing to gamble against him.

Selections:

3 – Frosty Mango
1 – Starman
9 – Manhood
2 – Shajaea

Race 2 Magic Millions Country Cup

Michael Costa has Sir Rocket (2) in the race – trained on the track – a short-priced favourite as well. Is undefeated in two starts here – undefeated on slow tracks – 3 from 3 – ticks a few boxes. Ryan Maloney will ride.

Getyourgreyon (5) has a good record on heavy tracks and has a few wins on this Gold Coast circuit. Trained now by Kevin Kemp who has booked Brett Prebble to ride this gelding. He was solid last time out at Warwick – I just think if the track gets into that heavy range, he may be the one to be on here.

Star Of O’Reilly (3) is trained in North QLD by Todd Austin – Jim Byrne to ride. Has a solid record over 1200 metres and has a nearly unblemished record in soft going. He got too far back last time out as favourite at Townsville and stormed home late to be beaten under a length in a blanket finish. Will look at this Gold Coast track for the very first time this weekend.

Only Wanna Sing (1) is another North QLD raider – trained by Jared Whelow. This runner loves to ping the gates and lead. Looks the likely leader from barrier 5 with Nash Rawiller to ride. Has won on soft and heavy surfaces. The weight is my only concern; however, he does have an impressive record – 45 starts for 13 wins and 12 placings.

Selections:

2 – Sir Rocket
5 – Getyourgreyon
3 – Star Of O’Reilly
1 – Only Wanna Sing

Race 3 AQUIS GOLD NUGGET

Two-year-old runners here the male version – the last chance to make the field for the Magic Millions 2022.

John O’Shea trains Hell I Am (8) – maybe a topical tip for the hell we are going through with all these COVID-19 cases in QLD presently! Nash Rawiller rides this colt for the first time. He finished off the race strongly in the Wyong Magic Millions race in December over 1100 metres. That effort would suggest that the longer distance here will be suitable.

Victorian runner Stupendo (1) is trained by Danny O’Brien and Craig Williams will ride. He rode this colt on debut when he won impressively at Flemington. If he handles the going, he should be very competitive here.

Swiss Exile (3) is trained by Annabel Neasham. Ryan Maloney goes on this week – a massive gear change for mine with the blinkers going on here. I think that he is crying out for the 1200 metres and his run recently behind Coolangatta was solid. He comes here looking to win to stake his claim for the big dance next weekend – he will be super competitive.

Narnia (9) is his stable mate – Jim Byrne will ride here. This runner was fair on debut. He has the addition of blinkers – just think there is some room for improvement this weekend. Could get an upset result here.

Selections:

8 – Hell I Am
3 – Swiss Exile
1– Stupendo
9 – Narnia

Race 4 AQUIS GOLD PEARL

Two-year-old runners here the female version – the last chance to make the field for the Magic Millions 2022.

Snowden Racing rarely miss when they send a runner to QLD. Miss Hellfire (4) has the lugging bit and blinkers going on here for her second career start after a solid effort when making her debut at Wyong in the Magic Millions. She ran second behind Soaring Ambition there.

Exo Lady (1) the local sensation who is trained by Desleigh Forster and will be ridden again by Jim Byrne. They are looking to notch up four career wins from four starts here. She has been very impressive – I really should not be knocking her form – but maybe barrier 14 may be a sticking point this weekend. However, last start she was ridden off a scorching pass and Byrne brought her with a well-timed run to slay the opposition. She will handle the soft going – they will probably take her on this weekend – maybe if she gets out to silly odds, she can be backed with confidence each way.

Honey Pot (11) is a Gollan Racing runner. Did everything wrong on debut and still somehow managed to fly home to be beaten by just 0.6 lengths. I think she will handle a wet track -Ryan Maloney has the ride. Despite drawing wide – I think she will get the perfect trail into the race.

Perfect Mission (2), trained on the track by Michael Costa, has won here on a soft track. Andrew Mallyon will ride – could be value – keep safe.

Uncorked (3) is trained by Waterhouse & Bott – two starts – two second placings. Has drawn well in barrier 4 – looks the likely leader here as well. I think she has done this in the past with her two-year old’s – putting blinkers on them and then they throw in an above average performance. Look for a big effort here.

Selections:

4 – Miss Hellfire
1 – Exo Lady
11 – Honey Pot
3 – Uncorked
Rough chance – (2) Perfect Mission

Race 5

Tough race – play carefully – Class 4 over 1300 metres for the girls.

Lady Banff (4), trained by Matthew Dunn, has had two runs under her belt and is third up here this weekend with Baylee Nothdurft to ride. She has performed well on wet tracks and I just think maybe ridden handy and close to the speed from barrier 4 this weekend, she may pop up at a nice price and cause an upset. Heavy tracks will not bother this mare.

Kris Lees and Stephanie Thornton combine with Miss In Charge (11) who is second up here. Loves the mud – in fact the heavier it is the better she will perform. She is down in the weights and faces her biggest challenge to date, but she looks well placed and must be kept safe – I like the odds of $21 each way – my best each way roughie for the day!

Boomnova (3) trained by Chris Munce will be ridden by Boris Thornton. She was very good last time out at Doomben when beaten in the final stride. She does have to race an extra 100 metres this weekend. She has failed on a heavy track here last year, but he has won here.

She Can Sing (1) is a Michael Costa runner who has a wonderful strike rate with four wins from seven starts. She has always shown a ton of ability and has had two barrier trials in preparation for her resumption to racing here this weekend. Has won on soft ground – I just have some reservations of her chances first up if the track gets into the heavy range. She has a large weight and I am concerned about the wide barrier.

Lady Of Luxury (2) is trained by Bjorn Baker – he has a knack of getting wins over this Carnival each year. She won last time out on Boxing Day at Randwick on a good track and was heavily supported late. She will get a nice trail into the race here this weekend with some speed engaged.

Selections:

11 – Miss In Charge
4 – Lady Banff
2 – Lady Of Luxury
1 – She Can Sing
Rough chance – (3) Boomnova

Race 6

First leg of the Quaddie. Another tough race – Class 4 over 1300 metres for the boys.

Head Legislator (6) is trained by Matthew Dunn will be ridden by Nash Rawiller here. Loves wet tracks and looks ideally placed here this weekend. He resumed at Wyong – flew home late after being well backed in the markets – I expect him to strip fitter for that effort and he should be ready to win this weekend.

Yardstick (9) is also second up and similarly can show improvement on his first up run. He will be ridden by Brett Prebble.

Palladas (5) is third up here for Tony Gollan Racing. Was defeated by his stable mate last time out – Mass Destruction (race 9 number 7). Is second up here and should get a nice run with some speed in the race.

The Ritz (1) resumed in the Falvelon. Loves his home track where he has 2 wins from 2 starts. He was outclassed first up – drops in grade and back to his own age group with Ben Thompson aboard. I think there will be a marked improvement this weekend – if they back this runner – follow the money!

Les Ross trains Mishani Fraudster (4) who also loves a wet track – keep in mind if the track deteriorates – Jackson “Wack” Morris has had a great run of success recently on these horses.

Selections:

6 – Head Legislator
9– Yardstick
5 – Palladas
1 – The Ritz
Rough chance – (4) Mishani Fraudster

Race 7 THE TAB WAVE

The feature race on the program today over 1800 metres for three-year-old runners.

This is a tough race – I can make a case for at least 8 runners.

I like the Chris Waller Racing trained Lord Ardmore (1) who enjoys wet going and will have Brett Prebble riding. This gelding I thought was unluckily beaten in the shadows of the post last time out at Randwick over 2000 metres. Before that he was dominant leading on a heavy track at Rosehill and ran the opposition into the ground. I think he just rolls along here and wins!

The stablemate is Wheelhouse (4) – can he quinella the race for Waller Racing? He has had a few runs now since resuming – has solid heavy track form – Larry Cassidy will ride here this weekend. I just have a sneaky suspicion that this distance is what he has been looking for.

Love Tap (3) is trained by Richard & Michael Freedman. Just mixes his form for mine – does like soft going, but I think he may be tested if the track gets into that heavy range. Nash Rawiller has a tremendous record on him with 3 wins from 6 rides. He has been racing in some high-quality races and comes back to his own age and with the weight scales here gets in well.

Starelle (9) is a mare trained in Victoria by Danny O’Brien – Craig Williams will ride her here. She drops back in grade as well this weekend compared to some races she has been racing very well in recently in Victoria. She has performed well on wet tracks without winning. She will race midfield here this weekend and will be powering home late.

Tamilaide (5) is trained on the track by Les Kelly – Ben Thompson will resume his association with this gelding after winning the Grafton Guineas in July on him. He has been disappointing since resuming from a spell. In saying that he has not finished out of the money in all three starts. He generally requires a fair bit of luck in the running as he gets back in his races and must finish off. He does get solid speed in the race this weekend that will enhance his chances. He has never been out of a place in six starts on soft and heavy tracks. Trained here – he represents a great each way chance.

Desleigh Forster trains See Marie (12). She was unlucky last time out being unable to hold off a late finish from Dzsenifer. I have always had an opinion of this mare and expect that she will continue to improve as the races get longer.

Selections:

1 – Lord Ardmore
9 – Starelle
3 – Love Tap
4 – Wheelhouse
Rough chance – (5) Tamilaide & (12) See Marie

Race 8

A sprint over 900 metres. They will go lickety-split here.

I like Racecourse Road (3) here over this short distance with a wet track. He thrives early on in his preparations and he loves wet tracks. He won a trial a month ago on a soft track – has won here and loves the Gold Coast track and wet conditions. Kelly Schweida will be hoping he returns to racing with a BANG and gets the cash here.

King Klaus (5) – you just can never leave this gelding out. Trained by Gary Clem and Jason Taylor to ride him here – he thrives on wet tracks as well and he does not often finish out of the money when he goes around. Barrier 11 is of some concern for me as he normally pings the gates and likes to lead.

The Move will be ridden by Stephanie Thornton and resumes after a short let up. He won a recent barrier trial.

Remlaps Gem (10) is trained by Scott Singleton and has a 100% record over this distance with 3 wins for the 3 starts. Brett Prebble takes the ride for the first time. He resumes at Randwick with a monster weight. He is down on the minimum here this weekend and looks a great knock out chance.

Selections:

3 – Racecourse Road
5 – King Klaus
6 – The Move
10 – Remlaps Gem

Race 9

The last race – on a massive day of racing – let us hope we get to the last race and the rain stays away!

This is a tough way to end the day as well – multiple chances here.

Tony Gollan Racing is well represented with Mass Destruction (7) and Glitter Strip (14).

Mass Destruction (7) won well last time out with an 11 out of 10 ride from James McDonald. He does like soft tracks and will be ridden by Ryan Maloney this weekend. If he gets speed on in the race he will be flying home late.

Glitter Strip (14) is the stable mate and will be ridden by Ben Thompson. She is third up here and will need some luck on this track. She does get back in her racing generally and then runs home late – there is solid speed here, so I expect there are no excuses for her this weekend.

I like the local runner – Sea Raider (6) - trained on the track by John Gilmore and will be ridden by Noel “The King” Callow – who is certainly the KING of this Gold Coast track in recent months! This runner just loves wet tracks – in fact the heavier the better. If the track is carved up and the rain continues, I expect that the $16 on offer will not last. Hus recent efforts have all been over shorter distances. I think that he performs his best at 1400 metres – he gets that distance here this weekend.

The mudlark in the race is by far is the Grafton runner Swantson (16) trained by Greg Kilner and to be ridden by his daughter Leah Kilner. Could it be a family win in the last race? This gelding was good winning two starts ago at Doomben on a heavy track. Since then he has stepped out at Doomben on a soft track and ran another tremendous race. He is down in the weights, can be ridden conservatively from the wide gate and could pester these more favoured runners late.

Cracker Essgee (15) ran a bold race first up – then went around over 1600 metres last start. I think back in distance suits him – he has solid soft track form and Jake Bayliss remains in the saddle for local trainer Michael Costa.

Selections:

6 – Sea Raider
7– Mass Destruction
14 – Glitter Strip
16 – Swantson
Rough chance – (15) Cracker Essgee
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Jockey’s Challenge

It looks a tough day, and all will depend on what horses end up taking their places in the fields after final scratchings on this wet track. However, Jim Byrne, Nash Rawiller, Ryan Maloney, Ben Thompson, and Brett Prebble all have some nice rides. Maybe something on both Nash and Ryan may see you get a nice result.

Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5)

1,2,3,5 / 1,3,8 / 1,3,4,11 /1,2,3,4,11 - cost is $240 to $1

Value Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5)

2,5 / 3,8 / 1,4,11 / 2,4,11 - cost is $36 to $1

Quaddie (races 6 to 9)

1,5,6,9 / 1,3,4,9,12 / 3,5,6,10 / 6,7,14,16 -cost is $320 to $1

Value Quaddie (races 6 to 9)

5,6,9 / 1,3,9 / 3,5,6 / 6,7,14 - cost is $81 to $1

Treble (races 7 to 9)

1,3,4,9,12 / 3,5,6,10 / 6,7,14,16 - cost is $80 to $1

WINNO V FLEMO

FLEMO is on holidays. I will find someone to take on this weekend! Be sure to check the up to date and amended tips each Saturday morning on Facebook after any track changes and scratching where I will post our selections and any late mail!

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