WINNO'S WINNERS: GOLD COAST, JANUARY 15, 2022
By Darren Winningham | Friday, January 14, 2022
This weekend it is the 2022 MAGIC MILLIONS DAY, probably the one of the best days of racing on the QLD calendar! The track is rated “SOFT”. The rail is out 1.5 metres from the 900 metres to the 400 metres then in the true position for the entire track. I think we may get an upgrade – the weather looks great for the remainder of the week and the Gold Coast course manager always seems to get this track in tip top condition for these massive meetings.
Straight into it.
NB: As these selections were made prior to raceday please check for any changes to track conditions and for any scratchings on the day.
Race 1
A tough race to start off the day – the maiden – this is always a hard affair. Normally the one they come for on race day is the one to follow – so follow any market moves on the day or in the lead up to the race.
Snowden Racing always seem to get their runners to peak for this race each year. They are well represented with Devil’s Throat (6), to be ridden by James McDonald, and Warmth (9), to be ridden by Tommy Berry. Both runners are resuming here.
Devil’s Throat (6) has drawn out in Main Beach – well barrier 20! Will need all JMAC’s magic to get him home. He resumes from a 20-week spell. Has had two solid trials and been placed in both. If he had drawn a barrier, I expect he would be a short-priced favourite for this race.
Warmth (9) is drawn better in barrier 3. This runner comes off a 19-week spell – has had three trials – two of which he has won. The only concern I have here is that she seems not to be strong at the finish in her races. I think she may struggle at the 1200 metres – then again, I may be wrong – but I am willing to gamble against her here at the short price.
Chart Buster (2) is big odds for Ben & JD Hayes and will be ridden by Jake Noonan. He resumes here, however, has won a trial on the track on the January 4. The fact that he has been on the Gold Coast for a lengthy period – has had a look at the track – my just play in his favour. His form has been good, and he has been sent out favourite a few times and been unlucky in running – maybe he can shine here. He also has blinkers for the first time. I am not one for sentiment and for omens – but he does have “Buster” in his name – my beagle was named “Buster” and he always would give 110% in everything he did – so I am hoping this is a sign!
Jackson on Time (3) is trained here by Scott Morrisey and has been running in Listed races. Forget the last start effort on the heavy track – the track was his kryptonite. Jim Byrne will ride him again here – drawn okay – a rough chance.
Caratie (11) has had a four week freshen up. Has the blinker going on as well. Trained by John O’Shea and will be ridden by Kerrin McEvoy. Her three runs have always been good – placed in all three – yet again she has raced at 1250 metres and 1300 metres – again seems to get found out late. The blinkers go on here.
Island Magic (14) is trained by Gollan Racing – Ben Thompson to ride. She has had two strong seconds in her two-run career. The blinkers go on here this weekend. Silly odds for mine are on offer $31. She is drawn well – I think she is a wonderful each way chance.
Selections:
2 – Chart Buster
14 – Island Magic
6 – Devil’s Throat
2 – Jackson On Time
Rough chance – (9) Warmth & (11) Caratie
Race 2 Magic Millions Open
Solid field over 1800 metres. Some of these are backing up from last weekend.
Wheelhouse (2) is one of the three Chris Waller Racing runners. He won here last weekend defeating Dzsenifer (6) – looks like it may be a similar result this weekend. He went to the line strong – Tommy Berry takes the ride this weekend.
Dzsenifer (6) hit the front last week and was run down late by the winner. This weekend Ben Thompson meets that winner 1 kilogram better for that narrow defeat.
Waller trains Bigboyroy (5) who looks the likely leader with Kerrin McEvoy in the saddle. He is fourth up here and I think the longer distance will be good for him. If McEvoy can get away with some cheap sectionals in front, he could hold them all off late.
Reloaded (1) is the other Waller runner – he ran home late last time out at Doomben over the mile. He has won at this distance and despite the weight he may run a bold race.
Becandleni (8) is trained on the track by Les Kelly. Two starts ago he won over this distance at the Sunshine Coast. Then he went around over 2000 metres at Doomben and just seemed to not run out the distance late. Back in distance and down in the weights I expect him to run a bold race at massive odds – Craig Williams has the mount.
Selections:
2 – Wheelhouse
6 – Dzsenifer
5 – Bigboyroy
8 – Becandleni
Rough chance – (1) Reloaded
Race 3 MAGIC MILLIONS TROPHY
Bjorn Baker is well represented here with Parry Sound (1) and Fun Fact (3).
Parry Sound (1) is a last start winner leading all the way at Randwick in the Group 2 Summer Cup over 2000 metres. He sprinted well late and looks well placed here – James McDonald will ride.
Fun Fact (3) is the stable mate. Probably gets a nice trail behind the likely leader Navy Cross (4). Is on the quick back up after racing last weekend at Rosehill. He is just one of those horses that can just turn up on the day and slay his opposition. Brock Ryan will ride this weekend.
Outlandos (5) is trained by John Sargeant and is fourth up this preparation. He is down on the minimum with Tommy Berry in the saddle. I think that he will be at his peak for this run – this race normally has an upset result – I just hope I have picked the correct one in this race – around $10 is on offer.
Wapiti (2) steps up to 2400 metres for the first time. I think he gets a nice chance to run it out strong late with the speed in this race. He always races handy and puts in a good performance – Taylor Marshall will ride him again.
Selections:
5 – Outlandos
2 – Wapiti
3 – Fun Fact
1 – Parry Sound
Race 4 TAB MAGIC MILLIONS FILLIES & MARES
A nice even race here – maybe some value as well.
I do like my history as well – see last year Krone (1) beat Snapdancer (7). On that occasion Krone (1) was a big price and Snapdancer (7) was a heavily backed favourite and ran home strongly and ran third.
I think that we will see the Tony Gollan trained Krone (1) win this race. Her first up effort at Doomben in the Listed Nudgee was superb. This weekend Tim Clark goes back on her – go back to her wins last preparation at Group 1 and Group 2 level she looks ideally placed here this weekend - $7 each way for me will do! I think the 1300 metres will also enhance her chances.
The stable mate is Salateen (5) who has been amazing winning her past two starts in wonderful fashion. Ryan Maloney will ride her this weekend. She got to the line very strongly last time when she won the Listed Nudgee – I think the extra distance will be no drama – just some concerns with her winning records as he has won most at Doomben – she looks at the Gold Coast for the first time this weekend.
Chris Waller Racing has Kiku (3) and Brookspire (8) in the race. Kiku (3) resumed and flew home in the Buffering at Doomben. She has a tremendous second up record with 2 wins and 2 thirds – Nash Rawiller takes the reigns this weekend and he will be getting the best out of her late.
Brookspire (8) is the stable mate to be ridden by Kerrin McEvoy. She won at Randwick two starts ago over 1400 metres and then ran at Gosford in the Belle of the Turf over a mile. I think the distance was too long for her and the drop back in distance this weekend should ensure she is strong at the finish.
Snapdancer (7) is a Ciaron Maher & David Eustace trained runner. She resumed in the Listed Razor Sharp at Randwick and ran a strong second. She has since travelled to the Gold Coast and has a trial – she wasn’t asked to do much in that trial. Thirty-five days since her last run – the freshen up will assist her and James McDonald has the ride. Keep safe.
Lady of Luxury (10) won here last weekend for Bjorn Baker. She has won her past two starts – winning form is great form, and she drops in weight. Is up in class, however, but she was very good surging to the line last weekend. Craig Williams has retained the ride.
Selections:
1 – Krone
3 – Kiku
8 – Brookspire
5 – Salateen
Rough chance – (7) Snapdancer & (10) Lady of Luxury
Race 5 It’s Live in QLD Magic Millions Snippets
Tough race – play carefully.
Tony Gollan has some solid chances here in Baller (2) and Isotope (14).
Baller (2) will be ridden by Tommy Berry. He showed some real “balls” last time out and was unlucky being run down in the final stride by Roheryn (3). This runner won the Newmarket here back in May last year. On that occasion he got the rails run and slayed the opposition. I think that he is right in this race this weekend.
Isotope (14) resumes here. Ryan Maloney will ride. Twelve months ago, she was the heavily backed favourite here in the Magic Millions Guineas when she lost the rider. She resumes from a 39-week spell here. She will be tough to beat – just I would have liked her to have had a run prior to resuming in this race – her fitness may be found out late. In saying that - down in the weights - she gets in nicely into this race.
Roheryn (3) is trained by James Cummings – Godolphin. Won at Doomben last start. This son of Lonhro will race handy on the speed and Nash Rawiller keeps the ride. Should get a nice run again here this weekend.
Superium (5) is trained by Team Hawkes. Hugh Bowman will ride him here at $21 as well. This runner has a striking first up record. The faster they go here the faster this runner will get home late. He has two recent trials – the latest he won at Rosehill. This runner could cause a major upset here.
Away Game (6) comes off a solid second when resuming at Caulfield at Listed level. She did win the 2020 Magic Millions Classic – could cause an upset – James McDonald will ride her for Maher & Eustace. She is the short price favourite, but I think she may struggle here against this field.
Blondeau (11) is trained by Chris Waller and will be sent out at $61. He resumed at Doomben on Boxing Day on the heavy track. He looked like he needed the run - has won twice second up and Jason Collett will ride. Could be an upset result here if gets any luck in the running.
Selections:
2 – Baller
5 – Superium
3 – Roheryn
6 – Away Game
Rough chances – (11) Blondeau & (14) Isotope
Race 6 Magic Millions Cup
First leg of the Quaddie this weekend. A Class 6 race over 1400 metres.
I like the Chris Waller Racing runner Nudge (7) this weekend after a super return to racing at Doomben in the Nudgee two weeks ago. She came from an impossible position on the turn – 13th and flashed home to run an excellent third beaten just 1.8 lengths. That was on a heavy track – which is not really her go. James McDonald is in the saddle this weekend – a good second up record – hopefully she can get the job done here.
Oscar Zulu (11) is the stable mate. Kerrin McEvoy will ride, and he won on him last time out at Randwick at a big price over 1400 metres. He is down in the weights and that will assist his chances here. He has a good strike rate as well with 16 career starts for 6 wins – he could be a serious blow out chance at around $21.
Eleven Eleven (4) loves this track and Magic Million’s day each year. Greg Hickman just seems to get him to peak on this day. He resumed winning the WARRA at Kembla Grange and then didn’t fire at Randwick last time out. Not sure what the issue was – however, he has had a solid barrier trial since and comes here off a four week freshen up. If there is speed in this race, he will be very difficult to hold out. Hugh Bowman will ride this runner for the first time.
Apache Chase (2) produced an excellent run last start on a heavy track when defeated by Kementari (1). He is not known for racing on heavy tracks, and I do not believe that you should write him off here. This race has always been his summer grand final and Desleigh Forster will have him cherry ripe for this race – Jim Byrne will ride again.
Ballistic Boy (5) resumed with a solid effort in the Tatts Recognition when defeated by Tambo’s Mate. That race has been a great form race. He has never won on the Gold Coast circuit - however, his second up record is very good. I think with the speed on and given any luck in the straight he will be bursting through late. Chris Anderson has booked Brad Stewart for the ride. History will tell you that Stewart seems to get the best out of this runner with 8 rides for 4 wins and 3 placings.
Holyfield (17) from the Annabel Neasham yards could be another one at huge odds to cause an upset here. He will probably race a few pairs back from barrier 3. Tim Clark will ride him. He has a superb record at this distance with four wins. I think that he is great odds as well with $21 on offer.
Play wide here – I think it could be a massive trifecta and first four dividend.
Selections:
7 – Nudge
4 – Eleven Eleven
2 – Apache Chase
5 – Ballistic Boy
Rough chances – (1) Kementari - (11) Oscar Zulu – (17) Holyfield
Race 7 THE STAR MAGIC MILLIONS 2-YEAR-OLD CLASSIC
The feature race on the program today over 1200 metres.
I am going to start with controversy – Coolangatta (9) cannot win!
Just get the statement over and done with – possible huge EGG on my face! Trained by Ciaron Maher & David Eustace the filly is undefeated in all two starts and is the pre post favourite for the Golden Slipper. Barrier 13 is no drama for mine she will get a nice cosy trail into the race – probably no further than 3 pairs back in the running with James McDonald ready to push the button when he thinks it is time to go. She has been the best performed in the lead up – deserves the title of favourite – I just think I may have another filly to beat her here this weekend – keep reading punters!
Mishani Spartan (4) was superb winning a lead up race last weekend. Came from last on the turn and went away from the others storming along the inside part of the track where most seemed to avoid. This runner is trainer by Les Ross and long-term client Mike Crooks. I think has a real live chance in winning this race. Jackson “Wack” Morris has the ride. Last week’s effort was eye catching – was the track the key factor or was it raw ability – we will find out this weekend!
Golden Artie (5) is trained by Bryan and Daniel Guy. Wonderful effort last time out defeating Soaring Ambition (10) in a stirring finish. Ben Thompson has always had a wrap on this bloke – I think he will be up and about Friday night and Saturday morning doing a rain dance – I think he will be best suited if the track is rain affected. I just hope that he wins and doesn’t get beaten be a nose – otherwise Mr Guy will never talk to WINNO again!
Let’s move on to Soaring Ambition (10) trained by Annabel Neasham – will be ridden by Tommy Berry again this weekend. Barrier 20 – let me start there – not ideal in a race like this – but Berry magic maybe can get her in a few pairs back. If she gets in and gets a nice transit she is the one to beat for mine! The price is ludicrous at $16 in some markets. She was sent out favourite last time at Doomben and yes, she was beaten by the narrowest of margins. But she had to be steadied – she shifted out – I do not think that she enjoyed the heavy going at any stage in the race. I can make many excuses for her. I think also just she may have needed an extra run since winning the Wyong Magic Millions on debut. Okay – if she gets any luck from the barrier – I just think she could be the testing material for the favourite. Those who disagree – get your eggs ready – I am happy to apologise.
Russian Conquest (11) is a Snowden Racing runner who is also undefeated in two career starts. She has drawn very well in barrier 4 and will be given the run of the race by Kerrin McEvoy – he knows what it takes to win this race! Last time out at Randwick she put the opposition to the sword storming away from them to win by 3.17 lengths. The 1200 will be no drama – she will be strong to the line – keep safe and do not underestimate her chances.
Snitcat (15) is trained by Gary Portelli and was the only runner making ground on Russian Conquest (11) last start when finishing second. Jason Collett will ride from barrier 2 – look for her to balance up out of the gates and just race a little more forward this weekend. You do not want to be too far back. They usually go hard in this race each year.
Selections:
10 – Soaring Ambition
9 – Coolangatta
11 – Russian Conquest
15 – Snitcat
Rough chances – (4) Mishani Spartan & (5) Golden Artie
Race 8 MAGIC MILLIONS 3YO GUINEAS
This race has drawn a massive field.
Indiscreetly (14) from the Danny Bougoure yards has taken all challenges before her since her debut win. She has now posted three consecutive wins. She has drawn barrier 18 against some more seasoned runners with some impressive records, but she just seems to ping the gates and keep going. She is going to be out in front for a long way – Georgina Cartwright will be looking for her biggest win on this horse I think (maybe in prizemoney) any way if she can win on this filly.
King Of Sparta (3) is the one to beat for mine. Will be ridden by Nash Rawiller. Trained to the minute by Snowden Racing this gelding maps well in the running from barrier 13. He was luckless in the Gosford Guineas first up and, despite an average second up record, I think that he could post a win here. Snowden will be looking for consecutive wins in this race after Aim caused a boilover in this race last year.
Edmonds Racing has their superstar Me Me Lagarde (11) in the race – owned and bred by Gerry Harvey. The question is if she wins this race will he shout the patrons at the bar like John Singleton used to do!
This filly has been sensational since resuming from a spell. Two very imposing wins and despite barrier 23 - I think she gets back – the speed will be on with Indiscreetly (14) engaged and going hard in front. Robbie Fradd will ride her again and she will definitely need some luck in the straight – but she should be thereabouts when the judge calls a halt to the race.
Starman (6) won here last weekend – to be fair it looked like a barrier trial and he just blew out the cobwebs - the win was that impressive. He does have to step up to 1400 metres but that should not be any concern on the effort last weekend. He seems to have done well since coming to QLD – James McDonald, who will ride him here has ridden him to his only two other career wins.
Shihonka (13) is a Waterhouse & Bott runner who I think resented the heavy track last time out. No knock on that effort – back on top of the ground here she will strip fitter and may just cause an upset. Tim Clark has an unblemished record on the filly – never being out of the money on her in five starts – 5 rides – 3 wins – 2 placings.
Selections:
3 – King Of Sparta
11 – Me Me Lagarde
6 - Starman
13 – Shihonka
Rough chances – (14) Indiscreetly
Race 9 RACING QLD MAGIC MILLIONS
This is a tough way to end the day as well – multiple chances here. There is some solid speed and that normally means that a swooper will be you best option in this race.
Lady of Banff (13) was unlucky last weekend going down in the final stride when defeated by Lady Of Luxury (race 4 – number 10). Same distance this weekend on a better track – down in the weights as well with Jason Collett to ride for Matthew Dunn Racing – could be nice value here to go home with a winner.
Wisdom Of Water (3) has a superb record at this track with three wins to his name. Annabel Neasham combines with Rachel King here in the last – can the girls get the job done in the last race? He won a month ago at Wyong in a lead up race and has been kept fresh for this assignment. My spies tell me he has been working well on the track as well. Has drawn a little awkwardly in barrier 14. Just needs to get in and get a nice trail and he will be right in the finish.
Miami Fleiss (4) gives Tony Gollan a nice chance to finish off the day on a high. She has had her races spaced out. Last time out put a pen through that effort on a heavy track – that is not her go. She has won here previously and will enjoy the speed on in front and will sprint well late.
Dr Why Not (8) – what a wonderful story about jockey and horse. If you haven’t read the article on Michael Murphy (jockey) and this gelding trained by Lindsay Gough make sure you look it up on the HRO web page. This runner sat in behind them off the speed last time out at Doomben and belted them. Michael was jubilant going across the line waving his whip, standing up in the irons – amazing scenes! The stewards didn’t fine him on that occasion – if he can get the job done this weekend he will be celebrating and I think with the massive prizemoney on offer he will gladly pay the fine that the stewards may throw at him this week! Good luck Michael – it will be a dream come true if you can win this race!
I cannot leave out my old mate The Odyssey (1) trained by Kelly Schweida. I think he gets the perfect conditions this weekend – speed on – 1300 metres – third up and he loves this track. I think he races now like a 1400 metres horse and he can settle and let down late. Brad Stewart will ride for the good bunch of owners – he is a great each way chance.
Selections:
13 – Lady Banff
3 – Wisdom Of Water
8 – Dr Why Not
4 – Miami Fleiss
Rough chance – (1) The Odyssey & (2) Chapter and Verse
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Jockey’s Challenge
It looks a battle royal between Tommy Berry and James McDonald – they each have a nice book of rides. I am going for Tommy to just pip James here.
Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5)
2,5,6,8 / 1,2,3,5 / 1,3,5,7,8 / 2,3,5,6,14 - cost is $400 to $1
Value Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5)
2,5,6 / 2,3,5 / 1,3,8 / 2,3,5 - cost is $81 to $1
Quaddie (races 6 to 9)
2,4,5,7,11 / 4,9,10,11 / 3,6,11,13 / 1,3,4,8,13 - cost is $400 to $1
Value Quaddie (races 6 to 9)
2,4,7 / 9,10,11 / 3,6,11 / 3,4,13 - cost is $81 to $1
Treble (races 7 to 9)
4,9,10,11 / 3,6,11,13 / 1,3,4,8,13 - cost is $80 to $1
WINNO V FLEMO
The battle resumes this weekend with WINNO and FLEMO. The QLDer has come out of hiding to face the music on Magic Millions Day – welcome back champion. Just a word of warning for you all – he seems to go well fresh up from a spell. 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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