WINNO'S WINNERS: DOOMBEN, APRIL 23

By Darren Winningham | Thursday, April 21, 2022

Doomben this weekend with the track rated ‘soft.’ A warm weekend forecast – the track may improve. The rail is out 5.5 metres for the entire track.

The Sydney trainers and jockeys have made their way north looking for the warmer weather and the dry tracks. Last weekend was the first weekend where I expected Sydney trainers to win their fair share of races over the coming few months. Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou brought three runners to Eagle Farm and walked away with three wins!

Today will be mixed emotions for me at the track – it would have been Buster’s (my beagle) thirteenth birthday. Tradition has it that we spend the day at the beach – get a pamper – well a doggy spa that included a bath, mud pack treatment and his nails done on the way home and then plenty of treats and cuddles throughout the day from family and friends. My routine has been broken for the first time in thirteen years – the races would have had to be put aside as he always came first.

Buster has left paw prints on my heart. He made so many other people smile and lift their spirits - he was one of a kind – I dedicate my tips this weekend to my wonderful little man Buster “Bandit” Culorgair.

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

The race is over a mile. A tough way to open the days racing.

Jack The Lad (7) is trained by Chris Waller. Resumed a fortnight ago here in a race where he did not seem to be comfortable at any stage in the running. Joshua Parr will partner him this weekend from a nice barrier. I think Josh’s riding style will suit him this weekend and second up could win the race at around $9.

Sammy (3) is trained by Kris Lees Racing at Newcastle and has drawn barrier one. Will be ridden by Andrew Mallyon. He hates wet tracks and his raced on them and his past three starts at Newcastle. Back on top of the ground here this weekend and ridden from the nice barrier I expect him to be super competitive. I think the bookmakers have missed the mark posting him at $21 in the markets.

Impel Gazelle (11) is trained on the Gold Coast by Michael Costa. This three-year-old gelding has drawn wide in barrier 13, however has won his past two starts must be respected even though he is going up in grade and meeting a tough opposition.

Selections:

7 – Jack The Lad
3- Sammy
11 – Impel Gazelle

Race 2

The distance race over 2200 metres – who wants to win this weekend?

Sayl (6) Is trained by Lindsay Hatch. His last run was on the quick backup racing from the previous week. I do not think this suited this runner and with a two week break between runs I think we may see the best of him this weekend. Andrew Mallyon rides again there has been solid support for this runner since the markets have opened.

Youngblood (7) was gallant in defeat last start. Jim Byrne has chosen to stay aboard this weekend I really think the 2200 meters at Doomben is what he has been crying out for this preparation. I am prepared to say that he will be exceedingly difficult to beat.

Barry Lockwood trains Isabella’s Spring (8). The stable is having an incredible run now with consecutive wins over the last three metropolitan Saturday meetings. This mare has won her past two starts in emphatic style both times written by Sam Collett, however I am unsure whether the wet tracks have enhanced the performances of this runner. We will see this weekend.

Traduce (5) could be a rough chance here second up over a distance that will suit. Apprentice Jaden Lloyd will ride for Gold Coast trainer Maryann Brosnan.

Selections:

6 – Sayl
7 – Youngblood
8 – Isabella’s Spring
5 – Traduce

Race 3

Two-year-old runners race here.

The Lee Freedman trained Yiska (1) has won two from two. Unless some of these other runners have improved, I find it difficult to go past him with Tegan Harrison to ride.

Bohemian Daisy (4) ran second to Yiska (1) last time out. Jim Byrne will ride this weekend for Annabel Neasham.

Tony Gollan is represented with Clairvue Molly (10) who won first up at the Sunshine Coast. Ben Thompson will ride returning from a suspension. Welcome back Ben!

Selections:

1 – Yiska
4 – Bohemian Daisy
10 – Clairvue Molly
13 – Birdonawing

Race 4

Princess Stakes at Listed level.

Mokulua (1) is trained by veteran trainer Clarry Connors in Sydney. He always seems to find one to bring to Brisbane for the winter carnival and always has success when he does bring them north. Larry Cassidy will ride and will be looking for a huge sling from owner John Singleton.

Taizai (6) is trained by John Thompson – it seems as if the New South Wales trainers have begun an early attack on Queensland Racing or is it that they are just looking for dry tracks after the treacherous wet tracks in Sydney over the recent months. Regan Bayliss will ride this runner. This runner led them up in the Adrian Knox (Group 3) last time out – sure she peaked on her run on the terrible track. On top of the ground, I expect a huge improvement.

Steven O’Dea & Matt Hoysted continue to place their runners successfully in these big races. Canadian Dancer (3) won last time out and is second up this weekend with Ben Thompson riding. This runner last time proved that she loves the mile, and this weekend gets conditions to suit.

The stablemate Teranga (4) will be ridden by Jaden Lloyd. This filly won here last time over the mile, so she is proven over the mile and, with speed on in this race, she does get the best run in-transit. It would not surprise me to see her fly home late and cause a major upset in this race.

Three runners represent Chris Waller Racing. I expect over the coming weeks these races will be supported by the Waller Racing camp and this weekend I expect Ultimate Pride (10) to be competitive in this race. This filly won last time out at the Sunshine Coast and will be ridden this weekend by Sam Collett.

Selections:

1 – Mokulu
6 – Taizai
3 – Canadian Dancer
10 – Ultimate Pride
Rough chances – (4) Teranga

Race 5

This race is over 1110 metres.

Gollan Racing is represented by Mass Destruction (7) first up from a spell with Jimmy Orman riding. This gelding had a recent trial where he performed very well. He normally comes to hand very quick in his preparation and races well in his first few starts. He did meet superior opposition last preparation and he looks very well placed this weekend with the speed in the race allowing him to be ridden midfield and storm home late.

She Can Sing (9) is trained by Gold Coast trainer Michael Costa. She has won both of her past two starts and will be partnered again by Boris Thornton. She has drawn very well this weekend and I expect a bold performance.

Sir Warwick (10) is on the quick seven day back up after racing very well last weekend on the Eagle Farm circuit. This runner is undefeated in two starts at Doomben. Apprentice Leah Kilner is booked to ride the gelding this weekend. Her claim makes him very appealing in this race and he has drawn well and should be ridden on the speed.

There is an emergency runner here trained by Kristen Buchanan who won last time out at Eagle Farm in impressive fashion – Delexo (16). If he gets a I run in this field this weekend he will be exceptionally hard to beat in this race. He certainly thrives on dry tracks and will appreciate the firm footing at Doomben this weekend. James Innes has made the trip from Sydney to partner this runner again.

I give rough chances to Barney's Law (5) and Blazing Miss (6) who could fill a place at huge odds.

Selections:

7 – Mass Destruction
9 – She Can Sing
10 – Sir Warwick
16– Delexo
Rough chances – (5) Barney’s Law & (6) Blazing Miss

Race 6

Over the 1200 metres. First leg of the Quaddie! Open field with many chances.

Ruby July (15) is second up for her new stable Gary Duncan. Has drawn wide this weekend, however that should not be any disadvantage as she normally likes to get back and power home late. Just concerned this weekend with the big field and how she may get to the outside or be ridden for luck by Stephanie Thornton and try and make ground late and then finish off the race to win. On her earlier win at Eagle Farm, she certainly rates well here and we should be difficult to beat.

Already Blessed (18) and Shamaton (7) are trained by Tony Gollan.

Shamaton (7) was run down in the final stride last time out at Doomben by More Sundays (3). He meets that runner better at the weights this weekend. He was heavily supported in that race at Doomben and was unlucky not to get the chocolates on that occasion. Jim Byrne will continue riding the gelding this weekend. He has drawn barrier 3 and should get the run of the race with the speed on - allowing Byrne to take a sit and then make it final sprint at the leaders late.

Already Blessed (18) is the stablemate. Apprentice Leah Kilner will ride this weekend. I think last time out probably peaked on his run late and still finished close to the winner. This weekend he is third up and he has won twice before at this stage. He is an emergency this weekend however, if he gets to run, I expect him to be extremely competitive and could be a rough result in the first leg of the Quaddie.

Stolen Jade (14) Is trained by Clarry Conners and will be ridden by Brad Stewart. This runner failed last time out on a heavy track – where she did not manage the bottomless conditions. The mare has performed well third up previously. The race and the conditions look good for her.

More Sundays (3) came from an impossible position last time but somehow found the gaps and managed to win the last race at Doomben. “Last Race Larry Cassidy” struck on that occasion with a superb ride to get this gelding home. I think with a bigger weight and the bigger field he may struggle however the sectionals and the way he stormed home to finish off that race at Doomben would suggest that he will be competitive yet again this weekend. The other thing that is against him – it is NOT THE LAST RACE!

Some excellent value here – could be some serious value in your exotic bets.

Selections:

15 – Ruby July
14 – Stolen Jade
18 – Already Blessed
7– Shamaton
Rough chance – (3) More Sundays & (20) Seleque

Race 7

The Mick Dittman Plate – Listed level for three-year-old runners over 1110 metres.

This is the first leg of the Treble.

I suppose it would be amazing to see the son of a legend jockey to win this race. Unprecedented scenes after the race I would envisage if this occurred with Luke Dittman to ride the Chris Waller trained Shaquero (1). Has drawn well and resumes after a 24-week spell. In his last preparation he raced at Group 1 level – he does look appealing and has drawn handy in barrier 3. $31 on offer here – just for the historic sake – it would be an amazing result if Luke could get this colt home – good luck mate!

Let us just bill the race as NSW v QLD – other than the Luke Dittman angle.

We have NSW representative – Ingratiating (2) trained by James Cummings – Godolphin – and wearing the royal blue silks. Then we have the Toby & Trent Edmonds trained Alpine Edge (3) – with the two Robert Heathcote representatives Prince of Boom (4) and Startantes (7). A rough chance for the Gollan Racing trained Putontheredlight (13).

You all know with State of Origin fast approaching WINNO will remain loyal – GO NSW!

No surprise I am tipping Ingratiating (2) from the James Cummings – Godolphin team – no better feeling than seeing something in BLUE win (that is just for you Luke Tarrant – “talking smack again bro”). He resumes from an eight week freshen up – he was never asked for much in a recent trial; however, he has a tremendous first up record – 4 starts for 2 wins and 1 second. Ryan Maloney is booked for the ride. He raced in Group 1 and Group 2 company in his past three starts and back running the Sydney way here this weekend, I will be backing him!

Alpine Edge (3) is a runner from the Edmonds Racing team. A recent trial winner at the Gold Coast – undefeated first up in two starts. He looks like he has come back stronger this preparation. He looks ideally placed here with Robbie Fradd to ride for Edmonds Racing - $9 on offer is just rude odds for mine.

The Robert Heathcote Racing pair – where do I start? We will go in race book order.

Prince of Boom (4) has resumed with two barnstorming wins – his last win was on the Gold Coast in the Three-Year-Old JEWEL. He has had a 35 day freshen up – a recent trial where he looked exceptional – Jimmy Orman will ride again. He is two wins from two rides on this gelding. He ticks a few boxes here this weekend – he faces a tough test – but is not without a genuine chance.

Startantes (7) is the filly who resumes from an eight week freshen up after some sensational efforts in Sydney in Group 1 and Group 2 races. She is the real deal! Taylor Marshall has been reunited with her this weekend. Taylor has an exceptional record on this filly riding her seven times for four wins and two placings. Adjusting to the short distance this weekend is against her, however, with the speed on in the race she could be the one thundering home late and could cause a major upset.

Putontheredlight (13) is trained by Tony Gollan it has drawn poorly again this weekend. Stephanie Thornton will need to ride her for luck again to try and win this race. She has a tremendous second up record and is not to be underrated.

Selections:

2 – Ingratiating
3 – Alpine Edge
4 – Prince of Boom
7 – Startantes
Rough chances – (8) Glistening & (13) Putontheredlight

Race 8

The TAB Tails Stakes at Listed level.

Yonkers (2) is trained by Chris Waller. He failed last time out on a bog heavy track that was not to his liking. Prior to that he ran in the Group One Australian Cup. The effort in that race was exceptional and places him under notice here in this race. He has Josh Parr this weekend to ride. Josh is a strong rider and will suit this horse. I think the $8 on offer are silly odds and despite the heavy weight he gets into this race well and should get the run of the race.

Quantum Mechanic (6) is from the Mick Price & Michael Kent yards in Victoria. Just forget the last start effort on the wet at Randwick where they should not have raced. She did not manage the track at any stage and got completely out of her ground. Back on top of the ground here at Doomben this weekend I expect a dramatic improvement in her form. Stable has had incredibly good success in recent weeks across Australia and they must be respected when they bring these runners to Queensland. Jim Byrne has been booked for the ride.

Private Eye (1) is trained by Joseph pride in NSW. The runner is drawn in barrier 19. If he had drawn a closer barrier, I think he would have been the one to beat. In saying that this gelding’s form is exceptional at the top level. He has not raced for three weeks, however he has won a recent barrier trial where he obliterated the opposition. Ryan Maloney has been booked for the ride.

Djukon (11) resumed last start at Eagle Farm after a lengthy spell. He goes down in the weights this weekend as he meets a stronger opposition, however, he does have a great second up record and does love the mile. Samantha Collett has been booked for the ride. She has ridden winners in recent weeks and continues to take Brisbane by storm and she may well land her first Listed winner here in Brisbane.

Derulo (16) won impressively first up on Gold Coast – trained by Michael Costa. Was solid second up when he stormed home late. He is an emergency and just must get the run this weekend to be a rough chance – Jean Van Overmeire rides him.

Selections:

2 – Yonkers
6 – Quantum Mechanic
1 – Private Eye
11 – Djukon
Rough chances – (16) Derulo

Race 9

This race is a real lottery. There are several runners that could get the job done over 1350 metres here, but the Chris Waller Racing pair could have the race between them here.

Let us start at the top and work our way down – Bigboyroy (1) will be ridden by Jimmy Orman. He resumed over 1200 meters last start. The distance was too short he still managed to solid effort in a race that was not run to suit. This weekend he gets his chance to post a victory.

The stablemate is New Arrangement (6) to be ridden by Josh Parr. This runner came to Brisbane and resumed at Eagle Farm after running on heavy tracks in Sydney. He got too far back and was never a winning chance in the race won by Bullfinch (who ran well last weekend). Unfortunately, he is drawn wide in barrier 15. He will have to be ridden for luck by Josh, but if he shows his old form has the right credentials to win this last race at some decent odds – currently $14.

Never No More (3) is trained by Matthew Dunn Racing at Murwillumbah. This runner has been racing very consistently in recent times. He got too far back last start here at Doomben before storming time with a huge weight and running an unlucky second to Ulysses (8). This weekend Regan Bayliss will ride the horse - and he does meet that horse 1.5 kilograms better for that loss.

Ulysses (8) is trained by Tony Gollan and will be ridden by Ryan Maloney. Was sent out favourite last time at Doomben and seemed to struggle in the final fifty metres of the race. This weekend the tongue tie goes on. This is an important gear change and should see this runner be extremely competitive this weekend.

Dr Why Not (9) loves this track – 6 starts for 2 wins and 3 seconds. Back onto a track where he has great form expect him to three pairs back in the running and finishing off late with jockey Michael Murphy riding. There will be some celebrations as he crosses the lines if he can win this race – be careful Michael the stewards may throw a fine at you!

Roman Aureus (7) is trained by Brian Wakefield and is another Doomben track specialist. Only out of the money once here in fifteen starts. Larry Cassidy will ride – maybe some excuses last start where he had to go forward from a wide barrier – I really do not this that is his go. Ridden quiet here this weekend – THE PRESSURE IS ON – Can “last Race Larry” get the win for the fourth weekend in a row?

Montenegro Man (10) is not without a chance here either.

Selections:

6 – New Arrangement
1 – Bigboyroy
3 – Never No More
8 – Ulysses
Rough chances – (7) Roman Aureus (9) Dr Why Not & (10) Montenegro Man
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Jockeys Challenge

Jimmy Orman – Ryan Maloney – Jim Byrne and Josh Parr. I am a BLUE he is a BLUE – get it done Josh Parr! Else Ryan Maloney may just pip him!

Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5)

6,7,8 / 1,4,10 / 1,3,6,10 / 7,9,10,16 - cost is $144 to $1

Value Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5)

6,7 / 1,4 / 1,3,6 / 7,9,10 - cost is $36 to $1

Quaddie (races 6 to 9)

7,14,15,18 / 2,3,4,7 / 1,2,6 / 1,3,6,7,8 - cost is $240 to $1

Value Quaddie (races 6 to 9)

14,15,18 / 2,3,4 / 1,2,6 / 1,3,6 - cost is $81 to $1

Treble (races 7 to 9)

2,3,4,7 / 1,2,6 / 1,3,6,7,8 - cost is $60 to $1

WINNO V FLEMO

The battle continues this weekend with WINNO and FLEMO. I think I will slaughter him this weekend if my top selections win here! 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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