WINNO'S WINNERS, JUNE 11: STRADBROKE DAY

By Darren Winningham | Friday, June 10, 2022

The pinnacle of the season’s racing in QLD racing – 2022 STRADBROKE DAY – at Eagle Farm where the track is rated “Good” and the rail is out 4 metres for the entire circuit.

With the rail out that far, I think there may be a slight bias to horses in the first six or seven as they come into the straight. However, in the past few weeks – some horses have been able to make ground and flash home late.

It’s a massive days of racing with two Group 1 races, three Group 2 races. one Group 3 race and three Listed races.

Hopefully I can jag some winners.

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

We start the day off with a Listed race over 1300 metres.

I think the Peter & Paul Snowden Racing team have two genuine chances here.

Calgary Stampede (1), who will be ridden by Ryan Maloney, had his first hit out in the Sires Produce here a fortnight ago. I thought the run was good for this race and he must be respected. Has drawn well here in barrier 1 and will be in the first six in the running.

The stable mate is Metallicity (5) who is still a maiden. In saying that I think that he has been unlucky in all his career starts striking wet tracks. His debut back in February in the Pierro at Randwick was a wonderful effort. Since then, he has struck wet tracks and really has not got into the race. Tommy Berry will ride him – he races forward in his races and on top of the ground I expect him to show some dramatic improvement. In a recent barrier trial at Randwick he just went around – was not asked to do much – could have won if he was asked to.

The danger is the Chris Waller trained Robusto (10) who got too far out of his ground in the Sires Produce last time out. I thought that day he paraded well and would be hard to beat – maybe he suffered from the second up “yips”. He is third up – down in grade and Hugh Bowman retains the ride. Hard to beat.

Bank Maur (6) is from the Richard Laming stables in Victoria. Won on debut when heavily backed at Sale. Comes here fresh and looks like he has some ability. Tegan Harrison will ride.

In summary I really cannot split the Metallicity (5) and Robusto (10) you can probably back one and save on the other.

Selections:

5 – Metallicity
10 – Robusto
1 – Calgary Stampede
6 – Bank Maur
Rough chance – (13) Minks Star

Race 2

A distance race over 1600 metres at Listed level.

This race each year celebrates a wonderful QLD race caller – Wayne Wilson. I love this race as Wayne Wilson’s family and David “The Big Fish” Salmon presents the trophy.

Chris Waller Racing is front and centre here again with Bigboyroy (3) and Bullfinch (7).

Bigboyroy (3) won last time out here under a great ride by James McDonald leading all the way over 1800 metres. Drops back in distance here – but the way he won on that occasion would suggest he will roll along here again in front. If the tempo is slow, he probably will be hard to run down – however, I am not confident he will get his own way in front.

Bullfinch (7) has been scratched the past few weeks. William Pike has been booked to ride. I think that his best distance is 1400 metres, however, he does love this track and the small field means that he should have no trouble rounding them up late if he can run out a solid mile.

Scallopini (1) is locally trained by Steven O’Dea & Matt Hoysted. Has been competing in Group racing in his two starts from a break. I think that he will be suited at the set weights and should be able to cope at the mile. Boris Thornton rides him again. Again, the small field should enhance his chances late.

The best miler here in the race is probably Kirwan’s Lane with 15 starts at the distance for 7 wins and 3 placings. He is trained by John O’Shea and Hugh Bowman will ride. This gelding has struck wet tracks in his past five starts. Back on top of the ground this week – he could be a rough hope to knock over these more favoured runners.

Selections:

1 – Scallopini
7- Bullfinch
3 – Bigboyroy
2 – Kirwan’s Lane

Race 3 XXXX Brisbane Cup (Group 2)

3200 metres here – there will be some tired horses at the end of this race – they should sleep well on Saturday night!

Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott train Splendiferous (2) who won well here last time out when leading all the way. Tim Clark got her to settle and get the job done. She looks well placed here and will give them all something to chase. Most of these runners are untried at the distance – I would not be taking silly odds about this runner.

King Of Leogrance (1) is trained in Victoria by Robert Hickmott and will be ridden by John Allen. He has won at this distance and did race here for the first time when defeated by Splendiferous (2) last time out. I think his odds of $12 are ridiculous and he may be one to back each way.

Through Irish Eyes (6) is trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace. Is a lightly raced four-year-old that has been racing on the flat and over the jumps. He will be fine with this distance. He has had a freshen up since his last start effort at Flemington. In fact, the trial was over the hurdles – Maher & Eustace do this frequently with their distance runners. Jamie Kah will ride.

Irish Sequel (3) is another solid chance for the Chris Waller Racing team. James McDonald will ride. He won the Winter Cup last time out at Rosehill over 2400 metres. I think he races better on wet tracks – so he may be one that could struggle on this firm surface.

Sweet Thomas (4) is a rough chance here

Selections:

2 – Splendiferous
1– King Of Leogrance
6 – Through Irish Eyes
3 – Irish Sequel
Rough chance – (4) Sweet Thomas

Race 4

A good race here for the three-year-old runners over 1600 metres at Group 3 level.

Loch Eagle (4) raced in the Fred Best last start over 1400 metres – drew barrier 16 and had to go back and then made a long-sustained run to be beaten under two lengths. Got way too far out of his ground, however, the run was sensational. In this small field I expect Hugh Bowman to be more positive from the good gate and have him in the running probably three pairs back and ready to rumble when the race concludes. He is at $5 to win the race and looks well placed here by Kris Lees Racing – I really think he is one of the better bets of the day!

Flying Crazy (2), trained by Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou, was literally knocked out of the race in the early stages of the Fred Best. Forget the run. Kerrin McEvoy will ride him again here and the way he finishes off his races the mile is right up his alley, and the small field is a bonus.

Kiss Sum (1), trained by Tracey Bartley, stormed home to finish a gallant second in the Fred Best. That run would strongly suggest that the mile is suitable. A change of jockey in Jason Collett riding – he has ridden the gelding for six starts and has had two wins aboard him.

Bjorn Baker has had a quiet Brisbane Carnival and sneaks Battleton (3) into the field here. A solid effort in the Fred Best finishing a gallant third should see him in the placings again. Nash Rawiller will ride here – he is third up and should be fitter for his past two efforts that have been commendable.

Selections:

4 – Loch Eagle
2 – Flying Crazy
1 – Kiss Sum
3 – Battleton

Race 5 The Hinkler – Listed

A good sprint race over 1200 metres here at Listed level.

Chris Waller Racing has a solid representation here with four of the eleven runners left in the field.

I think he can trifecta the race – the issue is in what order?

I like Tycoonist (1) despite the top weight here with Hugh Bowman aboard. Got too far back in the BRC Sprint, however, stormed home late to hit the line strongly. I think that he is the one to be on and he has been well backed since the markets opened firming from $9 to currently $4.80. Lucky, I did snap up some of the $9 when it was posted.

The stable mate Blondeau (3) won the Takeover Target before racing in the BRC Sprint last time out. Again, another runner that gets back in his races and then works home late. He did this in that race finishing strongly to finish on the heels of the place getters. However, with the small field he appears well placed. Jimmy Orman has the ride here and probably deserves a win over the Carnival.

Ranch Hand (5) is the third of the Waller Racing team. James McDonald will ride him here. He won a month ago at 1400 metres on this track and since has had a barrier trial to keep him ticking over. He always has had some ability, but is a challenging colt to ride and get the best out of. If he turns up here, he will slay this field. But he does have a habit of finding trouble. Maybe with the last start win and the small field I should be more forgiving, and he may have turned a corner since coming to QLD – we will see on Saturday!

Ranges (8) from the Snowden Racing team is second up and down in the weights. At 1200 metres second up – he could cause an upset with Tommy Berry to ride.

Selections:

1 – Tycoonist
3 – Blondeau
5 – Ranch Hand
8 – Ranges

Race 6 Sky Racing Q22 – Group 2

This is the first leg of the Quaddie. A Group 2 race over 2200 metres.

This time last year Zaaki had won the Doomben Cup in a canter and then destroyed them in this field.

Go forward twelve months and Huetor (3) slayed them, including Zaaki, in the Doomben Cup and I cannot see any reason why he will not win this race here with Kerrin McEvoy to ride again. Snowden Racing has always had an opinion of this four-year-old gelding and he proved them right winning the Doomben Cup last time out (at Eagle Farm). I think he is a better proposition on dry surfaces, and he looks the one to beat here.

The Chosen One (1) is trained by Andrew Forsman and will be ridden by Opie Bosson. Was solid last time out in the Doomben Cup here. I think that he is much better on top of the ground. His recent efforts in Sydney should be overlooked as he struck some ugly heavy tracks. Now he has been in QLD with the sun on his back I am looking for an improved effort.

Great House (6) is trained by Chris Waller and will be ridden by James McDonald (who won this race last year) stormed home in the Doomben Cup last time out. Looks well placed here and is only lightly races starting 21 times for 5 wins. He is third up here after a freshen up. Maybe could go better on the firm track.

Maximal (9) has had a freshen up since the Australian Cup and resumed here with a solid second last start behind Huetor (3). Trained by John O’Shea and Nash Rawiller will ride again. He is only a lightly raced three-year-old that looks to have a bright future. I would suggest you follow him regardless of his effort here. He has drawn wide in barrier 14, but I think he will be three pairs back in the running and could turn the tables on the result in the Doomben Cup.

Some rough chances: Hopeful (11) from the Annabel Neasham yards with Rachel King aboard – will GIRL POWER reign supreme? This runner won the Mayors Cup over 2000 metres at Rosehill last time out … and Ballistic Boy (10), who is the lone local runner who possibly could upset the more favoured runners. Chris Anderson trained with Brad Stewart to ride – he loves this track and I think the distance is perfect for him - $41 he is a rough chance to fill a place.

Selections:

3 – Huetor
9 – Maximal
1 – The Chosen One
6 – Great House
Rough chance – (11) Hopeful & (10) Ballistic Boy

Race 7 J J ATKINS (Group 1)

The two-year old’s over 1600 metres at Group 1 level!

There are two stand out runners for mine here and hey are difficult to split.

Let’s start with the Graeme Rogerson (NZ) trained Sharp N Smart (10) who will be ridden by Hugh Bowman. This gelding came from last on the turn last weekend in The Phoenix and got beaten in a photo by Political Debate (4). Straight after the race they had him at $9 for this race – I know a few punters (maybe myself) that took that price. He opened at $6 on Wednesday and has been smashed in the betting now firming into $4. The run was sensational, and Hugh Bowman nearly lifted him across the line. Rogerson who is known for his outlandish remarks declared him a WS COX Plate chance later this year. A run like last weekend will see him very hard to beat.

The Snowden Racing trained Sheza Belter (16) won the Sires Produce in what was a sensational run as well. That was over 1400 metres. The sectionals were amazing over the final 200 metres. William Pike retains the ride. A run like the one that saw her destroy the field in the Sires would see her win this race. She looks progressive and has had a fortnight between runs – maybe that is the deciding factor here.

A toss of the coin for mine – who will win and run second – I will stay with the NSW trained filly.

Brosnan (6) is trained by Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou. Won last time out on a dry track at Flemington over 1400 metres. He performs best on firm tracks. I think that he can fill a place with Brenton Avdulla coming up to ride him.

Brereton (1) is trained by Peter Moody and has been racing well in the lead up races. He has had some gear changes in arriving at this race and has been racing well. Third up here he is at peak fitness this weekend with Jamie Kah to ride. It would not surprise if he is right in the finish.

Political Debate (4) ran enormous last weekend and must be considered. Chris Waller and James McDonald hot off a winning treble last week are lethal when they combine.

I suppose the topical tip for this weekend is Lethal Thoughts (15) trained by Ciaron Maher & David Eustace. This would be my thoughts to all you filthy QLD supporters who got a lucky win with some dubious decisions on Wednesday night in State of Origin 1 in Sydney! No matter there are still two games to go!!!!

Selections:

16 – Sheza Belter
10 – Sharp N Smart
1 – Brereton
6 – Brosnan
Rough chances – (4) Political Debate & (15) Lethal Thoughts

Race 8 TAB STRADBROKE GROUP 1

Our big feature race over 1400 metres at Group 1 level.

Eleven Eleven (4), trained by Greg Hickman, is third up here. Will be ridden by Hugh Bowman. He was striking in the Kingsford Smith Cup (Group 1) when Apache Chase (3) won. He loves this distance and has had three starts on this track and never been out of a place. He has won $2.9 million in prize money and has the most money in the bank for his owners of all the runners in the race. I keep going back to the Magic Millions Cup in January this year when he won in a blanket finish – he just put in a tremendous effort on that occasion. His trackwork on Tuesday morning at Breakfast With The Stars (and WINNO) was amazing – he looks on track to get the job done.

Apache Chase (3), trained by Group 1 winning trainer Desleigh Forster, will be pinging the gates and going forward. Buffalo River (14) may attempt to take him on – hopefully, they will leave him alone. Jim Byrne will be looking to win consecutive Group 1 races aboard him – and he is a genuine chance.

Alligator Blood (5) has come back well after a stable change. His first up effort for Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott was amazing – drawing wide and flashing home to narrowly miss in the BRC Sprint (Group 3). He steps up to Group 1 company here – has drawn wide – barrier 21 and Tim Clark will need some luck. History shows that they can win from out wide.

The Godolphin team – trained by James Cummings has Vilana (17) in the race. I think he is an exciting colt on the way up. This is a steep rise in class, but he did win the Fred Best (Group 3) last time out racing handy and storming home late. He is down in the weights and gives Stephanie Thornton a real chance to ride a Group 1 winner.

Brooklyn Hustle (16) loves the speed on. She needs everything to go right in her races – but I really think that she is a genuine outside chance at $41 – trained by Jason Warren and Dean Krongold with Craig Williams to reunite his association with her. I think she has the potential to surge home late and spice up the exotics.

Mark Currie has Soxagon (6) in the race with Brad Stewart to ride. He cannot have been any more impressive winning both of his starts since resuming. He loves this track and his third up record is tremendous. It would be a massive win for “Boof” and the Toowoomba horse who has fought adversity since a well-documented injury nearly ended his life and his career. It makes for a good yarn post-race.

Ayrton (11) was right in the market this time last year for this race. Probably the forgotten horse in the race. Trained by Mick Price & Michael Kent and Jamie Kah will be riding. He loves 1400 metres, and I would forget his last run in the Hollindale on a heavy track where he didn’t fire. He has had a five week freshen up and a recent barrier trial to sharpen him up for this effort. He thrives on firm tracks – he gets every chance to win this race.

Isotope (15) from the Gollan Racing stables is probably the best of the QLD runners to cause an upset to the NSW and interstate invaders. William Pike will ride her – she could sprint well here.

Selections:

4 – Eleven Eleven
17 – Vilana
3 – Apache Chase
11 – Ayrton
Rough chances – (5) Alligator Blood & (16) Brooklyn Hustle & (6) Soxagon & (15) Isotope

Race 9 DANE RIPPER (Group 2)

The last race – over 1300 metres at Group 2 level - a massive field - they will be coming wide.

Najmaty (15), trained by the Snowden Racing team, was unwanted in the betting last time out here and blew like the gale from $5 to $10 and came from the rear of the field to round them up and destroy the opposition. Tommy Berry will ride her again and she is the one to beat. If she doesn’t win this race, I am saying right now she wins the Tatt’s Tiara in a few weeks’ time!

Salateen (6) finished a gallant second to Najmaty (15) last time out – I expect the same result. She is third up with Jim Byrne to ride again.

Written Beauty (3) has been scratched from an earlier race to be saved for this event. Chris Waller trains and William Pike will ride. She could finish a great day for Chris Waller Racing if he gets any luck on this program. In her last start she was hampered in the running on several occasions in the race won by Najmaty (15). One thing is for sure she will be on the speed and better placed than these run-on horses and this may a huge advantage come the last race.

Enchanted Heart (5) is a Kris Lees Racing runner. She resumed over an unsuitable distance of 1100 metres at Randwick on a heavy track. Look for a sharp improvement here and possibly for her to go onto the Tatts Tiara in a few weeks. If she takes her place in that field, she will be defending her undefeated third up record in that race - four starts for four wins. Maybe something on her – I just love betting for the future!

Letzbeglam (10) trained by Tony Pike and will be ridden by Kerrin McEvoy on the quick back up after a solid effort in the Moreton Cup (Group 2) last weekend. She was held up in the running last week– back to her own sex here – she is a genuine rough chance.

Selections:

15 – Najmaty
6 – Salateen
3 – Written Beauty
10 – Letzbeglam
Rough chance – (5) Enchanted Heart
______________________________________________________________________

Jockeys Challenge

Hugh Bowman, James McDonald, and Tommy Berry have some nice rides. I think that Hugh Bowman will win it.

Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5)

1,2,3,7 / 1,2,3,6 / 1,2,4 / 1,3,5 - cost is $144 to $1

Value Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5)

1,3,7 / 1,2,6 / 2,4 / 1,3 - cost is $36 to $1

Quaddie (races 6 to 9)

1,3,6,9 / 1,4,6,10,16 / 3,4,5,11,16,17 / 3,5,6,10,15 - cost is $600 to $1

Value Quaddie (races 6 to 9)

1,3,9 / 10,16 / 3,4,11,17 / 3,6,15 - cost is $72 to $1

Treble (races 7 to 9)

1,4,6,10,16 / 3,4,5,11,16,17 / 3,5,6,10,15 - cost is $150 to $1

Value Treble (races 7 to 9)

10,16 / 3,4,11,17 / 3,6,15 - cost is $24 to $1

WINNO V FLEMO

The battle continues this weekend with WINNO and FLEMO. FLEMO has been crowing since the dirty QLDers beat my mighty NSW on Wednesday night. I probably will see him wearing BLUE this weekend at the track! I haven’t heard from my mate Luke Tarrant either after he became a NSW supporter last weekend – I am sure he will chime in six wide at some stage.

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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