WINNO'S WINNERS - STRADBROKE DAY

By Darren Winningham | Thursday, June 8, 2023

EAGLE FARM this week. We have nine races this week headed by the pinnacle of QLD Racing the STAR STRADBROKE HANDICAP, – elevated to $3 million in prizemoney.

Then there is the LADBROKES – JJ Atkins – both races at Group 1 level. There is also a plethora of amazing support races at Listed and Group level on this program – a massive day of racing.

The track is rated is ‘good.’ The rail is out 4 metres for the entire circuit.

NB: As these selections were made prior to race-day, please check for any changes to track conditions and for any scratchings on the day.
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Race 1 OXLADE STAKES – Listed

A Listed race for the two-year-old runners to commence the program.

Snowden Racing has two runners here – Heman (4) and Queen Of Dragons (9).

Queen Of Dragons (9) resumed at Doomben – settled too far back before making a huge run late and finishing off strongly. The extra distance looks ideal – Ryan Maloney retains the ride.

Heman (4) won on debut at a Saturday meeting at Kembla Grange. Got up to win in the final stride – looks to have some improvement in him and, to be fair, had many trials leading up to that run – he may just arrive here and step up in grade.

Abounding (5) is the Robert Heathcote Racing runner – the stable has had a tremendous Carnival so far. This filly has been wonderful in her past two starts in Group 3 and Listed grades – she is well placed here and gets her chance to post a win. Jason Collett will ride her again.

Isthmus (11) was a big betting move first up at Flemington for the Anthony and Sam Freedman team. She raced without much luck in that race – striking interference in the running and then was impeded close to the post so she really went to the post untested. The winkers go on here and she won a trial last week at the Sunshine Coast – despite being a maiden I think that she is right in this race – Michael Dee will ride her.

Golden Decade from the Matthew Dunn Racing team has won his past two starts – keep safe – Nash Rawiller will ride.

Selections:

9 – Queen Of Dragons
11 – Isthmus
5 – Abounding
4 – Heman
Rough chance – (2) Golden Decade

Race 2 GUNSYND CLASSIC GROUP 3

A Group 3 race over 1600 metres for the three-year-old runners.

Yellow Brick (1) probably won’t get a start in the Stradbroke so will do around here for the Sears Racing team. He was desperately unlucky in the Fred Best. The way he has been savaging the line in his career would suggest that he will get the mile. Ben Thompson will ride again – he is at prohibitive odds – but should just win.

Sandpaper (3) from the James Cummings – Godolphin team was pratted wide throughout in the running in the Fred Best. I think with this smaller field and the leader End Assembly (8) likely to string them out in the running – he could be one to upset the favourite. Nash Rawiller will ride him – keep safe at the $15 on offer.

Chris Waller Racing and James McDonald combine with Rediener (4) who comes off a win in the restricted grade at Rosehill. On that occasion he led them up and ran them into the ground – I expect he will be ridden quietly here this weekend and finish the race off strong.

End Assembly (8), trained by Mark Currie, led them in the Fred Best (Group 3) – he held on for a solid third in what I believe will prove to be a good form race moving forward.

Selections:

1 – Yellow Brick
3 – Sandpaper
4 – Rediener
8 – End Assembly

Race 3 WAYNE WILSON PLATE (Listed)

Solid race at Listed level over 1600 metres.

The annual race commemorates a wonderful broadcaster who called QLD racing for many years ... Wayne Wilson, a wonderful race caller and a delightful person.

Antino (8) from the Gollan Racing team just seems to be progressing from strength to strength this preparation with some striking performances. Jimmy Orman will ride him again. He resumed back in April and now has posted three consecutive wins. This is his first look at the mile in his career – that would have to be the only concern and possibly the Weight For Age (WFA) conditions of this race.

Munhamek (6) resumed here last weekend for Nick Ryan and won in good fashion. Mark Zahra takes the ride here this week with the quick back up. He looked to have plenty of improvement – he could post another win here.

Skyman (3) is from the Chris Waller Racing team. He raced last weekend as well in the race won by Munhamek (6). He finished well from back in the field late and should strip fitter and be better over the mile – Nash Rawiller will ride.

Dragon Leap (4), trained in NZ by Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott, has been racing in Group 2 and Group 3 races. He has won over the mile. In each of his past two efforts over 1200 metres and 1350 metres he has finished off the races strongly. I think that the mile will suit him, and he could be hard to hold out at decent odds – Michael Dee will ride.

Sinawann (5) will race here as he probably will not make the Stradbroke field. Trained by Anthony & Sam Freedman he has won and performed well over the mile. He got too far back in the BRC Sprint over 1350 metres; however, he gave me the impression that he will be fitter for that effort. Jason Collett will ride him here and, with three wins from six starts second up, he looks well placed. A recent barrier trial would have blown the cobwebs out – he could upset the short-priced favourite. I do like the $9 that is on offer here each way.

Selections:

8 – Antino
5 - Sinawann
6 – Munhamek
3 – Skyman
Rough chance – (4) Dragon Leap

Race 4 XXXX BRISBANE CUP (Group 2)

This race is over 3200 metres. This is a tough race.

Chris Waller Racing runners look to have a mortgage on the race. Selino (3) raced in the Group 1 Sydney Cup two starts ago. He did not appreciate the soft track and he seemed to get caught behind some tiring horses late, but the run was solid. He then went to Flemington over 2800 metres – again seemed to get too far back on a day where the track had a front runners bias. Maybe the run is better than it appears on paper. I just think on this firm surface at Eagle Farm and the width of the track that Nash Rawiller can keep him out of trouble and get the job done.

The stablemate Al Aabir (7) raced last weekend in the Winter Cup (Listed) at Rosehill. Was dour to the line and held on when challenged late. With the light weight and Michael Dee aboard will probably roll forward – the question is can he stay the 3200 metres – I am not too certain.

The other Waller runner is Kukeracha (1) who won the Premier’s Cup (Group 3) over 2400 metres in what was a battle royale in the final 100 metres with three of them going to the line with a pimple between them. He does love this Eagle Farm track with 3 of his 5 career wins posted here. James McDonald will ride him again here. He has never raced over this distance – however, he does settle well, and he will get cover and be able to be put to sleep in the running by JMac – he probably will run out the extra distance.

Nerve Not Verve (4) has been in and out of form recently. Despite being a seven-year-old – he is trained by a master trainer of distance runners – Michael Moroney. Michael McNab will ride – he rode a winner last weekend. He will run out the distance no trouble – I think the $31 on offer is ludicrous odds.

There has been huge support for the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott trained Teofilo Star (9) who came off some wonderful hurdle wins and then posted a win on the Flemington track on the flat – over 2520 metres. He can stay and probably will lead them up. Tim Clark has the ride – Robert Heathcote proclaimed him to be “the best front running rider in Australia '' last weekend after his efforts aboard Prince of Boom.

Selections:

3 – Selino
1 – Kukeracha
9 – Teofilo Star
7 – Al Aabir
Rough chances – (4) Nerve Not Verve

Race 5 HINKLER HANDICAP (Listed)

The last leg of the Early Quaddie – a tough race as well over 1200 metres.

I like the Victorian runner Vespertine – trained by Grahame Begg with Jordan Childs to ride. She always races well fresh and, to be fair, if she goes well here may back up in the Tatt’s Tiara in a fortnight. I think she goes better on top of the ground. No official barrier trials for this race but Begg always gets his horses ready for a first up bold showing – barrier 3 will assist her.

Manhood (16) has drawn terrible in barrier 16 – Damien Thornton will need to work some magic from out there. He loves this track – 3 starts for 2 wins and a placing. He can probably settle midfield rather than push forward and still finish off the race late. I think down in the weights will also assist this Annabel Neasham runner.

The Big Goodbye (7) is another track specialist who has a good record here with seven starts for 2 wins and 4 placings. Robert Heathcote trains this one with Jason Collett to ride. He flashed late over 1110 metres in the Chief De Beers last start – the 1200 metres will suit him here.

King Kapa (15) is a Gollan Racing runner. He improved last start at Doomben and does like Eagle Farm – drawn well in barrier 4 and Ben Thompson to ride. He was heavily supported last time out and started favourite. I just want to see him win again prior to jumping back on.

Two Ya Got (18) has been impressive in his past two runs for Brett Cavanough. He drops in weight down to the minimum – with Linda Meech to ride. This is his toughest test to date – but at $51 could fill a place.

Prime Candidate (5) is a Bjorn Baker runner with Jimmy Orman to ride. From barrier 8 look for him to jump out and probably lead this lot – he goes best when he leads without any pressure and can set the tempo.

Selections:

10 – Vespertine
16 – Manhood
7 – The Big Goodbye
15 – King Kapa
Rough chance – (18) Two Ya Got & (5) Prime Candidate

Race 6 THE Q22 (Group 2)

First leg of the Quaddie – open field here over 2200 metres at Group 2 level.

The Edward Cummings trained Duais (12) is the highest rated runner in the race. Her run in the Doomben Cup was solid, running fourth against the same opponents here. I think that run would have topped her off nicely for this race. Sam Clipperton will ride her – she did win here as a three-year-old winning the Group 1 Oaks in 2021.

Without A Fight (3) won superbly on resuming for the new stable - Anthony & Sam Freedman. That was over 1800 metres. He was last in the field and went home like a sprinter to defeat the opposition soundly. Mark Zahra will ride again. I think the key to that race was the fast tempo and solid speed set early throughout the race – not sure if he will get the same conditions here this weekend.

Huetor (1) won the Doomben Cup (Group 1) narrowly from Numerian (2) last time out. This Snowden Racing runner did the same last year, but then didn’t seem to appreciate this surface and didn’t back up after that win. On the Doomben Cup win he will be competitive here with Ryan Maloney to ride.

Numerian (2) was surging late in the Doomben Cup with Jason Collett riding for Annabel Neasham Racing. He has won on this track – just has a poor second up record – however, looks well placed in this race with the extra 200 metres sure to assist him.

Fame (14) from the Peter Moody yards ran a great second to Kovalica in the Group 1 QLD Derby. I think the shorter distance may assist – James McDonald will ride. He will race to the rear of the field.

Selections:

12 – Duais
3 – Without A Fight
1 – Huetor
2 – Numerian
Rough chance – (14) Fame

Race 7 JJ ATKINS PLATE (Group 1)

First leg of the Treble. One of our feature races over 1600 metres at Group 1 for the two-year-old runners.

There has been a lot said and written after the protest in the BRC Sires (Group 2) when Cifrado (1) defeated Make A Call (4). A protest was lodged and dismissed. I am not certain whether the result would have been altered however, I do think the Snowden Racing runner looks like he is looking for the mile. He is still a maiden and Sam Clipperton will ride him this weekend. I really do think that he had a few things that went wrong in the race – he got too far back – he did get bailed up on the rails and around the 250 metres he seemed to be working nicely into the race when the interference occurred. I think at $10 he is a wonderful each way chance.

Snapback (3) is the stable mate who finished second in the BRC Sires won by Cifrado (1). He drew wide on that occasion – was caught wide early and then still was able to keep his momentum late to be run down close to the line. Mark Zahra will ride him again – given a more conservative ride, I expect him to be in the finish.

Cifrado (1) is trained by Rex Lipp and the mysterious owner from North Queensland that he has never met! A great story! This colt is shooting to sweep the major 2-year-old races over the Carnival after winning the Champagne Classic (Group 2) and then the BRC Sires (Group 2). Damien Thornton has ridden him in his past two wins and is aiming for a hat trick of wins on him here. He has been exceptional in both races and will be difficult to beat again.

The new horse on the QLD scene is the Chris Waller Racing trained Tannhauser (6) who won last start at Randwick over 1400 metres with a huge weight. The colt ran well in the Fernhill over 1600 metres on a heavy track and I think he struggled on a wet track, but he demonstrated that he could run the mile out.

Miss Joelene (15) is trained by Kelly Schweida – she was super in the BRC Sires flashing home late. Jimmy Orman retains the ride, and she could be a massive chance to blow out the more favoured runners. I note that Jimmy’s wife Heidi Orman has a share in the horse – he will want to give it every possible chance – otherwise the doghouse and the cold winter’s night may not be a good option! The visors going on this weekend – could make a difference.

The Waterhouse & Bott runner Azula (14) won the Phoenix (Listed) here last weekend over 1500 metres. He led all the way and was strong on the line – I just think that he may have peaked last weekend and may struggle here in this assignment. Tim Clark will ride him.

Chevron (8), from the Kristen Buchanan yards with Craig Williams aboard, has drawn terrible again here this weekend. He went back to last after drawing the outside barrier and then had some amazing sectionals in the BRC Sires – he ended up finishing eighth – beaten by just 2 lengths. I really think the mile will suit him and the odds of $101 could see a massive win for the bookies.

Selections:

4 – Make A Call
6 - Tannhauser
3 – Snapback
15 – Miss Joelene
Rough chance – (1) Cifrado & (14) Azula & (8) Chevron

Race 8 THE STAR STRADBROKE (Group 1)

The feature race – Group 1 at 1400 metres.

I think this is the most competitive and even race seen in many years – you could pick most runners and make a case for them – so if you are keen on any – please do not let me sway you here!

Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott are well represented with two exciting prospects – Converge (5) and Hawaii Five Oh (18).

Hawaii Five Oh (18) was sensational winning the Hawkesbury Guineas (Group 3) – then came to QLD and soundly defeated the opposition in the Fred Best Classic (Group 1). On that run and his sectionals, he is right in this race despite the class rise to his first Group 1. Rachel King will ride him here. Co-owner John Singleton has been given permission to wear a Hawaiian shirt in the owner’s enclosure – he should be easy to pick out. He has promised to shout the bar if his horse wins as well – Gerry Harvey just must pay half the bill!

Converge (5) is the stablemate. He destroyed them in the Group 1 J.J.Atkins Plate in 2022. He resumed in the Kingsford Smith Cup (Group 1) when he stormed home late to be beaten by Think About It (9).

I think that he comes here a serious contender and will only take improvement from that run. Tim Clark rides him again – he has ridden him in all four career wins. He did draw barrier 17 – will come in a few with some of the emergencies likely not to get a run. You must remember that Alligator Blood drew the same barrier last year and Tim Clark managed to get the job done then. He has never won second up – but he just looks like he has been set to peak for this race.

Joe Pride’s Think About It (9) was amazing in the Kingsford Smith Cup at weight for age. On weights and measures it would suggest that he will again beat most of the opposition here including Converge (5). He has now won six in a row – an amazing effort and has been working well through the grades. The last start win showed that he has plenty of ability and is a very talented sprinter. Sam Clipperton will ride him again – he has a 100% winning rate on the son of So You Will Think – six rides – six wins! impressive stats and an amazing association.

Scallopini (4), trained locally by Steven O’Dea and Matt Hoysted, I believe is the best QLD chance in the race. He carried 60 kilograms when resuming in the BRC Sprint (Group 3). It was a bold effort first up and he does meet the horses that beat him much better at the weights. He is a super chance for mine to run a race at $31. Boris Thornton will ride him again – could be a huge day for the Thornton family with Damien having a solid chance in the previous Group 1 race.

Then there are some others that have good form – Cardinal Gem (10) is trained by Grahame Begg and Jordan Childs will ride. He drew terribly in the BRC Sprint (Group 3) and was caught wide but still ran home late. 1400 metres is his pet distance with 11 starts for 5 wins and 4 placings. He has drawn well in barrier 8. I have respect for this runner – just some concerns with the Group 1 status of this race and how he lines up against a quality field. The other issue for mine is that he takes his first look at this Eagle Farm track.

Ruthless Dame (12) comes off a stunning win in the Group 1 Sangster Stakes. Ciaron Maher has won a previous Stradbroke – he knows what it takes to win this race. Michael Dee will ride the filly again.

Aft Cabin (12) raced in the Doomben 10,000 (Group 1) prior to having a freshen up. A recent barrier trial win at Randwick would suggest that he is ready to show his best here. He does race well fresh, however, has a horrible barrier draw – barrier 19.

The final Waterhouse and Bott runner is Surf Dancer (6) who won the BRC Sprint at huge odds first up. He has solid second up form – does love 1400 metres and has drawn well in barrier 7. Ryan Maloney has the ride. His is well weighted in this field – could be one at odds to fill a spot - $41.

Selections:

5 – Converge
18 – Hawaii Five Oh
9 – Think About It
4 – Scallopini
Rough chance – (10) Cardinal Gem & (14) Ruthless Dame & (12) Aft Cabin & (6) Surf Dancer

Race 9 Dane Ripper Stakes (Group 2)

Well, it is the last race! Another feature race on the program over 1300 metres.

Opal Ridge (15) is trained by Luke Pepper and will be ridden by Tyler Schiller. This filly has displayed some incredible form in recent runs – she likes to settle back in the field and then storm home. The speed should be genuine in the race and with the wide track she will be flashing home.

Tycoon Evie (8) is now trained by Snowden Racing. Prior to the stable change she was trained in QLD and has an exceptional record on this track. She has drawn barrier 1, will race probably two pairs back and will be well placed throughout in the running. Jimmy Orman has been booked to ride her. He has won on her previously. Her last start effort was full of merit at the Sunshine Coast in the Silk Stocking – she was caught wide throughout and then worked to the front late and looked like the winner prior to the swoopers running her down late. Look for a cosier run and being strong on the line – silly odds for mine at $14.

The Gollan Racing pair will be looking to fly the flag for QLD in the last race.

Last start winner Comrade Rosa (14) flashed home late here over 1200 metres in the Coughlan Stakes (Listed Race). The way she rounded them up late and surged away would suggest that the 1300 metres will be no drama. Ryan Maloney will ride again – she is undefeated at the Eagle Farm track – 3 starts for 3 wins.

Salateen (13) is the stable mate – ran second to Comrade Rosa (14) last time out. She drew wide – and was obliged to race wide throughout. Despite these circumstances she finished off the race well – Tim Clark will ride her here and she has drawn barrier 6 and should get a chance to break through and post a win!

Sheeza Belter (3) comes back to Brisbane after a wonderful Winter Carnival in 2022. She was sensational in 2022 winning both the Sires Produce (Group 2) and the JJ Atkins (Group 1) last year. That means that she is undefeated at Eagle Farm – two starts for two wins. She must contend with 58 kilograms and gives many of the opposition weight here – she probably is not best placed in the conditions of the race. However, in saying that she has a magnificent record fresh and a recent barrier trial win at Gosford would suggest that she may be set by the astute Snowden yards to get some more black type against her name. Josh Parr will ride her for the first time.

Ekaterina (17) is trained by Robert Heathcote. She is an emergency – if she gets a start, she will be right in the race. She has a solid record at this track and distance.

Selections:

15 – Opal Ridge
8 – Tycoon Evie
14 – Comrade Rosa
13 – Salateen
Rough chances – (3) Sheeza Belter & (17) Ekaterina
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Jockeys Challenge

Many with chances this week – James McDonald, Nash Rawiller, Ryan Maloney, Jimmy Orman, Mark Zahra, and Sam Clipperton all have a solid book of rides – looks like a tight finish between Nash and Sam for mine– they may be a nice price as well.

Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5)

1,3 /5,6,8 / 1,3,7,9 / 7,10,15,16,18 - cost is $120 to $1.

Value Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5)

1 / 5,8 / 1,3,9 / 7,10,16 - cost is $18 to $1.

Quaddie (races 6 to 9)

1,2,3,13 / 3,4,6,15 / 4,5,9,10,18 / 8,13,14,15 - cost is $320 to $1

Value Quaddie (races 6 to 9)

3,13 / 3,4,6 / 5,9,18 / 8,15 - cost is $36 to $1.

Treble (races 7 to 9)

3,4,6,15/4,5,9,10,18/8,13,14,15 - cost is $80 to $1.

Value Treble (races 7 to 9)

3,4,6/5,9,18/8,15 - cost is $18 to $1

WINNO V FLEMO

The tipping battle continues with WINNO and FLEMO. 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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