WINNO'S WINNERS: GRAFTON. RAMORNIE DAY

By Darren Winningham | Tuesday, July 11, 2023

WINNO is at GRAFTON for the third day of the 2023 GRAFTON CARNIVAL. It is the traditional GRAFTON DISTRICT SERVICES CLUB RAMORNIE 2023 with the track rated ‘good’ and the rail is in the true position for the entire circuit.

This day is always a special day, but the 2023 RAMORNIE field is exceptional.

Last Sunday’s Toyota South Grafton Cup day featured winning doubles to Bubba Tilley and Cejay Graham. However, the day was dominated by Aaron Bullock with a winning treble including the feature race winner aboard the Mathew Dunn trained Cepheus who had to lug 62 kilograms to win.

There was a fall on Sunday involving three jockeys – Mikayla Weir, Luke Rolls and Tegan Harrison. Tegan sustained a right shoulder injury and concussion. She is recovering in hospital. There was a hush over the track as the amazing paramedics attended to her. We all wish “Tegz” a speedy recovery.

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.

Race 1

A 2200 metre – Class 6 race to start us off – a small field.

Greg Hickman used to make it a habit of coming to this Carnival and slaying the bookmakers with some well-orchestrated betting plunges that usually landed. He trains Insider Trader (1) who comes off a win at Hawkesbury over 2100 metres. It was a dour slogging win late, but got there and got the job done – Aaron Bullock is in the saddle.

Spoke to Rajiv (8) won over a mile at Scone last time out. He was solid to the line. He steps up in distance – but in saying that back in May he did win over 2050 metres at Gunnedah. He does possess a solid sprint late – down in the weights, that may be the telling factor late in this race.

Your Temptation (9) ran a nice third over 2200 metres at Scone in his last run. Wayne Wilkes trains this runner and Ramornie winning jockey (Jerezana in 2011) Andrew Gibbons will ride him again. The race had no tempo and they walked – I think he may benefit from a solid speed.

Pepper’s Ghost (5) is not without an each way ticket.

Selections:

1 – Insider Trader
8 – Spoke To Rajiv
9 – Your Temptation
5 – Pepper’s Ghost
Rough chance – (3) Gulf Of Tomini

Race 2

This is a race over 1000 metres – maiden class – a massive field.

Burnt Butter (2) is trained by Brett Cavanough – with his stable apprentice aboard, Braith Nock, who claims 2 kilograms. This runner raced at Ballina last time out and got run down in the shadows of the post. I think that other thing that was not in his favour there was the four-day quick back up between runs. I think he will be refreshed and able to put up a bold showing here.

Urban Jewel (10) will be ridden by Bubba Tilley (a winning double for this trainer on Sunday). The mare is trained by Stephen Lee and will have the addition of the blinkers for this run and the tongue tie coming off. Her last start at Ballina may have been a case of the second up yips – she is better than that run – keep safe and if the money comes for her – get on!

Northern Boogie (5) is a first starter for the astute Colt Prosser team at Port Macquarie. A hit out in a trial at Tuncurry looked solid. Peter Graham will ride the debutante.

The Statement (11) is trained by David McColm, and I see Jimmy Orman (Brisbane’s leading rider) is coming to the CRJC Carnival this year! This runner is only a two-year-old – however, the three trials have all been impressive and he may just get the job done on debut at long odds. A good old Grafton plunge has occurred with this runner who opened at $9 and has been smashed in the markets and now is around the $2.50 mark – a huge go!

Selections:

2 – Burnt Butter
10 – Urban Jewel
5 – Northern Boogie
11 – The Statement

Race 3

A Class 2 for the fillies and mares over 1100 metres.

Tres Redoute (3) is trained in Brisbane by Desleigh Forster. I see that it is owned by some well-known Brisbane racing identities and QLD supporters! She resumed with a solid win at Lismore. She overcame some trouble at the start and again in the running – it was a very solid win. She goes up in grade – but looks well placed – Jimmy Orman will ride.

Stephen Lee has a strong contingent of runners at Grafton today, including Lady Wardell (5) who is resuming here after a very good trial win at Ballina recently. She has drawn barrier 1 and will push forward from that barrier. There is some speed in the race – she probably will be best served ridden a few pairs back and then having a final shot at them – Bubba Tilley has the ride.

Milliffe (11) is trained on the Gold Coast by Marcus Wilson and Ben Thompson will ride. She resumes here on the back of a nice trial win on the Gold Coast. She will race on the speed, and this could see her be competitive.

Enterprise Jewel (2) resumes her for local trainer John Shelton with Ben Looker aboard. She races well fresh and a stable change may see her go well on her home track.

Selections:

3 – Tres Redoute
5 – Lady Wardell
1 – Centre Bounce
2 – Enterprise Jewel
Rough chance – (11) Millife

Race 4

Tough way to end the early Quaddie with another Class 2 over 1100 metres – this time for the boys.

Ethan Ensby trained a winner on Sunday – I did taunt him about his $5 KMART sunglasses that he wears each year at this Carnival. He seemed happy to see me – I suppose “your back you bloody pest” is a phrase of endearment.

Anyway, his runner Maximum Vortex (2) cannot win – that should get him upset! The gelding won his first two career starts here on this track – very impressively I may say. They then took him to Rosehill for a shot at a Highway Class 3 and it all went pear shaped after drawing barrier 10. They surged him to the front – had to be used up early and then just folded late to finish last. He has drawn barrier 10 here – there is some speed inside him – maybe he doesn’t have to lead – leave that up to the astute Matthew Palmer who will ride.

Panuara Boy (7) won first up at Ballina over 1010 metres – was ridden by Braith Nock who will ride him again for trainer Terry McCarthy. I think this one is very progressive and if he turns in a performance like he did first up, look for a bold showing at $6.

Single Touch (9) is trained by Tony Newing who has relocated from Gosford to Grafton. Hold the phone – he has opened his wallet as well and sponsored this race! He is only a lightly raced gelding – with two recent barrier trials to get him ready for this race – he could run a bold race. – Ben Looker will ride him - He has had three rides on him for 2 wins and a second. He does love this Grafton track and has drawn well.

Noble Missile (3) is a dual acceptor. Resumed here on day 1 of the Carnival on 2 July and ran a gallant second – that was over 1115 metres at Class 3 grade – maybe could show up here.

Selections:

7 – Panuara Boy
9 – Single Touch
2 – Maximum Vortex
3 – Noble Missile
Rough chances – (11) Jackky Dee

Race 5

First leg of the Quaddie. Class 2 over 1600 metres.

Damien Lane trains Oakfield Redgum (2). Aaron Bullock will ride. Won over the mile last time out at Newcastle on a heavy track. Just have come concerns that he seems to perform better on wet tracks and the track here will be firm. This could be the undoing of this runner – in saying that he has the best current form and looks well placed.

Matthew Dunn Racing took the trophy home on Sunday for the Toyota South Grafton Cup. He is represented here with Daedalus (7) who has run two consecutive seconds on his home track at Murwillumbah. Maybe the larger track makes the job easier to steady up and run home late.

Showman (8) trained by Stephen Lee and Bubba Tilley is aboard. They have been a lethal combination at the 2023 Carnival – keep safe. He is fourth up – posted a maiden win two starts ago at Murwillumbah and then had no luck in the running when tailed off and worked home late at Lismore over 1526 metres. On that run, with the longer straight, he will be working home nicely again I would think.

The Wanderer (6) is another Tony Newing runner. Second up here – distance looks ideal and is proven over the mile – will be large odds as well – I love value. Ben Looker to ride and he is $16 in the markets.

Sue Grills has State Capital (10) engaged. I think that they may have the price wrong here at $31. I think that he will run a bold race and QLD’s Kyle Wilson Taylor (KWT) has been booked to ride.

Selections:

2 – Oakfield Redgum
7 – Daedalus
8 – Showman
6 – The Wanderer
Rough chance – (10) State Capital

Race 6 TURSA GRAFTON GUINEAS 2023

The first leg of the treble is over 1600 metres. This is always a great support race to our feature event.

I have found one here at $121 – I originally put it on top – then I thought you would all think I have lost my marbles.

Gallic Fox (12) won last time out at Hawkesbury over 1400 metres. Had a tough run throughout – was caught wide – had no luck in transit and still powered to the line. I think that a mile will be no drama and hopefully from barrier 4 Jaden Lloyd will get a position in behind the speed and give this a peach. Do not say I didn’t warn you all!

Crafty Eagle (2), trained by John O’Shea, was a victim of a wide barrier in the Winx Guineas (Group 3) at the Sunshine Coast last time out. He had no luck in the running – forced to run wide after they went forward early. He has drawn poorly again in barrier 10 here. I think that they can afford to go back midfield and let him settle with the huge weight – Reece Jones will ride him in this feature race.

Flashing Steel (1) is from the Annabel Neasham yards (they won the last race on Sunday). He has won his past four starts over 1550 metres at midweek grade at Kembla and Canterbury. He normally likes to lead, however, there looks to be a few runners will take him on – Ryan Maloney will need to sum up what to do once they have gone 200 metres. Suffice to say he will be prominent in the running.

Deep Opinions (5) won the Guineas Prelude two weeks ago – that win was very good. He goes around here – steps up in distance – and that should be no problem. Damien Lane is having a solid Carnival so you must keep this runner safe. Darryl “Digger” McClellan retains the ride – will race midfield prior to making a run late.

Desleigh Forster has brought last start winner Bettcha The Crown (3) to Grafton looking to win a feature race – Jimmy Orman will ride him for her. He carried a mammoth 61 kilograms last time at Lismore over 1526 metres and settled back in the field. Then unleashed a barnstorming run late – covering ground out wide to go to the line and destroy the opposition. He drops in weights – and does go up in class – however, if they are trucking into the race and making ground on this program, he will be right in the finish!

Selections:

2 – Crafty Eagle
3 – Bettcha The Crown
12 – Gallic Fox
1 – Flashing Steel
Rough chance – (5) Deep Opinions

Race 7 2023 GRAFTON DISTRICT SERVICES CLUB (GDSC) RAMORNIE 2023

The second last race and the feature race of Day 3.

The history in recent times would suggest that Peter & Paul Snowden have an amazing strike rate in this race. They have won it 5 times since 2010. Last year Ranges (2) got the job done and he is back to defend his title in 2023.

His preparation is exactly the same as last year coming through the W J Healey (Group 3) race at Eagle Farm. It was a solid effort – back to this grade and with Ryan Maloney riding he must be respected.

The stable mate is Devil’s Throat who has been impressive winning his past two starts at Rosehill – then a freshen up and a recent barrier trial where he went to the line under a stronghold. He looks primed for this race. Around $12 and Reece Jones retains the ride. His sectionals and time in his last win were impressive. He will need some luck from barrier 13 – but I do think that he can settle midfield and sprint late down the outside to claim victory!

Adam Campton trains Deepour (8) who keeps winning and working through the grades. He is an exciting proposition. He has a strong sprint and exudes ability every time he hits the track. He destroyed a field at Ipswich last time out – but this race has always been the target for him this preparation. He gets in well at the weights with 54 kilograms and Kyle Wilson Taylor will ride him for the first time. He has an electric turn of foot and if he gets in from barrier 11 and gets 6 pairs back, he is going to be strong on the line.

Far Too Easy (1) is trained at Murwillumbah by David McColm and Jimmy Orman will ride him again. He has been unlucky in his past two starts. He was solid behind Prince Of Boom in the Moreton Cup (Group 2) last time – working home nicely from back in the field. The start before in the ATC Cup at the Sunshine Coast he was caught wide and had to cover ground – never was on the track. He has had a six week freshen up and a recent barrier trial where he was solid. One thing that you cannot overlook is his record on this Grafton track – three starts for three wins. He broke his maiden win here in 2021 and then the next start won the NBN two-year-old race. If Orman can get him settled and then ride for luck – he will be somewhere in the finish when the judge calls a halt to the race.

Lasting Kiss (9) resumed with a solid win at Eagle Farm – she just loves Grafton, and she races well fresh. Stephen Lee has set her a big task here second up – but on that first up effort she is not without a serious chance at $41. Bubba Tilley will be looking to claim another feature race after winning the Rockhampton Cup last Saturday and then backing up at Grafton on Sunday with a winning double.

Tara Jasmine resumes from a 14 week freshen up. She is another that has a tremendous strike rate on her home track – 9 starts for 6 wins and 2 placings. Trained by John Shelton she is at $51 in the markets. Mikayla Weir will ride her here. They say she has been working well on her home track – another one at odds.

The Big Goodbye (3) is trained by Robert Heathcote who will be tuned in from Europe where he is on holidays. Has been very consistent this preparation. It is syndicated by the QLD Rogues. He is just a real trier and always fights in his races – he will be a genuine chance here – Martin Harley who has just returned from injury and is riding in superb form will be aboard.

I can see several runners swooping late in this race – just got to hope that the track is not leaderish.

If you like one here, back it – as I can make a case for nearly every runner in the 2023 field.

Selections:

11 – Devil’s Throat
8 – Deepour
1 – Far Too Easy
2 – Ranges
Rough chances – (13) Tara Jasmine, (9) Lasting Kiss, (3) The Big Goodbye

Race 8

The last race of this big day of racing. A BM58 over 1400 metres.

Sponsored by Grafton Taxis – these always get a flogging over the Carnival with the revellers who have a bit to drink and then do the right thing and do not drive.

Another large field to face the starter. I will not be betting on this race – just praying for a bit of luck for my Quaddie and Treble bets.

Intentional Lass (12) is trained by Matthew Dunn and Aaron Bullock will ride. Was third up at Lismore over 1310 metres and had no luck at the start – knocked over and inconvenienced. Then somehow the filly managed to work home late for a solid fourth beaten under 1 length. She has barrier 18 to contend with here – probably will need some luck – but who knows?

Burdekin (6) is trained by Brett Cavanough and has Braith Knock aboard. Has drawn poorly as well in barrier 15. Is second up here – has won second up – and the 2-kilogram claim will assist.

Bubba Tilley and Stephen Lee combine here again with Spiele (8). She is third up here at $21. She did nothing second up last time out at Murwillumbah. She has won third up previously and won on this track. She has drawn well in barrier 2 – a genuine each way chance.

Fays Angel (9) resumes after running in the Sydney Carnival – her last start was in no less than the Group 1 Australian Oaks. Never handled the wet track – back to a firm surface she may run a solid race – Reece Jones is in the saddle.

Spring Wellness (17) is an emergency. Had no luck recently at Taree over 1410 metres. On that effort he could run a bold race here. Again, the barrier is a drama – barrier 19 – will certainly need some luck from out there.

Selections:

12 – Intentional Lass
6 – Burdekin
8 – Spiele
9 – Fays Angel
Rough chances – (17) Spring Wellness
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Jockey’s Challenge

Bubba Tilley, Aaron Bullock, Jimmy Orman and Reece Jones all have some nice rides. I am going for Aaron to pip Bubba in a close battle.

Early Quaddie (races 1 to 4)

1,8,9 / 2,5,10,11 / 1,3,5 / 2,3,7,9 - cost is $144 to $1

Value Early Quaddie (races 1 to 4)

1,8 / 2,10,11 / 3,5 / 2,7,9 - cost is $36 to $1

Quaddie (races 5 to 8)

2,6,7,8,10 / 1,2,3,12 / 1,2,8,11,13 / 6,8,9,12,17 - cost is $500 to $1

Value Quaddie (races 5 to 8)

2,7,8 / 2,3 / 1,8,11 /6,8,12 - cost is $54 to $1

Treble (races 6 to 8)

1,2,3,12 / 1,2,8,11,13 / 6,8,9,12,17 - cost is $100 to $1

BIG 6 (races 3 to 8)

3,5 / 2,7,9 / 2,7,8 / 2,3 / 8,11 /6,8,12 - cost is $216 to $1

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