WINNO'S WINNERS: MAGIC MILLIONS DAY, JANUARY 13

By Darren Winningham | Friday, January 12, 2024

Well, here is the 2024 Magic Millions Day! The track is rated “SLOW”. The rail is out 2 metres from the 950 metres to the 400 metres and then in the true position for the entire circuit.

The track raced even last weekend – however, it did seem to favour runners in the first half of the field. I think I will look for on pace runners and runners who have drawn well this weekend.

A huge 11 race program – unprecedented in Magic Million history! It will be a carnival of fashion and colour.

Time to look at the program.

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 MAGIC MILLIONS COUNTRY CUP

An Open class race over 1200 metres.

These races are always hard to assess with many form lines to consider.

I've gone for the locally trained Jamaican Rumba (14) who will be ridden by Jamie Kah for the Edmonds Racing team. They posted a victory last week on their home track and I expect on the first race of this huge day of racing that they may just fly the flag for the locally trained Gold Coast runners. She's down in the weights and does her best work when she races on the speed and a wet track will be of no detriment to her chances and I expect her to be out in front for a long way.

Zhuang Zhi (13) is trained by Stuart Kendrick Racing and is drawn terribly in barrier 20. Tyler Schiller will need some luck from the barrier. The stable may have set him up for this race by bringing him down to have a look at the track on the 9th of December when the Gold Coast had their first meeting on this new turf track. I think if he had a kinder barrier draw, he would have a definite chance in the race.

Party Spirit (15) is trained by Robert Heathcote Racing and she has won her past four starts. She is syndicated by First Light Racing and there will be a huge number of owners yelling and screaming if she can win – imagine the party afterwards! There is a lot to like about this mare as she handles wet tracks, she's drawn nicely, and she should be racing a couple of pairs back behind the speed. Damien Thornton will ride her again after winning on her at Warwick in her last start.

Velvet Haze (9) is trained by Kris Lees Racing with Andrew Mallyon in the saddle. She has won her past two starts at country tracks in NSW on wet surfaces. She had a very good hit out in a barrier trial on this track last week and slayed the opposition. From barrier 15 she'll probably struggle to take up the running, however look for Mallyon to get her across in a prominent position and her to be right in the finish when the judge calls a halt to the race.

Some roughies like Rollinwiththeflow (4) trained by Craig Tyrell and Hodgson (6) trained by Felicia Bergstrand are not without a chance at huge odds.

The key to this race will be anything that they come for and back late.

Selections:

14 – Jamaican Rumba
13 – Zhuang Zhi
15 – Party Spirit
9 – Velvet Haze
Rough chance – (4) Rollinwiththeflow & (6) Hodgson

Race 2 MAGIC MILLIONS – THE DEBUT

Two-year-old race for horses on debut – for the fillies. Only a small field to face the starter.

I think the winner will come from the powerful Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott yards with one of their two runners.

Too Darn Lizzie (9) was a solid trial winner at Warwick Farm on a soft track – Tim Clark will ride.

Dominetta (4) has had two trials and in her latest trial she won at Randwick – Adam Hyeronimus will ride.

Froebel Star (4) is trained by Ciaron Maher & David Eustace, and she was solid winning a trial at Wyong.

As usual with these races – follow any market moves on race day – that is normally the best guide.

Selections:

9 – Too Darn Lizzie
4 – Dominetta
5 – Froebel Star
1 – Bank Book

Race 3 MAGIC MILLIONS – THE DEBUT

Two-year-old race for the boys on debut.

Will Hulbert has promised to shout the bar at the HAMO if his horse wins – The Hamo (10) who will be ridden by Adin Thompson. I will rush back to the HAMO just to see Will open the wallet and see the moths fly out!

Lead Me On (8), trained by Chris Anderson Racing, won a trial here a month ago. He has drawn awkwardly in barrier 11- however, he has Michael Rodd aboard and I think he can be patient, race handily and finish them off late.

Cryptostar (4) is trained by Liam Birchley and has Blake Shinn aboard. He ran second in a recent barrier trial on this track. He looked to have plenty of improvement in him – keep safe.

Barracuda (2) could just chew them up and rip them apart as his name suggests. He is trained by Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott and James McDonald will ride. His trials have been solid – watch for any market moves for this runner.

Selections:

8 – Lead Me On
4 – Cryptostar
2 – Barracuda
10 – The Hamo
Rough chance – (12) Due Calzini

Race 4 RACING QUEENSLAND MAGIC MILLIONS OPEN

This race is an Open class race over 1300 metres. The first leg of the early Quaddie – with 11 races today.

Rob Heathcote has some genuine chances here with Rothfire (1) and Hatchet (16).

Rothfire (1) won the King of the Mountain race at Toowoomba recently with Ben Thompson riding. He comes into this race carrying a mammoth 61 kilograms and has drawn terribly in barrier 16. He loves to lead, and I think from the barrier he'll struggle to get across cleanly and take up the running. However if he gets a soft first 200 metres it may be curtains for the rest of the runners as he will dominate and run them into the ground.

The stable-mate Hatchet (16) who was an exciting winner last time out at Doomben. He had some trouble in the running however stormed to the line late and destroyed the opposition. He gets in here on the minimum weight with Robbie Dolan riding and just looks ideally placed behind the speed to get the run of the race and win this race. He's second up statistics that demonstrate that he has had three starts for two wins in one second. This demonstrates that he races well and I cannot see him beaten in this race.

The horse who ran second to Rothfire (1) in the King of the Mountain was the Sears Racing trained Steady Ready (14). He was making ground late, but I think Rothfire had peaked on his run and it may have exaggerated the run, however this horse won last year at this track and deserves an opportunity to win on the big stage this weekend. This stable has booked Jamie Kah to ride him this weekend and he will be given the run of the race from perfect barrier draw.

The North Queensland runner Chinny Boom (4) could not have been more impressive when she flashed home behind Lady Laguna (race 11 number 3). It was an impressive effort as she had no luck in the running. Justin Stanley has kept the ride, and she will be trained to the minute by Clinton Taylor. Her last start was over 1200 metres, and I think the extra 100 metres will assist her this weekend.

Tony Gollan has a runner here in Situation Room (12) who has been racing very consistently and deserves the opportunity to win on this big weekend of racing. Angela Jones will ride again. He drew barrier 13 and I just think he may struggle over the 1300 metres but with the speed on he could pop up at huge odds.

Selections:

16 – Hatchet
14 – Steady Ready
1 – Rothfire
4 – Chinny Boom
Rough chances – (12) Situation Room

Race 5 MAGIC MILLIONS SUBZERO

This race is over 2200 metres – the distance race for the meeting.

Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott train So United (6) a last start winner at Randwick over 1800 metres. He will be racing somewhere close to the lead with Tim Clark in the saddle. I think that being close to the lead maybe the place to be as some of these will be tired and falling back into the laps of some of the runners making their runs late.

Deficit (16) won here last year the week before Magic Millions over 1800 metres – the irony is that he has not won a race since! Trained by Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou with Ben Thompson in the saddle, and down on the minimum in the weights, he may run a bold race with no weight on his back. He has big odds at $16 and probably should be longer – but his recent runs with big weights would suggest that he is due for a win.

Zennzella (3) is trained by Ciaron Maher & David Eustace and comes off a win at Caulfield into this race. She is stepping up in distance for the first time – after a win at 1700 metres – she is the early market favourite. I think that she will be found out late and will not get the distance. Jamie Kah will be riding and will need to look to settle her and get her to relax to get the distance. She will handle a wet track – she has drawn wide in barrier 15.

Outlandos (10) is a duck – so if the track is heavy or worse do not overlook this runner who is trained by John Sargeant with Michael Dee in the saddle. He is third up here after racing over a mile at his past two starts – he gets back to his pet distance and a wet track – huge blow out chance for mine at $35.

Military Gambler (11) trained by Munce Racing is down on the minimum weight here with Damien Thornton riding. He does his best work when ridden forward and allowed to bowl along. He probably will take a trail behind So United (6) and hope that his fitness is better late and can reel in the leaders and win for the Munce team.

Selections:

6 – So United
16 – Deficit
3 – Zennzella
10 – Outlandos
Rough chance – (11) Military Gambler

Race 6 TAB MAGIC MILLIONS – THE SYNDICATE

This will be a frenzy after the race with some massive syndicates involved in the horses in this race.

Bossed Up (14) is the way I have gone here from the Tony Gollan stables with Craig Williams to ride. He is looking for a hat trick of wins here. His latest win at Eagle Farm was impressive, sitting off the speed and then letting down late and winning easily. He has drawn well in barrier 6 and will be handy throughout.

The stable mate is Golden Boom (4) who is resuming from a 28-week spell. He won a recent barrier trial – may need some more time to come to hand – however, he does race well fresh and will be handy on the speed – drawn barrier 9.

Bezique (12) is another Gollan trained – she has won her past three starts. She will get to the lead for mine from barrier 5. Ben Thompson may elect to let the speedsters go and take a sit in behind them, but I expect her to be in the finish from the cosy barrier draw.

Derry Grove (5) is trained by Matthew Dunn Racing and Nash Rawiller will ride. He is first up after a 13 week freshen up. He won a recent trial on his home track at Murwillumbah. Will handle a wet track and looks well drawn in barrier 2. He did have no luck in the Kosciuszko when he was bumped at the start, and it appeared to unsettle him. Racing fresh here he could be hard to hold out.

Prince Of Boom (1) is the class runner of the field. Trained by Robert Heathcote and syndicated by Adrenaline Thoroughbreds. He was first up at Eagle Farm over 1000 metres – was drawn wide had a huge weight 61 kilograms – was caught wide in the running and just ran out of fitness. He has had a month freshen up. Has won two from two on this track. Tim Clark – probably the best front riding runner in Australia is booked to ride him again. He has a 100% winning strike rate on him with 2 rides – 2 wins. However, he has drawn terribly in barrier 15 in this race and will need some luck. He probably can get across, but there are a couple of runners who may push up and keep him wide which will not be ideal.

Selections:

14 – Bossed Up
5 – Derry Grove
4 – Golden Boom
1 – Prince Of Boom
Rough chances – (12) Bezique

Race 7 IT’S LIVE IN QLD MAGIC MILLIONS SNIPPETS

Last leg of the early quaddie.

Limited chances in this race. The Snowden Racing team has King Of Sparta (3) who is undefeated at this track with 2 starts for 2 wins. He just seems to turn up here and get the job done each year. He was solid in The Hunter last time out, running home late after the leader got his way in front on a day where leaders had a distinct advantage. James McDonald will ride and has had a recent trial to freshen him up. He won this race last year, ironically defeating Shooting For Gold (2) on that occasion.

Shooting For Gold (2) is trained by Steven O’Dea and Matt Hoysted and Mark Zahra will ride. He resumed at Eagle Farm and was solid. He has drawn barrier 11 – but in this small field he should have no trouble in transit.

Nettuno (7) is a Gollan Racing runner who returned to form last time out at Eagle Farm after previously winning first up. He won the Ken Russell Memorial (Group 3) here in 2022. He is back from injury and has been racing well. He will need some luck from barrier 14 – but he normally races midfield and Ben Thompson will have him placed well to make a run late.

Rose Quartz (6) is from Victoria from the Graham Begg yards with Michael Dee to ride. She loves 1200 metres with three of her five career wins at the distance. She resumed over 1100 metres at Caulfield – she will probably not handle a wet track if the track is in the slow range.

Hard To Say (8) is trained by Jason Deamer and syndicated by Dynamic Syndications. Last start winner at Randwick over 1100 metres nine weeks ago. A recent trial winner on a heavy track at Newcastle. Ashley Morgan will ride.

Selections:

3 – King Of Sparta
2 – Shooting For Gold
7 – Nettuno
6 – Rose Quartz
Rough chances – (8) Hard To Say

Race 8 2024 MAGIC MILLIONS – TWO YEAR OLD CLASSIC

First leg of the Quaddie with 11 races on the card.

The feature race for mine on the program! What horse, trainer, jockey, and owners will go into the history books?

I was on track last weekend to see the Tony & Calvin McEvoy trained Arabian Summer (8) win the Aquis Pearl. She sat wide and she ran a faster time than the colts and geldings race won by Spywire (2). She would not have blown a candle out after the race – it was a very good win and performance. Harry Coffey will ride again, and she drew well at the barrier draw being allocated barrier 9. I think she can win the 2024 Magic Millions and give Tony McEvoy his second winner after he won it in 2018 with another filly Sunlight.

Highness won the Wyong Magic Millions edition. This race does have a strong history of winners racing well in this race, but he has won a barrier trial since the win at Wyong - he looks the real deal. He is a Snitzel colt trained by Michael Freedman and Tommy Berry will be riding. Barrier 4 is a blessing – he will just pop out and sit in behind the speed – he could slay this field given any luck in running. Berry will be looking to claim his third Magic Millions winner after he has won this race in 2011 and 2012.

Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott train Storm Boy (1). A winner of the Group 3 BJ McLachlan stakes last time out. He missed the jump and then worked into the race nicely. I think that if he does not jump cleanly it might be all over the red rover. Drawn barrier 10 – will race in a forward position – hopefully will not be caught wide and Adam Hyeronimus will get a nice run-in transit.

Spywire (2) won the Aquis Nugget. Craig Williams was glowing with confidence on dismounting, reporting to trainer Ciaron Maher that he was in good form and will be hard to beat in the grand finale. He has drawn barrier 12 and James McDonald will be looking to claim his second Magic Millions winner after pairing with Maher in 2022 with Coolangatta.

I think the best roughie in the race is Jenni’s Meadow (12) trained by Hayes boys. Declan Bates will ride her. I thought her debut win at Moonee Valley was full of merit, sitting off the speed and then working into the race and winning easily. The times were okay, and she has drawn well in barrier 5.

Selections:

8 – Arabian Summer
4 – Highness
1 – Storm Boy
2 – Spywire
Rough chance – (12) Jenni’s Meadow

Race 9 MAGIC MILLIONS GUINEAS

First leg of the Treble.

This is the other feature race – superb field over 1400 metres.

I have gone for a runner who looks on paper to be progressive – Sydney Bowler (10) trained by John O’Shea. He has only had three career starts and has won them all. He has been working through the grades well and finds himself in a $3 million dollar race in only his fourth start. I may be wrong, but I do think that he can win this race on his recent form. Jason Collett will ride him again. He has drawn barrier 17 and will need some luck in transit – but he just could be one on the way up.

Chrysaor (2) resumed at Doomben for Chris Waller Racing and was run down in the shadow of the post by Cifrado (1). He is second up and drawn barrier 8 and James McDonald to ride – a lot of reasons just to pile into him here. He will be in the race for a long way and would have benefited from the first up effort.

Cifrado (1) is trained by Rex Lipp. Damien Thornton will ride him for the final time – as he will head back to Melbourne after riding at the Magic Millions meeting. He was impressive last time out, winning at Doomben over 1350 metres. He was back to his best last time out and it will take a good one to knock him off here.

Royal Tribute (4) resumed and won at Gosford first up for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. He races on the speed and looks the likely leader with Adam Hyeronimus to ride again. Drawn barrier 11 and a clean getaway he will be hard to run down.

Weigall Tiger (7) is trained by Kelly Schweida. Didn’t see out the mile last time out at Doomben. He drops back to a distance he is competitive at. Has drawn barrier 15 and has Cejay Graham riding. If she can get a cosy run, he can win this race at $21 – that would lead to I think the biggest race win of Cejay’s career – good luck!

Abounding (13) is trained by Robert Heathcote. She won over 1200 metres at Doomben last time out – in fact she got there in the final bound. Has drawn well to get cover and race well – just some concerns with her running out the 1400 metres.

If Keenan (20) somehow makes the field (he is currently an emergency) he could cause an upset. He resumed and looked like he needed the run at Randwick. Will strip fitter and is trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott – drawn well in barrier 2.

Selections:

10 – Sydney Bowler
2 – Chrysaor
1 – Cifrado
4 – Royal Tribute
Rough chance – (7) Weigall Tiger & (13) Abounding & (20) Keenan

Race 10 JEWEL MAGIC MILLIONS CUP

Open class race over 1400 metres.

I think that this race is a blow-out for punters – play wide. The favoured runners have drawn out – some impossible barriers for mine.

The South Australian visitor looks well placed here – Meridus (13). Trained by Lloyd Kennewell and Lucy Yeomans, he resumed last weekend here – drew wide – went back and was working home well late. They backed him as well last weekend before he eased late. Second up – with a quick back up as well - I like him here at huge each way odds to cause an upset – currently $31 in the early markets. He has drawn well in barrier 4 this week – he will be able to race a few pairs back – watch out for mine!

Arentee (15) is trained by Chris Meagher. What can I say about another roughie at $41. He was carrying 61.5 kilograms first up at Doomben – he faded late - however, the run was solid. He has drawn perfectly in barrier 3 with Damien Thornton to ride. He has a good second up record, and he will be on the speed and ready to strike late.

Zarastro (5) is trained by Gollan Racing. Steps up to the big test here. He has drawn poorly in barrier 20 and he does like to lead – so he may have to be used up early that could mean that he is vulnerable late – especially over 1400 metres. Angela Jones will ride again.

Tamerlane (1) is a Godolphin runner – James Cummings trains with Blake Shinn riding again. He was impressive winning at Doomben a fortnight ago when he sat off the speed and just eased into the race with authority and left them all standing. He is a quality runner and, despite the big weight and the wide barrier - barrier 16, I think that he will just get a nice run-in transit and be there late when the whips are cracking.

I feel for trainer David McColm and Jimmy Orman with Far Too Easy (2) who have surely upset the barrier gods again. He gets into these feature races and draws the worst barriers – this week he gets barrier 21. They probably will have to go back – one thing in his favour is that the speed will be on, and he will be able to finish off late.

Loch Eagle (3) is a Kris Lees Racing runner with Nash Rawiller to ride. A solid win a month ago at Randwick over the mile – maybe one to keep safe.

Selections:

13 – Meridus
15 – Arentee
1 – Tamerlane
5 – Zarastro
Rough chance – (2) Far Too Easy & (3) Loch Eagle & (12) Semana

Race 11 TAB MAGIC MILLIONS FILLIES AND MARES

The last race – will be a hell of a party to come after the last – some wild scenes for mine. Then there will be the others that will head across the road to the Magic Millions sales.

Let’s see if we can raise the temperature – with a win from Miss Hellfire (11), a last start winner at Randwick. She has won at this track and Tyler Schiller will ride her again.

Last start winner Lady Laguna (3) returned to her best for trainer Annabel Neasham. It was a bold win and full of merit. She will be very hard to hold out in this last race with James McDonald riding. She will race midfield and get home strong.

Seleque (7) resumed last start at Randwick and ran last after drawing wide and carrying a huge weight. Overlook that run for mine. She has won here on the track and has a solid second up record. Tommy Berry will ride, and she has massive odds at $41.

Willinga Beast (10) drew wide when resuming at Doomben and being defeated by Lady Laguna (3). She was taken back from the wide barrier and was belting home late over 1200 metres – the extra distance is right up her alley. Blake Shinn will have to ride for luck as she has drawn poorly again in barrier 18.

Royal Merchant (1) and Junquiera (13) are both winners last start – they both command respect.

Selections:

11 – Miss Hellfire
3 – Lady Laguna
7 – Seleque
10 – Willinga Beast
Rough chance – (1) Royal Merchant & (13) Junqueira
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Jockeys Challenge

Looks like an open battle with James McDonald, Craig Williams, Tim Clark, and Jamie Kah all have solid books of rides. Jamie Kah to get the chocolates and why not a bouquet of flowers – she would have earned them on a day where anything can and usually does occur!

Early Quaddie (races 4 to 7)

1,4,14,16 / 3,6,16 / 1,4,5,14 / 2,3,6,7 - cost is $192 to $1.

Value Early Quaddie (races 4 to 7)

14,16 / 6,16 / 4,5,14 / 2,3 - cost is $24 to $1.

Quaddie (races 8 to 11)

1,2,4,8 / 1,2,4,7,10 / 1,2,5,13,15 / 3,7,10,11 - cost is $400 to $1

Value Quaddie (races 8 to 11)

4,8 / 1,2,10 / 1,13,15 / 3,7,10 - cost is $54 to $1

Treble (races 9 to 11)

1,2,4,7,10 / 1,2,5,13,15 / 3,7,10,11 - cost is $100 to $1.

WINNO V MITCH MANNERS

The battle will be between the local race caller and good bloke Mitch Manners and WINNO. 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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