WINNO'S WINNERS - MAY 18 - DOOMBEN 10 000 DAY

By Darren Winningham | Thursday, May 16, 2024

DOOMBEN this week. The track is rated ‘Soft’ and the rail is in the true position for the entire circuit. The weather is supposed to be all over the place in the lead up to the meeting – let us hope that the rain stays away, and we see a great racing surface.

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 class 6 race over the mile to start us off.

Gollan Racing is well represented here – some solid chances.

The pick of them I think is Rising Pacific (6) to be ridden by Jame Kah. Raced at Eagle Farm last time out and got caught wide in the running and still worked to the line strong. Back on the Doomben track where he seems to race well, he looks well placed.

The stable mate is Tenzing (9) with Tyler Schiller riding. He finished third in the race where Rising Pacific (6) ran second. He did go to the line strong – could be further improved on that run.

The other Gollan runner is Sunset Soiree (14) with Angela Jones riding. Is up in class down in the weights and I think with the speed on in the race she may be a rough chance to knock off these more fancied runners.

Miracle Spin (4) is trained by Matthew Smith and Nash Rawiller is booked to ride. He is second up here after a nice effort first up at Hawkesbury where he didn’t seem to like the track. Back on a larger track could be a NSW slayer!

Eaglemont (1) is trained by Matthew Dunn and Blake Shinn is riding. Was a solid effort in the Archer at Rockhampton last time out. He is back to a pet distance, and I expect a big improvement.

Selections:

6 – Rising Pacific
9 – Tenzing
4 – Miracle Spin
1 – Eaglemont
Rough chance – (14) Sunset Soiree

Race 2

A BM78 race over 1350 metres. A massive field to face the starter.

Weigall Tiger (9) is second up here after having no luck when resuming. Drawn well in barrier 7 and Cejay Graham aboard looks well placed. Forgive the first up effort – it was better than what it appears on paper.

The stable mate is Shohei (16) also trained by Kelly Schweida – not without a serious each way ticket.

Too Hard Too Refuse (15) is trained by Desleigh Forster and Jim Byrne in the saddle. Has been racing consistently. He loves to race on the speed and from barrier 6 he will jump and take a sit behind the leader. I personally think he goes better here than across the road. He is third up and has an impressive record third up – huge odds as well $21.

Space Tracker (6) with Jimmy Orman riding for Annabel Neasham has drawn well in barrier 5. He resumed at Ipswich and had no luck late in getting a genuine crack at them. He goes well second up – he will be in this for a long way.

Warby (7) has Ryan Maloney riding for Tony Gollan. First up was beaten on the line – it was a superb effort. Has drawn poorly in barrier 18 – however, he just seems to find a way to get through the fields and put himself in a winning position.

Rough chance to the stablemate – Blakmax (10).

Selections:

9 – Weigall Tiger
15 – Too Hard To Refuse
6 – Space Tracker
7 – Warby
Rough chance – (10) Blakmax & (16) Shohei

Race 3

A three-year-old race over 1350 metres.

Chris Waller racing has two solid chances in this race. Mchale (10) has drawn barrier one and we will be ridden by James McDonald. Forgive the last start effort at Hawkesbury where he did not enjoy the track. Back to a wider straight he should get some luck and no obstructions in the final 200 metres so expect him to be very competitive at good odds of $8.

The stablemate is Chrysaor (1) who will be written by Nash Rawiller. He has been gelded since his last start and resumes here. With two recent trials and drawn well in barrier 4, he cannot be overlooked. He is the top rated in this race and at the set weights gets in well.

Razors (5) was beaten in the shadows of the post in the Group 2 QLD Guineas. He is trained by James Cummings and despite coming back in distance he will be right in this race. Tim Clark gets the ride.

Ciaron Maher trains Scentify (7) with Tyler Schiller riding. He had his first start in QLD when he carried a mammoth 59.5 kilograms and got out late and just missed over 1400 metres. He is up in grade, but the run was exceptional and, drawn well, he is a solid chance.

Robert Heathcote trains Abounding (13). Resumed over 1000 metres at Eagle Farm – totally unsuitable distance. She was drawn wide last start and got caught wide. This weekend she has drawn 18 and she may need some luck in this huge field. Martin Harley will be riding her again.

Selections:

10 – Mchale
5 – Razors
7 – Scentify
13 – Abounding
Rough chance – (1) Chrysaor & (3) Robrick & (2) The Instructor

Race 4 JRA CHAIRMAN’S HANDICAP (Group 3)

A Group 3 race over 2000 metres.

Annabel Neasham and the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott training partnership have some solid chances here.

I like the Waterhouse & Bott trained New Endeavour (5) with Tim Clark riding.

The Annabel Neasham pair of Spirit Ridge (2) and Regal Lion (11) have solid chances.

Spirit Ridge (2) ran well last time out at the Wagga Cup – he is a nine-year-old with James McDonald riding. He has not won in 69 weeks – but he could show up here.

The stable mate is Regal Lion (11) with Tyler Schiller to ride. He raced at Eagle Farm over 2200 metres last time. He got nailed in the final stride – he deserved to win the race (I did back him) – a repeat of that effort will see him competitive here.

Deny Knowledge (6) is trained by Michael Kent in Victoria and races here for the first time – Jamie Kah will ride. He looks like the likely leader as well. Last time out at Mornington he led over 2400 metres – was headed and still fought on to the line to run a credible fourth. I think the shorter distance should yield a better result.

Dune Forty Five (9) is owned by the BRC Chairman Neville Bell – he may have to present the trophy to himself! The gelding is trained by Robert Heathcote and Kyle Wilson Taylor (KWT) will ride him. He has had two starts to get him ready to fire in this race. He gets to a distance where he may show his best – massive price as well at $21.

Selections:

5 – New Endeavour
6 – Deny Knowledge
9 – Dune Forty Five
11 – Regal Lion
Rough chance – (2) Spirit Ridge & (15) Queenmaker

Race 5

This is a Listed race over 1600 metres.
Territory Express (4) was an impressive winner over 1400 metres at Randwick last time out. He is trained by Paul Niceforo and Robbie Dolan will ride. I think the way he savaged the line last time out he will have no trouble in getting the mile.

Gringotts (11) won the Tamworth Cup last time out over 1400 metres – is trained by Ciaron Maher and Jamie Kah in the saddle. He was challenged late but held on. He has won previously over the mile, but just the way he got to the line at Tamworth I think he may struggle at the mile.

Dark Harmony (17) from the Munce Racing team is down on the minimum. He normally leads, however, with Sibaaq (3) engaged he may just take a sit. This could be of benefit to him here – Mark Du Plessis will ride. He really thrives on this Doomben track – 6 starts – 1 win and 5 seconds.

Selections:

4 – Territory Express
11 – Gringotts
17 – Dark Harmony
6 – Knights Choice

Race 6 SPIRIT OF BOOM CLASSIC - Group 2

First leg of the Quaddie. A Group 2 race over 1200 metres for the two-year-old runners.

There are a fair few interstate runners making their debut in QLD here. Watch for any late betting moves.

Bitter Creek (3) may make his rivals a little “bitter” if he can win this feature race with Blake Shinn riding for L & T Corstens. Debut at Flemington was great then went to the tight turning Moonee Valley track where he was forced to go back from a wide barrier - made a very strong run to the line and ran a gallant second. That run was over 1200 metres and his sectionals were solid enough to say he can run a bold race here at $8.

Another Victorian is Angel Capital (5) from the Clinton McDonald stables with Jamie Kah riding. They combined to win at his debut race at Cranbourne where he won in eye-catching fashion. Maiden to Group 2 and the short price – not for me – I could be wrong, but I think he will be improve on from his run here this weekend.

The other Victorian is from the astute Graham Begg yards – Rich Dottie (12). Won on debut at Caulfield over 1000 metres. The way she ran she certainly had more to give on the line and the extra distance should suit. Tim Clark has been booked to ride.

A local runner is El Morzillo (11) trained by Kelly Schweida – she went around in the Group 2 Percy Sykes Stakes at Randwick. She found all types of trouble in the running and got too far back. Then she just flew home for an impressive fourth to be beaten by 1.4 lengths. A solid effort – then a five week freshen up to lead into this race – she looks well placed – Craig Williams will ride.

President (7) from the Chris Waller Racing stables could be an improver.

Selections:

3 – Bitter Creek
11 – El Morzillo
5 – Angel Capital
12 – Rich Dottie
Rough chance – (7) President

Race 7 MAGIC MILLIONS BRIGHT SHADOW – Listed

First leg of the Treble – a Listed fillies and mares class race over 1110 metres. There is some speed engaged here.

Parisal (1) won at Hawkesbury last time out – impressive win for the Godolphin team. Fronts up here again meeting Xtravagant Star (11) who she defeated in that race by 2.7 lengths. He goes up sharply in the weights, however, he is a class runner here – James McDonald will ride. She is drawn well in barrier 4.

Xtravagant Star (11) meets Parisal (1) 4.5 kilograms better for that defeat. She has drawn well in barrier 6, is trained by Ciaron Maher and looks well placed. Tyler Schiller will ride. She did win here at this track and distance a month ago.

Enterprise Pomme (10) is a Kris Lees Racing runner with Robbie Dolan aboard. The mare is having her second start for her new stable. She raced in a good quality race at Listed level last time out and was solid. A repeat of that effort from barrier 9 should see her in the finish.

Chinny Boom (5) is an honest mare trained by Clinton Taylor and Justin Stanley will ride her again. Justin has ridden her 5 times – 3 wins and 2 placings – in the money 100% of the time! She raced over 1200 metres last time out and with the big weight stopped late. I think she is better suited over these shorter distances and from barrier 1 is well in it.

Typhoon Tavi (14) is trained by Tony Gollan – she has hit a purple patch of form winning her past three starts. She is up in grade – down in the weights and has Jamie Kah riding. She has drawn terribly in barrier 21. She will need some luck in the running as she normally likes to lead in her races. She always jumps clean and will probably struggle to get across from the wide barrier with the speed drawn inside of her.

Party For Two (12) has been racing consistently and will be thereabouts as well.

There is an emergency runner from the Kelly Schweida stables – Maid To Fit (21). This mare has always raced well fresh. If she makes the field, you must have something on her here. Stable apprentice Cejay Graham will ride. She loves this Doomben track, and she loves it wet – the heavier the better! If she gets in the field, she may just make a mess of them – super each way odds as well at $31. Stuff it – I am going to take the early odds.

Selections:

11 – Xtravagant Star
1 – Parisal
14 – Typhoon Tavi
10 – Enterprise Pomme
Rough chance – (5) Chinny Boom & (12) Party For Two & (21) Maid To Fit

Race 8 DOOMBEN 10,000 – Group 1

Our feature race today is the Group 1 Doomben 10 000 over 1200 metres. Only a small field of nine to face the starter.

Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman have two solid chances in the race.

I Wish I Win (1) is the early favourite – James McDonald will ride. He was first up in the TJ Smith Stakes (Group 1) on a heavy track at Randwick – was a bold effort in the terrible conditions. He will have stripped fitter for that run, and I think comes here ready to show his best. He is proven at Group 1 level.

The stable mate is Chain Of Lightning (6) who will be ridden by Jamie Kah. Another runner who thrives on wet surfaces. She won the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes and then didn’t seem to handle the heavy 10 track at her next start. I think you should forgive that last effort. She looks well placed here – Moody and Coleman will be looking for a Group 1 quinella!

Bella Nipotina (5) is trained By Ciaron Maher and comes off a freshen up after racing in Perth. She is another that loves wet ground and will thrive here. Craig Williams will ride her. She is always a bridesmaid – 19 Group 1 starts for only 1 win – at some point she must win another one – this race could be it!

Wee Nessy (8) ran an absolute blinder of a race for the Kent & Price yards at her first start in QLD. She was defeated by Antino, and he ran some great sectionals to defeat her. She will be better for that run and with a wet track she will come into calculations again.

If the track turns into a bog – just have something on Mazu (3) he thrives in terrible shifty ground.

Selections:

1 – I Wish I Win
5 – Bella Nipotina
6 – Chain Of Lightning
8 – Wee Nessy
Rough chance – (3) Mazu

Race 9 Rough Habit Plate – Group 3

The last race of the program – an early afternoon – home we go!

A Group 3 race over 2000 metres – and it is a great field as well.

The logical selection is Autumn Angel (15) trained by Moody and Coleman – could be a big final two races for this training dynamic duo – and Jamie Kah as well. Autumn Angel won the Australasian Oaks over 2400 metres last time out at Randwick on a heavy track. To be fair if the track deteriorates across the day she probably comes right into the race as it may be a slog late and she is super fit.

Kintyre (1) won for Gary Portelli at his last start at Eagle Farm in the QLD Guineas (Group 2). He was superb working to the line strong late and giving jockey Cejay Graham her first Group winner! She retains the ride here – a great show of faith in her - and drawn barrier 1 will get the run of the race.

Chris Waller Racing has several runners engaged. I like Tannhauser (3) as his best chance with James McDonald to ride. He ran in the Frank Packer Plate (Group 3) at his last start on a heavy track at Randwick. Has had a three week freshen up and a recent trial where he wasn’t asked to do anything. He will be ready to run a bold race here.

I also like the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott runner – Gold Bullion (4) to cause a slight upset at around the $11 mark with Tim Clark to ride. He lost the Frank Packer Plate (Group 3) on protest to Kintyre at his last start. He has been freshened since then and has had a solid barrier trial where he was asked for an effort. Looks rock hard coming into this race.

Port Lockroy (8) is an Annabel Neasham runner – he gets back in his races. Last effort was in the QLD Guineas over the mile where he stormed home late. The extra distance is ideal here and Adam Hyeronimus will ride. He finally has drawn a decent barrier this weekend – barrier 5. This will be of great assistance as in his past two starts he has been drawn off the track and had to be ridden conservatively.

Selections:

4 – Gold Bullion
15 – Autumn Angel
1 – Kintyre
3 – Tannhauser
Rough chance – (8) Port Lockroy
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Jockeys Challenge

Looks like a battle between James McDonald, Jamie Kah and Tyler Schiller. I think Jamie Kah may get the win on a massive day of racing.

Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5)

6,7,9,15 /1,5,7,10,13 / 5,6,9,11 / 4,11,17 - cost is $240 to $1.

Value Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5)
9,15 / 5,7,10 / 5,6,9 / 4,11 - cost is $36 to $1.

Quaddie (races 6 to 9)

3,5,11,12 / 1,10,11,14 / 1,5,6,8 / 1,3,4,8,15 - cost is $320 to $1

Value Quaddie (races 6 to 9)

3,11 / 1,11,14 / 1,5,6 / 1,4,15 - cost is $54 to $1

Treble (races 7 to 9)

1,4,10,11 / 1,5,6,8 / 1,3,4,8,15 - cost is $80 to $1.

WINNO V FLEMO

The battle is on again between 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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