WINNO'S WINNERS: EAGLE FARM - JUNE 8 - OAKS DAY

By Darren Winningham | Thursday, June 6, 2024

EAGLE FARM this week – a meeting featuring the Group 1 Queensland Oaks. The track is rated ‘soft’ and the rail is out 2.5 metres for the entire circuit.

There was some kick back last weekend and towards the end of the program the horses on the speed seemed to be getting all the favours. I think I will look for runners who will settle close to the lead this weekend.

James McDonald is back in QLD after a hit and run mission to Japan to partner the Hong Kong champion Romantic Warrior to another Group 1 win – he now has an impressive 97 Group 1 wins to his name – can he crack 100 over the QLD Winter Carnival?

Game 1 in State of Origin 2024 is done and dusted – a lucky win to the QLD team after NSW were reduced to 12 men less than ten minutes into the game. They have been crowing ever since. Wait until you have a full team in Game 2 – things will be different!

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 BM90 race here – over 1800 metres.

I like a runner down in the weights here trained by Tony Gollan – Sunset Soiree (14). Angela Jones will ride the mare drawn perfectly in barrier 10. She won impressively last weekend over the mile in a superb effort. She must have trained on well for Gollan to back her up this week – she looks hard to beat again.

The stable mate is Princess Rhaeyns (7) with the globetrotting James McDonald to ride. The mare raced at Group 3 level at her last start over a mile. The extra distance and down in grade see her well placed. Third up as well – I think that she has her hoof on the till.

Wapiti (3) just loves this track and distance. Gary Duncan trains him and Nikita Beriman will ride him again. Two starts ago he won here at this distance. Never was sighted in the Group 2 Hollindale last time out. Watch for a dramatic improvement.

Warp Speed (8) is trained by Mark Goodwin and Michael Cahill will ride. He has had a six week freshen up after winning here over 2200 metres. Will be racing handy and goes well on this surface.

Evocator (13) is a rough chance if he takes his place in the field (a dual acceptor).

Age Of Sail (10) from the Kris Lees Racing yard has been well supported since the markets have opened.

Selections:

14 – Sunset Soiree
3 – Wapiti
7 – Princess Rhaeyns
8 – Warp Speed
Rough chance – (10) Age Of Sail & (13) Evocator

Race 2

A Class 6 race over 1200 metres.

Tony Gollan has a few genuine chances here.

Let me start with Millane (4) who probably didn’t handle the heavy track at Sunshine Coast last time out. He got too far back, but his final 600 metre sectionals were superb storming home late. Back on a firmer surface and a track where he thrives, he should be right in this. He has drawn terrible in barrier 18 though – James McDonald will need to work some magic from out there.

Pizzaro (5) is the stable mate – 2 from 2 since joining the new stable. Both wins were at Ipswich with Jimmy Orman riding – he retains the ride. Has drawn well in barrier 2 – if he handles this surface, he will be competitive.

Kelly Schweida has two solid chances as well. Vodka Martini (8) with Cejay Graham in the saddle. She has drawn well in barrier 4 and will race in behind the speed. Second up on a track she likes – must be considered. She was run down late last time out by My Snow Queen (14).

April In Augusta (17) is the stable mate. Resumed at Ipswich and was beaten on the post by Pizzaro (5). She meets him better at the weights and she goes well here at this track – seven starts for three wins. Second up as well where she has been proven. Keep safe this one – she is an emergency – if she gets a start she is going to be in the finish.

My Snow Queen (14) is trained by David Vandyke and Zac Lloyd will ride again after posting a win on the mare last time out at Doomben over 1110 metres. Not sure what it is with this mare – but she always seems to go around at big prices yet she always runs a solid race. Barrier 11 should be no drama there is speed on the inside and coming across her – she will get a cosy run as they go crazy in front. She looked strong to the line when she won last time so I expect her to solid at the extra distance – third up here – she is solid effort third up. I am staying on here again this week. A solid each way price as well at $14.

Selections:

14 – My Snow Queen
17 – April In Augusta
8 – Vodka Martini
4 – Millane
Rough chance – (5) Pizarro

Race 3 The Phoenix – Listed

A Listed event over 1500 metres for the two-year old runners.

Canara (9) from Chris Waller Racing with Tommy Berry riding is still a maiden got too far back last time out over 1200 metres. She hit the line strongly suggesting that the longer distance here would be ideal.

Aemelius (8) is trained by Annabel Neasham and won last time out at Randwick over 1200 metres. Had all the favours last time out – not sure whether she can repeat that effort here – Jamie Kah will ride.

Due Calzini (2) is trained by Danielle Seib. A strong win at Goulburn at his last start to break his maiden status – that win was over 1500 metres – Jimmy Orman has been booked to ride.

I like one here that is having his second career start for Richard & Will Freedman. They have a terrific strike rate when they sneak one of their runners to QLD. Safe Place (7) on his debut at Kembla Grange over 1400 metres had no luck in the running. Then when he got into the straight, he found trouble and really did not get the chance to let down late. I just think that this distance and second up will suit. At $51 he is a great each way chance. Adam Hyeronimus will ride.

Selections:

7 – Safe Place
8 – Aemelius
9 – Canara
2 – Due Calzini
Rough chance – (5) Imperialist

Race 4 LADBROKES LIGHTNING – Listed

A Listed class race over 1000 metres.

Golden Boom (7) made a strong return to racing winning for Craig Williams at Doomben in Listed level first up. Trained by Tony Gollan, will strip fitter for that effort and will be hard to hold out again.

Shalaa’s Moment (12) is trained by Steven O’Dea & Matt Hoysted and Nikita Beriman will ride again. This mare will sit back off the speed – and the faster they go they more she will sprout wings and fly home late and hopefully arrive and win at black type level. She is $7 and is great each way value – she loves this track as well.

Xtravagent Star (10) is trained by Ciaron Maher – Jamie Kah is riding. She worked home nicely at Doomben over 1110 metres last time, but gave the leaders too much start.

Daryl Ward trains a nice sprinter – Bring Me Kash (16). He loves firm going and thrives on this track and this distance. He has had a six week freshen up – he is an emergency so may need some luck in getting a run – barrier 13 maybe a slight hinderance – but he should be suited by the fast pace.

Hardware Lane (8) resented being ridden in front last time out. He is trained by John Smerdon and Blake Shinn has been booked to ride. Go on his previous win at the Sunshine Coast where he gets cover and smashed the opposition late.

Economics (17) had his first start for his new stable – Stuart Kendrick last time out. Drew wide – had no luck in running – lost a plate as well. Has had a solid barrier trial since and has drawn well in barrier 6. He is an emergency but he could upset these if he makes the field. There has been solid support as well firming from $21 to $12.

Selections:

7 – Golden Boom
12 – Shalaa’s Moment
10 – Xtravagant Star
16 – Bring Me Kash
Rough chance – (8) Hardware Lane & (17) Economics

Race 5 Spear Chief – Listed

This is an Open class race over 1500 metres at Listed level.

Yellow Brick (3) is trained by Sears Racing – third up in this event. James McDonald has been booked to ride him for the first time. He must carry a large weight – 59.5 kilograms – but is drawn well in barrier 3. This is his first run back at Eagle Farm in 12 months. He has a great record here – 4 starts – 2 wins and 2 seconds.

Wategos (8) won easily last time out at Doomben for Jimmy Orman. He is trained by Bjorn Baker and steps up from 1350 metres to 1500 metres – will be no drama the way he put the opposition away last time. He is down up in grade and down in the weights – ideally placed – look for a bold effort.

Coastwatch (4), trained by Richard & Will Freedman, posted a solid win at Scone at his last run. Unwanted in the betting on that occasion, he started at $21. He held on late. has raced on this track previously.

Kalino (6) and Surf Dancer (1) are solid rough chances if you want to play wide.

Selections:

3 – Yellow Brick
8 – Wategos
4 – Coastwatch
6 – Kalino
Rough chance – (6) Kalino & (1) Surf Dancer

Race 6 QLD Day Stakes – Listed

First leg of the Quaddie. A three-year-old race over 1200 metres at Listed level.

This is another open field – plenty of chances!

Inhibitions (6) is trained by James Cummings and will be ridden by James McDonald. She raced here last time out over 1300 metres and was caught wide throughout in the running. She was only nailed in the shadows of the post. Has gone back to Sydney since has had a recent barrier trial. I think dropping back in distance is ideal for this filly and she should post a black type win at around $7 – a great each way bet.

Genzano (10) Is a very smart filly from NSW. Trained by Paul Messara & Leah Gavranich, she will have Zac Lloyd riding her again. I thought she was super first up here in QLD when she was first up over 1110 metres. That is not an ideal distance for her and as she keeps stepping up in distance whilst in QLD look for some bold performances. I think she is tremendous each way value this weekend at around $21 - she may just be ready to cause a major upset.

Hedged (1) is from the Mick Price & Michael Kent yards in Victoria - will be written by Jamie Kah and has had an eight week freshen up since running poorly in Melbourne. He raced like a tired horse there and maybe the freshen up will do him the world is good. This stable has been in sensational form for the first half of the carnival so far this year.

Moravia (2), trained by Michael Freedman, was first up at the Sunshine Coast on a heavy bog track. Despite racing on a track that he despised he managed to run some good sectionals showing that he was forward for that effort. He will strip fitter here and will be hard to hold out this weekend. Mark Zahra will ride him again. I think he is up to this grade.

Skirt the Law (5) resumed last start and was caught wide throughout - look for a more conservative ride this weekend and for her to possibly strike back after a long run of outs. Trained by Gollan Racing she will be ridden by Tommy Berry.

Fortuneer (14) was heavily backed in her last run at Doomben when resuming over 1110 metres. She resented the kick back on the track and was balked in the running but, somehow, she worked home late and posted the best sectionals over both the final 200 metres and 600 metres. On that effort she probably deserves to stay under notice.

Selections:

6 – Inhibitions
10 – Genzano
2 – Moravia
1 – Hedged
Rough chance – (14) Fortuneer & (5) Skirt The Law

Race 7 MAGIC MILLIONS NATIONAL CLASSIC – Listed

First leg of the Treble – Listed race over 1600 metres for fillies and mares. This is a tough race.

I think we can find one at $9 to post consecutive wins – Konasana (12).She races midfield – Tommy Berry will ride. Look for her to be powering home with a solid tempo here. I think whatever she does here should place her well for a race like the Tatt’s Tiara at the end of the Carnival.

Osmose (3) is trained by Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott. A superb effort last time out just missing out on claiming Maracana (6) in the final stride at Doomben over 1600 metres at Group 3 level. Adam Hyeronimus will ride her again – she will race midfield but can race forward as well – she is around the $10 mark.

La Crique (1) is a New Zealand runner trained by Simon & Katrina Alexander with James McDonald riding. The mare is second up in Australia after resuming at Arawa Park over 1400 metres. She settled midfield and worked home late. She has good form at Group level races in New Zealand – they can all load up at the short odds of $2.40 – I think she cannot win and will need the run!

Fall For Cindy (7) is trained by John O’Shea with Jamie Kah booked to ride. A solid win last time out at Scone over 1400 metres at Group 3 level. That was two wins in a row – she is in great form and comes here to QLD looking to win at the mile. I note she has won well previously over a mile – looks well placed in this grade.

Do not let Foxy Frida (2) get under your guard either. She was trapped wide last time out in the Group 3 event won by Maracana (6). She drew wide and jockey Blake Shinn was a victim of circumstances. Look for her to settle midfield and then storm home late with a more conservative ride.

Selections:

3 – Osmose
7 – Fall For Cindy
1 – La Crique
12 – Konasana
Rough chance – (2) Foxy Frida & (6) Maracana

Race 8 – CHANNEL SEVEN QLD OAKS - GROUP 1

Group 1 race over 2200 metres – the feature race on the program.

Chris Waller Racing is well represented here with seven nominated out of 23 runners.

The favourite is Scarlet Oak (4) who was superb winning the The Roses (Group 2) last start. James McDonald got off her and declared he didn’t know how much more improvement she had – as she was impressive. I am just concerned that all her good efforts have been on wet surfaces – I think she will get a firmer Eagle Farm track here. Maybe that brings her back to the field. She will race forward – he will not let them get too far away. The other factor is where will she end up as they leave the straight for the first time from barrier 15.

The stable mate is Mare Of Mt Buller (11) with Tommy Berry aboard. I did declare her in The Roses at $31 and she didn’t let me down coming from the rear of the field to just get pipped by Scarlet Oak (4). Her final 200 metres sectionals were amazing – I think if the race had been longer, she wins! So, when I keep looking at the replay and that she draws barrier 2, she should get a good run in transit. She will get back in the field as that is where she is comfortable. Entering the straight look for Berry to get her to the middle of the track and get the job done! We will not be getting $31 this weekend – probably something like $10 – I am getting on!

Good Banter (10) probably a topical tip with the NSW v QLD origin series now started – there is plenty of banter around! None of it started by me of course! She won the Adrian Knox (Group 3) at Randwick over 2000 metres. There are some people saying she needs a wet track as both of her career wins have been on heavy tracks. Her last start in The Roses I thought was full of promise. That run was after a seven week freshen up. I thought that she was commencing a solid run into the straight when she got chopped out around the 300 metres. That halted all her momentum, and she could not get going again. Jamie Kah will ride – she has ridden her once for a win – a 100% strike rate.

Moonlight Magic (5) had some gear changes in the Derby last weekend. Was beaten by 10 lengths but did manage to run second. Who knows whether that form stands up here. Michael Dee rides her again back up against her own sex.

Molly Bloom (1) is the other kiwi runner. Has had no luck in her two Australian starts. She was pratted wide throughout in The Roses. She is fit and ready to fire – she is in good form.

Miss Joelene (8) put in a huge effort in The Roses to finish third. She drew wide and somehow Jimmy Orman managed to get her to the outside from what looked like an impossible position at the top of the straight to fly home after settling near the rear of the field early. She has another terrible barrier here – barrier 22 – if they are not making ground come this race it probably affects her chances.

Selections:

11 – Mare Of Mt Buller
4 – Scarlet Oak
10 – Good Banter
5 – Moonlight Magic
Rough chances – (8) Miss Joelene & (1) Molly Bloom

Race 9 The Star Moreton Cup – Group 2

The last race of the program – a Group 2 race over 1200 metres.

There is one here with Craig Williams to ride – What You Need (10) - trained by Mick Price and Michael Kent. He is only lightly raced with six starts and has always raced in high graded races. He is third up here drawn reasonable. His last start was in the The Goodwood (Group 1) where he went back from a poor barrier and, to be fair on a day where they really needed to be on the speed, he made consistent ground late. I think if he gets a reasonable run in transit, he will be hard to hold it. He is around the $14 mark. Barrier 12 is not ideal – but if they are fanning late and coming wide, he probably will be in the best part of the track.

The Big Goodbye (4) is trained by Robert Heathcote. Third up here after a big effort second up over 1110 metres at Doomben. Blake Shinn has been booked to ride and barrier 4 will see him handy throughout. Look for him to be surging late.

Vilana (3) is a Godolphin runner – James Cummings trained with James McDonald to ride. He raced in the BRC sprint (Group 3) where he went back and missed the boat. He got going late when the race was over. A more positive ride should see him thereabouts in the finish. Has barrier 3 as well – lots of mentions of 3 here – superstitious people will see this and back it!

Opal Ridge (15) was the favourite last year in the Stradbroke (Group 1). She ran a bold race. She resumed at Scone in the Listed Ortensia that is normally a solid form race moving forward for the Brisbane Winter Carnival. In that race she won it easily and ran some good sectionals. Tommy Berry rode her there and retains the ride here. She has 54 kilograms – so Berry must be confident as he will need to get down to that weight. The way she won at Scone was impressive and I think she will go right on with it here.

Gollan Racing has Zarastro (6) engaged. He loves this track and distance. The track record is superb with five starts for four wins. Barrier 15 is not ideal as he pings and likes to lead, but there is not much speed inside – so he should get across well – just maybe he will be found out late. As I said earlier – if they are leading and winning – he is the one to be on at around $21. Angela Jones rides him well.

Selections:

10 – What You Need
15 – Opal Ridge
4 – The Big Goodbye
3 – Vliana
Rough chance – (6) Zarastro & (2) Mazu
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Jockeys Challenge

Looks like a difficult day. Craig Williams, Jamie Kah, Tommy Berry, and James McDonald have some good rides. Maybe a slight edge to James McDonald to pip Craig Williams.

Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5)

4,8,14,17 / 7,8,9 / 7,10,12,16 /3,4,8 - cost is $144 to $1.

Value Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5)

8,14,17 / 7,8 / 7,10,12 / 3,8 - cost is $36 to $1.

Quaddie (races 6 to 9)

1,2,6,10,14 / 1,2,3,7,12 / 4,5,10,11 / 3,4,10,15 - cost is $400 to $1

Value Quaddie (races 6 to 9)

2,6,10 / 1,3,7 / 4,11 / 4,10,15 - cost is $54 to $1

Treble (races 7 to 9)

1,2,3,7,12 / 4,5,10,11 / 3,4,10,15 - cost is $80 to $1.

WINNO V FLEMO

The battle is on again between WINNO and FLEMO. FLEMO won last weekend! He has had plenty to say after NSW were very gallant in defeat despite playing with only 12 men. Wait to next game in Melbourne you dirty cane toad! 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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