WINNO'S WINNERS: EAGLE FARM - STRADBROKE DAY

By Darren Winningham | Friday, June 13, 2025

Stradbroke Day! Nine races with the track rated ‘Soft’ … and the rail is out 4 metres for the entire circuit. The BRC Stradbroke Season comes to its finale with the Group 1 STAR CASINO STRADBROKE – Group 1.

Race 1 SKY RACING GUNSYND – GROUP 3

A Group 3 race over 1600 metres to start us off. This race has a field of only nine runners.

Just Party (2) has Nash Rawiller riding for Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou. He is third up here. A solid effort at Hawkesbury prior to a month between runs where he just seemed to need the run. I think he is ready to show his best.

Flying Embers (8) has Billy Egan riding for John Thompson. A last start winner at Randwick over 1400 metres. She is looking for a hat trick of wins. Will race on the speed and this could be an advantage.

Just Feelin Lucky (9) won her last start at Canterbury over 1550 metres. She is trained by Michael Freedman and will have Tommy Berry riding.

Emirate (3) is the Chris Waller Racing runner with James McDonald to ride. He was first up at the Gold Coast on that woeful heavy track. Never fired a bullet – has been freshened since. Just have some concerns second up over the mile for the first time.

Selections:

2 – Just Party
8 – Flying Embers
9 – Just Feelin Lucky
3 – Emirate
Rough chance – (1) Pisces

Race 2 SEVEN THE WAYNE WILSON – LISTED

A Listed race over 1600 metres.

Demon Darb (11) is trained by Robert Heathcote and Tommy Berry will ride. Races well over the mile and loves a firm track – has won here three times as well. Looks well placed by the stable – he does face a stiff task as wet weights but his last start win was very good.

Transatlantic (2) is on the quick back up after winning impressively last weekend. Trained by Tony Gollan the QLD Derby winning jockey Ryan Maloney will ride again. It was bold tactics last weekend going forward from a wide gate – that was the winning move and he was much too good for them – very short in the markets.

The stable mate is Tenzing (6) with Andrew Mallyon to ride. A solid last run over a mile at Doomben on a very heavy track. He won here over the mile at his previous start – keep safe.

I like one here at around $12 with Alyssa Collett to ride for Chris Waller Racing – Waterford (3). Has had a 6 week freshen up since his first up effort in the Group 2 Victory Stakes over 1200 metres. He got too far back but worked home well. Look for a change in tactics this weekend – I think that he may be placed handy in the running from barrier 1 – he could cause a major upset.

Selections:

3 – Waterford
2 – Transatlantic
6 – Tenzing
11 – Demon Darb
Rough chance – (10) Cranky Harry

Race 3 XXXX BRISBANE CUP – GROUP 2

A Group 2 race is over 3200 metres.

Open field here. I like the lightly raced Waterhouse & Bott runner – Campaldino (4) stepping up into Group racing for the second time. I think these conditions suit him – Tim Clark to ride. He has won his past three starts - winning form is great form. He won the Group 3 QEII Cup over 2400 metres here in what could only be described as a dominant effort. I really like him – he is a stayer with enormous ability – could he go on to win this years’ Melbourne Cup?

Alegron (1) is the Bjorn Baker runner with Rachel King to ride – won this race last year – huge price here at $31 – look for a massive improvement on a firm surface. His past three runs have been on very heavy tracks. He is a better proposition on top of the ground.

Chris Waller Racing has several runners here. James McDonald rides Etna Rosso (3) who ran second last start to Campaldino (4). He will stay all day – it could be another battle between these two again in this feature race. Strathtay (11) with Zac Lloyd aboard looks like the other chance getting back to a firm surface – just forget his last few runs on wet tracks – he is much better than that.

Selections:

4 – Campaldino
3 – Etna Rosso
1 – Alegron
8 – Strathtay
Rough chance – (8)

Race 4 SEN OXLADE STAKES – LISTED

A Listed race over 1200 metres for two-year-old runners.

Some nice types engaged here – all looking to put some black type next to their name if they can win this race.

Brave Design (3) is trained in Victoria by Danny O’Brien and Jordan Childs will ride. He led them up in the Group 2 BRC Sires – that was on a heavy track. He drew wide in that start – worked hard early and still fought on tenaciously late. I think that the heavy track and the distance brought him undone. Coming back to 1200 metres I expect him to be very strong – drawn well in barrier 1. He will be right in this for a long time at $9 in the markets.

Damien (4) is trained by Kris Lees with Tommy Berry to ride. He won a midweek race at Doomben last time out – I just like the way he finished off the race and the sectionals and overall time was good. If he brings that form here – he could be difficult to hold out.

Quietly Arrogant (1) is first up for Peter Snowden – James McDonald will ride. He looked very forward with a recent barrier trial win. Has drawn well in barrier 2. Will be ridden back – that seems to be his usual pattern of racing.

Isti Star (10) is looking for a hat trick of wins for Paul Shailer. Michael Rodd retains the ride after winning the Magic Millions National Classic last start. She was very impressive drawing away from a competitive field. I like that she races on the speed and that may assist here as horses on the speed on this track last weekend seemed to thrive. A solid each way chance at $11.

Prestar (9) a lightly raced colt who won last start at the Sunshine Coast. Trained by Tony & Calvin McEvoy, he may be one to step up and cause an upset. Ryan Maloney is in the saddle.

Selections:

3 – Brave Design
4 – Damien
1 – Quietly Arrogant
10 – Isti Star
Rough chance – (9) Prestar

Race 5 DRINKWISE HINKLER STAKES – LISTED

A Listed race over 1200 metres. A large and open field.

I suppose in horse racing you always Need Some Luck (7) – so why not tip him!

He won two starts ago at Randwick over this distance. Then raced at the Gold Coast – ran a credible second – the heavy track certainly affected his chance of winning. He is trained by Peter Snowden and Tommy Berry will ride. He has had four week freshen up and a recent barrier trial – just let him lose on a dry track!

Manhood (6), trained by Annabel & Rob Archibald, led all the way over 1100 metres to win. Rachel King will ride again. He doesn’t win out of turn, however, now he has the win, maybe he can go on with it.

The stable-mate is Swiss Exile (12) with Zac Lloyd riding. He carried 62 kilograms in the restricted grade last time out. Drew wide – went forward and capitulated late. Look for a more conservative ride here with no weight on his back.

Appin Girl (9) is trained by Matt Hoysted – Jason Collett will ride. First up she lost a plate – she had little luck and looked like she may have needed the run. Take on trust – good value for your exotics.

I Am Artie (11) has the blinkers going on for the first time. Trained by Paul Jenkins and Kyle Wilson-Taylor will ride. His last run wasuncharacteristic and poor – look for an improvement here.

Selections:

7 – Need Some Luck
6 – Manhood
9 – Appin Girl
12 – Swiss Exile
Rough chance – (11) I Am Artie

Race 6 LADBROKES JJ ATKINS – GROUP 1 – TWO-YEAR-OLDS

A Group 1 race over 1600 metres. First leg of the Quaddie.

Cool Archie (3) is just racing in superb form – the Munce stable is on fire! Martin Harley will ride him again. He is looking for five wins in a row this preparation – he can go on with it – he looks like he will get a strong mile as well. He could complete a clean sweep of the two-year-old feature races in the Carnival with a win here – not sure the last time that was completed!

Aerodrome (7) is trained by Michael Freedman and Regan Bayliss has the ride. He had won both his career starts – prior to stepping out in the Group 2 BRC Sires on a heavy track. I think the true heavy surface was a factor in his run. In saying that he was not disgraced and with a firmer surface I expect he will be competitive. His sectional times at Hawkesbury at his previous start were fantastic - if he lets down here like he did there he will be storming home and will be very difficult to beat.

Kelly Schweida trains Grafterburners (2) with Craig Williams riding. Again – was not his best showing in the Group 2 Sires – but I think the track was the solo reason. He is strong when he can finish off his races and will be better suited on the dry surface.

Farnicle (3) is trained by Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott. Tim Clark rides. Was a superb effort in the BRC Sires – he stuck on well late and at one point looked the winner at huge odds. He could just go on with it here with a nice barrier where he can lead or sit in behind the speed and be handy throughout.

Zebra Finch (9) is trained by Hong Kong bound James Cummings for Godolphin. (What an addition to the Hong Kong training ranks – that jurisdiction of racing just keeps thriving!). They added the blinkers last start for his win at Rosehill over 1300 metres. That was a superb effort and he looks like he will run a solid mile. Kerrin McEvoy will ride again – a fortnight between runs – looks a contender.

Navy Pilot (10) is on the quick back up from last weekend where he was a good third placegetter over 1500 metres.

Selections:

1 – Cool Archie
6 – Aerodrome
9 – Zebra Finch
3 – Farnicle
Rough chance – (2) Grafterburners & (10) Navy Pilot

Race 7 MAGIC MILLIONS DANE RIPPER STAKES – GROUP 2

A Group 2 race over 1300 metres for fillies and mares. First leg of the Treble.

Most of these runners will be looking at this race to be their springboard into the Tatts Tiara – Group 1 in two weeks’ time.

Chris Waller Racing has some solid chances. Olentia (3) will be first up here with Tommy Berry in the saddle. She has had a nine week freshen up and a recent trial to get her ready for this race. She has a crazy successful first up record – six starts – 4 wins and a second. Take on trust – she looks well placed.

The stablemate is Firestorm (4) with James McDonald riding. She comes off a nine week freshen up as well – two recent trials and again a solid first up record – five starts for four wins. She is up in weight since the Doncaster (Group 1) run.

Tashi (12) is trained by Snowden Racing – this week Tom Sherry rides. She is on the quick back up from last weekend where she was defeated on the post by Zaszou in a Listed race over 1200 metres. The extra distance will suit. She just finds it difficult to win – last win posted was 66 weeks ago.

City Of Lights (5) was a last winner at Hawkesbury in a Group 3 event over 1300 metres - on that occasion she defeated Tashi (12). She is trained by Joe Pride and Chad Schofield will ride again. The freshen up will do her good and she looks well placed in this race at the set weight conditions with penalties. That run was six weeks ago and she has had a recent trial where she was not extended - however was impressive.

Tony Gollan has a genuine chance in this race with Floozie (11) with Angela Jones to ride. She was a newcomer to the stable and has won three races from three starts since coming to QLD. She just keeps on winning. Tthis is probably her hardest race in her career - but she will race up on the speed and give herself every chance in a race that is very open.

Selections:

3 – Olentia
12 – Tashi
5 – City Of Lights
11 – Floozie
Rough chance – (4) Firestorm

Race 8 STAR CASINO STRADBROKE – GROUP 1

The feature race on the program – Queensland’s signature race.

The Hayes boys have the race favourite War Machine (7) with a change of rider with Blake Shinn injured – Tim Clark going aboard. He won the Group 3 BRC Sprint last time out. Some say he did not beat much in that run. He was prominent in the run throughout – peeled off the leader’s heels and slayed the opposition. He drops a significant amount of weight – down 3.5 kilograms – but he is sharply up in class. He will be given every chance – but I think that he is vulnerable.

Meanwhile the stablemate Rise At Dawn (8) has had a checkered preparation with some of his lead up races being rescheduled.

Rise At Dawn (8) was first up last weekend in the Group 1 Kingsford Smith and drops 6.5kg. Declan Bates has been booked to ride. I thought his run was super – and he will certainly run this distance out strongly. I think he is the best of the Hayes representatives. He is looking for his first Group win.

The win of Bosustow (13) in the Gold Coast Guineas – Group 3 - was awesome! He then had a month between runs and then the delayed meeting when the Fred Best (Group 3) was run midweek at Doomben. On face value on paper the run looked average when he was defeated as a heavily backed favourite in the race. It was noted in the stewards reports that he had a poor recovery post-race. I really think that the run would have been a good pipe opener for this race. He drops down massively in the weights – down to 51.5 kilograms. Zac Lloyd who won this race last year aboard Stefi Magnetica has been booked to ride – can he set some history and ride two Stradbroke winners in a row! Not even his father Jeff Lloyd could manage one! He is super each way odds at $26.

Golden Mile (4) is the Godolphin – James Cummings runner and Jason Collett aboard. Was a superb effort coming off a freshen up last weekend in the Group 1 Kingsford Smith. He was right in the photo finish and looked the winner in the straight a few times. He should back up well after that run – look for him to be competitive again here. Drawn well in barrier 2.

Gary Portelli trains Kimochi (4) who came out of the Kingsford Smith last weekend as well. Craig Williams will retain the ride. She is looking for this distance – I am concerned with the sticky 14 barrier – but she will be midfield and looking to destroy them late and claim her second Group 1 victory.

Of the local runners I expect Spicy Martini (18) to be competitive. She is trained by Toby Edmonds and Stephen McLean. She is only carrying 49.5 kilograms. She has drawn well in barrier 4 and will press forward behind the speed. She is $51 in some markets – I think she is worth an each way ticket – she loves this track – 2 starts for 2 wins and there will be no drama with the distance. Can the Edmonds & McLean training partnership claim their first Group 1 victory together?

Edmonds did win the Stradbroke in 2020 with Tyzone, when training in partnership with his son Trent. Tyzon was ridden by Robbie Fradd.

Selections:

15 – Bosustow
13 – Rise At Dawn
7 – War Machine
4 – Kimochi
Rough chance – (6) Golden Mile & (18) Spicy Martini

Race 9 HKJC WORLD POOL – THE Q22 – GROUP 2

A Group 2 race over 2200 metres. I think everyone would be disappointed with the small field of only 8 runners. But that means a quick get-away for me after the last race!

Fawkner Park (1) is trained by Annabel and Rob Archibald. He won this race in 2024 and his preparation has been identical to last year. He came through the Doomben Cup (Group 1) last year running a placing and then won the race and he was again placed in the Doomben Cup this year. Regular rider Tyler Schiller is injured – Ethan Brown who rode the last race winner last weekend will ride him. He thrives on firm surfaces and will be competitive.

Chris Waller has three nominated for the race – they all have genuine chances.

Kovalica (4) has a tremendous record at this track – four starts for three wins. The blinkers are going back on this weekend. There is one issue – he has not won for 106 weeks. He does seem to go better when he comes to QLD – Nash Rawiller will be in the saddle. Maybe he can create some magic to get him to win.

Militarise (3) the stablemate will have James McDonald riding. They went back on him last start from a wide barrier in the Group 1 Doomben Cup. That was not ideal – look for a better run in this small field.

New Endeavour comes off a solid win here a fortnight ago over 1800 metres – Tim Clark will ride for Waterhouse & Bott. I am not sure whether the heavy track flattered his win – but he was genuine to the line and could continue his winning streak.

Selections:

1 – Fawkner Bay
5 – New Endeavour
4 – Kovalica
3 – Militarise
______________________________________________________________________

Jockey Challenge

Looks like a difficult day. Tommy Berry has a nice book of rides – will put him on top. James McDonald, Tim Clark and Nash Rawiller are all chances as well.

Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5)

2,3,6 / 3,4 / 1,3,4 / 6,7,9,12 - cost is $72 to $1.

Value Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5)

2,3 / 4 / 3,4 / 6,7 - cost is $8 to $1

Quaddie (races 6 to 9)

1,6,9 / 3,5,11,12 / 4,7,13,15,18 / 1,4,5 - cost is $180 to $1

Value Quaddie (races 6 to 9)

2,3,15 / 10,13 / 3,6,17 /1 - cost is $18 to $1

Treble (races 7 to 9)

3,5,11,12 / 4,7,13,15,18 / 1,4,5 - cost is $60 to $1.

BIG 6 (races 4 to 9) \

3,4 / 6,7 / 1,6,9 / 3,5,12 / 7,13,15 /1,5 - cost is $216 for $1

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