WINNO'S WINNERS: EAGLE FARM, MAY 28, 2022
By Darren Winningham | Thursday, May 26, 2022
Massive SUPER SATURDAY this weekend with 10 races at Eagle Farm – What a day!
Three Group 1 races – 2 Group 2 races – 4 Group 3 races – this will never be repeated in QLD again!
This weekend the track rating is “Soft”. The rail is in the true position. There is some rain forecast in the lead up – this could see the track deteriorate a bit – however, the track should race well with a fortnight between meetings. I am confident we could be racing on a “GOOD” surface maybe with a little bit of cushion in it at some point across the meeting if the rain stays away.
One thing for sure is that we will see some amazing racing.
NB: As these selections were made prior to raceday please check for any changes to track conditions and for any scratchings on the day.
Race 1 THE ROSES GROUP 2
One of our many feature races over 2000 metres at Group 2 level.
Some of these fillies will be aiming at glory in the QLD Oaks in the coming weeks.
Stalking (6) is trained by James Cummings - Godolphin – and will be ridden again this weekend by Jimmy Orman. Was working nicely into the race at her last start on the Gold Coast when Orman was forced to go back to the rails to make a run in the final stages - this was not the best part of the track on the day, but she kept on fighting on well late. I think this she represents great each way value at $12 here and should get the run of the race from barrier 1.
Barb Raider (1) comes out of the recent Australasian Oaks (Group 1) at Morphettville where she raced on the speed and fought on well late in the race. Craig Williams will ride for trainer Jerome Hunter. I just have some concerns about her on a soft track at Eagle Farm, especially if the track gets rain affected if further rain comes across the meeting.
Biscayne Bay (2) is trained by Maher & Eustace partnership and last raced six weeks ago in the ATC Oaks (Group 1) at Randwick on a terrible track. I don't think the track will be that heavy this weekend, however, with the freshen up, I expect her to run very well in the race. She will ridden by Jamie Kah. She has drawn badly in barrier 13, however she should race midfield and be able to power home late if she handles the conditions.
Smirk (9), trained by Chris Waller, did perform well recently at the Gold Coast over 1800 metres. I think she had every opportunity on that day to win that race, however, with that run under her belt she should be better for that effort and may be able to finish in the placings here. James McDonald will ride for the stable.
Gin Martini (3) should be kept safe – could run a bold race for John Sargent and Robbie Dolan to ride. I think she is looking for a distance like this. Just again some concerns about the wet track.
Selections:
6 – Stalking
1 – Barb Raider
2 – Biscayne Bay
9 – Smirk
Rough chance – (3) Gin Martini
Race 2 PREMIERS CUP GROUP 3
A distance race at Group 3 level.
Soprano Supreme (15) is a New Zealand runner who made her debut at the Gold Coast for trainer Mark Walker with a solid run on a heavy track – running a gallant second. I think the track beat her on that occasion and with the firmer surface this weekend I think she can win this race. Kerrin McEvoy will retain the ride.
Steel Prince (3) won last time out at Flemington. Makes his Queensland debut for the strong Anthony & Sam Freedman Racing team with Nash Rawiller to ride. He races best on a firm surface – so if we continue to get rain and the track deteriorates, he may struggle – however, if the track is reasonable, he will race well.
Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott train Splendiferous (12) who comes away from a campaign in Victoria and South Australia. She will race handy in the running here with Tim Clark riding. Racing forward on this surface seems to have its advantages. I expect she is a serious contender.
Swords Drawn (6) is another Kiwi runner who did not enjoy the heavy track at the Gold Coast last time out. He is second up this weekend on a track that he will enjoy better and has a tremendous record second up. Samantha Collett will ride, and he must be given a great chance in this field.
Alakahan (9) could be a rough chance – will appreciate a drier surface – the master Craig Williams will ride.
Selections:
15 – Soprano Supreme
3- Steel Prince
12– Splendiferous
6 – Swords Drawn
Rough chance – (9) Alakahan
Race 3 LORD MAYORS CUP GROUP 3
An 1800 metre race here where the runners look like an even bunch.
Djukon (8) got too far back last time out over 2143 metres here. I also think that he didn’t enjoy the distance and drops back to a more suitable trip this weekend. Jimmy Orman will ride him this weekend. Chris Waller Racing has a strangle hold on this race with four runners involved. He could trifecta the race!
Bigboyroy (7) worked home late in a race over the mile here a fortnight ago. James McDonald remains on top – the extra distance will assist in his attempt to win the race.
Hungry Heart (5) is the stable mate. Has been out of luck in recent starts. I just think dropping back in grade this weekend he may show some improvement. William Pike will ride again.
Ballistic Boy (5) is trained locally and did not fire in the Scone Cup. Forgive that run and back on a track where he has won and racing over a distance he enjoys, watch out for him to motor home out wide late with the fast tempo of the race. He is trained by Chris Anderson and will be ridden by Brad Stewart who has ridden him 9 times for 4 wins and 3 placings.
Selections:
8 – Djukon
7– BigBoyRoy
5 – Ballistic Boy
2 – Hungry Heart
Rough chance – (6) Criaderas
Race 4 SIRES’ PRODUCE STAKES GROUP 2
A massive field.
I’ve gone wide here – I think this could be a rough result for punters to be honest.
A couple of runners have got my interest.
Calgary Stampede (6) resumes after 56-day spell for Snowden Racing after being gelded. He raced in Group races on heavy tracks prior to being sent for a spell. He won a recent trial. I thought that he may struggle first up over the 1400 metres, however the Snowden Racing team always bring some confidence with their runners at this Carnival. Ryan Maloney will ride and at $41 – he could run a bold race. Either way I will be following him in the weeks to come.
The Chris Waller Racing team runner Robusto (15) will be ridden by Hugh Bowman. Resumed at the Gold Coast in the Ken Russell on a heavy track. Looked like he needed the run – but I think he didn’t handle the track either. He has won second up previously. I just think on top of the ground – well better than the slog-fest in the heavy at the Gold Coast - he will be very competitive.
Twin Stars (1) won the recent South Australian Sires Produce (Group 3) over the 1400 metres, Tony & Calvin McEvoy rarely come to QLD and not win a race. He will be ridden by Kerrin McEvoy this weekend. Has the win at the distance on the board – and a strong win at that. If he handles the track he looks ideally placed.
Swiss Exile (2) was smashed in the betting last time when he won here over 1200 metres. Trained by Annabel Neasham, and again to be ridden by Sam Clipperton, he probably can be ridden a little quieter this weekend and looks like he will get the 1400 metres. I expect him to be right in the finish.
Exo Lady (16) trained here by Desleigh Forster was brave in the race won by Swiss Exile (2). She is a super filly and a track specialist. If she runs out the 1400 metres she will be in the finish. Jim Byrne remains aboard.
Sheeza Belter (17) went around at the Gold Coast in the Ken Russell as well last time out. Another Snowden Racing runner who hated the heavy track. On a better track watch out for an improved effort – William Pike will ride again.
Brereton (4) has the blinkers going on this weekend and Jamie Kah rides for Peter Moody. He resumed here over 1000 metres and worked home well. I think that the extra distance will be to his liking and should be able to finish off the race strongly.
Resonator (10) is trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. Has won his past two starts. Tim Clark remains on board after winning in him on both occasions. He will scoot out and lead and, if the track has a leaders bias, you must not leave him out.
Selections:
15 – Robusto
1 – Twin Stars
4 – Brereton
2 – Swiss Exile
Rough chances – (6) Calgary Stampede, (17) Sheeza Belter, (10) Resonator and (16) Exo Lady -
Race 5 XXXX DOOMBEN CUP (Group 1)
The rescheduled Group 1 from last week, over 2000 metres.
Will Zaaki (1) be as effective in the wet as he was in 2021 with that 7 length win?
Zaaki (1) trained and ridden by the lethal duo of Annabel Neasham and James McDonald. I think he can win – but I don’t think he is in the same form as he was this time last year. If the rain comes and the track becomes a slog, I think he is susceptible here.
Conventina Bay (10) is a New Zealand mare trained by Robbie Patterson and she will be ridden by Tim Clark. I think that this mare has a tremendous record in Group 1 races – 6 starts – 2 wins and 3 seconds and has an amazing record on heavy tracks. If it turns into a heavy track, I think that she is an amazing chance to knock off the favourite at $25.
Chris Waller is well represented here with four out of the ten runners. I think his best two chances are Polly Grey (9) to be ridden by Ryan Maloney and Kukeracha (4) to be ridden by Jimmy Orman. Both runners come out of solid efforts in the Hollindale Stakes on the Gold Coast.
Selections:
1 – Zaaki
10 – Coventina Bay
9 – Polly Grey
4 – Kukeracha
Race 6 FRED BEST CLASSIC – Group 3
The last leg of the early Quaddie with the ten-race program – Group 3 level.
Tough race this one – many chances.
How about I start at the top here with the Edmonds Racing Alpine Edge (1) who raced in the Doomben 10,000 a fortnight ago here and ran a super race. Back from Group 1 level to Group 3, he looks well placed and should run the distance right out. He has a tremendous record here at the track with four starts for three wins – the only defeat was in his last start out at Group 1. I think he should get the run of the race and can win this weekend. The blinkers come off this weekend. Robbie Fradd will ride him again.
Prince of Boom (2) won the GC Guineas last time out in a tough run – that was over 1200 metres, and he steps up to a distance that he has never won over. I am sure he will be competitive for the Heathcote Racing team and Jimmy Orman continues his strong relationship with this gelding. He is well drawn and if they are leading and winning, he is a genuine chance.
The stable mate is Startantes (16), to be ridden by Jamie Kah for the first time this weekend. She got too far back last start on a day where they struggled to make ground – IF the tempo is against her this weekend, she will find it tough to make up ground again as she does get back in her races. One thing is for sure she will run this distance right out.
Ranch Hand (4) won here last time out for Chris Waller Racing. Tommy Berry will ride again. Probably his best run and I think the track and conditions will see him go well again this week.
Flying Crazy (5) won here in the Daybreak Lover five weeks ago here – then a month later won again at Scone. He does get back in his races and comes home late and fast. If they are not winning from behind, he cannot win. But if they can make ground – this Flying Artie gelding has a super finish and strong sectionals and will be the hardest to hold out with Kerrin McEvoy to ride.
Vilana (9) is from the Godolphin stable – James Cummings. Forget the last start effort at Hawkesbury – never a winning chance. His previous form was solid. Will race on the speed and does have the services of Sam Clipperton who rode a winning treble last time we raced here in Brisbane on a Saturday.
Loch Eagle (12) has the blinkers coming off this weekend. Kris Lees trains – again really didn’t like the Hawkesbury track last time out. Will need some luck from barrier 20, however, Hugh Bowman is the man that can always seem to get them well placed when they draw poorly. Keep safe.
Selections:
1 – Alpine Edge
5 – Flying Crazy
4 – Ranch Hand
16 – Startantes
Rough chance – (2) Prince of Boom – (9) Vilana – (12) Loch Eagle
Race 7 BRC SPRINT (Group 3)
This is the first leg of the Quaddie. A Group 3 race over 1300 metres.
This is a tough race to choose a winner and it may pay to play wide here as I expect there may be an upset result.
I keep on going back to the run of Holyfield (14), who is trained by Annabel Neasham, over the Magic Millions carnival in January. That run was extremely good with Holyfield only to be nailed on the post in the final stride by Eleven Eleven - and we all know how good he is. On that effort alone it would suggest that this gelding is nicely placed here second up. He did resume at weight-for-age conditions in the Archer at Rockhampton and ran a solid race finishing fourth. Back to handicap conditions he meets many of those runners better at the weights and I expect him to be very competitive here. He has some solid form on slow ground, however, has never raced on heavy surfaces previously. I'm just going on the fact that he is down in the weights and should get the run of the race from the barrier he has drawn. Samantha Collett will ride this weekend and her style of riding should ensure he is placed in the leading pack throughout the running and I think he should get the job done.
Taksu (16) is trained by Joe pride in NSW and looks the likely leader on paper. He has been performing well in restricted grade in recent starts and is down in the weights this weekend and gets every chance to win at Group 3 level. He thrives on wet surfaces so the track will not be any disadvantage. He will be ridden by William Pike for the first time. He also has had the advantage of a one month freshen up in a recent barrier trial to getting ready for this race.
Soxagon (5) Is trained by Mark Currie and will be ridden by Brad Stewart again this weekend. He resumed with a massive weight at the Gold Coast and beat a pretty good field on a heavy track first up. On that occasion Brad chose to take him to the lead and he gave nothing else a chance in the running and skipped away to a very solid win. The step up this weekend in distance will not bother him. He is a very classy runner he should be respected in this field.
Chris Waller Racing has several runners in the field this, all of which must be respected. Blondeau (12) was a dual acceptor a few weeks ago and the stable chose to race him at Gosford where he got the job done. He comes to Queensland after a solid win at Gosford on a soft track. He has very good form on soft and heavy surfaces and should not be overlooked in a race like this. He has the bonus of the services of James McDonald in the saddle.
To be fair there are many other runners that could upset or post a win in this race …and it would pay to play wide in this race. However, in saying that, if the track has any bias to leaders I would suggest you have something on Emerald Kingdom (3) who does thrives at Eagle Farm and will race handy on the speed.
Selections:
14 – Holyfield
16 - Taksu
12 – Blondeau
5 – Soxagon
Rough chance – (3) Emerald Kingdom – (2) Gem Song
Race 8 QLD DERBY (Group 1)
The main feature race this week over 2400 metres – Group 1.
The form out of the recent weeks maybe flipped on its head as many of these runners have been competing on wet tracks – if the track ends up in the firm range this weekend.
It looks like we can bill the race as AUSTRALIA versus NEW ZEALAND as I believe the top four chances come from both countries. Chris Waller Racing holds the key to this race in my opinion.
For me, the result of the Rough Habit run a fortnight ago is the form to follow. I think that the run of the race was Paternal (12) who this weekend will be ridden by Hugh Bowman. In the race he was beaten by Dark Destroyer (2) and I think that he can turn the tables on that result this weekend on a firmer surface.
The stable mate is Caboche (3) who ran a very good second over 2200 metres last time out at Scone. He has won here at Eagle Farm which is a bonus and James McDonald will ride this weekend. He will race handy from a nice barrier draw and will have the drop on the leaders throughout the race. if he can see out the 2400 metres - and I have no reason to think that he will not - he is a very good chance to take out this Group 1 event.
Now to the New Zealand contingent. Dark Destroyer (2) won the Rough Habit – but I just think he was peaking on the line. In saying that he did race on a heavy track and looks like he has a solid sprint late at the end of a distance race that should see him competitive again this weekend. Sam Weatherley will ride him again. He could well post his first Group 1 victory in Queensland!
The other New Zealand horse I have a huge watch on is trained by Tony Pike – and we all know that he can win races over the Brisbane Winter Carnival. Tutukaka (1) has been set for this race and despite his poor effort in the Rough Habit, he will strip fitter here this weekend. I think that he resented the heavy surface last time out and you should overlook the run. Jimmy Orman has been given the ride on this gelding and he will be hungry to get his first Group 1 victory – good luck Jimmy!
I give rough chances to Villaden (18), another Chris Waller runner, who has been well supported in the markets since they opened and Satirical Glory (11) who didn’t fire last time in the Rough Habit. Clearly, he despised the heavy track and didn’t handle it. Back on top of the ground this weekend and Jim Byrne aboard I give him a very good rough chance at around $61.
Selections:
12 – Paternal
3 – Caboche
2 – Dark Destroyer
1 – Tutukaka
Rough chances – (18) Villaden & (11) Satirical Glory
Race 9 KINGSFORD-SMITH CUP GROUP 1
Another one of our feature races over 1300 metres at Group 1 level. This is a tough race.
Look everyone is raving about the run of the Mark Walker trained Entriviere (12) in the Doomben 10,000 that was run here a fortnight ago. Yes, it was a superb run. Yes it was an amazing finish. Yes it had wonderful final sectionals – but, you know what, he will be back in the field again this weekend and I expect we will see a similar run and effort yet again. I think by the time we get to this race we will see them on the speed and winning. I said after the run that this mare looked like my early pick for the Stradbroke in another two week’s time. I really think this weekend she will be out getting ready for that grand final – I am happy to have egg on my face – but I think that she will be too far back again this weekend and at the WFA conditions of this race she will need a serious amount of luck – Opie Bosson will ride again.
So that brings me back to my 10,000 selection that was the Godolphin / James Cummings’ - James McDonald ridden - Paulele (13) who ran a slashing second to Mazu. If she had another 100 metres she may have won the race – in saying that Entriviere (12) was also storming home late! This weekend she has drawn barrier 8. As there is some serious speed engaged in the race, she will be four pairs back in the running and I expect that when the leaders are under pressure late that “Jay Mac” will be getting her in a position to win the race!
Eleven Eleven (4), trained by Greg Hickman, ran super at Scone over 1100 metres. That distance is not his go. 1300 metres is much more to his liking and second up he will be hard to hold out here with a sensational second up record. Where there is pace on, he will be belting home late. This gelding is an absolute war horse and has drawn superbly in barrier 4 – I am certain that he will be in the finish.
Private Eye (1), another NSW runner trained by Joe Pride, will be ridden by Brenton Avdulla. Is first up this weekend and has had two solid barrier trials to get ready for this race. He has drawn terrible in barrier 16 and will need some luck – but like the other runners I have mentioned will appreciate the solid speed in the race and shouldn’t race too far back – look for his distinct lime green spot and black colours to be surging late.
Apache Chase (5) loves this Eagle Farm track. Trained by Desleigh, he Forster probably needed the run first up at Rockhampton in the Archer and I think he is a genuine contender here - and for the Stradbroke in a few week’s time. He will be racing on the speed and if there is any bias come this race – he may just get away with it. If he wins, I will look forward to Desleigh’s celebrations in the parade ring post-race!
I give a rough chance to Away Game (15) and September Run (11) both quality mares that probably should be kept in consideration for the Tatt’s Tiara on the final day of the Carnival.
Selections:
13 – Paulele
4 – Eleven Eleven
12 – Entriviere
1 – Private Eye
Rough chances – (5) Apache Chase – (15) Away Game – (11) September Run
Race 10
The last race is over 1200 metres.
Chris Waller Racing team are well represented with April Rain (9) and Written Beauty (3).
Written Beauty (3) comes off a solid win here a fortnight ago when she was storming home late. This weekend she may need some luck coming from back in the field. William Pike is in the saddle – the punters will be cheering if he gets the job done.
April Run (9), the stable-mate, ran a solid effort in the Gold Coast Silk Stocking. She will race midfield and finish off late – James McDonald will partner her again and I expect she would have benefitted from the first up effort here in QLD and will be super competitive.
Snowden Racing trains Najmaty (17) will be ridden by Tommy Berry – she has drawn barrier 15 and may need some luck in getting across and not being caught wide in the running. She won very well first up at Caulfield. Has had a 6 week freshen up and a recent trial as well under her belt should ensure she is ready to go first up here. Team Snowden has a habit of bringing his runners to QLD and getting them to win – their strike rate is very impressive.
Kris Lees Racing has Redoutes Image (13) making the trek north after a solid win at Scone when she led all the way and ran the opposition into the ground. This weekend she should get across and race forward – Brenton Avdulla will ride the mare and at silly odds of $21. I think she is blow out chance here in the last race.
Juan Diva (10) had her debut run in QLD a fortnight ago. I think that she paraded as if she needed the run and would have stripped fitter for that effort. Richard and Will Freedman train this mare and Craig Williams will ride. She was working home late last time when finishing fourth and should be respected here.
Vulpine (2) won first up at Scone for trainer Brad Widdup. She is a quality mare and must be respected in this race. Over the years horses that come out of the Ortensia at Scone seem to come to QLD and win. Ryan Wiggins will make an appearance at Eagle Farm to ride her – roll out the NSW BLUE carpet and make him feel welcome. Wiggo has ridden this mare previously and I think will ensure she gets the run of the race.
East Asia (6) Is trained by Robert Heathcote and will be ridden by Jimmy Orman. She loves this track and races well second up.
Selections:
17 – Najmaty
13 – Redoutes Image
9 – April Rain
10 – Juan Diva
Rough chance – (3) Written Beauty – (6) East Asia – (2) Vulpine
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Jockeys Challenge
As you can imagine with so many top riders involved this is a tough selectio. Hugh Bowman, Kerrin McEvoy, James McDonald and Jimmy Orman have some nice rides. I think James McDonald could get the job done here- maybe a rough saver on Kerrin McEvoy – he does normally get some big results on these huge days in QLD.
Early Quaddie (races 3 to 6)
5,7,8 / 1,2,4,15,17 / 1,9,10 / 1,4,5,12,16 - cost is $225 to $1
Value Early Quaddie (races 3 to 6)
7,8 / 1,4,15,17 / 1 / 1,4,5 - cost is $24 to $1
Quaddie (races 7 to 10)
2,5,12,14,16 / 1,2,3,12 / 1,4,12,13 / 9,10,13,17 - cost is $320 to $1
Value Quaddie (races 7 to 10)
12,14,16 / 2,3,12 / 4,12,13 / 9,10,13,17 - cost is $108 to $1
Treble (races 7 to 9)
1,2,3,12 / 1,4,12,13 / 9,10,13,17 - cost is $64 to $1
WINNO V FLEMO
The battle continues this weekend with WINNO and FLEMO.
WINNO won two weeks ago with a solid effort between us both. NSW and QLD are about to go to battle in State of Origin – we all know NSW will win. Just waiting for FLEMO to agree to terms of a bet for the upcoming series – come on mate – show your pride – be prepared to open your wallet.
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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