This Weekend In Racing: TRL Trainers Top Hopes

Jan 14, 2022

By Terry Kennedy

TRL TRAINERS TOP HOPES 

It’s been another incredible time for the racing industry with a record breaking week at the Magic Millions Yearling Sales on the Gold Coast with more still to go under the hammer. 

The sales take a brief back seat to the race day tomorrow with Coolangatta the dominant favourite for the Magic Millions 2YO Classic. 

For NSW Tycoons owners their focus will be on Penso A Lei racing in the last at Kembla Grange racecourse over 1600m. Joe Pride is confident she’ll run well although the rain affected track is some concern. 

More on Penso A Lei along with the other top chances from our TRL trainers across three states.

PRIDE TO WORK OUT PENNY

NSW Tycoons trainer Joe Pride has complete faith that Penso a Lei will deliver at Kembla Grange on Saturday. 

“Penny, looks terrific. She has pleased me since that disappointing run as favourite at Gosford, but I just don’t think she was suited by the track or the 3 weeks between runs. The wet track is a concern but most of the So You Think bred gets through it” Pride said.

We’ll be giving Penny a massive cheer along with Joe’s other runner at Rosehill Titanium Power (Race 1) who’s coming off a good win and has been backed into $8 at Sportsbet.

BET: Penso A Lei – Each Way Kembla Grange (Race 6)

BET: Titanium Power – Each Way Rosehill (Race 1) 

COOLANGATTA A HOT MILLIONS FAVOURITE FOR MAHER

There’s been no stable more active at the sales then the Maher/Eustace camp. On top of their buying spree they also have the short priced favourite Coolangatta in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic. 

This filly is all class and has won both of her starts with a leg and you simply can’t tip against her. 

At Flemington, Decent Raine (Race 2) was the best of good things beaten last start and with some clear running should be winning. 

Can’t Go Wong (Race 4) has it’s only two starts and with the Maher/Eustace polish should keep a clean sheet. 

BET: Coolangatta – Win Gold Coast Race 7)

BET: Decent Raine – Each Way (Flemington Race 2)

BET: Can’t Go Wong – Each Way (Flemington Race 4)

GOLLAN BEST HOPES

By his lofty standards Qld Rogues trainer Tony Gollan is relatively low for numbers on Saturday. 

Krone (Race 4) won this race last year, he has already been backed from $8 to $6 with Sportsbet and I’m happy to stay with the money. 

Baller (Race 5) is one of the most consistent gallopers in work, while he hasn’t won this preparation he hasn’t missed a place and deserves to break through. 

BET: Krone – Each Way (Gold Coast Race 4)

BET: Baller – Each Way (Gold Coast Race 5)

MICHAEL COSTA ON HOME GROUND

Chatting to Michael Costa at the sales, he’s certainly excited by the potential of Helluva Barty and can’t wait till he returns to the stable and gets to the track. 

Costa’s best each way chance on his home track tomorrow appears to be Sir Rocket (Race 1) who won well last start, loves the track and is a great place chance at $16 with Sportsbet. 

BET: Sir Rocket – Each Way (Gold Coast Race 6)

FREEDMAN WINNING START

NSW Tycoons trainers Richard and Michael Freedman are splitting their time between the sales and training back in Sydney. 

Michael staying on the Gold Coast to guide the fortunes of Allusionist (Race 1) while Richard has returned to Sydney. 

The team reckon Allusionist is over the odds at $21 and coming up from Sydney is now ready to run a cheeky race third-up. 

BET: Allusionist – Each Way (Gold Coast Race 1)

KIM WAUGH TO THE FORE

We love supporting Kim Waugh’s horse in the Midway races on a Saturday. The NSW Tycoons trainer has Misteed in this week’s edition of the Midway. The wet weather has certainly improved Misteed’s chances and early shoppers have already backed him from $20 to $15 on Sportsbet. 

BET: Misteed- Each Way (Rosehill Race 4) 

PRICE TO SOFTEN THE BLOW

Got to say after bumping into Mick Price at the sales he was terribly disappointed Eureka Storm went shin sore after that super impressive barrier trial last Monday, but that’s racing.

At least the Vic Husslers know they have an exciting horse on their hands. 

From my eye, Mick’s best at Flemington is Over The Sky (Race 6). Since being gelded he’s won 3 of his 4 starts and is now living up to his potential.

BET: Over The Sky – Each Way (Flemington Race 6)

Good luck everyone and Good Punting!

Terry Kennedy