Punt like a Pro, without the know!
Australian Capital Territory · Friday 8 August 2025
Our top pick won 1 of 7 races at Canberra Acton. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
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Bardette presents as the top selection with consistent recent form, including a close second last start on this track and surface. While stepping up in class, the overall profile suggests readiness for a breakthrough win.
Darken comes off a last-start win and has shown consistency in recent runs. The gelding has proven ability on synthetic tracks, which is a significant positive. However, the top weight and wide barrier draw present challenges in this field.
The engagement of an experienced jockey is a positive.
The gelding carries a light weight and has shown improvement in recent starts. While yet to place, his best performance came over a similar distance.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Darken | 8 | Teaghan Martin | Natalie Jarvis | 57kg | $13.00 |
| 2nd | 5 | Steamed Hams | 5 | Shaun Guymer | Natalie Jarvis | 57kg | $31.00 |
| 3rd | 2 | Mortlake | 2 | R Downey | Bjorn Baker | 59kg | $1.50 |
| 4th | 4 | Zouwase | 1 | James Innes | B Joseph & P & M Jones | 59kg | $10.00 |
| 5th | 7 | Bardette | 4 | Rebecca Bronett Prag | K Dryden & L Snowden | 53.5kg | $4.40 |
| 6th | 8 | Laloli | 3 | Dale Cole | Pat Murphy | 51kg | $81.00 |
| 7th | 3 | Savant De Lune | 7 | Chad Lever | Gregory Minns | 59kg | $21.00 |
| 8th | 6 | Kaval | 6 | Bronte Simpson | Mark Cross | 53.5kg | $26.00 |
Has a solid record at this track and distance, and should get a nice run from the inside gate. The likely fast tempo should suit his running style, and with a strong jockey booking, he looks the one to beat.
Cosmic Ride brings consistent form into this race and looks well-suited at the distance. The strong jockey booking of Jack Baker is a positive, and she should get a good run from barrier 7. While yet to win at this track, her overall form suggests she's a strong contender in this field.
Champagne In Lace has a strong record at this track and should appreciate dropping back in class. The likely fast tempo should suit her running style, and her consistency is a plus. However, she'll need to overcome the top weight and a wide barrier draw to feature in the finish.
Prophet Time draws well in barrier 3 and gets the services of experienced jockey Matthew Cahill.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | She''s High Society | 11 | Claire Ramsbotham | B Joseph & P & M Jones | 57.5kg | $14.00 |
| 2nd | 10 | Into The Fire | 1 | Shaun Guymer | Scott Jamieson | 58kg | $2.05 |
| 3rd | 1 | Good Once | 5 | R Downey | J A Steinmetz | 63.5kg | $4.60 |
| 4th | 3 | Cosmic Ride | 7 | Jack Baker | Luke Pepper | 59.5kg | $15.00 |
| 5th | 5 | Imabarbiegirl | 12 | Q Krogh | Luke Pepper | 61kg | $21.00 |
| 6th | 9 | Carbrook | 2 | Jeff Penza | M N Howard | 58.5kg | $19.00 |
| 7th | 12 | Papaver Miner | 4 | James Innes | J W Van Duren | 55kg | $31.00 |
| 8th | 7 | Titan Star | 8 | Chad Lever | M F Van Gestel | 60.5kg | $15.00 |
| 9th | 4 | Royal Detective | 6 | Richard Bensley | J M Cleary | 61.5kg | $10.00 |
| 10th | 6 | Prophet Time | 3 | Matthew Cahill | G P Vella | 61kg | $12.00 |
| Scr | 2 | Champagne In Lace | 9 | Matthew Kelley | 61.5kg | ||
| Scr | 11 | Don''t Thinkaboutit | 10 | Aaron Clarke | 57kg |
Well-weighted and with experienced connections, she appears primed for a breakthrough win. The slightly wide barrier is the main concern, but her recent form suggests she can overcome this.
Gladstone Grande is showing improving form and gets significant advantages with the inside barrier and light weight. The class drop from last start is a big positive, and the claiming apprentice further enhances the weight advantage. Main concern is limited race experience compared to top pick.
The advantageous barrier and first-up potential make her a serious contender. However, the lack of race history introduces uncertainty and limits confidence compared to more proven runners.
The addition of blinkers and a well-weighted ride by an experienced jockey could spark improvement.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Miss Trentino | 7 | R Downey | Bjorn Baker | 57.5kg | $3.00 |
| 2nd | 10 | Nefradite | 5 | Q Krogh | G P Vella | 55kg | $31.00 |
| 3rd | 5 | My Proclama | 3 | Alysha Collett | Joseph Pride | 57kg | $1.85 |
| 4th | 8 | Missy''s Last Crown | 6 | Jeff Penza | G P Vella | 55kg | $101.00 |
| 5th | 1 | Stumble On | 8 | Jessica Brookes | W A Hudd | 57kg | $101.00 |
| 6th | 4 | Gladstone Grande | 1 | Poppie Gorton | Brad Widdup | 53kg | $4.40 |
| 7th | 9 | My Malibu Barbie | 9 | Chad Lever | T & P Vigouroux | 55kg | $151.00 |
| 8th | 7 | Aliza | 2 | Mitch Stapleford | Stephen O''Halloran | 55kg | $26.00 |
| Scr | 2 | Bonnie Murringo | 10 | Darrell Burnet | 57.5kg | ||
| Scr | 6 | Spice Of Dubai | 4 | Matthew Cahill | T P Donnelly | 56.5kg |
Tyrannical is an intriguing first starter from the Joseph Pride stable. The gear changes (blinkers and tongue tie) suggest readiness to perform. However, the synthetic surface is an unknown factor.
Preordain is dropping significantly in class which could see a form turnaround. However, his recent form has been poor and he's drawn wide with top weight.
Brannum has the strongest recent form in the field with two seconds and a third from his last three starts. He's proven on synthetic tracks and should get a good run from barrier 5. While yet to break through for a win, he looks well-placed to do so here against a field lacking standout form.
The return to blinkers could spark improvement and she's well-drawn.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 10 | Diamond Frost | 6 | James Innes | K Dryden & L Snowden | 56.5kg | $7.50 |
| 2nd | 7 | Bon Elton | 4 | Chad Lever | G M Brown | 57kg | $9.50 |
| 3rd | 6 | Wire To Wire | 1 | Billy Owen | J Rolfe | 59kg | $13.00 |
| 4th | 3 | Preordain | 9 | R Downey | C Karakatsanis | 59kg | $8.50 |
| 5th | 5 | Tyrannical | 10 | Alysha Collett | Joseph Pride | 59kg | $1.65 |
| 6th | 9 | Rita''s Pearl | 2 | O A Dalton | P & M Cave | 55kg | $31.00 |
| 7th | 8 | Our Lady Rockstar | 3 | Jeff Penza | Matthew Kelley | 57kg | $14.00 |
| 8th | 1 | Bon To Run | 7 | Pierre Boudvillain | A L McRae | 59kg | $18.00 |
| Scr | 2 | Brannum | 5 | Nick Heywood | Matthew Dale | 59kg | |
| Scr | 4 | Prophet''s Promise | 8 | Shaun Guymer | K Dryden & L Snowden | 59kg |
Fine Vintage stands out with consistent form, including two recent wins. While carrying top weight, his class and ability should overcome this. The synthetic surface suits, and he's well-positioned for a strong performance.
Laurel Hill shows consistent form with multiple placings. While lacking wins, she's often in the mix and should be competitive at this distance. The synthetic surface is a question mark, but her overall form suggests she can adapt.
Pretty Vegas comes off a recent win and carries a very light weight. Her consistent placing record and improving form are positive signs. The class rise is a concern, but her current form suggests she's capable of handling it.
His recent 2nd place finish shows he's in good form, and he should handle the synthetic surface well. The weight is favorable, and while he lacks experience at this exact distance, his form suggests he can be competitive.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Super Extreme | 1 | Shaun Guymer | Luke Pepper | 55.5kg | $15.00 |
| 2nd | 7 | Miss Emma | 2 | Teaghan Martin | Geoffrey Crothers | 53kg | $21.00 |
| 3rd | 2 | Laurel Hill | 6 | James Innes | Rob Potter | 58kg | $2.90 |
| 4th | 8 | Capital Heart | 7 | Alysha Collett | Matthew Dale | 55kg | $10.00 |
| 5th | 9 | Rubi Air | 8 | Pierre Boudvillain | Anthony Warren | 55kg | $41.00 |
| 6th | 4 | Pretty Vegas | 4 | Dale Cole | J M Cleary | 51kg | $5.00 |
| 7th | 5 | Vella Magic | 9 | Jeff Penza | G P Vella | 55kg | $11.00 |
| 8th | 6 | Cyclone Rupert | 3 | Q Krogh | Luke Pepper | 55kg | $10.00 |
| 9th | 1 | Fine Vintage | 5 | Jack Baker | Luke Pepper | 63.5kg | $4.20 |
Avonview presents as the top selection with a strong record on synthetic tracks and consistent recent form. The horse is well-weighted and drawn favorably in barrier 1. Despite a slight rise in distance, the class drop and proven ability on this surface make Avonview a strong contender.
The lightweight and gear change (winkers first time) could spark further improvement. While facing a class rise and drawn wide, the horse's recent performances suggest it's capable of featuring prominently in this field.
Well-drawn in barrier 4 and proven at the distance, this horse presents as a solid each-way chance. The main concerns are the class rise and lack of experience on synthetic tracks.
While facing challenges with the class rise and distance, the horse's recent form suggests it could outperform expectations.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Heir Jordan | 9 | Chad Lever | Luke Musson | 58.5kg | $6.50 |
| 2nd | 1 | Cosmic Lad | 10 | Mitch Stapleford | Joseph Pride | 62kg | $4.00 |
| 3rd | 6 | Ceremonious | 7 | Jeff Penza | B Joseph & P & M Jones | 57kg | $17.00 |
| 4th | 5 | Avonview | 1 | Claire Ramsbotham | B Joseph & P & M Jones | 55.5kg | $4.20 |
| 5th | 7 | Midnight Luna | 11 | Q Krogh | Rob Potter | 55kg | $3.90 |
| 6th | 10 | Pretty Eyed | 2 | James Innes | K Dryden & L Snowden | 55kg | $26.00 |
| 7th | 2 | Victory At Omaha | 8 | Ms C Keatings | Ms T Bateup | 59.5kg | $26.00 |
| 8th | 8 | Albanian Star | 3 | Bronte Simpson | S Harvey | 52kg | $21.00 |
| 9th | 11 | Danish Hussar | 6 | Emma Ly | A L McRae | 53kg | $201.00 |
| 10th | 4 | Skiing | 4 | Shaun Guymer | Robert Quinn | 58kg | $15.00 |
| 11th | 9 | Crazy Atom | 5 | Alysha Collett | J M Cleary | 55kg | $15.00 |
Guerrera brings the strongest recent form into this race, with a last-start win and consistent performances. Well-suited by the likely fast tempo and has a proven track record. The mare's ability to handle the synthetic surface is a significant advantage, and the strong jockey booking further enhances her chances.
Climate Change brings consistent form into this race, including a last-start second place. The mare is well-suited to the distance and carries a competitive weight. The experienced jockey booking is a positive, but the wide barrier draw and lack of synthetic track wins are concerns. Overall, a solid each-way prospect.
Your Magic is an improving type who won last start on a synthetic surface. The gelding carries weight well and is well-drawn. While facing a significant class rise, the improving form and suitability to track conditions make him a strong contender. The lack of a listed jockey is a concern but may be offset by the horse's natural ability.
The mare has a strong first-up record and is well-weighted for this race.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 7 | Russian Zarina | 4 | Shaun Guymer | Ms K Outtrim | 59kg | $7.50 |
| 2nd | 1 | Guerrera | 1 | Jack Baker | Luke Pepper | 60kg | $2.05 |
| 3rd | 5 | Zambezi River | 6 | Ryan Bradley | Fabio Martino | 57.5kg | $10.00 |
| 4th | 9 | Just Shane | 11 | Chad Lever | T & P Vigouroux | 58kg | $61.00 |
| 5th | 3 | Tokyo Ice | 3 | Teaghan Martin | G G Kirkup | 59.5kg | $9.50 |
| 6th | 6 | Climate Change | 8 | Rebecca Bronett Prag | K Dryden & L Snowden | 58kg | $7.50 |
| 7th | 11 | Sir Lunchalots | 2 | Jeff Penza | Anthony Warren | 56.5kg | $4.80 |
| 8th | 10 | Shylock | 10 | Matthew Cahill | Kathryn Cahill | 57kg | $61.00 |
| Scr | 2 | King Taurus | 9 | D A Williams | 62kg | ||
| Scr | 4 | Your Magic | 5 | Rob Potter | 60.5kg | ||
| Scr | 8 | Brutal Eyes | 7 | Matthew Kelley | 58.5kg |
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