Punt like a Pro, without the know!
New Zealand · Saturday 9 August 2025
Our top pick won 2 of 8 races at Te Rapa. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
top pick wonanother tip wonno tip won
Renaissa shows strong potential on heavy tracks with a 2nd place finish from 1 start. The mare's recent form is solid, finishing 2nd last start. Well-weighted and partnered with top jockey Opie Bosson, Renaissa appears well-placed to break through for a maiden win in these conditions.
Rocking has shown ability on heavy tracks with a 2nd place finish from 1 start. The mare's recent form is promising, finishing 2nd when resuming last start. Second-up today and proven at the distance, Rocking has strong claims but faces a slightly tougher barrier draw than the top selection.
Ebony Gem lacks form data, making assessment challenging. However, the mare has several positives including a favorable weight, good barrier draw, and experienced jockey.
The mare has shown consistency with 2 placings from her last 3 starts and is proven at similar distances. While unproven on heavy going and coming off a spell, the engagement of experienced jockey Craig Grylls is a positive.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 9 | Rocking | 9 | W B Kennedy | Ms D Logan | 56.5kg | $5.70 |
| 2nd | 8 | Renaissa | 6 | Opie Bosson | Ms K A Hoskin | 56.5kg | $3.30 |
| 3rd | 5 | Pure Bars | 3 | E H Nicholas | B K Pinny | 57.5kg | $31.20 |
| 4th | 3 | Feel The Stag | 12 | M J Mc Nab | S B Marsh | 58.5kg | $3.40 |
| 5th | 6 | Jabeur | 2 | Craig Grylls | S L Crawford | 56.5kg | $10.70 |
| 6th | 1 | Saltburn | 7 | V A Colgan | Josh King & Maija Vance | 58.5kg | $11.50 |
| 7th | 10 | What She Wants | 5 | M Hashizume | S & E Clotworthy | 56.5kg | $60.50 |
| 8th | 2 | Malleable | 1 | Samantha Collett | G J Old | 58.5kg | $11.60 |
| 9th | 4 | Cuban Revolution | 13 | Sienna Brown | S Ralph | 54.5kg | $80.30 |
| 10th | 12 | Sharapova | 8 | Joe Doyle | Ms M Falconer | 56.5kg | $49.10 |
| 11th | 11 | Ebony Gem | 4 | Matthew Cameron | Darryn & Briar Weatherley | 56.5kg | $13.20 |
| Scr | 7 | Litteral | 11 | J J Fawcett | K & B Kelso | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 13 | Swiss Prince | 10 | S B Marsh | 56kg |
Jethro Tull presents as the top selection with a strong recent form line, including a close 2nd last start. With 1 win from 5 starts on heavy tracks, he's proven in these conditions. The advantageous barrier draw and consistent improvement trend further boost confidence.
Stewart shows strong credentials with recent winning form and a proven record on heavy tracks. The consistent improvement and suitability to the distance are positive factors. However, the slightly disadvantageous barrier and class rise present minor concerns.
Social Climber shows promise with a solid heavy track record and recent strong form. The consistent performance and weight advantage are positives. However, the slightly disadvantageous barrier and limited race experience introduce some uncertainty.
Fat Cat offers value with a perfect heavy track record and recent winning form. Being second-up from a spell and showing an improving form trend are positive factors. However, the slightly disadvantageous barrier and limited experience at this level introduce some risk.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Jethro Tull | 5 | V A Colgan | B S Gillovic | 58.5kg | $3.40 |
| 2nd | 1 | Digger | 6 | L H Satherley | D B Hollinshead | 60kg | $20.00 |
| 3rd | 2 | Stewart | 7 | M J Sanson | G H Sharrock | 57.5kg | $3.30 |
| 4th | 8 | All Shook Up | 2 | Sienna Brown | S Ralph | 52.5kg | $21.70 |
| 5th | 9 | Ridgeview Vicky | 9 | Matthew Cameron | G K Opie | 56kg | $15.40 |
| 6th | 6 | Social Climber | 1 | J J Fawcett | G Richardson & R Norvall | 58kg | $5.70 |
| 7th | 4 | Winexpress | 8 | Jack Taplin | S & E Clotworthy | 55kg | $14.30 |
| 8th | 3 | Eligius | 3 | M J Mc Nab | M G Forbes | 59kg | $8.10 |
| 9th | 10 | Bold Choice | 4 | Samantha Collett | Team Rogerson | 55kg | $14.00 |
| Scr | 7 | Fat Cat | 10 | Craig Grylls | Andrew Forsman | 56.5kg |
Eagle Rock presents as the top selection with a strong consistent form line, including a win and two seconds from his last three starts. His heavy track record of 1 win from 4 starts is encouraging for today's conditions. The advantageous barrier 5 draw and weight of 59kg align well with soft/heavy track success factors. While rising in class, his recent performances suggest he's ready for the challenge.
Indian Gold brings solid credentials with consistent form and a strong affinity for heavy tracks. His experience and track record make him a serious contender, despite the weight challenge. The wider barrier is a concern, but his ability to perform in similar conditions gives confidence.
Te Atatu Dream offers an intriguing proposition with consistent recent form and proven ability at the track and distance. The favorable weight of 57kg and good barrier draw enhance the appeal. While facing a class rise, the horse's familiarity with heavy conditions and the course layout provide a solid foundation.
The lightweight and advantageous barrier 4 draw align well with success factors for the conditions.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 9 | Graces Gift | 16 | M J Sanson | Debbie Sweeney | 55kg | $27.80 |
| 2nd | 1 | Indian Gold | 9 | M J Mc Nab | S A Sharrock | 60kg | $2.70 |
| 3rd | 2 | Jaffira | 10 | K L Chung | L O''sullivan & A Scott | 58kg | $12.50 |
| 4th | 16 | Jamaica Farewell | 6 | C J Henderson | 57kg | $17.40 | |
| 5th | 13 | Saint Brigid | 4 | Matthew Cameron | S R Autridge | 55.5kg | $17.10 |
| 6th | 8 | Joejoeccini | 1 | Matthew Cartwright | Ms S P Mynott | 58.5kg | $37.30 |
| 7th | 15 | Manawa | 8 | Frankie Barrett | J W Bell | 51kg | $67.70 |
| 8th | 12 | Takeachance | 13 | Gareth Lahoud | Ms T R Lomas | 52kg | $24.70 |
| 9th | 10 | Te Atatu Dream | 2 | Craig Grylls | L O''sullivan & A Scott | 57kg | $9.80 |
| 10th | 7 | Chasing Warrior | 15 | Jack Taplin | B Wallace & G Cooksley | 54.5kg | $12.50 |
| 11th | 5 | Talentoso | 7 | Opie Bosson | Ms S Hale | 59.5kg | $5.40 |
| 12th | 4 | Hakata Bay | 12 | Joe Doyle | Ms M Falconer | 59.5kg | $22.10 |
| 13th | 6 | Eagle Rock | 5 | L H Satherley | Ms K A Little | 59kg | $11.00 |
| 14th | 14 | King''s Mount | 14 | Sienna Brown | A J Smith | 51.5kg | $119.40 |
| Scr | 3 | Ruach | 11 | J J Fawcett | A D Fuller | 60kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Phantom Dragon | 3 | M Hashizume | Ms P Gerard | 57kg |
Mobilized shows promising form with a consistent improvement trend. While yet to win, the gelding has 0 wins from 3 starts on heavy tracks, indicating some ability in these conditions. The weight and barrier draw are favorable, and the step up in distance could suit based on recent performances.
Playinasandpit shows promise with a recent top-3 finish from only 2 career starts. The mare carries a light weight which is advantageous in heavy conditions. With 0 wins from 2 starts on heavy tracks, there's room for improvement. The favorable barrier and potential for progress make her a strong contender.
Baxter, while yet to break through for a win, shows consistency with 2 top-3 finishes in recent starts. The gelding has experience on heavy tracks with 0 wins from 7 starts in such conditions. Despite carrying top weight, recent form suggests improvement. The wide barrier is a concern but could be overcome with tactical riding.
With only 2 career starts, there's significant room for improvement. The gelding shows an improving form trend and has an advantageous inside barrier.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Baxter | 12 | L Kauri | D S Wilson | 55.5kg | $3.90 |
| 2nd | 11 | Playinasandpit | 6 | E H Nicholas | S C Phelan | 55.5kg | $6.60 |
| 3rd | 4 | Mobilized | 5 | M Hashizume | S & E Clotworthy | 58.5kg | $5.90 |
| 4th | 6 | Nigelnomates | 13 | Sarah Macnab | J L Rathbone | 58.5kg | $11.30 |
| 5th | 7 | Vougeot | 15 | Matthew Cameron | Ms P Gerard | 58.5kg | $12.30 |
| 6th | 5 | Janka | 11 | V A Colgan | Shelley Wright | 58.5kg | $44.40 |
| 7th | 2 | The Kehua | 9 | L H Satherley | Ms C Pomare | 58.5kg | $11.30 |
| 8th | 10 | Khando | 8 | Samantha Collett | Ms P Gerard | 56.5kg | $17.40 |
| 9th | 9 | Goosebumps | 7 | Joe Doyle | Barry Donoghue | 58.5kg | $19.60 |
| 10th | 8 | Ferdie''s Secret | 2 | B D Rogerson | Team Rogerson | 56.5kg | $74.40 |
| 11th | 15 | Remote | 3 | S L Crawford | 58.5kg | $20.50 | |
| 12th | 14 | Stylish Invasion | 10 | Matthew Cartwright | G L Hughes | 56.5kg | $32.80 |
| 13th | 3 | Artura | 1 | Opie Bosson | A W Pike | 58.5kg | $7.50 |
| Scr | 12 | Talea | 14 | S L Crawford | 56.5kg | ||
| Scr | 13 | Milanese | 4 | Jack Taplin | Andrew Forsman | 52.5kg |
Tregor presents as the top selection with a strong improving form trend and proven ability on heavy tracks. The gelding's recent consistency, including 5 top-3 finishes in the last 14 starts, coupled with a favorable weight of 58.5kg, positions him well for this race. While facing a class rise, his adaptability and current form suggest he can overcome this challenge.
Tisse shows consistent form and a strong place rate, making him a solid contender. With proven ability over the distance and on heavy tracks, plus a favorable weight, he has potential to perform well. The class rise is a concern, but his overall consistency suggests he can be competitive in this field.
Notabadspillane shows an improving form trend and is second up from a spell, which could be advantageous. His track and distance record is solid, and recent consistency is promising. However, the wide barrier and overall low win rate are concerns. The slight class drop may help, but he'll need to overcome the barrier draw to be competitive.
His recent win in heavy conditions and proven ability at the track and distance are positive factors. The light weight of 51kg is advantageous, especially in heavy going. While facing a significant class rise and drawn wide, his improving form and heavy track record make him an interesting value proposition.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Because | 8 | Tayla Mitchell | R R Manning | 55kg | $18.60 |
| 2nd | 4 | Tisse | 9 | M J Mc Nab | S A Sharrock | 57.5kg | $4.10 |
| 3rd | 9 | Notabadspillane | 13 | E H Nicholas | S C Phelan | 54kg | $4.80 |
| 4th | 3 | Tregor | 7 | Samantha Collett | J C Collett | 58.5kg | $4.20 |
| 5th | 10 | Irrigate | 2 | J J Fawcett | Ms K A Little | 54kg | $18.00 |
| 6th | 11 | Pointer | 4 | L H Satherley | D B Hollinshead | 54kg | $20.20 |
| 7th | 2 | Hula Beat | 5 | Jack Taplin | S & E Clotworthy | 55.5kg | $25.30 |
| 8th | 14 | Hill Of Kings | 10 | L Kauri | S C Phelan | 51kg | $18.60 |
| 9th | 5 | Yellow Jersey | 6 | Sarah Macnab | J L Rathbone | 57.5kg | $26.90 |
| 10th | 1 | Fierce Flight | 1 | Opie Bosson | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 61kg | $17.60 |
| 11th | 12 | La Querida | 3 | M K Hudson | Ms M Falconer | 54kg | $53.40 |
| 12th | 13 | Suavetta | 14 | W B Kennedy | S & E Clotworthy | 54kg | $14.50 |
| 13th | 7 | Mineshaft | 12 | Craig Grylls | Ms P Gerard | 56kg | $14.60 |
| Scr | 8 | Arjay''s Flight | 11 | S C Phelan | 55kg |
Diomedes comes off a strong last-start win and boasts impressive heavy track and distance credentials. The gelding's improving form and weight relief offset concerns about the wider draw and class rise. While lacking course experience, his overall profile suggests he's a genuine contender in these conditions.
Gospodin brings a wealth of heavy track and course experience to this race. Despite carrying top weight, his proven class and inside draw are significant advantages.
Malborough Bay presents as the top selection with a compelling combination of recent form, proven heavy track ability, and a favorable draw. The gelding's consistency and improvement curve, coupled with the booking of top jockey Opie Bosson, make him well-positioned to handle the class rise and capitalize on the conditions.
Rosetown Princess offers value as a lightweight chance drawn perfectly for heavy conditions. Her recent form surge, including a win last start, coupled with proven course and distance ability, make her an intriguing prospect.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | Gigi | 5 | Joe Doyle | J C Pender | 54kg | $8.10 |
| 2nd | 7 | Diomedes | 9 | M J Mc Nab | K A Pertab | 54kg | $2.30 |
| 3rd | 9 | Pacheco | 3 | J J Fawcett | S C Phelan | 54kg | $17.60 |
| 4th | 6 | Cleese | 7 | Frankie Barrett | J W Bell | 50kg | $49.80 |
| 5th | 4 | Canheroc | 10 | Craig Grylls | C J Wood | 57kg | $19.30 |
| 6th | 2 | Gospodin | 2 | Jack Taplin | J C Pender | 56kg | $12.80 |
| 7th | 10 | Rosetown Princess | 1 | E H Nicholas | D B Hollinshead | 53kg | $8.60 |
| 8th | 3 | Soldier Boy | 6 | K L Chung | G H Sharrock | 57kg | $6.40 |
| 9th | 1 | Dusty Road | 8 | L Kauri | G M Cameron | 57kg | $6.00 |
| Scr | 5 | Malborough Bay | 4 | Opie Bosson | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 56.5kg |
Force Of Nature brings excellent credentials to this race with a perfect 5 from 5 record at Te Rapa and strong overall form. While facing a class rise, the gelding's consistency, weight advantage, and good barrier position make him the top selection. The second-up stats (2 wins from 3 starts) also bode well.
Twain presents as a strong contender with an impressive overall record and perfect heavy track form. While facing a slight class rise, the gelding's consistency and suitability to the conditions make him a solid second pick. The 14-day turnaround is ideal for maintaining race fitness.
Spencer brings a wealth of experience and solid form to this race. While carrying top weight is a challenge, his proven ability on heavy tracks and overall consistency make him a strong contender. The 21-day break since his last run may have him fresh for this race.
While her overall form is inconsistent, recent improvements and favorable race conditions (weight and barrier) suggest she could outperform expectations. The significant class rise is a concern, but her heavy track prowess makes her an interesting value proposition.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Midnight Scandal | 9 | Matthew Cameron | S & K Alexander | 54.5kg | $9.40 |
| 2nd | 3 | Twain | 5 | V A Colgan | J W Bell | 58kg | $2.90 |
| 3rd | 1 | Spencer | 3 | Sienna Brown | E R Hocquard | 58kg | $17.10 |
| 4th | 4 | Caitlyns Wish | 6 | M J Sanson | S R Autridge | 54.5kg | $15.60 |
| 5th | 8 | Leroy Brown | 1 | Gareth Lahoud | S Ralph | 50kg | $11.40 |
| 6th | 7 | Force Of Nature | 2 | M J Mc Nab | Andrew Forsman | 54.5kg | $2.10 |
| 7th | 6 | Rocababy | 8 | J J Fawcett | G Richardson & R Norvall | 54.5kg | $25.10 |
| 8th | 2 | Mark Twain | 4 | Jack Taplin | R James & R Wellwood | 57.5kg | $28.20 |
| Scr | 9 | Kaimai Queen | 7 | G J Old | 54kg |
Malborough Bay brings strong credentials to this race with proven heavy track ability and consistent recent form. The class drop from last start is significant, and his track/distance record is impressive. While the top weight is a concern, his overall profile suggests he's well-placed to overcome it in this field.
Privy Garden presents as a strong contender despite the wide draw. Her heavy track form is solid, and she's shown a knack for performing well fresh. The lightweight and consistent recent form are positives, but the class rise and barrier will test her abilities in this field.
Ribkraka has shown good ability on heavy tracks and comes into this race with solid recent form. The good barrier draw should allow for a positive run, and his distance record is encouraging. However, the class rise and weight increase present challenges that will test his mettle in this field.
Family Folks represents value in this field given his recent winning form and strong heavy track record. The lightweight and good barrier draw are advantageous, but the significant class rise is a concern.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Malborough Bay | 11 | Jack Taplin | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 59.5kg | $6.10 |
| 2nd | 10 | Kaimai Queen | 9 | E H Nicholas | G J Old | 54.5kg | $15.80 |
| 3rd | 5 | Privy Garden | 15 | Craig Grylls | Andrew Forsman | 58.5kg | $5.00 |
| 4th | 3 | Aftermath | 3 | M Hashizume | S & E Clotworthy | 59.5kg | $15.90 |
| 5th | 12 | Moneypenny | 7 | W B Kennedy | Barbara Kennedy | 54.5kg | $4.40 |
| 6th | 11 | Trainwreck | 10 | M K Hudson | Ms R Lockett | 55.5kg | $26.90 |
| 7th | 14 | Ortega | 6 | Tayla Mitchell | S B Marsh | 53kg | $7.70 |
| 8th | 9 | Ocean Road | 2 | J J Fawcett | Ms P Wilkinson | 56kg | $16.70 |
| 9th | 8 | Family Folks | 5 | Gareth Lahoud | Tim & Margaret Carter | 53kg | $8.00 |
| 10th | 13 | Kai Moana | 4 | Samantha Collett | C W Cole | 54kg | $20.20 |
| 11th | 6 | Baronet | 1 | Opie Bosson | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 57.5kg | $13.40 |
| Scr | 2 | Ghazzah | 14 | L Kauri | Ms O Duffy | 57kg | |
| Scr | 4 | Ribkraka | 13 | K L Chung | L O''sullivan & A Scott | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 7 | Mister Roquette | 8 | S N Rees | 57.5kg | ||
| Scr | 15 | Digger | 12 | D B Hollinshead | 55kg |
Before the races, not after
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