Punt like a Pro, without the know!
New Zealand · Saturday 16 August 2025
Our top pick won 2 of 8 races at Ruakaka. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
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Vegas Lights presents as the top selection with consistent form and a strong affinity for the Ruakaka track. While yet to secure a win, the mare has shown steady improvement and handles soft conditions well. The inside barrier draw and experienced jockey further enhance her chances in this maiden field.
Miss Seth shows promising form and appears well-suited to the conditions. The mare has been knocking on the door with recent placings and should appreciate the step up in distance. The combination of a good barrier, favorable weight, and strong jockey booking makes her a solid contender.
You Bid You Buy offers consistency and experience in this field. While yet to secure a win, the gelding has shown ability over this distance and on soft tracks. The wide barrier is a concern, but the experienced jockey should be able to navigate a good position. The top weight is a challenge, but indicates class.
Kiszkah represents value in this field with proven ability at the track and distance. While yet to secure a win, the mare has been consistently placing and handles soft tracks. The wide barrier is a concern, but the experienced jockey should be able to overcome this.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 9 | Miss Seth | 2 | W F Pinn | K I Rae | 56.5kg | $4.50 |
| 2nd | 12 | Cheerful Smile | 12 | J J Fawcett | Ms J K Mahoney | 56.5kg | $22.50 |
| 3rd | 8 | Vegas Lights | 3 | Tayla Mitchell | M & K Murdoch | 55.5kg | $3.60 |
| 4th | 10 | Kathleen Mary | 14 | Jack Taplin | T R Powell | 53.5kg | $16.60 |
| 5th | 14 | Kiszkah | 13 | Samantha Collett | L A Burton | 56.5kg | $17.20 |
| 6th | 1 | Magee | 7 | Sienna Brown | Ms D Waddell | 54.5kg | $6.80 |
| 7th | 3 | Loose Change | 11 | Matthew Cameron | M & K Murdoch | 58.5kg | $12.60 |
| 8th | 5 | Great Adventure | 9 | M Hashizume | Team Rogerson | 58.5kg | $13.60 |
| 9th | 4 | Another Destiny | 10 | B D Rogerson | Josh King & Maija Vance | 56.5kg | $39.70 |
| 10th | 2 | You Bid You Buy | 8 | N S Parmar | K A Pertab | 58.5kg | $14.00 |
| 11th | 15 | Kuroko | 15 | Joe Doyle | Maxim & Samantha Van Lierde | 58.5kg | $9.40 |
| 12th | 11 | Able Dancer | 4 | V A Colgan | Ms D Waddell | 56.5kg | $70.20 |
| 13th | 6 | Just A Littletipsy | 1 | Floor Moerman | K I Rae | 54.5kg | $85.40 |
| Scr | 7 | St Vincent | 6 | S & E Clotworthy | 58.5kg | ||
| Scr | 13 | Distintiva | 5 | W B Kennedy | Barbara Kennedy | 56.5kg |
Brego shows promising form with two consecutive thirds, including one at this track and distance. While yet to win, the consistent performances and proven ability on soft tracks make him a strong contender. The inside barrier draw and top jockey booking further enhance his chances in this maiden field.
Play It Again Sam is an intriguing runner with no exposed form, but several factors in his favor. The advantageous barrier draw and experienced jockey suggest he could run well on debut. While unproven, the lack of exposed form also means there's potential for significant improvement.
Saltburn has been a consistent performer without breaking through for a win. His proven ability at the distance and good barrier draw are positives, but the top weight and lack of soft track form are concerns. The experienced jockey and consistent placing record make him a solid each-way prospect.
While yet to win, her improving form and soft track experience are positives.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 7 | Play It Again Sam | 9 | W B Kennedy | Barbara Kennedy | 58.5kg | $5.30 |
| 2nd | 1 | Saltburn | 5 | V A Colgan | Josh King & Maija Vance | 58.5kg | $5.10 |
| 3rd | 12 | I Dunnet | 7 | W F Pinn | K I Rae | 56kg | $46.10 |
| 4th | 2 | Brego | 3 | Opie Bosson | Ms S Hale | 58.5kg | $2.20 |
| 5th | 10 | Withallmydream | 2 | Matthew Cameron | Ms J K Mahoney | 56.5kg | $12.80 |
| 6th | 15 | Sailor Sam | 12 | Samantha Collett | K I Rae | 56kg | $26.40 |
| 7th | 9 | Katamuku | 4 | Sam McNab | Samantha Logan | 52.5kg | $13.20 |
| 8th | 13 | Elphaba | 1 | Floor Moerman | K I Rae | 50kg | $21.40 |
| 9th | 11 | Mimoso | 11 | Jack Taplin | R T Wells | 53.5kg | $114.00 |
| 10th | 16 | Bella Vinda | 8 | J Nishizuka | N P Bishara | 53.5kg | $122.80 |
| 11th | 14 | I''m Dreaming | 6 | J J Fawcett | K I Rae | 54kg | $28.60 |
| 12th | 5 | Beau Luca | 14 | Tayla Mitchell | M B Garrett | 57.5kg | $20.70 |
| Scr | 3 | Horrie | 16 | M & K Murdoch | 58.5kg | ||
| Scr | 4 | Kudos | 15 | M & K Murdoch | 58.5kg | ||
| Scr | 6 | Man O'' Slew | 10 | M Hashizume | A Oliveira | 58.5kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Zenzero Girl | 13 | Joe Doyle | G & T Shaw | 56.5kg |
Reptak presents as the top selection with a strong recent form line, including two wins from his last five starts. His soft track record is excellent, boasting 2 wins from 5 starts on this surface. The advantageous barrier draw and weight advantage further enhance his chances. While facing a class rise, his recent performances suggest he's ready for the challenge.
Age Of Discovery brings an impressive record to this race with 2 wins from 3 starts. His first-up form is strong, and the class drop from his previous races is significant. The booking of top jockey Opie Bosson is a positive, but he's returning from a spell and has limited soft track experience.
Fantastic Smile has shown consistent form recently with two second-place finishes in his last three starts. He has a good record on soft tracks and has proven himself at this track. While facing a class rise and drawn a slightly disadvantageous barrier, his race fitness and soft track ability make him a solid contender for a place finish.
With a strong soft track record and consistent recent form, he has the potential to outperform expectations. As a likely leader, he could control the race from the front. However, the top weight and disadvantageous barrier are concerns.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Cleat | 2 | Gareth Lahoud | Ms D Guy | 56.5kg | $7.00 |
| 2nd | 3 | Reptak | 4 | Sam McNab | L O''sullivan & A Scott | 54kg | $4.60 |
| 3rd | 4 | Age Of Discovery | 3 | Opie Bosson | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 56.5kg | $2.80 |
| 4th | 5 | Fantastic Smile | 6 | J J Fawcett | Ms J K Mahoney | 55kg | $3.30 |
| 5th | 6 | Notabadbergs | 7 | M Hashizume | S & E Clotworthy | 54kg | $18.50 |
| 6th | 8 | Tomoe Gozen | 1 | N S Parmar | T R Powell | 54kg | $98.50 |
| 7th | 7 | Charmario | 5 | Samantha Collett | Ms S P Mynott | 54kg | $26.50 |
| 8th | 2 | Domain Ace | 8 | B D Rogerson | Team Rogerson | 56.5kg | $12.30 |
Tuxedo brings an impressive record of 3 wins from 6 starts and has never finished worse than 7th. First-up stats are promising with 1 win from 1 start. While rising in class, his progressive profile and weight advantage make him a strong contender. Versatility across track conditions is a significant asset.
Illicit Dreams offers consistency with 7 top-3 finishes in her last 13 starts. While yet to win at this distance, she has placed 3 times from 4 attempts. Her soft track record of 3 wins from 13 starts is encouraging given the conditions. The class rise is a concern, but her consistency gives her strong place claims.
Bosch boasts an impressive track record with 5 wins from 15 starts at Ruakaka. His recent form has been consistent, and he's shown ability on soft tracks with 2 wins from 17 starts. The class rise is a concern, and he's untested at this distance, but his track affinity makes him a solid each-way prospect.
He's dropping in class and has a solid soft track record with 6 wins from 44 starts. His track record at Ruakaka is promising with a second from 2 starts. However, he's first-up from a spell and his first-up record is concerning with only 1 win from 8 starts.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Tuxedo | 7 | M J Mc Nab | S Ritchie & C Murray | 54kg | $1.30 |
| 2nd | 4 | Illicit Dreams | 1 | J J Fawcett | K I Rae | 54kg | $6.40 |
| 3rd | 1 | Habana | 6 | W B Kennedy | L R Noble | 62kg | $10.90 |
| 4th | 5 | Bosch | 5 | Samantha Collett | Ms M L Bradley | 54kg | $8.80 |
| 5th | 7 | Flying Gib | 2 | Tayla Mitchell | M & K Murdoch | 53kg | $28.00 |
| 6th | 2 | Sagunto | 4 | Sam McNab | Peter & Shaun Mckay | 54kg | $42.60 |
| Scr | 3 | Reward Smile | 3 | Matthew Cameron | Ms J K Mahoney | 54.5kg |
Dancing Dream comes off a strong win and has a solid record at this track. With proven ability on soft ground and a favorable barrier draw, she looks well-placed to continue her good form. The slight class rise is offset by her consistency and current fitness level.
Bad Education brings solid form and experience to this race. While carrying top weight, his ability on soft tracks and at this distance make him a strong contender.
Berenhard has a strong record at this track and is second-up from a spell, a pattern that has seen success in the past. While facing a class rise and drawn wide, his lightweight and ability on soft tracks give him a chance to overcome these challenges. His inconsistent recent form is a concern, but his track record suggests potential for improvement.
With improving form and a good record on heavy tracks, there's potential for a strong showing if the track deteriorates. The lightweight and potential for further improvement make this runner an interesting prospect, despite the class rise and inconsistent overall record.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 11 | Elysian Fields | 1 | Samantha Collett | T R Powell | 56kg | $6.40 |
| 2nd | 8 | Arabella | 2 | J J Fawcett | Ms M L Bradley | 56.5kg | $4.90 |
| 3rd | 5 | Dancing Dream | 6 | W F Pinn | K I Rae | 57.5kg | $4.40 |
| 4th | 1 | Bad Education | 3 | Sam McNab | Josh King & Maija Vance | 56kg | $5.30 |
| 5th | 4 | Chicago Dream | 4 | Floor Moerman | K I Rae | 55kg | $11.50 |
| 6th | 6 | Fernandez | 8 | Jack Taplin | Ms J K Mahoney | 54.5kg | $13.60 |
| 7th | 10 | Coincidental | 7 | W B Kennedy | Barbara Kennedy | 56kg | $5.40 |
| 8th | 7 | Swerve | 11 | V A Colgan | Ms D Waddell | 57.5kg | $22.60 |
| 9th | 12 | Commanding Aspect | 10 | M Hashizume | Ms P Gerard | 55kg | $36.00 |
| Scr | 2 | Richard And I | 9 | Craig Grylls | Andrew Forsman | 59.5kg | |
| Scr | 3 | Berenhard | 12 | Tayla Mitchell | Ms D Jeffcoat | 58kg | |
| Scr | 9 | La Parisienne | 5 | Joe Doyle | S L Cameron | 56.5kg |
Geneva brings an impressive record of 1 win from 1 start and strong soft track form. First-up statistics are excellent with 1 win from 1 start. The inside barrier draw is advantageous, and weight-for-age conditions suit. While stepping up in distance and untested at Ruakaka, the overall profile suggests a strong winning chance.
Yokozuna boasts a perfect record with 1 win from 1 start, including a win at this track and distance. While untested on soft tracks, strong heavy track form (1 win from 1 start) suggests adaptability to wet conditions. The consistent class level and proven ability make Yokozuna a solid contender, despite the step up in class.
Tajana presents as a strong lightweight chance with 1 win from 3 starts on soft tracks. The mare's first-up record is impressive, and she carries a favorable weight. While facing a significant class rise and coming off a spell, Tajana's consistency and soft track ability make her a genuine contender in this field.
Cashla Bay offers value as a consistent performer with 1 win from 4 starts on soft tracks. Coming into this race second-up, the filly has shown strong form in similar conditions.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Tajana | 7 | W F Pinn | S Ritchie & C Murray | 55kg | $11.60 |
| 2nd | 2 | Yokozuna | 3 | V A Colgan | Ms D Logan | 57kg | $7.10 |
| 3rd | 3 | Nocturne | 8 | W B Kennedy | B Wallace & G Cooksley | 57kg | $18.70 |
| 4th | 1 | Geneva | 4 | M J Mc Nab | Ms K A Hoskin | 57kg | $1.60 |
| 5th | 7 | Eliza James | 6 | J J Fawcett | K I Rae | 55kg | $25.80 |
| 6th | 9 | Prosper | 9 | Matthew Cameron | Team Rogerson | 55kg | $36.50 |
| 7th | 6 | Luminance | 5 | Samantha Collett | K A Pertab | 55kg | $19.60 |
| 8th | 5 | Cashla Bay | 2 | Craig Grylls | Andrew Forsman | 55kg | $8.70 |
| 9th | 8 | Miss Moet All | 1 | M Hashizume | S B Marsh | 55kg | $18.70 |
Bassoroc enters this race in excellent form, with strong performances on wet tracks. The mare's light weight and good barrier draw are significant advantages. While stepping up in class, her recent form suggests she's ready for the challenge. The soft track should suit her perfectly, making her a strong contender for the win.
Reinstatement comes into this race with impressive recent form, including a win and multiple placings. Her track and distance record is excellent, and she performs well on soft tracks. While facing a class rise and drawn wider, her consistency and finishing ability make her a serious contender.
I'm Lulu brings consistency to this race with multiple recent placings. She has experience at this track and performs well on soft going. While her win strike rate is lower than some competitors, her favorable weight and barrier draw give her a solid chance to feature in the finish.
Richie's Dream offers value with improving form and a solid track record. The mare's light weight and inside barrier are significant advantages. While facing a class rise, her recent performances suggest potential for improvement.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | I''m Lulu | 7 | Joe Doyle | T J Mcdonald | 56kg | $4.60 |
| 2nd | 8 | Richie''s Dream | 3 | M J Mc Nab | K I Rae | 55.5kg | $6.40 |
| 3rd | 1 | Leitrim Lad | 5 | Floor Moerman | E P Green | 59.5kg | $27.30 |
| 4th | 5 | Tide And Time | 11 | J J Fawcett | K I Rae | 56kg | $5.10 |
| 5th | 10 | Bassoroc | 4 | Jack Taplin | S B Marsh | 51.5kg | $6.30 |
| 6th | 6 | Texas | 1 | M Hashizume | N P Bishara | 56kg | $6.30 |
| 7th | 3 | Trigon Lad | 2 | Sam McNab | M L Rogers | 52.5kg | $18.10 |
| 8th | 11 | Reinstatement | 8 | W F Pinn | Ms K A Hoskin | 54kg | $10.50 |
| 9th | 7 | Ravenna Rose | 6 | Matthew Cameron | Ms D Logan | 55.5kg | $8.40 |
| Scr | 2 | Bosch | 10 | Ms M L Bradley | 62.5kg | ||
| Scr | 9 | Wainui Bay | 9 | Craig Grylls | Andrew Forsman | 55kg |
Super Rosa comes off a strong maiden win and has shown consistent improvement. With a proven record at this track and distance (1 win from 3 starts at Ruakaka over 1600m), she looks well-placed to handle the step up in class. The lightweight and in-form jockey McNab are additional positives.
Santa Catalina returns from a spell with consistent form prior. While she lacks a win at this distance, her overall record shows ability. The booking of Craig Grylls is a positive, and she should be suited by the likely race tempo. Her first-up record (0 wins from 2 starts) is a slight concern.
Phantom Dragon brings consistent recent form to this race and has experience at the distance. The booking of Samantha Collett is a positive. However, his lack of wins at this distance and on soft tracks are concerns. His overall consistency and experience make him a solid place chance.
Emmy Dazzler presents as a value option with her lightweight and proven heavy track form (2 wins from 6 starts). While her recent form has been inconsistent, the soft track could see her improve.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Super Rosa | 7 | M J Mc Nab | K I Rae | 57kg | $3.60 |
| 2nd | 10 | Our Jasmine | 4 | N S Parmar | S T Wenn | 54kg | $24.30 |
| 3rd | 7 | Santa Catalina | 8 | Craig Grylls | Peter & Shaun Mckay | 56.5kg | $4.80 |
| 4th | 5 | Phantom Dragon | 6 | Samantha Collett | Ms P Gerard | 57.5kg | $4.40 |
| 5th | 8 | Emmy Dazzler | 10 | Gareth Lahoud | C J Wood | 51kg | $8.60 |
| 6th | 9 | Electric Dream | 2 | Floor Moerman | K I Rae | 50.5kg | $10.90 |
| 7th | 1 | Brian Lamont | 1 | Tayla Mitchell | W P Hillis | 58kg | $6.10 |
| 8th | 4 | Gameplay | 3 | V A Colgan | M L Rogers | 58kg | $14.30 |
| Scr | 2 | Hot Line Bling | 5 | Opie Bosson | S Ritchie & C Murray | 59kg | |
| Scr | 3 | Fabulous Gal | 9 | Joe Doyle | P W Lock | 58kg |
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