Punt like a Pro, without the know!
Victoria · Monday 18 August 2025
Our top pick won 0 of 8 races at Pakenham Synthetic. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
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Il Cubo presents as a strong contender with consistent form and a proven record at this distance. His adaptability to different track conditions, including synthetic surfaces, is a significant advantage. The gelding's tactical speed should allow him to secure a favorable position early, which is crucial at this track. While carrying more weight than some rivals, his overall profile suggests he's well-placed to perform strongly in this race.
Laa De Sha brings the strongest overall form to this race, with an impressive win rate and consistent performances at this level. While carrying top weight and facing a slight query on synthetic track form, his class and consistency make him a major contender.
The gelding is well-weighted and should be suited by the likely race tempo. While his overall record is less consistent than the top two selections, and there's a slight query on synthetic track form, his recent performances suggest he's capable of featuring prominently in this race. The class rise is a concern but may be offset by his weight advantage.
Manhattan View presents as a speculative value selection. The potential for improvement cannot be discounted given her weight advantage and previous flashes of ability.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Laa De Sha | 5 | Daniel Stackhouse | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 60kg | $2.50 |
| 2nd | 3 | Nation State | 3 | Beau Mertens | J F Moloney | 58.5kg | $2.25 |
| 3rd | 2 | Il Cubo | 6 | Jacob Noonan | Reece Goodwin | 59kg | $3.60 |
| 4th | 7 | Manhattan View | 7 | Tayla Childs | R J Meunier | 54kg | $41.00 |
| Scr | 4 | Arezzo | 1 | Daniel Moor | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 54.5kg | |
| Scr | 5 | Missile Girl | 4 | Luke Cartwright | Reece Goodwin | 54kg | |
| Scr | 6 | Farisha | 2 | Liam Riordan | Reece Goodwin | 54kg |
The gelding's consistent form, including a recent placing, coupled with a significant class drop from his last start, makes him a serious contender. His improving form suggests he's ready to break through for a win.
Express Barbie, while lightly raced, shows potential for significant improvement. The strong jockey booking of Ben Melham and advantageous barrier draw enhance her chances. The stable's good form is a positive, but her lack of experience and unproven record on synthetic tracks temper expectations slightly.
The Secret presents as the top selection with consistent form, including two recent placings. A slight weight advantage and strong jockey booking further enhance her chances, despite the wide barrier draw.
An advantageous inside barrier draw and potential for improvement third-up make him an interesting prospect, despite his lack of placings to date.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Express Barbie | 2 | Ben Melham | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 57.5kg | $1.85 |
| 2nd | 10 | Punic War | 3 | Jacob Noonan | S J Richards | 57kg | $6.00 |
| 3rd | 8 | Highstrung | 9 | Jamie Mott | T Busuttin & N Young | 57kg | $3.70 |
| 4th | 3 | Brazen Fling | 4 | Celine Gaudry | David & Coral Feek | 57.5kg | $21.00 |
| 5th | 2 | Amberina | 5 | Sheridan Clarke | Susie Wells | 57.5kg | $41.00 |
| 6th | 11 | Inspirational Lass | 12 | Beau Mertens | M Price & M Kent Jnr | 55kg | $8.00 |
| 7th | 1 | Humble Hero | 10 | Jett Stanley | Dylan Dunn | 59.5kg | $26.00 |
| 8th | 5 | Jewel Ben | 6 | Luke Cartwright | M J Mehegan | 57.5kg | $101.00 |
| Scr | 6 | Ruby Harmony | 8 | Peter Gelagotis | 57.5kg | ||
| Scr | 7 | The Secret | 11 | Daniel Stackhouse | Ms N Burke | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Keep It Real | 7 | Lachlan Neindorf | A & S Freedman | 57kg | |
| Scr | 12 | Lei | 1 | Dominic Sutton | 55kg |
Queen Of Light, despite being a first-time starter, has several factors in her favor. The advantageous barrier draw, weight advantage, and strong connections suggest potential for a strong debut. The fast predicted tempo should suit her likely on-pace position.
Ask The Captain brings consistent form and an ideal barrier draw. As a likely leader in a fast-paced race, he's well-positioned to capitalize on the predicted race shape. The strong jockey booking is a plus, but the top weight and lack of wins are concerns. Still, his recent performances suggest he's ready to break through.
Surperb Frost returns fresh and could show improvement. The strong jockey booking is a positive sign, and the neutral barrier draw allows for tactical flexibility. However, the poor last-start form and lack of experience at this distance and surface are concerns.
The gear change and strong jockey booking suggest potential improvement. However, the long absence and poor recent form are significant concerns.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Auto Max | 9 | Sally Wynne | Susie Wells | 59.5kg | $6.50 |
| 2nd | 7 | Parera | 4 | Daniel Moor | M J Mehegan | 59.5kg | $8.50 |
| 3rd | 4 | Gemofsixteencarats | 8 | Brad Rawiller | Logan McGill | 59.5kg | $21.00 |
| 4th | 6 | Mr Crafty | 10 | Justin W Stanley | Ashleigh Smith | 59.5kg | $16.00 |
| 5th | 13 | Surperb Frost | 6 | Craig Newitt | M J Mehegan | 59.5kg | $7.50 |
| 6th | 1 | Ask The Captain | 1 | Thomas Stockdale | E P Francese | 59.5kg | $3.10 |
| 7th | 11 | Seeking Prophet | 3 | Sam Kennedy Roessling | Dylan Dunn | 54.5kg | $71.00 |
| 8th | 3 | Devout Ruler | 7 | Koby Jennings | Luke Oliver | 59.5kg | $41.00 |
| 9th | 9 | Cool Thoughts | 11 | Alana Kelly | Mitchell Freedman | 57.5kg | $26.00 |
| 10th | 10 | Queen Of Light | 2 | Zac Spain | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 57.5kg | $3.50 |
| 11th | 5 | Gungho | 5 | T Ladd | Russell W J Clarke | 59.5kg | $151.00 |
| 12th | 8 | Ballerina Belle | 13 | Sheridan Clarke | J F Moloney | 57.5kg | $151.00 |
| Scr | 12 | Sharp Retort | 12 | Ryan Houston | Simon Zahra | 57.5kg |
Cuban Dawn has been knocking on the door with consistent placings and drops significantly in class for this event. The step up to 2200m looks ideal based on recent runs, and barrier 11 should allow for a smooth run. While yet to break through for a win, this looks a golden opportunity.
Larryoctane has been racing consistently without winning and gets his chance from the inside draw. The step up to 2200m looks suitable based on recent efforts. Jamie Mott is a strong booking and should give this gelding every chance from the good gate.
Clydebank Robber brings solid form to this race and has proven ability over the 2200m journey. While carrying top weight, the weight-for-age conditions suit. Sally Wynne knows the horse well and should be able to overcome the wide draw. The synthetic surface is the main query.
Koby Jennings is a strong jockey booking and the middle barrier draw is ideal.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Larryoctane | 1 | Jamie Mott | Luke Oliver | 59.5kg | $4.60 |
| 2nd | 3 | Grassy Spur | 7 | Lachlan King | F Stockdale | 59.5kg | $3.30 |
| 3rd | 2 | Cuban Dawn | 11 | Celine Gaudry | David & Coral Feek | 59.5kg | $2.70 |
| 4th | 8 | Pride Of Pariah | 6 | Koby Jennings | Patrick Keane | 59.5kg | $18.00 |
| 5th | 7 | Marquisard | 9 | Adam Mc Cabe | Phillip Cafarella | 59.5kg | $26.00 |
| 6th | 1 | Clydebank Robber | 5 | Sally Wynne | Susie Wells | 59.5kg | $7.00 |
| 7th | 6 | Lord Chapel | 4 | J Webb | R A Hockley | 59.5kg | $151.00 |
| 8th | 4 | Hand Of Doom | 2 | Jake Duffy | Patrick Keane | 59.5kg | $19.00 |
| 9th | 11 | Seager | 8 | Unknown | Aaron Laing | 56kg | $51.00 |
| Scr | 9 | Purple Prince | 10 | Daniel Moor | Gavin Bedggood | 59.5kg | |
| Scr | 10 | You Rower | 3 | Michael Harrison | 59.5kg |
The gelding appears well-suited to the synthetic surface and has drawn an advantageous barrier. While yet to break through for a win, the recent form suggests a victory is imminent. The step up to 1600m looks ideal based on recent performances.
The mare appears well-suited to the synthetic surface and has the benefit of an experienced jockey in Luke Currie. While yet to win, her recent performances suggest she's knocking on the door of a breakthrough victory.
Phoenician brings consistent recent form and a strong record at the track and distance. The gelding is well-weighted for this race and has the benefit of experienced jockey Brad Rawiller. While yet to break through for a win, his recent performances and suitability to conditions make him a strong contender in this field.
Mariner's Dream represents value in this field, dropping significantly in class after consistent performances at higher levels. The gelding is well-suited to the synthetic surface and has drawn an advantageous barrier.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | You Never Can Tell | 9 | Thomas Stockdale | G Eurell | 59.5kg | $8.00 |
| 2nd | 4 | Pick Wisely | 3 | Daniel Stackhouse | Archie Alexander | 59.5kg | $2.30 |
| 3rd | 9 | One Way Ride | 11 | Craig Newitt | Rachael Cunningham | 57.5kg | $41.00 |
| 4th | 3 | Phoenician | 10 | Brad Rawiller | E W Ewert | 59.5kg | $13.00 |
| 5th | 7 | Black Cherry | 8 | Ben Allen | Henry Dwyer | 57.5kg | $8.50 |
| 6th | 1 | Hula Dance | 5 | John Keating | Saab Hasan | 59.5kg | $201.00 |
| 7th | 6 | Almago | 7 | Celine Gaudry | M C Kent | 57.5kg | $13.00 |
| 8th | 10 | Red Feathers | 6 | Luke Currie | Shane Stockdale | 57.5kg | $5.00 |
| 9th | 11 | Dickens | 4 | Beau Mertens | C W McDonald | 57kg | $7.50 |
| 10th | 2 | Mariner''s Dream | 2 | Stephanie Hateley | Susie Wells | 57.5kg | $51.00 |
| Scr | 8 | Fumage | 1 | Jamie Mott | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 57.5kg |
Lady Elsa presents as the most likely winner with a perfect 1 from 1 record at track and distance. Her improving form line and weight advantage make her well-placed to handle the class rise. The stable is in good form and she appears well-suited to the likely race tempo.
Austrata brings strong consistent form and a proven record at the track. As a likely leader, he should get a favorable run and has the class to be competitive. The top weight is a concern, but his experience and tactical speed make him a strong contender.
Super Solar is a consistent performer with a strong record at the track. While carrying top weight from a wide barrier is challenging, his class and experience make him a genuine contender. The strong jockey booking is a positive, and he should be running on strongly late.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 7 | Zeshadow | 4 | Luke Currie | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 56.5kg | $8.50 |
| 2nd | 2 | Austrata | 1 | Daniel Stackhouse | Reece Goodwin | 60kg | $5.00 |
| 3rd | 1 | Super Solar | 3 | Nadia Daniels | Reece Goodwin | 60kg | $5.50 |
| 4th | 5 | Lady Elsa | 7 | Ben Allen | Charlotte Littlefield | 57kg | $3.00 |
| 5th | 3 | Launceston | 9 | Jamie Mott | Clayton Douglas | 58.5kg | $11.00 |
| 6th | 8 | Tight Grip | 8 | Carleen Hefel | N G Eades | 56kg | $41.00 |
| 7th | 6 | La Belle Grande | 5 | Beau Mertens | G Eurell | 56.5kg | $11.00 |
| 8th | 4 | Nuts ''n'' Bolts | 6 | Thomas Stockdale | C Maher | 58.5kg | $6.50 |
| 9th | 9 | Master Polanski | 2 | Craig Newitt | David & Coral Feek | 54.5kg | $41.00 |
The mare's consistent form and weight relief make her well-positioned to handle the synthetic surface for the first time. While unproven at the exact distance, her performances over similar trips suggest she'll be competitive.
The mare is well-suited by the likely moderate tempo and is dropping in class. However, she carries top weight and has drawn wide, which could be challenging. Her improving form and synthetic track experience make her a strong contender.
Outcaster brings consistency and a competitive weight to this race. While facing a slight class rise, the mare has proven herself at similar distances and on synthetic surfaces.
Proshow offers value with improving form and a favorable barrier draw. The gelding receives weight relief and has potential for further improvement. The limited synthetic track experience is a concern, but the overall package presents an interesting value proposition.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Dun Wondering | 9 | E J Walsh | Matthew Cumani | 58.5kg | $12.00 |
| 2nd | 6 | Proshow | 5 | Thomas Stockdale | Jason Warren | 57.5kg | $3.80 |
| 3rd | 4 | Shockstar | 13 | Jamie Mott | M M Laurie | 58.5kg | $3.80 |
| 4th | 13 | Tavistock Dancer | 4 | Amy Herrmann | M & L Cerchi | 54kg | $20.00 |
| 5th | 9 | Diamanda | 8 | Luke Cartwright | M T Binney | 55kg | $17.00 |
| 6th | 2 | Perfetto | 11 | Jett Stanley | T Busuttin & N Young | 59kg | $12.00 |
| 7th | 5 | Outcaster | 10 | Ben Allen | Rachael Cunningham | 58kg | $8.50 |
| 8th | 8 | Piplup | 2 | Beau Mertens | Reece Goodwin | 56kg | $5.50 |
| 9th | 10 | Women In Uniform | 7 | Nadia Daniels | Bill Papazaharoudakis | 52kg | $26.00 |
| 10th | 1 | Four O''clock Knock | 1 | Christopher Pang | Smiley Chan | 57kg | $151.00 |
| 11th | 11 | Asternishing | 3 | Paul Gatt | Rachael Cunningham | 54.5kg | $26.00 |
| 12th | 7 | French Class | 12 | Teodore Nugent | Shea Eden | 57kg | $51.00 |
| Scr | 12 | Kauai | 6 | Teodore Nugent | M & L Cerchi | 54kg |
Star Angel shows a clear improving trend with a recent win on synthetic. The weight advantage and proven ability at 1400m offset the wide barrier concern. While facing a class rise, the mare appears well-placed to continue her upward trajectory.
Nic's Choice brings consistent form and a strong record at the distance. The favorable barrier draw should allow for a positive position in running. While lacking synthetic experience, the gelding has proven capable at this class level previously. The slight weight rise is a minor concern but offset by overall form.
The weight advantage and booking of Luke Currie are positives. While facing a class rise and unproven at 1400m, there's potential for significant improvement given limited race experience. The mare shapes as an interesting prospect with upside.
Flying Ace offers value given his consistent record and strong performance at 1400m. The addition of blinkers for the first time could spark improvement, while the inside barrier draw is advantageous. Recent form has tapered, but the gelding has shown ability to compete at this level previously.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Nic''s Choice | 6 | Daniel Stackhouse | J F Moloney | 58kg | $3.90 |
| 2nd | 2 | Tatsu | 7 | Zac Spain | Lloyd Kennewell | 59.5kg | $11.00 |
| 3rd | 7 | Long Brew | 8 | Luke Currie | Lee & Shannon Hope | 57kg | $9.00 |
| 4th | 3 | Emmcee | 9 | Ben Allen | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 58.5kg | $4.40 |
| 5th | 1 | Our Couver | 11 | Bailey Kinninmont | Jerome Hunter | 59kg | $4.60 |
| 6th | 11 | Typhoon Tony | 5 | Teodore Nugent | Simone Walker | 55.5kg | $21.00 |
| 7th | 9 | Star Angel | 13 | Jye Mc Neil | A & S Freedman | 56.5kg | $6.00 |
| 8th | 8 | Sunset Missile | 4 | Thomas Stockdale | Rachael Cunningham | 57kg | $71.00 |
| 9th | 4 | Flying Ace | 1 | Ryan Houston | Jack Laing | 58.5kg | $12.00 |
| 10th | 12 | Some Eclipse | 3 | Nathan Punch | R A Hockley | 54kg | $201.00 |
| Scr | 5 | Grinzinger Love | 12 | Jamie Mott | D T O''Brien | 58.5kg | |
| Scr | 10 | Hotinherre | 10 | T Ladd | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 56kg | |
| Scr | 13 | Isdell | 2 | Lauren Burke | Cheryl Weller | 55kg |
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