Punt like a Pro, without the know!
New South Wales · Saturday 23 August 2025
Our top pick won 4 of 8 races at Newcastle. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
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Lady Talea stands out as the clear top selection with her significant class drop from Listed/Open company combined with proven heavy track ability. Her third placing last start at this exact venue in heavy conditions, coupled with the crucial inside barrier draw, makes her perfectly positioned. The class advantage over this maiden field is decisive.
Vivian's Express offers exceptional value with her Group 3 class drop to maiden level. The wide barrier is concerning but the class advantage is substantial enough to overcome.
The Warrior brings solid heavy track credentials with his runner-up finish last start at this venue. His perfect distance record and second-up positioning provide confidence, though the wide barrier and top weight are significant negatives on Heavy 10.
The inside barrier and lightweight are crucial advantages, while her recent third placing suggests current form.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 11 | Vivian''s Express | 11 | K S Latham | Richard & Will Freedman | 55kg | $5.50 |
| 2nd | 9 | Milk Foam | 5 | Emma Ly | G Portelli | 52kg | $41.00 |
| 3rd | 8 | Lady Talea | 3 | Jessica Taylor | J C Coyle | 55kg | $5.50 |
| 4th | 2 | The Warrior | 8 | Aaron Bullock | P M Perry | 59kg | $3.10 |
| 5th | 7 | Farnciful | 6 | Mollie Fitzgerald | J C Deamer | 53kg | $3.00 |
| 6th | 1 | Devious Mind | 10 | Olivia Chambers | Albert O''Hearn | 57kg | $8.50 |
| 7th | 4 | Love You Anyway | 7 | Kacie Adams | B G Lawrence | 57kg | $101.00 |
| 8th | 5 | Mover And Shaker | 4 | Adrian Layt | K J Parker | 57kg | $19.00 |
| Scr | 3 | Forcefilly | 1 | Brock Ryan | Brad Widdup | 57kg | |
| Scr | 6 | Bianca Mia | 2 | Christian Reith | Brad Widdup | 55kg | |
| Scr | 10 | Miss Orth | 9 | R Downey | G McFarlane | 55kg |
Septimus is the standout selection with the crucial inside barrier on Heavy 10 conditions. His last start 4th at this exact track and distance in stronger Class 1 company shows he's ready to break through. The drop to maiden level combined with his improving form trend makes him the horse to beat.
Farraige brings the best staying credentials and heavy track experience to this race. His recent 2nd at Port Macquarie over 1800m in heavy conditions is the best form reference. While the wide barrier is concerning, his proven staying ability and wet track form make him a strong place chance.
Highland Lad impressed with a close 2nd at Newcastle last start and has proven he can handle heavy conditions. His limited experience makes assessment difficult, but the improvement trend is encouraging. The step up to 1890m is the main query for this promising type.
Spacetime Legend offers value with the crucial inside barrier on heavy going. His 3rd at Newcastle in heavy conditions last year shows he can handle these exact circumstances. The class drop and staying distance suit, making him a speculative value play despite inconsistent recent form.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Septimus | 2 | K S Latham | Matthew Smith | 59kg | $3.20 |
| 2nd | 4 | Highland Lad | 5 | Andrew Gibbons | James Ponsonby | 59kg | $4.80 |
| 3rd | 3 | Farraige | 8 | Aaron Bullock | D Wagstaff | 59kg | $4.40 |
| 4th | 2 | Extra Power | 4 | Brock Ryan | John Thompson | 59kg | $14.00 |
| 5th | 7 | Spacetime Legend | 1 | Christian Reith | Joel Wilkes | 59kg | $11.00 |
| 6th | 5 | Kaval | 6 | Kacie Adams | Mark Cross | 59kg | $41.00 |
| 7th | 8 | Torrey Pines | 7 | Grant Buckley | Ms K Outtrim | 59kg | $26.00 |
| 8th | 1 | Autumn Heir | 3 | Holly Durnan | R & L Price | 56kg | $4.20 |
The quality breeding and Portelli's training ability suggest this filly has untapped potential.
Barrier 4 allows tactical flexibility on heavy going, and this stable's history of producing ready first-starters makes Zoufield a serious winning chance despite the lack of form data.
Equal favouritism with Zoufield indicates significant stable confidence in this debut runner. The barrier 2 draw is ideal for heavy track conditions where inside runners typically dominate.
While the 0 wins from 2 starts record is poor, the gear changes and perfect barrier draw for heavy conditions suggest potential improvement.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Zoufield | 4 | Zac Wadick | G Waterhouse & A Bott | 57.5kg | $2.05 |
| 2nd | 7 | Parfumier | 8 | Mitchell Bell | G Portelli | 56kg | $7.50 |
| 3rd | 5 | Miss Maclaine | 2 | Adrian Layt | K J Parker | 57kg | $3.00 |
| 4th | 8 | Billy Bowlegg | 7 | Deanne Panya | G R Nickson | 55kg | $15.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Autumn King | 6 | Aaron Bullock | P Messara & L Gavranich | 59kg | |
| Scr | 2 | Disparate | 3 | Rory Hutchings | Michael Freedman | 59kg | |
| Scr | 4 | Artistic Flair | 1 | A J Calder | G Portelli | 57kg | |
| Scr | 6 | Vidia | 5 | K S Latham | Michael Freedman | 56.5kg |
Titan Of Fury stands out as the only runner with proven heavy track form, recording a second at Newcastle just 14 days ago on Heavy 10. His perfect heavy track record and recent course experience give him a significant advantage over rivals with no wet track exposure. The second up angle adds further appeal despite the wide barrier.
Precise Star brings the second-best heavy track credentials with a recent third at Kembla Grange on Heavy 10. The Chris Waller-trained colt showed marked improvement second up and has proven form at the exact 1400m distance. His heavy track experience gives him a clear edge over most rivals.
His Newcastle form and Chris Waller preparation are positives, but the lack of wet track exposure on Heavy 10 conditions significantly reduces his appeal compared to proven heavy track performers.
The Peter Snowden-trained colt showed improvement second up and has the right heavy track credentials. His good barrier draw and proven wet track form make him an attractive value proposition in this field.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 14 | Powerhouse | 6 | Peter Snowden | 56kg | $3.70 | |
| 2nd | 13 | Precise Star | 10 | C J Waller | 56.5kg | $4.40 | |
| 3rd | 10 | Pompatus | 3 | K S Latham | John O''Shea & Tom Charlton | 56.5kg | $5.50 |
| 4th | 6 | Welcome Red Sun | 4 | Brock Ryan | John Thompson | 57kg | $17.00 |
| 5th | 15 | Miss Peony | 5 | A J Calder | P & M Cave | 56.5kg | $26.00 |
| 6th | 1 | Bendrodt | 2 | Mollie Fitzgerald | C J Waller | 58kg | $5.50 |
| 7th | 4 | Titan Of Fury | 13 | Aaron Bullock | P M Perry | 59kg | $5.50 |
| 7th | 12 | Jade Sunset | 15 | Donovan Dillon | T J Bartley | 55kg | $12.00 |
| Scr | 2 | Miss Jones | 14 | Richard & Will Freedman | 59.5kg | ||
| Scr | 3 | Cavalry | 1 | Grant Buckley | M, W & J Hawkes | 59kg | |
| Scr | 5 | Above The Law | 11 | Zac Wadick | G Waterhouse & A Bott | 56kg | |
| Scr | 7 | Barcelo | 12 | Rory Hutchings | C J Waller | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Decorum | 9 | Michael Freedman | 56.5kg | ||
| Scr | 9 | Michelangelo | 17 | Chad Lever | C J Waller | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Enviable | 7 | Jeff Penza | C J Waller | 55.5kg | |
| Scr | 16 | O''sheamus | 18 | John O''Shea & Tom Charlton | 56kg | ||
| Scr | 17 | Pour Benn | 8 | David Payne | 58.5kg | ||
| Scr | 18 | Kendalia | 16 | Mitch Stapleford | Joseph Pride | 55.5kg |
Mirra Impact presents as the standout selection being second up from a spell after a strong first-up second at Kembla Grange on Heavy 10. The gelding has proven heavy track ability and an excellent record at Newcastle with 1 win from 2 starts. Despite the class rise and distance query, his fitness advantage and track/condition suitability make him the top pick.
Danish Prince comes off an excellent second at Newcastle on Heavy 10, showing he handles these exact conditions well. His heavy track record of 1 win from 12 starts demonstrates capability on wet ground, and he has a solid record at Newcastle. The improving form trend and recent close second make him a strong each-way chance despite his modest overall statistics.
Ollie's Secret showed good form with a third at Newcastle on Heavy 10 last start, proving he can handle these conditions. The class drop from recent higher grade races provides an advantage, and his consistent recent form suggests he's in good order. The inside barrier and suitable weight allocation enhance his chances despite modest heavy track statistics.
The recent Taree win demonstrates current ability, and the significant weight advantage could offset his heavy track inexperience in a moderate field.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Mirra Impact | 4 | Mitchell Bell | Peter Snowden | 59.5kg | $2.35 |
| 2nd | 8 | Smart Jazz | 1 | Mollie Fitzgerald | J A Sylvester | 53kg | $7.50 |
| 3rd | 7 | Ollie''s Secret | 3 | Winona Costin | Ms J Bowen | 57.5kg | $8.50 |
| 4th | 3 | Danish Prince | 7 | Deanne Panya | M C Conners | 59.5kg | $2.90 |
| 5th | 2 | All Machiavellian | 2 | K S Latham | R & L Price | 59.5kg | $6.50 |
| Scr | 1 | Dimitrov | 6 | Aaron Bullock | John O''Shea & Tom Charlton | 61.5kg | |
| Scr | 5 | Surreal I Am | 8 | Andrew Gibbons | K A Lees | 59kg | |
| Scr | 6 | Orthie''s Boys | 5 | R Downey | G McFarlane | 58.5kg |
Thundering Soul presents as the standout selection with excellent recent form including a close 2nd at this track over the same distance in heavy conditions.
Scissor Me Timbers brings the best heavy track credentials in the field with 2 wins from 6 starts on heavy going. The class rise is a concern, but his wet track ability makes him a strong contender.
Oakfield Duke possesses the best heavy track credentials with 3 wins from 5 starts and has won at this exact track and distance combination.
While the class rise is significant, his wet track ability and second up positioning make him a worthwhile value play.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Oakfield Duke | 3 | Aaron Bullock | K A Lees | 60.5kg | $2.80 |
| 2nd | 6 | Thundering Soul | 13 | Andrew Gibbons | K A Lees | 59kg | $4.20 |
| 3rd | 12 | River Pat | 6 | Donovan Dillon | Ms K Waugh | 55kg | $9.00 |
| 4th | 8 | Outakandy | 8 | K S Latham | Jake Hull | 58kg | $14.00 |
| 5th | 10 | Rebel Rhapsody | 7 | Mitchell Bell | Nacim Dilmi | 56.5kg | $14.00 |
| 6th | 11 | Scissor Me Timbers | 4 | Mitchell Beer | 56kg | $3.90 | |
| 7th | 3 | Mr Rock It | 5 | Holly Durnan | R & L Price | 57.5kg | $12.00 |
| 8th | 14 | Just One Look | 1 | Grant Buckley | J D Cooper | 55kg | $51.00 |
| Scr | 1 | African Daisy | 10 | Mollie Fitzgerald | J C Deamer | 59kg | |
| Scr | 2 | Los Padres | 9 | Rory Hutchings | Mitchell Beer | 60.5kg | |
| Scr | 5 | Cryptonic | 14 | Jason Attard | 59kg | ||
| Scr | 7 | Divine Bene | 2 | Mitch Stapleford | Adam Duggan | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Orthies | 12 | R Downey | G McFarlane | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 13 | King Charles | 11 | Winona Costin | Anthony Mountney | 55.5kg |
Progressive mare with excellent recent form including a dominant maiden win. The addition of blinkers first time with Peter Snowden's training expertise suggests further improvement.
Lightly raced mare with perfect heavy track credentials and recent winning form. The class rise is concerning but her proven wet track ability and strong strike rate make her a genuine chance if the conditions suit her racing pattern.
Consistent mare dropping significantly in class with solid heavy track credentials. Her reliable placing record and distance experience make her a safe each-way option, though her moderate win rate limits her appeal as a winning selection.
Lightly raced mare with excellent heavy track credentials and strong second up statistics.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Hurry Miss | 10 | Mitchell Bell | Peter Snowden | 60kg | $1.75 |
| 2nd | 1 | Laurel Hill | 2 | Madeline Owen | Rob Potter | 57.5kg | $7.00 |
| 3rd | 10 | Shezatempest | 8 | Mollie Fitzgerald | Jay Hopkins | 53.5kg | $19.00 |
| 4th | 7 | Magic Pharoah | 11 | K S Latham | Richard Litt | 57.5kg | $12.00 |
| 5th | 5 | Spiritualistic | 7 | Rory Hutchings | Mitchell Beer | 58.5kg | $6.00 |
| 6th | 6 | La Bella Bondi | 6 | Adrian Layt | K J Parker | 58kg | $13.00 |
| 7th | 3 | Serene Nic | 1 | O A Dalton | Matthew Smith | 57kg | $15.00 |
| 8th | 4 | Tiwi Girl | 4 | Donovan Dillon | P M Perry | 59kg | $26.00 |
| 9th | 9 | Outofleftfield | 3 | Andrew Gibbons | Nathan Doyle | 56kg | $31.00 |
| Scr | 8 | Heron | 9 | Emma Ly | Blake Ryan | 53.5kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Princess Mary | 5 | J A Sylvester | 55kg |
The mare is second up from a spell where she ran an excellent second at Newcastle last start, and historically shows improvement second up with 1 win from 2 starts. Her recent form trend is strongly improving.
Linwood brings strong heavy track credentials with 1 win from 2 starts on the surface. The mare is dropping in class and draws well in barrier 5. However, she faces the challenge of top weight and has limited experience at 1600m with 0 wins from 1 start at the distance.
Heron offers excellent value with a perfect heavy track record of 1 win from 1 start. The mare carries just 52kg with Emma Ly's 3kg claim, giving her a significant weight advantage. The main concerns are the inside barrier draw and stepping up in class, but the conditions suit perfectly.
The gelding has a solid heavy track record with 1 win from 4 starts and is perfect at 1600m with 1 win from 2 starts. His recent maiden win at Wyong over 1600m on heavy going is directly relevant. The 51-day gap and class rise are concerns, but the value proposition is strong.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Alabama Blitz | 3 | Rory Hutchings | Denim Wynen | 57.5kg | $3.40 |
| 2nd | 8 | Heron | 1 | Emma Ly | Blake Ryan | 52kg | $10.00 |
| 3rd | 6 | Johnny Smash | 4 | Mitch Stapleford | M F Van Gestel | 54kg | $12.00 |
| 4th | 3 | Oceanfront | 11 | K S Latham | Nacim Dilmi | 58kg | $6.50 |
| 5th | 10 | Obviously Albert | 10 | Jenny Duggan | Ms T Williams | 55kg | $41.00 |
| 6th | 2 | Linwood | 5 | Aaron Bullock | Paul Snowden | 58kg | $3.10 |
| 7th | 7 | Artzino | 9 | Andrew Gibbons | James Ponsonby | 55.5kg | $8.00 |
| 8th | 1 | Shalaa Jet | 7 | Emma Ly | Edward O''Rourke | 55.5kg | $19.00 |
| 9th | 11 | Valentino Prince | 8 | Donovan Dillon | P M Perry | 55kg | $21.00 |
| 10th | 9 | Shackamaxon | 2 | Madeline Owen | Joseph Burges | 52kg | $61.00 |
| Scr | 5 | Casablanca Express | 6 | David Payne | 57.5kg |
Before the races, not after
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