Punt like a Pro, without the know!
Queensland · Tuesday 2 September 2025
Our top pick won 4 of 7 races at Townsville. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
top pick wonanother tip wonno tip won
National Goal presents as the most logical winner despite being winless. The gelding shows consistent form with regular placings and crucially draws barrier 2, which is vital at Townsville's 1200m start. First up from a spell with a solid fresh record, the light weight and inside draw provide significant advantages on this unique downhill chute start.
Second up from a spell with a solid record, the mare's recent third at Cairns demonstrates current fitness. The barrier draw is workable and the consistent form pattern suggests another competitive effort.
Spring's Gift offers strong local knowledge with extensive Townsville experience and a solid recent second placing. The mare's track familiarity is valuable, having had 12 starts here with regular placings. While winless, the consistent placing record and recent form suggest another competitive effort is likely from a workable barrier.
Arik Lad represents excellent value with the crucial barrier 1 draw at Townsville's unique 1200m start. Recent form shows improvement with two seconds in four starts, and the return to blinkers could provide the edge needed.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 10 | Spring''s Gift | 4 | Nathan Thomas | Taylor Connor | 54.5kg | $9.50 |
| 2nd | 11 | Arik Lad | 1 | Jackson Murphy | S J Royes | 54kg | $4.80 |
| 3rd | 9 | Charm Teller | 7 | Sean Cormack | F J Wieland | 55.5kg | $5.50 |
| 4th | 7 | Twin Island | 10 | Tahlia Fenlon | Ms G Bell | 56.5kg | $4.60 |
| 5th | 4 | National Goal | 2 | Ms G Cartwright | Sarah Acornley | 59kg | $7.50 |
| 6th | 6 | Calamaris | 9 | L Morrison | Troy Clive | 56.5kg | $26.00 |
| 7th | 1 | Combat Crusader | 5 | Wanderson D''Avila | Rachael Singleton | 60kg | $7.50 |
| 8th | 3 | Oscar Booie | 12 | Adam Sewell | Michael Geaney | 59.5kg | $5.50 |
| 9th | 12 | Sneaky Tay | 6 | Graham Kliese | Troy Clive | 54kg | $151.00 |
| 10th | 2 | Private Curwen | 3 | Chris Meehan | T Button | 60kg | $81.00 |
| 11th | 5 | Tinder Swindler | 8 | Jason Taylor | R A Schluenz | 57kg | $101.00 |
| Scr | 8 | Sheeza Fling | 11 | Sileas Green | 56kg |
Mission House presents as the standout selection with strong recent form including a last-start second at Bowen. The good barrier draw allows tactical flexibility, and his consistent form trend makes him the most reliable winning chance.
However, his poor Townsville record and top weight assignment are negatives that prevent him from being the top selection.
Store Beach offers solid each-way value with his excellent Townsville record and strong last-start second over 2000m. His high track condition suitability and improving form trend are positives, though his overall limited winning ability and 24-day break are concerns. The step back in distance should suit.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Mission House | 2 | Chris Whiteley | Matthew McGuire | 61.5kg | $8.50 |
| 2nd | 8 | Convertor | 5 | Jackson Murphy | Georgina Bourke | 57kg | $12.00 |
| 3rd | 1 | Kirikan | 3 | Ryan Wiggins | S Massingham | 61.5kg | $1.70 |
| 4th | 6 | Sand ''n'' Power | 8 | L Morrison | Gareth Smith | 59kg | $14.00 |
| 5th | 7 | Al Ras Blues | 6 | Olivia Kendal | Rhein Sewell | 55.5kg | $5.00 |
| 6th | 9 | Store Beach | 7 | Adam Sewell | Leslie Gordy | 56.5kg | $19.00 |
| 7th | 4 | You Are King | 1 | Isabella Teh | Graham Kliese | 60.5kg | $31.00 |
| 8th | 5 | Brave Maso | 4 | Gabrielle Semmens | J P Caught | 58kg | $20.00 |
| 9th | 3 | Eagle Warrior | 9 | Chris Meehan | S J Royes | 60.5kg | $26.00 |
With 2 wins from 5 starts overall and 2 wins from 4 starts on soft tracks, this gelding is well-suited to today's conditions. The 57.5kg weight is advantageous, and recent form suggests readiness to win.
Our Eagle Rock comes off a recent win and boasts a strong soft track record. The advantageous barrier 5 draw should allow for a good position in the 1000m start. While facing a class rise, the gelding's consistent form and proven ability on similar conditions make it a strong contender.
Time To Prophet brings experience and a solid track record to this race. While carrying top weight and drawn wide for the 1000m start, the mare's consistency and familiarity with the track and distance make her a viable place chance. Her class edge over the top two picks could be telling.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Krackacan | 8 | Ms N Summers | Darryl Johnston | 57.5kg | $2.10 |
| 2nd | 2 | Our Eagle Rock | 5 | Nikki Olzard | Sileas Green | 55kg | $3.70 |
| 3rd | 4 | Foneeleven | 4 | Adam Sewell | J P Caught | 55.5kg | $10.00 |
| 4th | 6 | Vegameister | 7 | Olivia Kendal | Georgina Bourke | 52.5kg | $8.50 |
| 5th | 1 | Time To Prophet | 3 | Ashley Butler | Georgina Bourke | 60kg | $7.50 |
| 6th | 7 | Whatta Mission | 1 | Jackson Murphy | Georgina Bourke | 54.5kg | $13.00 |
| 7th | 8 | Raff Vader | 9 | Nathan Thomas | S Massingham | 54kg | $26.00 |
| Scr | 5 | Hi Frank | 6 | Sileas Green | 54.5kg | ||
| Scr | 9 | Harbour Chill | 2 | Sileas Green | 54kg |
Craicaro stands out with the best track record in the field and proven first-up ability. Her outstanding Townsville record of 3 wins from 24 starts is unmatched by any rival.
Mr Polar brings strong distance form and consistent recent performances. The gelding has a good second-up record and benefits from a weight drop. While lacking Townsville experience unlike Craicaro, his distance record and current form make him a strong contender. The inside barrier may be challenging on the downhill start, but his overall profile is solid for second choice.
Despite extensive Townsville experience, he's yet to win here, unlike Craicaro who has 3 wins. The top weight is concerning compared to lighter rivals. His consistent place record keeps him in calculations, but the track record deficit to Craicaro is significant.
Remember Roy offers excellent value with a perfect first-up record of 2 wins from 2 starts.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Spirit Of Giving | 3 | Sean Cormack | Graham R Hughes | 61kg | $8.50 |
| 2nd | 2 | Mattei | 4 | L Morrison | Joshua Manzelmann | 60kg | $12.00 |
| 3rd | 6 | Craicaro | 8 | Tahlia Fenlon | Peter Cullen | 56kg | $5.50 |
| 4th | 4 | Lulo Rose | 7 | Gabrielle Semmens | Tracy Simmons | 57kg | $9.00 |
| 5th | 5 | Remember Roy | 2 | Graham Kliese | Graham Kliese | 58.5kg | $8.50 |
| 6th | 10 | I''m Famous | 5 | Ms N Summers | Darryl Johnston | 54kg | $31.00 |
| 7th | 3 | Mr Polar | 1 | Ryan Wiggins | Krystin Allender | 59.5kg | $3.80 |
| 8th | 8 | White Arendelle | 10 | Ms G Cartwright | Graham R Hughes | 54.5kg | $31.00 |
| 9th | 9 | Rockbarton Racer | 6 | Jason Babarovich | Melissa Bieri | 54kg | $101.00 |
| 10th | 7 | Stateswoman | 9 | Jackson Murphy | Georgina Bourke | 55.5kg | $3.60 |
Valenki presents as the most consistent performer with strong recent form including a last-start win. The class rise is a concern but his upward trajectory and forward racing style suit Townsville's characteristics.
Northern Pride's outstanding track record at Townsville makes him a serious contender. His barrier draw and distance credentials are strong positives, though the class rise and weight burden present challenges. His local knowledge advantage is significant.
Go Getaboy brings last-start winning form and strong local knowledge to this contest. His track and distance credentials are solid, but the top weight and barrier draw present tactical challenges. The class consistency gives him a genuine chance.
Under The Limit offers excellent value based on his outstanding recent form including three consecutive wins. The class rise is manageable given his upward trajectory.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Valenki | 3 | Jackson Murphy | O Chillemi | 56kg | $4.20 |
| 2nd | 1 | Go Getaboy | 5 | Wanderson D''Avila | S J Royes | 61kg | $8.50 |
| 3rd | 2 | Northern Pride | 2 | Sean Cormack | T Button | 60kg | $3.50 |
| 4th | 7 | Under The Limit | 9 | Graham Kliese | T Button | 55kg | $7.50 |
| 5th | 8 | Dragon''s Snip | 8 | Nikki Olzard | Sileas Green | 51kg | $6.50 |
| 6th | 6 | Family Star | 6 | L Morrison | Graham R Hughes | 55.5kg | $13.00 |
| 7th | 9 | Higher Love | 4 | Jason Taylor | Ms M Young | 54kg | $101.00 |
| 8th | 3 | He''s Xceptional | 1 | Adam Sewell | J P Caught | 59kg | $4.60 |
| Scr | 4 | Inching Closer | 7 | M A Dale | 59kg |
Dark Gleam presents as the standout selection with a perfect combination of recent winning form, distance specialization, and track condition suitability. The 4-year-old gelding's Class 4 victory at Middlemount 38 days ago demonstrates current ability, while his excellent 1200m record of 3 wins from 5 starts provides strong distance confidence. His 40% win rate on good tracks makes him ideally suited to today's conditions.
Head Honcho brings exceptional local knowledge with outstanding Townsville statistics, including a 50% win rate at today's track and distance combination. The inside barrier draw suits his racing pattern perfectly.
Novela offers excellent value as a second-up runner with proven ability at higher levels. The class rise is concerning, but his previous higher-level experience suggests he can handle the step up.
The significant weight drop to 55kg could spark improvement from this local specialist.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Dark Gleam | 4 | Tahlia Fenlon | Ms G Bell | 62kg | $3.30 |
| 2nd | 4 | Novela | 10 | Sean Cormack | F J Wieland | 60kg | $7.50 |
| 3rd | 11 | Let''s Ride | 9 | L Morrison | Graham R Hughes | 54kg | $10.00 |
| 4th | 3 | Candlelit | 7 | Chris Meehan | S J Royes | 60kg | $8.00 |
| 5th | 2 | Head Honcho | 2 | Ryan Wiggins | T Button | 61kg | $3.10 |
| 6th | 6 | New Level | 3 | Nathan Thomas | Ms G Bell | 58.5kg | $41.00 |
| 7th | 7 | King Samuel | 1 | Ms G Cartwright | Graham R Hughes | 56kg | $31.00 |
| 8th | 10 | Diamond Lucy | 6 | Graham Kliese | Troy Clive | 54kg | $15.00 |
| 9th | 9 | Kidston | 5 | Chris Whiteley | William Kenning | 55kg | $9.00 |
| 10th | 12 | Redavni | 8 | Adam Sewell | Ms J Ryan | 54kg | $91.00 |
| 11th | 13 | Inala Aticus | 13 | Jason Babarovich | Melissa Bieri | 54kg | $151.00 |
| Scr | 5 | Canny Be Better | 11 | Sileas Green | 59.5kg | ||
| Scr | 8 | Mattei | 12 | Joshua Manzelmann | 55.5kg |
Bubbles''n''froth comes off a dominant win at Bowen and has been building through the grades consistently. While rising in class, the recent form suggests he's ready for this level.
Purpose ''n'' Vision drops significantly in class after a strong second at Townsville last start. The wide barrier is a concern but her recent form suggests she can overcome it.
The wide barrier is a concern but her track record is solid.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Goodnight Romeo | 8 | Ashley Butler | Taylor Connor | 58.5kg | $31.00 |
| 2nd | 1 | Keep On Running | 6 | Ms G Cartwright | Terry McGovern | 60kg | $3.50 |
| 3rd | 4 | Bubbles''n''froth | 4 | Chris Whiteley | William Kenning | 59kg | $4.00 |
| 4th | 8 | Purpose ''n'' Vision | 16 | L Morrison | O Chillemi | 57kg | $4.20 |
| 5th | 7 | Innovates | 11 | Jackson Murphy | R J Miller | 58.5kg | $12.00 |
| 6th | 10 | Lady Of Fortune | 9 | Jason Taylor | Megan Purvis | 56.5kg | $26.00 |
| 7th | 11 | Livewire Lass | 12 | Nathan Thomas | Megan Purvis | 56.5kg | $17.00 |
| 8th | 12 | Cash Artist | 1 | Ms N Summers | Darryl Johnston | 55.5kg | $21.00 |
| 9th | 15 | Simply Divine | 2 | Graham Kliese | Troy Clive | 54kg | $71.00 |
| 10th | 9 | He Goes Boom | 5 | Sean Cormack | Graham R Hughes | 56.5kg | $15.00 |
| 11th | 2 | Vancouver Bay | 10 | Chris Meehan | S J Royes | 60kg | $15.00 |
| 12th | 13 | Cool Story | 13 | Gabrielle Semmens | Gavin Kinlyside | 52kg | $41.00 |
| 13th | 16 | The Eighth I Am | 15 | Jason Babarovich | Melissa Bieri | 54kg | $151.00 |
| 14th | 14 | Mysterious Bay | 3 | Tahlia Fenlon | Peter Cullen | 54kg | $51.00 |
| Scr | 3 | Convertor | 14 | Georgina Bourke | 59.5kg | ||
| Scr | 5 | Elleves | 7 | Troy Clive | 59kg |
Before the races, not after
Our top three picks and a value pick for every race, with assessed prices, speed maps and the analysis behind them. Free for 7 days.