Punt like a Pro, without the know!
New Zealand · Thursday 11 September 2025
Our top pick won 3 of 7 races at Riccarton Park Synthetic. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
top pick wonanother tip wonno tip won
Giannis presents as the most reliable winning chance with strong recent form including a close second at this track 15 days ago. Despite carrying top weight, his proven track form and current fitness make him the standout selection.
Here I Am brings valuable track experience with 19 previous starts at Riccarton Synthetic including one win. His recent form shows consistency with a third two starts back, and barrier 2 provides the inside advantage crucial on this track. However, his poor distance record and low win rate limit his winning chances despite the familiarity factor.
Mi Bella offers value as a first-up runner with a solid preparation pattern. Her 29% place rate suggests reliability, and the barrier 3 draw is perfect for this track.
The experienced 9-year-old has shown current form and his distance specialization gives him a chance.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Giannis | 1 | Ms K Williams | Ms L Prendergast | 59kg | $2.10 |
| 2nd | 6 | Here I Am | 2 | B M Murray | M & M Pitman | 57kg | $7.80 |
| 3rd | 4 | Ice Cold Gold | 7 | Donovan Cooper | M E Forde | 56kg | $11.30 |
| 4th | 2 | Golden Harvest | 5 | Abdul Najib | M & M Pitman | 56kg | $6.90 |
| 5th | 3 | Esperimento | 4 | Y Atchamah | Kevin Mcauley | 56kg | $16.70 |
| 6th | 7 | Wrote The Amazing | 6 | Tina Comignaghi | M & M Pitman | 54kg | $3.20 |
| Scr | 5 | Mi Bella | 3 | Billy Jacobson | Anna Furlong | 57.5kg |
Void represents the standout selection dropping significantly in class from Group 3 company to maiden level. His synthetic track record shows consistent placing ability with 0 wins from 3 starts but 2 thirds, including recent efforts of 3rd and 4th. The inside barrier draw suits Riccarton's pace-favoring layout, and the class drop provides a clear edge over this field.
Andina appeals as an improving 3-year-old filly showing upward form trajectory. Her 4th placing last start at this exact track and distance combination demonstrates suitability, while the inside barrier draw provides tactical advantage on this pace-favoring synthetic surface. Recent racing and youth factor suggest further improvement is possible.
She's Sinatra brings strong credentials with a narrow 2nd placing last start at this exact venue and distance. The significant class drop combined with apprentice weight relief provides clear advantages, though the wide barrier draw presents a tactical challenge on this pace-favoring track layout.
El Fuego offers significant value despite his maiden status. His exceptional placing record at Riccarton synthetic (0 wins from 7 starts but 3 seconds and 1 third) demonstrates consistent competitiveness.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 7 | Honoka | 9 | Tina Comignaghi | C R Isdale | 56.5kg | $10.40 |
| 2nd | 5 | She''s Sinatra | 8 | K Bakker | L M Robinson | 53.5kg | $6.60 |
| 3rd | 3 | Void | 3 | L T Hemi | Ms V Mackle | 58.5kg | $2.10 |
| 4th | 9 | Amalyte | 1 | Floor Moerman | Ainsley Mcleod | 53.5kg | $57.80 |
| 5th | 10 | Andina | 2 | Ms K Williams | J & K Parsons | 54kg | $4.50 |
| 6th | 1 | El Fuego | 7 | K Mudhoo | M L Price | 58.5kg | $8.30 |
| 7th | 6 | Typsy | 10 | Bridget Grylls | J C Blackadder | 56.5kg | $15.10 |
| 8th | 4 | Heading To Noosa | 5 | A Balloo | T J Yesberg | 58.5kg | $41.80 |
| 9th | 8 | Princess Solitaire | 4 | B M Murray | Ms S L Wynne | 56.5kg | $33.70 |
| Scr | 2 | Forever Young | 6 | M & M Pitman | 58.5kg |
Delmonico stands out as the track specialist with an excellent record at Riccarton Synthetic, including 2 wins from 7 starts at this exact track and distance. His last-start win here three weeks ago confirms he's in peak form, and his overall synthetic record of 2 wins from 8 starts shows clear surface preference. The consistent form line with regular top-3 finishes makes him the logical choice despite the class rise.
San Marco brings impressive credentials with a perfect record on synthetic surfaces and strong recent form including a last-start win at this venue. His 1 win from 2 starts at this track and distance is compelling, and the weight drop with apprentice jockey provides additional advantage.
Tap 'n' Go represents the classic class dropper scenario, stepping significantly down in grade after competing at higher levels. His synthetic track experience and recent third place suggest he retains competitive ability, while the bottom weight of 52.5kg provides a significant advantage. However, his declining form trend and advanced age of 10 years present legitimate concerns about his ability to return to winning form.
Kindling Spark offers value as a class dropper with a strong distance record of 2 wins from 6 starts at 1600m.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Court Of Appeal | 6 | B Queiroz | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 54kg | $4.00 |
| 2nd | 2 | San Marco | 4 | Ayush Mudhoo | Andrew Carston | 54kg | $2.70 |
| 3rd | 1 | Delmonico | 3 | K Mudhoo | Andrew Carston | 59kg | $5.90 |
| 4th | 3 | Kindling Spark | 2 | L T Hemi | Ms T Rae | 55.5kg | $4.70 |
| 5th | 4 | Tap ''n'' Go | 5 | Floor Moerman | Ms N M White | 52.5kg | $10.40 |
| 6th | 6 | Franni Caccini | 1 | A Balloo | Kenny Moore | 54kg | $10.00 |
Goddess stands out with a perfect record at Riccarton 1600m synthetic, winning her only previous start here. Her last start victory at this track in similar conditions shows she's in good form and handles the surface well. The forward barrier draw suits the track's on-pace bias, though the 57kg weight is a concern.
Givealittle brings strong synthetic credentials with 2 wins from 9 starts on the surface and recent good form including a win two starts back. The inside barrier is crucial at this tight track, and her synthetic form suggests she can handle the conditions. The class drop is concerning but may reflect trainer targeting.
Da Vinci Girl is a proven track specialist with 4 wins from 23 starts at this venue and distance. Her second placing last start shows current form, and the significant weight drop to 51.5kg provides a major advantage. Her synthetic track record of 5 wins from 30 starts demonstrates surface suitability despite recent inconsistency.
Her last start win shows current ability, and while she has no experience at this track, her synthetic form includes a win.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Goddess | 2 | Bridget Grylls | J C Blackadder | 57kg | $5.00 |
| 2nd | 1 | Eulogy Show | 7 | Floor Moerman | C L Spittles | 56kg | $9.30 |
| 3rd | 7 | Da Vinci Girl | 4 | Abdul Najib | M & M Pitman | 51.5kg | $10.50 |
| 4th | 5 | Epilogue | 3 | Y Atchamah | J & K Parsons | 54.5kg | $6.40 |
| 5th | 2 | Givealittle | 1 | Donovan Cooper | M E Forde | 56kg | $2.20 |
| 6th | 6 | Red Star Bella | 5 | T R Moseley | L G Didham | 56.5kg | $7.70 |
| 7th | 3 | Sparta | 6 | K Bakker | Steven Woodsford | 55kg | $19.60 |
Quisiera stands out as the most consistent performer in this field despite being winless. Her recent form shows 0 wins from 8 starts but includes 4 seconds and 1 third, demonstrating she's competitive at every start. The significant class drop from Listed and Open company to Maiden level, combined with her 0 wins from 1 start on synthetic tracks, makes her the logical favorite.
Forever Young has been competitive without winning throughout his 30-start career with 0 wins from 30 starts. His recent second at this track on synthetic surfaces (0 wins from 3 starts) suggests he handles the conditions well. The consistent form and good barrier draw make him a genuine place chance despite the winless record.
Gasgal brings the benefit of a significant class drop from Open company to Maiden level. Her synthetic track record shows 0 wins from 9 starts but includes placings, indicating she handles the surface. The light weight and class drop could be the key to her first victory after 19 attempts.
Le Rogier represents value as a lightly raced 4-year-old with 0 wins from 4 starts. His close second at Kurow shows genuine ability, and second up from a spell (0 wins from 1 start) could see improvement.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Le Rogier | 7 | B M Murray | N R Mitchell | 58.5kg | $11.40 |
| 2nd | 9 | Quisiera | 5 | Tina Comignaghi | J & K Parsons | 54kg | $1.50 |
| 3rd | 4 | Eight Pence | 2 | K Bakker | L M Robinson | 55.5kg | $10.70 |
| 4th | 1 | Forever Young | 9 | Brandon May | M & M Pitman | 58.5kg | $6.50 |
| 5th | 6 | Gasgal | 8 | Y Atchamah | Ainsley Mcleod | 54.5kg | $19.20 |
| 6th | 3 | Eddy Murphy | 4 | B Queiroz | Ainsley Mcleod | 58.5kg | $24.20 |
| 7th | 5 | Mr Pacquiao | 1 | Donovan Cooper | Ms K C Murphy | 56.5kg | $36.90 |
| 8th | 7 | Gattina | 3 | Roushan Khan | M P Mccann | 56.5kg | $44.60 |
| 9th | 8 | Shezzacrusher | 6 | Bridget Grylls | D Medcalfe | 56.5kg | $22.80 |
Celtic Bling won impressively at this exact track and distance last start, showing she handles the synthetic surface well. Her record shows 1 win from 5 starts on synthetic tracks with consistent placings. The class rise is concerning but her recent improvement and perfect venue familiarity make her the standout selection.
Jack Attack brings excellent recent consistency and proven track form. His synthetic surface record shows 1 win from 11 starts with regular placings. The major concern is his distance record with 0 wins from 9 starts at 1400m, but his current form trend suggests he can overcome this.
Thats Charming returned to winning form last start at this track, showing he's back to his best. His track record shows 3 wins from 20 starts with good synthetic surface form. The wide barrier is a major concern on this tight track, but his recent win and venue familiarity keep him competitive.
Wren offers significant value as a second up runner with an excellent record of 2 wins from 3 starts when second up.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Jack Attack | 6 | Floor Moerman | R D Holmes | 56kg | $9.00 |
| 2nd | 6 | Celtic Bling | 5 | B Queiroz | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 56.5kg | $3.90 |
| 3rd | 12 | Kaiseda | 2 | Abdul Najib | Ainsley Mcleod | 51kg | $26.00 |
| 4th | 7 | Elegant Explosive | 9 | Y Atchamah | J & K Parsons | 54.5kg | $4.60 |
| 5th | 8 | Wren | 10 | Brandon May | N R Mitchell | 56kg | $7.30 |
| 6th | 3 | Pequot | 12 | Tina Comignaghi | L M Robinson | 58.5kg | $15.00 |
| 7th | 5 | Thats Charming | 11 | K Mudhoo | Andrew Carston | 58kg | $8.50 |
| 8th | 2 | Latenight Galaxy | 7 | Bridget Grylls | N R Mitchell | 59kg | $13.00 |
| 9th | 11 | Arctic Ocean | 3 | B M Murray | M E Forde | 55kg | $55.50 |
| 10th | 4 | Sir Sigaro | 4 | C A Campbell | Ms S L Wynne | 58.5kg | $12.80 |
| 11th | 10 | Amiinit | 1 | Billy Jacobson | J C Blackadder | 55.5kg | $13.70 |
| Scr | 9 | Giannis | 8 | Ms L Prendergast | 56kg |
Enterprise Gem broke through for maiden win last start at this track and shows clear improvement in recent form. The synthetic track specialist has proven ability on this surface and the step up in distance should suit. Despite the class rise, the improving trajectory and track familiarity make her the standout selection.
Head First brings consistent form and crucial barrier advantage to this staying test. The synthetic track specialist has shown reliability in recent starts and the inside draw is a major asset on this tight circuit. Needs to find extra for the class rise but has the tools to be competitive.
Gatzby showed clear distance aptitude when 2nd at this track over 2200m and draws the coveted barrier 1. The mare has been competitive in recent starts and the inside draw provides tactical options on this leader-biased track.
Light Of Plutus offers excellent value despite never winning. The gelding has shown strong recent form with three consecutive placings including a close 2nd at this track over the distance.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Enterprise Gem | 11 | B M Murray | M & M Pitman | 58kg | $8.10 |
| 2nd | 5 | Light Of Plutus | 5 | K Mudhoo | L Callaway | 57kg | $8.70 |
| 3rd | 7 | Jethro | 9 | Tina Comignaghi | Ms E J Wyatt | 56.5kg | $6.00 |
| 4th | 2 | Avoriaz | 4 | C A Campbell | L M Robinson | 58kg | $9.90 |
| 5th | 1 | Wal | 6 | Y Atchamah | Ainsley Mcleod | 57.5kg | $5.50 |
| 6th | 4 | Jing Jing | 3 | Brandon May | Ms P Robson | 57kg | $7.70 |
| 7th | 9 | Head First | 2 | A Balloo | T J Yesberg | 55.5kg | $7.10 |
| 8th | 8 | Tiffanee | 7 | Bridget Grylls | Ms K C Murphy | 56kg | $15.30 |
| 9th | 6 | Gatzby | 1 | Ms K Williams | Ms L Prendergast | 56.5kg | $6.60 |
| 10th | 11 | Entrench | 8 | Roushan Khan | Ainsley Mcleod | 54kg | $52.70 |
| Scr | 10 | Baggio | 10 | B Queiroz | Andrew Carston | 55.5kg |
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.