Punt like a Pro, without the know!
Victoria · Saturday 13 September 2025
Our top pick won 3 of 7 races at Donald. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
top pick wonanother tip wonno tip won
Debut runner from the powerful Busuttin & Young stable draws perfectly in barrier 2 for Donald's 1200m start. Elite stable's debut record and tactical advantage from inside draw make this the standout selection despite lack of public form.
Another debut runner with quality connections in Tom Madden and Aaron Purcell. Barrier 9 is workable for a patient ride, though lack of public form makes assessment difficult in this competitive maiden.
Despite winless record, the third placing shows ability and barrier 5 provides tactical options.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | Centu Cavaddi | 2 | Liam Riordan | T Busuttin & N Young | 57kg | $3.60 |
| 2nd | 1 | Bakersbend | 8 | Jack Hill | P A Preusker | 59.5kg | $4.80 |
| 3rd | 17 | Zamora | 6 | Unknown | C J Cassar | 58kg | $51.00 |
| 4th | 6 | Shame On Sue | 5 | Mr M Aitken | Andrew Bobbin | 57.5kg | $9.00 |
| 5th | 15 | Villa Capitalista | 4 | Jarrod Fry | Tom Dabernig | 59.5kg | $4.00 |
| 6th | 4 | The Blonde Bomber | 11 | Carleen Hefel | Carly Thomas | 59.5kg | $21.00 |
| 7th | 14 | She''s Stargazing | 1 | Cian Macredmond | P Kearney | 55kg | $31.00 |
| 8th | 11 | Zetheros | 9 | Tom Madden | Aaron Purcell | 57kg | $6.00 |
| 9th | 7 | You Said What | 15 | Lachlan King | Claire Patterson | 57.5kg | $16.00 |
| 10th | 16 | Saraya | 13 | Jade Smith | Nathan Hobson | 53.5kg | $81.00 |
| 11th | 2 | Calusa''s Fury | 7 | Rhys Mc Leod | Andrew Bobbin | 59.5kg | $26.00 |
| Scr | 3 | Seeing Red | 17 | E Jusufovic | 59.5kg | ||
| Scr | 5 | Pinkerton | 3 | Will Price | Tom Dabernig | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Safe And Warm | 10 | Fred W Kersley | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 57kg | |
| Scr | 10 | Star Compass | 12 | Aaron Purcell | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 12 | Port Kembla | 16 | Andrew Bobbin | 55kg | ||
| Scr | 13 | Royal Muse | 14 | David Jolly & Justin Potter | 55kg |
The mare has proven she can run the distance and her recent form suggests she's ready to break through. The gear change to winkers may provide the edge needed to finally secure her maiden victory.
Baudin represents value dropping from metropolitan company to maiden level. Despite a poor first up record, the significant class drop and light weight make her competitive.
The long spell is a concern, but the gear changes suggest connections expect improvement.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Bangalow Road | 7 | Rhys Mc Leod | Thomas Sadler | 57.5kg | $3.20 |
| 2nd | 16 | No One Else | 6 | Jarrod Fry | Tom Dabernig | 57kg | $3.90 |
| 3rd | 7 | Tarcoola Belle | 2 | Jack Hill | D M Noonan | 57.5kg | $91.00 |
| 4th | 2 | Testy Nic | 3 | Cian Macredmond | Andrew Noblet | 59.5kg | $5.50 |
| 5th | 17 | Diesel Desmond | 18 | Campbell Rawiller | Mitchell Freedman | 59.5kg | $9.50 |
| 6th | 11 | Baudin | 1 | Tom Madden | P A Preusker | 55kg | $9.50 |
| 7th | 5 | Prized Magic | 10 | Logan McNeil | Michael Newton | 57.5kg | $41.00 |
| 8th | 12 | Bobbin Back | 8 | Will Price | Tom Dabernig | 55kg | $31.00 |
| 9th | 10 | Iron Stupa | 5 | Lachlan King | P Kearney | 57kg | $31.00 |
| 10th | 3 | The Omaha Express | 4 | Jade Smith | Carly Cook | 55.5kg | $151.00 |
| 11th | 14 | Proisecco Rose | 17 | Carleen Hefel | C Maher | 55kg | $21.00 |
| 12th | 9 | Highstrung | 9 | Liam Riordan | T Busuttin & N Young | 57kg | $7.50 |
| Scr | 1 | Conjurer | 11 | Ryan Hurdle | Chris Calthorpe | 59.5kg | |
| Scr | 6 | Shaykhlislamova | 12 | Mr M Aitken | Maddie Raymond & Patrick Bell | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Bush Etiquette | 13 | Fred W Kersley | T & C McEvoy | 57kg | |
| Scr | 13 | Chebet | 15 | E J Walsh | Archie Alexander | 55kg | |
| Scr | 15 | Vouchers | 16 | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 18 | Libby Ann | 14 | Kate Walters | Wayne Walters | 57.5kg |
Emperor Tzu presents as the most consistent performer in the field with 0 wins from 4 starts but strong recent form including a third at this distance. The 1600m distance suits based on his third placing over the trip.
The gear changes including winkers off suggest trainer Freedman expects improvement, and the Fry booking adds confidence. However, the 59-day gap and maiden status are concerns.
The Hayes stable has an excellent record with maidens, and the barrier 3 draw is ideal for this distance at Donald. However, the limited experience and synthetic-to-turf transition present risks.
While winless from 10 starts, the class drop and recent placings suggest he can be competitive at this level.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 7 | Oraqua | 9 | Jarrod Fry | Mitchell Freedman | 57.5kg | $2.90 |
| 2nd | 10 | Emperor Tzu | 12 | Carleen Hefel | C Maher | 57kg | $3.40 |
| 3rd | 11 | Madesian | 10 | Ryan Hurdle | T Busuttin & N Young | 57kg | $4.00 |
| 4th | 1 | Dharam Shalaa | 1 | Will Price | Dan O''Sullivan | 59.5kg | $7.50 |
| 5th | 6 | Miss Solar Hart | 6 | Chelsea Taylor | Ms H Burns | 57.5kg | $31.00 |
| 6th | 2 | Grey Sabre | 7 | Unknown | D M Noonan | 58kg | $26.00 |
| 7th | 9 | Urubula | 5 | E J Walsh | C Maher | 57.5kg | $17.00 |
| 8th | 16 | Riccia | 4 | Tayla Childs | B & A McKnight | 57.5kg | $61.00 |
| 9th | 3 | Gyra | 14 | Zoe Waller | C Maher | 54.5kg | $26.00 |
| 10th | 5 | Kanobba | 2 | Chelsea Jokic | Jarrod Robinson | 57.5kg | $91.00 |
| 11th | 4 | I''m A Showgirl | 8 | Christine Puls | D W Whitworth | 57.5kg | $151.00 |
| Scr | 8 | Silver Springs | 11 | Thomas Sadler | 57.5kg | ||
| Scr | 12 | Mcwoody | 16 | Liam Riordan | M W Walker | 57kg | |
| Scr | 13 | Pleasing Smile | 3 | Lachlan King | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 57kg | |
| Scr | 14 | Catalona | 15 | Fred W Kersley | Archie Alexander | 55kg | |
| Scr | 15 | Triagonal | 13 | Elizabeth Metcalf | 59.5kg |
Chesapeake Babe offers solid each-way value with her consistent placing record and recent maiden breakthrough. While she hasn't won at this distance, her place record and recent improvement suggest she can be competitive in this grade.
Sleep Deprived brings strong wet track credentials and recent form to this contest. Her heavy track record and recent placings, combined with previous Donald experience and gear changes, make her a solid each-way proposition.
Hey Bella shapes as the standout with proven distance ability and solid recent form. Her 1 win from 5 starts at this distance is the best record in the field.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Ripper | 5 | Campbell Rawiller | P A Preusker | 60kg | $10.00 |
| 2nd | 1 | Bookman | 10 | Unknown | D M Noonan | 58.5kg | $8.50 |
| 3rd | 3 | Bow Ribbon | 2 | Ryan Hurdle | D F Hill | 59.5kg | $7.00 |
| 4th | 5 | Chesapeake Babe | 6 | Jarrod Fry | L & T Corstens & W Larkin | 58kg | $3.10 |
| 5th | 8 | Sleep Deprived | 3 | Bailey Kinninmont | Luke Oliver | 54.5kg | $4.40 |
| 6th | 10 | Radstar | 7 | Cian Macredmond | Thomas Carberry | 55kg | $7.50 |
| 7th | 11 | Whistler Girl | 8 | Lucinda Doodt | Aaron Peterson | 54kg | $10.00 |
| 8th | 9 | Brassi Road | 11 | Will Price | Nathan Hobson | 56.5kg | $16.00 |
| 9th | 6 | Fiorensact | 4 | Tayla Childs | Alan Hanrahan | 58kg | $61.00 |
| Scr | 4 | Silent Thunder | 1 | Emma Church | 59kg | ||
| Scr | 7 | Hey Bella | 9 | Liam Riordan | Luke Oliver | 58kg |
Larsen Bay represents the standout selection dropping significantly in class from BM70 to BM56.
Way Up High gets the perfect barrier draw and significant class relief. Her heavy track experience and distance credentials make her a strong each-way proposition despite recent form concerns. The inside barrier is crucial for her forward settling pattern.
Larryoctane brings perfect distance credentials and improving form into this assignment. The gear change removing winkers and recent maiden success provide confidence, though the class rise and wide barrier present challenges for this lightly raced gelding.
Smokin' Rohie offers excellent value following his recent maiden breakthrough.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Larryoctane | 11 | Liam Riordan | Luke Oliver | 60.5kg | $21.00 |
| 2nd | 8 | Space Equity | 4 | Carleen Hefel | L J Cadzow | 59.5kg | $7.50 |
| 3rd | 6 | Smokin'' Rohie | 3 | Tom Madden | Nell Carter | 60.5kg | $16.00 |
| 4th | 5 | Larsen Bay | 8 | Rhys Mc Leod | P Kearney | 60.5kg | $3.40 |
| 5th | 9 | Grate Crack | 5 | Mr M Aitken | Henry Dwyer | 58.5kg | $10.00 |
| 6th | 2 | Hot Suspect | 10 | Campbell Rawiller | P A Preusker | 62.5kg | $16.00 |
| 7th | 1 | Bellakai | 6 | Ryan Hurdle | Symon Wilde | 63kg | $5.00 |
| 8th | 11 | A Blue Star | 1 | Zoe Waller | P D Graesser | 51kg | $71.00 |
| 9th | 3 | Kelly Ann | 7 | Kate Walters | Wayne Walters | 60.5kg | $15.00 |
| 10th | 10 | Tekapo | 9 | E J Walsh | Nell Carter | 56.5kg | $16.00 |
| 11th | 7 | Way Up High | 2 | Will Price | Dan O''Sullivan | 60kg | $6.00 |
Count Ida presents as the most reliable winning chance with consistent recent form including two runner-up efforts. The barrier draw allows tactical flexibility and recent 1300m form at Wangaratta translates perfectly to today's distance.
Hidden Witness offers strong each-way value as a lightly raced mare with excellent first-up statistics. Her recent synthetic form demonstrates competitive ability and the retention of blinkers suggests connections expect improvement. The lack of track/distance experience is concerning but her fresh record compensates.
His recent synthetic form shows competitive fitness and the 1350m distance suits perfectly.
The wide barrier is a concern but his proven second-up ability and current form make him a worthwhile value play.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Count Ida | 4 | Ryan Hurdle | Michael Jones | 58.5kg | $2.50 |
| 2nd | 9 | Hidden Witness | 9 | Cian Macredmond | Brittany Raymond | 56.5kg | $6.50 |
| 3rd | 4 | Quizlet | 11 | Lucinda Doodt | Lucinda Boyd | 58kg | $14.00 |
| 4th | 11 | Game Theory | 3 | Christine Puls | L E Robertson | 54kg | $13.00 |
| 5th | 3 | Melissa Kate | 2 | Kate Walters | Wayne Walters | 58kg | $9.00 |
| 6th | 7 | Gargantuan | 10 | Chelsea Taylor | Erin Maher | 56.5kg | $15.00 |
| 7th | 8 | Haather | 6 | Will Price | Carly Cook | 56.5kg | $13.00 |
| 8th | 6 | Don''t Tell Sheriff | 5 | Logan McNeil | Nathan Hobson | 57kg | $17.00 |
| 9th | 5 | Universal Rock | 8 | Carleen Hefel | P A Preusker | 57.5kg | $26.00 |
| 10th | 1 | Mr Charismatic | 7 | Christopher Pang | Tom Dabernig | 57.5kg | $5.50 |
| Scr | 10 | Cheeky Blinders | 1 | Liam Riordan | Daniel Williams | 56kg |
Whitson presents as the most reliable winning chance with excellent recent form including a maiden win last start.
The first-time winkers and good draw offset concerns about his second-up record.
The first-time visors represent the key to unlocking improvement, and his distance record suggests he can be competitive when right.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Airclash | 7 | Chelsea Jokic | Jarrod Robinson | 59kg | $7.50 |
| 2nd | 3 | Whitson | 14 | Jarrod Fry | Mitchell Freedman | 59.5kg | $2.70 |
| 3rd | 2 | Zuetoro | 2 | Jade Smith | Clay Beasy | 56kg | $7.50 |
| 4th | 6 | La Mer Bleue | 6 | E J Walsh | Matthew Cumani | 57.5kg | $5.50 |
| 5th | 11 | Jackie Moon | 13 | Tayla Childs | Nathan Hobson | 54.5kg | $41.00 |
| 6th | 8 | Trustthesheriff | 9 | Logan McNeil | Nathan Hobson | 57kg | $11.00 |
| 7th | 12 | Miss Thatcher | 3 | Jade Da Rose | Dani Walker | 54.5kg | $21.00 |
| 8th | 1 | Handsome Devil | 4 | Campbell Rawiller | P A Preusker | 60kg | $12.00 |
| 9th | 9 | Alassak | 5 | J Webb | Samantha Jeffreys | 56kg | $51.00 |
| 10th | 13 | Miss Tapestry | 10 | Kate Walters | Wayne Walters | 54kg | $51.00 |
| 11th | 5 | Jeuny To The City | 1 | Melea Castle | Gemma Rielly | 58kg | $8.00 |
| Scr | 7 | Ponty Well | 11 | Jyi Lukey | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 10 | Kilmister | 12 | Chelsea Taylor | Aftab Shaikh | 55.5kg | |
| Scr | 14 | Epsom Magic | 8 | Will Price | Daniel Williams | 54kg | |
| Scr | 15 | Nisko Tu | 15 | D L Huxtable | 54kg |
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