Punt like a Pro, without the know!
Victoria · Sunday 14 September 2025
Our top pick won 4 of 8 races at Sale. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
top pick wonanother tip wonno tip won
Her ability to handle all conditions and proven staying ability make her a strong chance. The Nugent partnership has been successful, though the barrier 5 draw presents some tactical challenges in a staying race.
Shockstar brings solid recent form including a close third at Pakenham Synthetic. His proven ability at staying distances and the good barrier 4 draw give him tactical options. However, his overall winning record is modest and he faces a class rise, making him more of a place chance than a winning prospect.
Anthurium gets the significant weight advantage at 55kg and the coveted barrier 1 draw. His consistent recent form including a close second at Kyneton shows he's racing well. The Fiorente staying bloodlines are perfect for this 2219m distance, and his forward racing style from the inside gate should see him settle prominently in what looks a moderate tempo race.
Captain Hilfiger represents value based on his significant class drop from Group level racing. His excellent record at Sale and the recent close second at Bendigo suggest he retains ability.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Captain Hilfiger | 7 | Craig Newitt | Peter Gelagotis | 60.5kg | $2.70 |
| 2nd | 6 | Eye Of Epaulette | 5 | Teodore Nugent | D Binaisse | 56.5kg | $2.60 |
| 3rd | 3 | Shockstar | 4 | Luke Currie | M M Laurie | 58.5kg | $2.80 |
| 4th | 4 | Your Temptation | 3 | Jacques Luxe | R J Meunier | 58kg | $51.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Blacklist | 6 | Richard Laming | 63kg | ||
| Scr | 5 | Anthurium | 1 | Luke Cartwright | M C Kent | 55kg | |
| Scr | 7 | Luna One | 2 | Jade Da Rose | B R Crofts | 54kg |
The Busuttin & Young stable excels with lightly raced horses, and Blake Shinn's booking adds confidence. Despite limited experience, the combination of speed, class drop, and professional connections makes this the standout selection.
Captain Cat brings the most consistent recent form with three placings from last four starts. His Sale track record shows promise with a second and third, while barrier 1 provides tactical advantage. The gelding's reliability and track familiarity make him a strong each-way proposition despite maiden status.
Distillery offers the biggest class drop in the field, stepping back from Open company after a 295-day break. The cross-over nose band addition and significant class relief provide hope despite the wide draw.
His two thirds from five starts show genuine ability, and second-up from a spell often suits. The heavy track failure last start can be forgiven on today's Good 4 surface, making him an attractive value proposition.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | Kakkoii | 3 | Blake Shinn | T Busuttin & N Young | 57kg | $1.45 |
| 2nd | 1 | Attack Force | 4 | Ben Allen | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 59.5kg | $8.50 |
| 3rd | 2 | Captain Cat | 1 | Nathan Punch | Brett Conlon | 59.5kg | $6.00 |
| 4th | 7 | Vadar | 6 | Teodore Nugent | Aaron Laing | 59.5kg | $14.00 |
| 5th | 6 | Triagonal | 2 | Luke Cartwright | Elizabeth Metcalf | 58kg | $201.00 |
| 6th | 5 | Noble Steed | 9 | Luke Currie | A & S Freedman | 59.5kg | $15.00 |
| 7th | 4 | Just Dance | 7 | Jackie Beriman | I M Pankhurst | 59.5kg | $101.00 |
| 8th | 3 | Distillery | 10 | Jye Mc Neil | M Price & M Kent Jnr | 59.5kg | $16.00 |
| 9th | 10 | Sports Mode | 5 | Jett Stanley | Nathan Dunn | 55kg | $51.00 |
| Scr | 9 | Lillard | 8 | Beau Mertens | Jason Warren | 57kg |
Hanuman presents as the most reliable option with consistent form showing 0 wins from 3 starts but strong placings. The 4-year-old gelding has been racing regularly and should appreciate the step up in distance.
Jett Smash is a complete unknown making his debut, but the booking of Craig Williams suggests stable confidence. The lack of any form data makes assessment impossible, but the jockey engagement and reasonable barrier draw provide some appeal for those willing to take a punt on the unknown.
The 5-year-old gelding has been consistent without winning, but the class drop provides hope.
Terracotta Rose represents value as a debut runner from the powerful Hayes stable. The booking of M J Dee and gear changes suggest the stable has her ready to perform.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Auxiliary | 5 | Blake Shinn | G Eurell | 59.5kg | $5.50 |
| 2nd | 4 | Paramount Plus | 4 | Beau Mertens | G Eurell | 59.5kg | $8.50 |
| 3rd | 2 | Hanuman | 10 | Thomas Stockdale | Jason Warren | 59.5kg | $3.10 |
| 4th | 6 | Zwasp | 12 | Craig Newitt | Shea Eden | 59.5kg | $26.00 |
| 5th | 12 | Vltava | 3 | Patrick Moloney | M M Laurie | 57kg | $26.00 |
| 6th | 14 | Terracotta Rose | 6 | M J Dee | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 55kg | $8.50 |
| 7th | 8 | Jett Smash | 8 | Craig Williams | D T O''Brien | 57kg | $5.00 |
| 8th | 15 | Mods | 14 | Carleen Hefel | Andrew Perdon | 59.5kg | $201.00 |
| 9th | 3 | Lucky Diamond | 11 | Luke Cartwright | J D Sadler | 58kg | $51.00 |
| 10th | 13 | Beautifully | 7 | Luke Currie | T Busuttin & N Young | 55kg | $14.00 |
| 11th | 10 | Pappa Blue | 9 | Jett Stanley | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 57kg | $8.50 |
| 12th | 7 | Amberina | 2 | Sally Wynne | Susie Wells | 57.5kg | $151.00 |
| 13th | 5 | War No More | 13 | Kristo Sardelic | Ms H Stephens | 59.5kg | $201.00 |
| Scr | 9 | Optimal Moments | 1 | Jordan Childs | Logan McGill | 57kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Sox | 15 | M M Laurie | 57kg |
Touchdown stands out as the class runner having run second on debut at Cranbourne in an excellent time. The Hayes stable is renowned for having horses ready first-up, and the Luke Nolen booking suggests strong stable confidence. Despite the wide barrier, his proven ability at this level makes him the standout selection in a weak maiden field.
Thinxzo has been knocking on the door with consistent placing efforts and his recent Sale fourth suggests he's in good form. The step up to 1411m should suit his racing style, and Billy Egan's booking adds confidence. While he hasn't won yet, his consistency makes him a strong each-way chance.
Surperb Frost gets the significant boost of Craig Williams in the saddle, which suggests the stable believes he can improve sharply. His recent Pakenham Synthetic fifth was solid, and being second-up should see further improvement.
The Patrick Moloney booking and cheekers gear change suggest connections expect improvement.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | Touchdown | 14 | Luke Nolen | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 59.5kg | $1.16 |
| 2nd | 7 | Thinxzo | 7 | Billy Egan | D T O''Brien | 59.5kg | $8.50 |
| 3rd | 3 | Nikephoros | 6 | Teodore Nugent | D M Noonan | 59.5kg | $71.00 |
| 4th | 6 | Surperb Frost | 10 | Craig Williams | M J Mehegan | 59.5kg | $14.00 |
| 5th | 5 | Sensational Ruler | 9 | Craig Newitt | Richard Laming | 59.5kg | $17.00 |
| 6th | 12 | Nile Crocodile | 11 | Patrick Moloney | Ms M Wells | 57.5kg | $51.00 |
| 7th | 2 | Countenanski | 8 | Koby Jennings | Simon Lee | 59.5kg | $151.00 |
| 8th | 13 | Think Sassy | 1 | Beau Mertens | Julius Sandhu | 57.5kg | $41.00 |
| 9th | 14 | Delta Moon | 4 | Kristo Sardelic | Kerry Farrugia | 57.5kg | $91.00 |
| 10th | 11 | Miss Wattlebank | 5 | Nadia Daniels | Ms R Mangan | 54.5kg | $151.00 |
| 11th | 9 | Avina | 13 | Luke Cartwright | Ms Allison Sheehan | 56kg | $61.00 |
| 12th | 4 | Prince Of Florence | 2 | Carleen Hefel | Ms D Clover | 59.5kg | $101.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Colour Circle | 3 | Luke Currie | Brian McGrath | 59.5kg | |
| Scr | 10 | French Crossing | 12 | S C Bottomley | 57.5kg |
Ottolenghi showed genuine class when a close second on debut at Seymour on heavy track. The So You Think filly has the breeding for this distance step-up and draws perfectly in barrier 4. Blake Shinn's booking and the stable's confidence suggest she's ready to break through. Her heavy track form gives her a significant edge in these conditions.
Getta Good Feeling has shown consistent form with two third placings from two starts. Being second up from a spell with a good first up record, she should be primed for improvement. The So You Think filly has the breeding for this distance and draws well in barrier 3 for a forward position.
Victorious Spirit brings the best recent form to this race with a close second and third from his two starts. The Ghaiyyath gelding has proven himself at this distance and Luke Nolen's booking adds confidence. However, barrier 11 presents a significant challenge at the 1400m start.
Cinturato offers value having run a solid third on debut at this very track. The significant distance rise is a concern, but his track experience provides an edge over most rivals.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 7 | Victorious Spirit | 11 | Luke Nolen | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 58kg | $5.50 |
| 2nd | 9 | Getta Good Feeling | 3 | Jordan Childs | D T O''Brien | 56kg | $3.60 |
| 3rd | 8 | Duntulm Lass | 6 | Luke Currie | J D Sadler | 56kg | $31.00 |
| 4th | 1 | Chowdown | 12 | Ben Allen | Charlotte Littlefield | 58kg | $7.00 |
| 5th | 3 | Fabulous Fiano | 1 | Thomas Stockdale | Gavin Bedggood | 58kg | $18.00 |
| 6th | 11 | Ottolenghi | 4 | Blake Shinn | T Busuttin & N Young | 56kg | $3.00 |
| 7th | 5 | Hot Sand | 7 | Nadia Daniels | Bill Papazaharoudakis | 55kg | $12.00 |
| 8th | 6 | Man Of The Sea | 10 | Jye Mc Neil | M Price & M Kent Jnr | 58kg | $15.00 |
| 9th | 10 | Golden Eyes | 5 | Carleen Hefel | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 56kg | $51.00 |
| Scr | 2 | Cinturato | 9 | M J Dee | M W Walker | 58kg | |
| Scr | 4 | Fastobullet | 8 | Craig Williams | G Eurell | 58kg | |
| Scr | 12 | She''s Got The Cash | 2 | Beau Mertens | M Price & M Kent Jnr | 56kg |
House Of Lords presents as the standout selection with a perfect record at Sale including a dominant win at this exact distance. Despite being first up, the mare's class and proven track affinity make her the one to beat. The combination of track specialization and distance expertise outweighs first-up concerns.
High Praise brings strong recent form and excellent track condition suitability. The Craig Williams booking is significant, and the gelding has shown consistent improvement through the grades. First-up concerns are offset by the quality of recent form and professional handling.
Friendzoned offers solid each-way value with recent winning form and an ideal barrier draw. The mare has shown consistent improvement and the return to blinkers could provide the edge needed. Good barrier and weight make her competitive at this level.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 9 | House Of Lords | 13 | Ben Allen | Peter Gelagotis | 58kg | $2.90 |
| 2nd | 3 | High Praise | 14 | Craig Williams | G Eurell | 60.5kg | $3.80 |
| 3rd | 13 | Friendzoned | 5 | Logan Bates | Jason Warren | 56kg | $13.00 |
| 4th | 5 | Mariota | 11 | Koby Jennings | Paul & Tracey Templeton | 59.5kg | $61.00 |
| 5th | 1 | Cleo''s Award | 6 | Teodore Nugent | D Binaisse | 61kg | $11.00 |
| 6th | 15 | Gracious Diva | 2 | Sally Wynne | Susie Wells | 54.5kg | $31.00 |
| 7th | 8 | Bon Fete | 16 | Makisha Salter | Jason Warren | 55kg | $16.00 |
| 8th | 7 | Vaderlee | 7 | Jett Stanley | Simon Zahra | 59kg | $26.00 |
| 9th | 11 | She Nailed It | 4 | Thomas Stockdale | Tim Hughes | 57.5kg | $8.50 |
| 10th | 14 | Virtucon | 1 | Rick Pinsent | 56kg | $201.00 | |
| 11th | 4 | Bit Of Shoosh | 17 | Blake Shinn | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 60kg | $7.00 |
| 12th | 10 | Magick Media | 10 | Beau Mertens | G Eurell | 57.5kg | $31.00 |
| Scr | 2 | Count Of Toulouse | 3 | Nadia Daniels | Dale Short | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 6 | Chambers Bay | 8 | Rose Hammond | M C Watts | 56kg | |
| Scr | 12 | Hot Chilli Mama | 12 | Sage Duric | J D Sadler | 53.5kg | |
| Scr | 16 | Machinegun Krelley | 9 | Craig Newitt | Shea Eden | 55kg | |
| Scr | 17 | Box Vale | 15 | Caitlin Hollowood | Kerry Farrugia | 51kg |
Zambardo presents as the standout selection with remarkable consistency showing 1 win from 4 starts including four consecutive top-3 finishes. Blake Shinn's booking suggests strong stable confidence in this class rise.
Hot Too Go offers excellent value with Craig Williams taking the ride, indicating the stable expects significant improvement. The gelding drops dramatically in class after competing at Group/Listed level and showed ability winning his maiden last start. Despite concerning second up statistics, the class drop and jockey booking make him a strong winning chance.
Delightful Journey represents solid each-way value given his outstanding Sale record of 3 wins from 13 starts and proven ability at 1728m with 1 win from 3 starts. The gear change removing blinkers for visors could sharpen focus, while his local track knowledge provides a significant edge over visiting runners in this provincial assignment.
The Hayes stable's provincial success rate makes this a worthwhile value play despite the wide draw.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Zambardo | 7 | Blake Shinn | M Price & M Kent Jnr | 60.5kg | $2.70 |
| 2nd | 4 | Hot Too Go | 3 | Craig Williams | D T O''Brien | 60kg | $3.20 |
| 3rd | 12 | Jenni Intiba | 2 | Ben Allen | Charlotte Littlefield | 58kg | $7.50 |
| 4th | 10 | Pro Aussie | 13 | Koby Jennings | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 59kg | $31.00 |
| 5th | 11 | Edzel | 12 | Billy Egan | Archie Alexander | 58kg | $15.00 |
| 6th | 6 | Delightful Journey | 1 | Teodore Nugent | Christine Sexton | 59.5kg | $11.00 |
| 7th | 8 | Emmcee | 4 | Luke Nolen | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 59kg | $19.00 |
| 8th | 9 | Grinzinger Earl | 9 | Craig Newitt | Shea Eden | 59kg | $31.00 |
| 9th | 13 | Spoken Heiress | 5 | Luke Cartwright | A W Noonan | 52.5kg | $151.00 |
| 10th | 5 | You Never Can Tell | 10 | Thomas Stockdale | G Eurell | 60kg | $21.00 |
| 11th | 1 | Quantum Impact | 6 | Luke Currie | J D Sadler | 60.5kg | $14.00 |
| Scr | 2 | What A Cross | 8 | Logan Bates | A & J Williams | 60.5kg | |
| Scr | 7 | Frank Express | 11 | Rose Hammond | A Rosolini | 56.5kg |
Mrs Archibald presents as the standout selection with consecutive victories and proven 1100m ability. The good track conditions suit perfectly, and despite the wide barrier, her current form momentum and distance expertise make her the horse to beat.
The lengthy spell is a concern, but the class drop and Billy Egan's booking suggest connections are confident.
His 1100m record is solid, and the inside barrier provides a tactical advantage.
Sea Poem offers excellent value having won impressively last start at Bairnsdale. Her 40% win rate demonstrates consistency, and the good track conditions are ideal. While rising in class and drawn wide, Blake Shinn's booking and recent form suggest she can handle the step up, making her a strong value proposition.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 7 | Sea Poem | 11 | Blake Shinn | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 59.5kg | $3.80 |
| 2nd | 8 | Missile Girl | 10 | Luke Cartwright | Reece Goodwin | 57.5kg | $41.00 |
| 3rd | 1 | Lake Forest | 6 | Jye Mc Neil | A & S Freedman | 61.5kg | $5.50 |
| 4th | 3 | Thankful Heart | 2 | Thomas Stockdale | Simon Zahra | 61kg | $18.00 |
| 5th | 9 | Stolen Art | 4 | Jett Stanley | Simon Zahra | 58.5kg | $51.00 |
| 6th | 4 | Dry Fire | 1 | Jordan Childs | Nick Ryan | 59.5kg | $10.00 |
| 7th | 12 | Privalova | 7 | Luke Currie | T Busuttin & N Young | 57kg | $19.00 |
| 8th | 15 | Ranakye | 5 | Beau Mertens | Julius Sandhu | 58kg | $21.00 |
| 9th | 5 | Khadime | 3 | Billy Egan | Dominic Sutton | 59.5kg | $2.60 |
| 10th | 11 | Acheter | 12 | Nadia Daniels | A W Noonan | 54kg | $101.00 |
| 11th | 2 | Mrs Archibald | 9 | Makisha Salter | Jason Warren | 58.5kg | $14.00 |
| 12th | 6 | Murmullo | 8 | Caitlin Hollowood | T Busuttin & N Young | 56.5kg | $51.00 |
| Scr | 10 | Imaginate | 13 | Ben Allen | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 13 | Rohesia | 14 | M J Dee | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 57kg | |
| Scr | 14 | Duty Calls | 15 | Logan Bates | Simon Zahra | 56.5kg |
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