Punt like a Pro, without the know!
Australian Capital Territory · Friday 19 September 2025
Our top pick won 3 of 7 races at Canberra. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
top pick wonanother tip wonno tip won
Merchant Reign brings strong consistent form and a proven affinity for soft tracks. The wide barrier is ideal for his on-pace style, especially with the predicted fast tempo. While carrying top weight, the 2kg claim from John Kissick offsets this concern.
Lysander is a proven performer dropping in class, which is a significant advantage. His soft track record is impressive, and he's well-drawn for a mid-field position. While carrying a heavy weight, his class edge and soft track ability make him a strong contender. His recent form isn't as sharp as Merchant Reign's, hence the second pick.
Beau Rock brings consistent form and an excellent record at Canberra. He's well-weighted and drawn to get a good run. While his soft track record isn't as impressive as the top two selections, his overall consistency and track specialization make him a solid third choice. His recent win on synthetic shows he's in good form.
Coming off a strong 2nd place finish and carrying a light weight, she has potential for further improvement. While drawn wider and less experienced on soft tracks compared to top picks, her consistent form and lightweight status make her an attractive value option in this field.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Merchant Reign | 12 | John Kissick | Luke Clarke | 61.5kg | $2.10 |
| 2nd | 11 | Single Beat | 11 | Glenn Cahill | N F Gardner | 57kg | $8.50 |
| 3rd | 12 | Picksix | 10 | Billy Owen | Matthew Kelley | 58.5kg | $26.00 |
| 4th | 15 | Mystic Flame | 1 | Michael Heagney | Ms M Hopkins | 55kg | $21.00 |
| 5th | 4 | Champ De Mars | 9 | Ryan Bradley | C Karakatsanis | 58kg | $8.00 |
| 6th | 1 | Lysander | 6 | Teaghan Martin | Natalie Jarvis | 60kg | $7.50 |
| 7th | 7 | Beau Rock | 8 | Jeff Penza | G P Vella | 60.5kg | $5.00 |
| 8th | 16 | Papaver Miner | 3 | Rebecca Bronett Prag | J W Van Duren | 53.5kg | $26.00 |
| 9th | 8 | Ginjari | 16 | Jean Van Overmeire | Luke Clarke | 59.5kg | $81.00 |
| 10th | 9 | Single Crown | 7 | Winona Costin | Luke Musson | 59.5kg | $41.00 |
| 11th | 14 | I Iz Brilliant | 13 | Pierre Boudvillain | J W Van Duren | 56kg | $41.00 |
| Scr | 3 | Sebastian''s Flyer | 2 | Chad Lever | Ms T Bateup | 61.5kg | |
| Scr | 5 | Motorboat | 4 | Geoffrey Crothers | 61kg | ||
| Scr | 6 | She''s High Society | 15 | Claire Ramsbotham | B Joseph & P & M Jones | 59kg | |
| Scr | 10 | Pretty Eyed | 14 | K Dryden & L Snowden | 59kg | ||
| Scr | 13 | Shelly''s Ace | 5 | Jessica Brookes | Scott Collings | 56.5kg |
Lethal Love stands out as the top selection despite being unraced. The Freedman stable's success with debutants and Teaque Gould's solid strike rate further boost confidence. While lack of race experience is a concern, the positives outweigh the negatives in this maiden field.
Baycat presents as a solid second choice with consistent form and proven ability at the distance. Chad Lever's booking is a positive, and the mare should be fresh after a spell. The wider barrier is a concern on a soft track, but her consistency and jockey's skill could overcome this. First-up form and adaptability to the soft going are key factors to watch.
The advantageous barrier and gear change suggest potential for a strong debut. However, lack of race experience and unproven soft track ability temper expectations. The Richard Litt stable's success with debutants adds some confidence, making Uber In a worthy inclusion in the top selections.
The wide barrier is a concern, but the gelding's soft track experience and Rebecca Bronett Prag's claim could mitigate this.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Baycat | 9 | Chad Lever | J M Austin | 57kg | $7.50 |
| 2nd | 3 | Dee Dee Express | 6 | Jean Van Overmeire | Matthew Dale | 57kg | $4.20 |
| 3rd | 5 | Deep Affection | 2 | Brock Ryan | John Thompson | 55kg | $4.40 |
| 4th | 8 | Lethal Love | 1 | Teaque Gould | Richard & Will Freedman | 55kg | $5.50 |
| 5th | 1 | Dancing Man | 7 | Glenn Cahill | Mary Bray | 57.5kg | $5.00 |
| 6th | 4 | Uber In | 8 | B Mc Dougall | Richard Litt | 57kg | $12.00 |
| 7th | 11 | Shaft Attack | 11 | Rebecca Bronett Prag | L T Hodgson | 53.5kg | $26.00 |
| 8th | 9 | Nothing Special | 4 | Jeff Penza | G P Vella | 55kg | $51.00 |
| 9th | 6 | Flashback Time | 5 | Q Krogh | G P Vella | 55kg | $21.00 |
| 10th | 7 | K''gari | 10 | Mitch Stapleford | J G Sargent | 55kg | $26.00 |
| 11th | 10 | Princessa | 3 | Jack Baker | Becky Byrne | 53kg | $201.00 |
| Scr | 12 | Stormy Reign | 12 | Jack Martin | Luke Pepper | 55kg |
Brutal Eyes presents as the top selection with consistent form, including a recent win on synthetic and placings on soft tracks. Well-weighted at 57kg and drawn to get a tactical advantage, this mare appears primed for a strong performance stepping up to 1600m for the first time.
Heligan shows promising form progression and carries a favorable lightweight. The wide barrier and class rise are concerns, but the improving profile suggests potential for a strong showing.
The main concerns are the top weight and unproven stamina at 1600m, but class could prevail.
Steamed Hams offers intriguing value despite poor recent form. The light weight and potential for a form turnaround make this mare an interesting longshot.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Brutal Eyes | 10 | Jeff Penza | Matthew Kelley | 57kg | $6.50 |
| 2nd | 14 | Stellar Rhonda | 6 | Chad Lever | Matthew Smith | 55kg | $2.60 |
| 3rd | 7 | Steamed Hams | 11 | Teaghan Martin | Natalie Jarvis | 55kg | $26.00 |
| 4th | 4 | Anulfa | 2 | Pierre Boudvillain | S B Hill | 57kg | $8.00 |
| 5th | 10 | Prophet''s Promise | 14 | Rebecca Bronett Prag | K Dryden & L Snowden | 55kg | $2.90 |
| 6th | 9 | Pontiac | 3 | Glenn Cahill | N F Gardner | 54.5kg | $26.00 |
| 7th | 3 | Zouwase | 12 | B Joseph & P & M Jones | 59kg | $18.00 | |
| 8th | 5 | Bon Elton | 7 | Shaun Guymer | G M Brown | 57kg | $15.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Brooklyn Lights | 8 | Billy Owen | Anthony Warren | 59kg | |
| Scr | 2 | Reckless Behaviour | 5 | B Mc Dougall | Matthew Dale | 59kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Alzaman | 1 | Jean Van Overmeire | John O''Shea & Tom Charlton | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Headstream | 4 | Blake Ryan | 55kg | ||
| Scr | 12 | Heligan | 13 | Jack Martin | Natalie Jarvis | 55kg | |
| Scr | 13 | O''sheamus | 9 | Brock Ryan | John O''Shea & Tom Charlton | 55kg |
The significant class drop combined with proven soft track ability makes this mare a strong contender. While yet to break through for a win, the current form and race conditions align well for a breakthrough performance.
Winning Rulet shows an improving form trend with a strong recent placing over a similar distance. While the wide barrier is a concern, the improving form and suitability for conditions make her a strong contender for the placings.
As an experienced runner with a fitness edge, he's likely to be on-pace in what's expected to be a fast tempo race. The wide barrier and top weight are concerns, but his consistency and likely tactical position make him a strong place chance.
Miss Eadie presents as a value option, being lightly raced with potential for improvement. The favorable barrier draw is a plus, though inexperience and unproven soft track ability are concerns.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Felis Chaus | 13 | B Mc Dougall | Richard Litt | 59kg | $2.05 |
| 2nd | 8 | The Eyes Have It | 6 | Jack Martin | Luke Pepper | 57kg | $8.50 |
| 3rd | 7 | She''s A Dame | 5 | L P Beuzelin | G Waterhouse & A Bott | 57kg | $7.00 |
| 4th | 11 | Arctic Bright | 8 | Mitch Stapleford | J G Sargent | 55kg | $21.00 |
| 5th | 4 | Azzucca | 4 | Billy Owen | G P Vella | 57kg | $19.00 |
| 6th | 9 | Winning Rulet | 11 | Brock Ryan | K J Parker | 57kg | $8.00 |
| 7th | 6 | Miss Eadie | 7 | Jean Van Overmeire | G G Kirkup | 57kg | $31.00 |
| 8th | 5 | Magenta Shores | 9 | Jeff Penza | Lee & Cherie Curtis | 57kg | $9.50 |
| 9th | 13 | Mrs Vee | 12 | Ms L Day | Matthew Smith | 55kg | $51.00 |
| 10th | 10 | Yindyamarra | 3 | Teaghan Martin | Anthony Warren | 55kg | $21.00 |
| 11th | 3 | Sacred Ingot | 1 | Shaun Guymer | Mitchell Maloney-Stone | 59kg | $31.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Copartner Pegasus | 2 | Glenn Cahill | Stephen O''Halloran | 57kg | |
| Scr | 12 | Lady Pankhurst | 10 | J G Sargent | 55kg |
Buenos presents as the top selection with impressive recent form, including a last-start win. Unbeaten on soft tracks and carrying a favorable weight, this improving mare should handle the class rise. The wider barrier is a minor concern, but her early speed should mitigate this issue.
Petawawa shows consistent form and performs well on soft tracks. The good barrier draw and strong jockey booking are positives. While yet to win beyond 1000m, her recent placings suggest she's ready for this distance. The slight weight rise and class step up are manageable concerns.
Cosmic Ride comes off a last-start win and has proven soft track ability. The significant weight drop is a big plus, and her form is on an upward trajectory. The class rise is the main query, but she appears ready for the challenge. The wider barrier is a slight concern but manageable.
Geostorm offers value with recent winning form and proven soft track ability. Well drawn and experienced at the distance, he should be competitive despite the weight rise. The slight class rise is offset by his consistency.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Buenos | 8 | Rebecca Bronett Prag | K Dryden & L Snowden | 59kg | $1.65 |
| 2nd | 6 | Benamera | 5 | Winona Costin | Stephen O''Halloran | 59kg | $9.00 |
| 3rd | 7 | Cosmic Ride | 6 | Jack Baker | Luke Pepper | 56.5kg | $8.50 |
| 4th | 4 | Ohtani | 9 | Jean Van Overmeire | Bryce Heys | 60.5kg | $21.00 |
| 5th | 5 | Petawawa | 4 | B Mc Dougall | Matthew Dale | 59.5kg | $4.60 |
| 6th | 9 | Steely Girl | 11 | Glenn Cahill | M C Conners | 55.5kg | $41.00 |
| 7th | 11 | Molteuno | 2 | Shaun Guymer | Tash Burleigh | 56.5kg | $12.00 |
| 8th | 8 | Dream Inherit | 10 | John Kissick | Becky Byrne | 58.5kg | $101.00 |
| 9th | 1 | Reet Petite | 1 | Jessica Brookes | K Dryden & L Snowden | 60.5kg | $41.00 |
| Scr | 2 | Acheson | 7 | K Dryden & L Snowden | 61.5kg | ||
| Scr | 10 | Geostorm | 3 | Pierre Boudvillain | Greg Stephens | 57kg |
Mogo Magic presents as the top selection with a strong win rate, consistent form, and the best time at this distance. The horse has performed well on soft tracks and is well-weighted for this race. The advantageous barrier draw further enhances its chances. While the long break is a slight concern, the overall form and track suitability make it a strong contender.
Vella's Best shows an improving form trend and boasts a strong win rate. The horse's recent win at a similar distance and proven performance on soft tracks make it a strong contender. While the barrier draw is slightly unfavorable, the overall form and track suitability suggest it has a good chance to place or win.
Take The Rap has the highest win rate in the field and has shown consistent recent form. The horse performs well on soft tracks and carries a light weight, which is advantageous. However, the highly disadvantageous barrier draw is a significant concern. Despite this, the overall form and track suitability make it a strong contender for a place.
The horse has consistent form and performs well on soft tracks. The well-weighted condition further enhances its chances as a value selection.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | Vella''s Best | 11 | Ms L Day | G P Vella | 55kg | $3.40 |
| 2nd | 4 | Mogo Magic | 7 | Pierre Boudvillain | Scott Collings | 61kg | $4.40 |
| 3rd | 9 | My Last Hooray | 6 | Jeff Penza | F S Cleary | 55kg | $5.50 |
| 4th | 2 | Extravagent Lad | 8 | B Mc Dougall | Scott Collings | 61.5kg | $12.00 |
| 5th | 3 | Fangela | 12 | Rebecca Bronett Prag | K Dryden & L Snowden | 61kg | $26.00 |
| 6th | 5 | Take The Rap | 1 | Chad Lever | N F Gardner | 55kg | $4.40 |
| 7th | 7 | Starlight Girl | 10 | Ms C Keatings | Matthew Kelley | 55kg | $41.00 |
| 8th | 1 | Pokerjack | 9 | Shaun Guymer | Tash Burleigh | 62kg | $26.00 |
| 9th | 11 | Sutton Vella | 5 | Jean Van Overmeire | G P Vella | 55kg | $10.00 |
| 10th | 12 | Destructive Diva | 2 | Glenn Cahill | N F Gardner | 55kg | $71.00 |
| 11th | 10 | Princess Halo | 3 | Claire Ramsbotham | B Joseph & P & M Jones | 55kg | $151.00 |
| Scr | 6 | Who But Roo | 4 | Geoffrey Crothers | 55kg |
Ronny Rock Art presents as the top selection with consistent form, including a win last start. His soft track record is impressive, and he carries a favorable weight. The horse has proven ability at both the track and distance, which is crucial. While facing a slight class rise, his overall profile suggests he's well-positioned to overcome this challenge.
Burgundy Girl boasts a strong record at the track and has shown consistency in recent starts. The light weight and ability on soft tracks are significant advantages. However, the unproven status at this distance and the slight class drop introduce some uncertainty. The less-than-ideal barrier draw may also impact performance.
The light weight is advantageous, and as an improving mare, she has potential for further development. However, the lack of wins and unproven record at this level and track/distance combination introduce some uncertainty.
Heir Jordan offers value with consistent recent form and proven weight-carrying ability. The advantageous barrier draw and potential to lead make him an interesting prospect. However, the lack of soft track form and lower class racing history introduce some risk.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Stonecoat | 11 | Claire Ramsbotham | Matthew Kelley | 60kg | $7.50 |
| 2nd | 7 | Mah Ali | 8 | Brock Ryan | K J Parker | 57kg | $3.50 |
| 3rd | 9 | Burgundy Girl | 7 | Rebecca Bronett Prag | K Dryden & L Snowden | 54.5kg | $3.70 |
| 4th | 6 | Ronny Rock Art | 3 | Glenn Cahill | N J Osborne | 55.5kg | $7.50 |
| 5th | 2 | Heir Jordan | 6 | Chad Lever | Luke Musson | 59kg | $8.50 |
| 6th | 4 | Lumber Dream | 9 | Shaun Guymer | R T Waters | 58kg | $81.00 |
| 7th | 8 | Philadelphia Storm | 5 | Carly Frater | G J Colvin | 57kg | $10.00 |
| 8th | 5 | Missile Leader | 1 | Jack Martin | K Dryden & L Snowden | 58kg | $11.00 |
| 9th | 3 | Tip Top Timing | 4 | Jean Van Overmeire | C E Conners | 59kg | $9.00 |
| Scr | 10 | Magic Pharoah | 2 | B Mc Dougall | Richard Litt | 55kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Webejamin | 10 | Winona Costin | Stephen O''Halloran | 55kg |
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.