Punt like a Pro, without the know!
South Australia · Wednesday 24 September 2025
Our top pick won 2 of 7 races at Balaklava. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
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Empress Of Soul brings the strongest recent form into this race with a solid 4th last start at Balaklava over 1600m. The step up to 2200m looks suitable based on her racing pattern, and she gets in well at the weights with 56kg. The moderate-slow tempo should suit her running style.
Cracken Good Time brings solid recent form with a 4th at Balaklava (1600m) and 2nd at Port Augusta (1498m) in his last two starts. While yet to win from 19 starts, he's been consistent with 1 second and 4 thirds. The step up to 2200m is a query, but his racing pattern suggests he'll handle it, and he's likely to be on-pace in a race favoring forward runners.
Flaming Eyes is showing improving form with a 5th at Bordertown (1550m) and 4th at Gawler (1719m) in her last two starts. The step up to 2200m is a significant query, but she's been finishing off her races well. Gets the services of top jockey Jason Holder which is a significant positive, and her recent racing suggests she's ready for this assignment.
She has previously placed at this track and distance, running 3rd from barrier 2 over 2200m at Balaklava. Gets in with just 54kg and the claim from apprentice Caitlin Tootell. While her overall record is poor (0 wins from 25 starts), her last run suggests she's found form at the right time for this assignment.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 9 | Grinzinger Joy | 10 | Kayla Crowther | M J Seyers | 56kg | $12.00 |
| 2nd | 8 | Flaming Eyes | 4 | Jason Holder | A J Clarken | 56kg | $2.70 |
| 3rd | 1 | Captain Love | 5 | Alana Livesey | Ms K Letts-Maund | 58kg | $9.00 |
| 4th | 6 | Empress Of Soul | 7 | Jacob Opperman | P Stokes | 56kg | $3.20 |
| 5th | 10 | The Highlander | 9 | Rochelle Milnes | Grant Young | 56kg | $61.00 |
| 6th | 2 | Cracken Good Time | 3 | Ms C Munro | Peter Nolan | 56kg | $5.50 |
| 7th | 4 | Rhinestone Rory | 2 | D Caboche | J Dodgson | 58kg | $17.00 |
| 8th | 3 | Mcleod | 6 | Margaret Collett | Sophie Logan | 58kg | $21.00 |
| 9th | 7 | Fiery Moon | 8 | Caitlin Tootell | T L Day | 54kg | $26.00 |
| Scr | 5 | Suit Of Wands | 1 | Connor Murtagh | Will Clarken | 58kg |
Common Interest presents as the standout first-starter in this maiden field. The R & C Jolly stable rarely brings unprepared horses to the races, and the perfect barrier draw combined with the engagement of Jacob Opperman signals serious intent.
So Polite brings solid credentials with 3 placings from 4 starts, including strong form at this track and distance. Second-up today after a reasonable first-up run, she should improve and has drawn well in barrier 6. While she hasn't broken through for a win yet, her consistency and proven ability at Balaklava make her a genuine chance. The Searle & Callanan stable has her ready to fire.
I Am Ralph returns from a spell with a gear change and brings solid form from his last preparation, finishing 3rd in his final two runs. While the wide barrier is a concern, his early speed should allow him to cross and find a position. The significant class drop from his previous preparation is a positive factor.
With only one career start, this mare remains largely unexposed and could show significant improvement first-up from a spell. The Ryan Hannemann stable has given her plenty of time to mature, and the good draw in barrier 5 gives her every chance.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 9 | Common Interest | 1 | Jacob Opperman | R & C Jolly | 56kg | $1.90 |
| 2nd | 12 | So Polite | 6 | Teagan Voorham | G & N Searle & B Callanan | 56kg | $2.30 |
| 3rd | 7 | Simply Sid | 9 | Ms T Johnstone | M W Lewis | 58kg | $21.00 |
| 4th | 2 | I Am Ralph | 12 | Connor Murtagh | Sarah Rutten | 58kg | $11.00 |
| 5th | 16 | Sir Monica | 2 | Brooke King | Kristi Evans | 56kg | $61.00 |
| 6th | 3 | Master Charlie | 8 | Jessica Eaton | Stephen Theodore | 58kg | $26.00 |
| 7th | 14 | Modistra | 3 | Kayla Crowther | Byron Cozamanis | 54kg | $51.00 |
| 8th | 1 | Bad To The Bone | 17 | Matt Chadwick | W A Bogarts | 56kg | $51.00 |
| 9th | 6 | Palace Invite | 4 | Alana Livesey | Byron Cozamanis | 58kg | $26.00 |
| 10th | 18 | Bonny Impact | 11 | Kate Halliday | 56kg | $41.00 | |
| Scr | 4 | Me Name''s Harry | 10 | Jason Holder | Kate Halliday | 58kg | |
| Scr | 5 | Merchant Of Greece | 15 | Todd Pannell | Stephen Theodore | 58kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Thavma | 18 | Kristi Evans | 58kg | ||
| Scr | 10 | Golden Tunes | 16 | Margaret Collett | Justin Pickering | 56kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Justadexter | 5 | Rochelle Milnes | Ryan Hannemann | 56kg | |
| Scr | 13 | Sons And Daughters | 13 | G Dimitropoulos | 56kg | ||
| Scr | 15 | Mahpiya Luta | 7 | D Caboche | Kate Halliday | 58kg | |
| Scr | 17 | Villa Maria | 14 | Kayla Crowther | John Hyam | 58kg |
Oakley Miss brings strong form credentials dropping back from Group company where she's been competitive. With proven soft track ability and a good draw, she looks the clear standout in this maiden field.
His last start 3rd at this track over 1200m suggests he's ready to step up to 1400m, and the inside draw should give him every chance. With proven soft track ability and a light weight, he represents the main danger to the top selection.
Sassy Sophie brings strong recent form credentials with her last start 2nd at this track over 1600m suggesting the 1400m will be ideal. She's been competing well in stronger company and has a perfect draw in barrier 2. With proven soft track ability and a progressive profile, she can fight out the finish.
While her recent form has been inconsistent, she has shown ability with three career second placings and has experience on soft tracks.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 14 | Sassy Sophie | 2 | Alana Livesey | A J Gluyas | 54kg | $6.50 |
| 2nd | 13 | Oakley Miss | 8 | Teagan Voorham | R & C Jolly | 54kg | $2.60 |
| 3rd | 10 | Safe Bet | 1 | Alysha Warren | R W Huxtable | 53kg | $2.50 |
| 4th | 12 | Freedom Flame | 7 | Ms T Johnstone | A J Gluyas | 54kg | $6.00 |
| 5th | 17 | Esticon | 14 | D Caboche | Des Nolan | 56kg | $81.00 |
| 6th | 16 | Fiora Blue | 4 | G & N Searle & B Callanan | 56kg | $101.00 | |
| 7th | 15 | Old Mate Bluey | 6 | Brooke King | D J McMahon | 56kg | $101.00 |
| 8th | 4 | Reign In The Cash | 5 | Margaret Collett | David Page | 58kg | $91.00 |
| 9th | 5 | Tear Apart | 10 | Todd Pannell | Stephen Theodore | 58kg | $14.00 |
| 10th | 7 | Lai Flipper | 3 | Caitlin Tootell | Garret Lynch | 54kg | $101.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Goldfields Grey | 9 | Jacob Opperman | M J Seyers | 58kg | |
| Scr | 2 | Indiamo | 16 | Jason Holder | G & N Searle & B Callanan | 58kg | |
| Scr | 3 | Paganini | 13 | Connor Murtagh | Jon O''Connor | 58kg | |
| Scr | 6 | Joseph''s Glory | 12 | Kayla Crowther | P Stokes | 56kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Princess On Palm | 15 | Jessica Eaton | Michael Hickmott | 56kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Rambling | 11 | Rochelle Milnes | Will Clarken | 56kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Valenzuela | 18 | Grant Young | 56kg | ||
| Scr | 18 | Gabbatron | 17 | Matt Chadwick | Chris Bieg | 54kg |
Loca Bella brings the strongest recent form into this race with three consecutive placings and is dropping in class. Jason Holder retains the ride and the mare has won at this track previously. The wide barrier is the main concern but she has enough tactical speed to overcome it.
Pacific Cross returns from a spell with an excellent first-up record of 1-1-0 from 3 attempts. This mare has been racing in stronger metropolitan company and drops significantly in class here. Her overall record of 1-6-1 from 14 starts shows she's a consistent placegetter. The top weight is a concern, but she has the class edge and Todd Pannell's riding will be an asset.
Petit Eagle is lightly raced but showing improvement with a third placing last start. The gear change (compression hood with ear muffs off, ear muffs pre-race only first time) could help her settle better. She's untested at the distance but her racing pattern suggests she'll appreciate the step up. The class rise is significant but the lightweight and improving form give her place claims in this field.
Her recent form is improving and she's drawn well in barrier 3. While she faces a class rise, her best performances would make her competitive here, and Teagan Voorham is a capable rider who can extract her best.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Unpraised | 2 | Rochelle Milnes | M W Lewis | 56kg | $13.00 |
| 2nd | 8 | Magic Princess | 3 | Teagan Voorham | Chris Bieg | 54.5kg | $13.00 |
| 3rd | 2 | Titan Rising | 6 | Connor Murtagh | David Page | 59kg | $9.50 |
| 4th | 11 | Star Studded Belle | 8 | Brooke King | J Hickmott & C Riggs | 52kg | $41.00 |
| 5th | 10 | Star Decorum | 1 | Caitlin Tootell | Darren & Aimee Magro | 52kg | $20.00 |
| 6th | 1 | Pacific Cross | 7 | Todd Pannell | Aaron Bain & Ned Taylor | 59.5kg | $2.80 |
| 7th | 7 | Thiblos | 4 | Tahlia Hardy | Jon O''Connor | 51kg | $101.00 |
| 8th | 4 | Loca Bella | 10 | Jason Holder | A J Gluyas | 58kg | $2.05 |
| 9th | 5 | Normie No Show | 5 | Margaret Collett | Garret Lynch | 58kg | $31.00 |
| 10th | 12 | Raw Grunt | 12 | Wesley Cave | Danny Penna | 54kg | $101.00 |
| Scr | 3 | Belle From Hell | 11 | Garret Lynch | 58kg | ||
| Scr | 9 | Petit Eagle | 9 | Alana Livesey | Sarah Rutten | 54.5kg |
Super Lad brings the strongest recent form into this race with a convincing win at this track 14 days ago. While stepping up to the mile for the first time, his racing pattern suggests the distance will suit, and he's drawn perfectly in barrier 2 to get a soft run. The Connor Murtagh/Chris Bieg combination has been firing lately.
Savatoff brings strong credentials to this race with an excellent record at the mile distance. Despite carrying top weight, he's shown he can handle it with a win two starts back over this trip. The wide barrier is a concern, but his racing pattern suggests he'll push forward early to negate this. Jacob Opperman knows the horse well and should give him every chance. His class edge makes him a major player.
Monseagle brings strong Balaklava credentials to this race with an excellent record at both the track and distance. His last start second at this track in similar company suggests he's in good form, and the step up to the mile should suit perfectly. Alana Livesey stays aboard which is a positive, and from barrier 7 he should get a nice midfield position. His consistency makes him a reliable each-way proposition.
His last start second at Morphettville was full of merit, and he drops significantly in weight here to just 52kg. The inside barrier draw is perfect for his racing pattern, and Matt Chadwick is a positive jockey booking.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Super Lad | 2 | Connor Murtagh | Chris Bieg | 60kg | $4.20 |
| 2nd | 10 | Fantastic Host | 12 | Ms T Johnstone | J Hickmott & C Riggs | 54.5kg | $6.00 |
| 3rd | 8 | Monseagle | 7 | Alana Livesey | G Richards & D Moyle | 57kg | $8.00 |
| 4th | 5 | Thinkingnintynine | 1 | Caitlin Tootell | Travis Doudle | 58kg | $6.50 |
| 5th | 11 | Bywaters Road | 4 | Matt Chadwick | J Hickmott & C Riggs | 52kg | $8.50 |
| 6th | 2 | Savatoff | 9 | Jacob Opperman | Ms P Trenwith | 61kg | $6.50 |
| 7th | 1 | Alchian | 11 | Ms C Munro | Tracy Cox | 60.5kg | $31.00 |
| 8th | 12 | Fight For Freedom | 3 | Kayla Crowther | W A Bogarts | 54kg | $17.00 |
| 9th | 9 | Sazerac | 6 | Alysha Warren | Paul Carey | 53kg | $12.00 |
| 10th | 3 | Back Me Up Benny | 5 | Brooke King | Kristi Evans | 58.5kg | $8.50 |
| Scr | 6 | Top Of The Ridge | 10 | S & J Jaensch | 59.5kg | ||
| Scr | 7 | Red Roof | 8 | Todd Pannell | Kristi Evans | 58.5kg |
Broadway Lane brings the strongest recent form into this race after winning over this track and distance 14 days ago. Has proven track/distance credentials with a record of 1-0-1 from 6 starts at Balaklava over 1050m. Well drawn in barrier 4 and carries a manageable 56kg. Has tactical versatility to settle midfield and should get an ideal run.
Mercury Eight brings strong recent form after a close third over this track and distance 14 days ago. Has a proven record at this track and distance with 1 win and 1 third from 4 starts. Drawn wide in barrier 10 but should get a nice midfield position with cover. Main concern is the class rise.
Outpost brings strong recent form after a close second over this track and distance 14 days ago. Experienced 9yo with 6 wins from 53 starts who should be suited by the slight class drop. Main concerns are the topweight of 58kg and moderate barrier draw. Should settle on pace which suits the track pattern.
Astromancer represents excellent value as a first-up specialist with 3 seconds from 4 first-up runs. Has an excellent record at this track with 1 win and 2 seconds from 4 starts. Well drawn in barrier 3 and carries just 55.5kg. Main concerns are the class rise and 88-day spell, but trainer has her ready with gear change.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Mercury Eight | 10 | Ms S Metcalfe | W A Bogarts | 59kg | $3.60 |
| 2nd | 12 | Our Goddess | 5 | Ms T Johnstone | B J Jones | 54kg | $26.00 |
| 3rd | 10 | Broadway Lane | 4 | Rochelle Milnes | Alexander Justice | 56kg | $6.00 |
| 4th | 1 | Outpost | 7 | Caitlin Tootell | Travis Doudle | 58kg | $4.60 |
| 5th | 6 | Our Shining Star | 2 | Ms C Munro | Christopher Harrison | 55.5kg | $21.00 |
| 6th | 5 | Astromancer | 3 | Brooke King | Ms H J Smith | 55.5kg | $15.00 |
| 7th | 3 | Shikanic | 1 | Jason Holder | Peter Nolan | 59.5kg | $7.00 |
| 8th | 9 | Last War | 6 | Jessica Eaton | P Huserot | 56.5kg | $101.00 |
| 9th | 11 | Catalina Blue | 9 | Teagan Voorham | B J Jones | 54kg | $31.00 |
| 10th | 8 | Hebrings Cash | 8 | Wesley Cave | Danny Penna | 57kg | $151.00 |
| 11th | 7 | Flying Yank | 11 | Kayla Crowther | John Hyam | 57kg | $51.00 |
| Scr | 2 | Sir Leapalot | 12 | Alana Livesey | Ryan Hannemann | 60kg |
His soft track record (3:1-1-0) is a major positive given the conditions, and he's well-weighted at the top of the handicap.
High Tor brings strong recent form with a 3rd placing last start over 1300m at Coleraine. The mare should get a perfect run in midfield and with the inside barriers favored at Balaklava, she maps to get the ideal run. Not as proven as Hamner Springs but has significant upside.
Rokabye Warrior brings a strong record at Balaklava with 1 win from 3 starts and is now second-up from a spell where he typically improves. His first-up run was disappointing but he's drawn well in barrier 8 and gets the services of top jockey Jason Holder. With proven form at the track and distance, he should settle midfield and be strong late. Not as sharp as the top two picks but has track knowledge in his favor.
While his first-up run was disappointing, he's now second-up where he can improve significantly. The Connor Murtagh/Magro combination is capable at provincial level, and from barrier 12, he should get a good run in midfield.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 13 | High Tor | 4 | Caitlin Tootell | Garret Lynch | 54.5kg | $11.00 |
| 2nd | 14 | My Crackling | 3 | Alana Livesey | G Richards & D Moyle | 56.5kg | $8.00 |
| 3rd | 11 | Rokabye Warrior | 8 | Jason Holder | G Richards & D Moyle | 57.5kg | $7.00 |
| 4th | 5 | Testa Dexta | 15 | Todd Pannell | J Hickmott & C Riggs | 59.5kg | $16.00 |
| 5th | 6 | Kushan Khanivale | 20 | Alyssa Webb | Grant Young | 56kg | $18.00 |
| 6th | 8 | Snipers Nightmare | 11 | Ms S Metcalfe | W A Bogarts | 58.5kg | $14.00 |
| 7th | 1 | Exonumia | 10 | Margaret Collett | Kim Talent | 60kg | $31.00 |
| 8th | 2 | Hamner Springs | 9 | Ben Price | Michael Hickmott | 60kg | $6.00 |
| 9th | 10 | Gumeracha Cracker | 6 | Ms T Johnstone | A J Gluyas | 57.5kg | $31.00 |
| 10th | 3 | Augusta Rock | 1 | Rochelle Milnes | Kate Halliday | 59.5kg | $26.00 |
| 11th | 15 | Kristobel | 2 | Teagan Voorham | Sarah Rutten | 56kg | $5.00 |
| 12th | 20 | Ocean Blast | 7 | Jarrod Lynch | 54.5kg | $61.00 | |
| 13th | 7 | Alpine Beau | 13 | Ms S Lacy | J Hickmott & C Riggs | 58.5kg | $51.00 |
| 14th | 18 | Midnight Rush | 5 | Alysha Warren | David Page | 53kg | $7.00 |
| 15th | 19 | Pouvoir De Soie | 17 | Kate Halliday | 54kg | $151.00 | |
| 16th | 9 | Derby Downs | 12 | Connor Murtagh | Darren & Aimee Magro | 57.5kg | $26.00 |
| Scr | 4 | Dylan''s Lad | 16 | Garret Lynch | 59.5kg | ||
| Scr | 12 | Kindra Park | 19 | G Dimitropoulos | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 16 | Grandellie | 14 | Brooke King | A B Beswick | 53kg | |
| Scr | 17 | Prince Reichweite | 18 | D Caboche | John Hyam | 56kg |
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