Punt like a Pro, without the know!
Northern Territory · Saturday 4 October 2025
Our top pick won 3 of 5 races at Darwin. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
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Mr Marrakech brings the strongest recent form into this race with 3 wins from his last 5 starts. His perfect record at track and distance combined with strong overall track statistics (6: 3-0-2) makes him well-suited to Fannie Bay. While carrying top weight, he's proven capable at this impost. Expect him to settle on pace from barrier 5, which suits this track's profile. The removal of bar plates is a positive gear change.
Orion The Hunter brings excellent synthetic track credentials (4: 3-0-0) which should translate well to Fannie Bay's sand/oil surface. His tactical speed from barrier 2 is ideal for this track configuration. The 49-day freshen-up is a slight concern, but his second placing last start indicates he's in good form. The addition of pacifiers first time could sharpen his focus. Expect him to be right on the speed.
His consistent record at Fannie Bay (6: 0-1-1) suggests he handles the track well. While his recent form has been below his best, the class drop combined with weight relief makes him a genuine place chance. His versatility allows Dakota-Lee Gillett options from barrier 4.
The 5yo gelding carries just 54kg and draws well in barrier 3. His Singapore form suggests he has untapped potential in Northern Territory racing.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Orion The Hunter | 2 | Vanessa Arnott | Jason Manning | 58.5kg | $3.00 |
| 2nd | 3 | Beau Factor | 4 | Dakota-Lee Gillett | Terry Gillett | 56kg | $18.00 |
| 3rd | 1 | Mr Marrakech | 5 | Adam Nicholls | G Clarke | 59kg | $1.70 |
| 4th | 4 | Prince Ruban | 1 | Jarrod Todd | G Clarke | 57.5kg | $12.00 |
| 5th | 5 | July | 3 | Deborah Barton | Chris Pollard | 54kg | $9.00 |
Vieri brings strong credentials with a win at this track and distance. His last start victory over 1300m at Fannie Bay shows he's in good form, and the drop in class is significant. Should settle midfield from barrier 8 and with the likely fast tempo, his proven finishing ability gives him a strong chance to run down the leaders.
Style And Grace brings excellent course form with 2 wins from 8 starts at this track and distance. Her recent 3rd placing shows she's maintaining form, and the significant class drop is a major positive. Should get a good run from barrier 7 and with proven ability at this track, she represents a strong winning chance.
Carat Time brings excellent credentials with 2 wins from 5 starts at this track and distance. His recent 2nd placing shows he's in good form, and he should be right on the pace from barrier 6. The top weight is a concern, but his proven ability at this track and distance makes him a genuine contender.
His recent 3rd placing shows he's in good form, and he has a win and 3 placings at this track. The drop in class is significant, and with a light weight and good barrier, he should get every chance. His proven ability at this track and distance makes him a genuine value chance.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Vieri | 8 | Sonja D Wiseman | Chris Nash | 59.5kg | $4.80 |
| 2nd | 1 | Carat Time | 6 | Vanessa Arnott | Jason Manning | 60.5kg | $5.50 |
| 3rd | 9 | Mighty Zou | 1 | Jarrod Todd | Paul Shiers | 56kg | $6.50 |
| 4th | 5 | Style And Grace | 7 | Adam Nicholls | Ella Clarke | 59kg | $3.70 |
| 5th | 3 | Cee Pee One | 2 | Aaron Sweeney | D Leech | 59.5kg | $7.50 |
| 6th | 10 | Heroic Spirit | 3 | Hannah Le Blanc | Tommy Logan | 55kg | $7.00 |
| 7th | 11 | World Affairs | 4 | Wayne Davis | Peter Stennett | 55kg | $41.00 |
| 8th | 6 | Max Rock | 5 | Dakota-Lee Gillett | Terry Gillett | 56.5kg | $21.00 |
| 9th | 2 | Buades | 10 | Deborah Barton | Philip Cole | 57kg | $11.00 |
| Scr | 7 | Danger Man | 11 | Chris Pollard | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 8 | Beatification | 9 | Tommy Logan | 56.5kg |
Second-up today with an excellent second-up record of 2 wins from 7 starts. Dropping in class from his last start and has a strong record at this distance. Barrier 6 is slightly disadvantageous but his early speed should overcome this. The main danger is Hotim English returning from a spell.
Hotim English returns from a 225-day spell with a strong overall record at Fannie Bay. While his first-up record is a concern (0 from 1), he's dropping in class and has a good barrier to utilize his early speed. The top weight of 61kg is significant but he's proven he can carry weight.
Astern Magic brings solid credentials with an excellent barrier 2 draw that should allow him to settle in a forward position. His track and distance record is impressive (1-1-1 from 6 starts) and he has a good record on synthetic surfaces (2-0-0 from 4 starts). His recent form has been consistent without winning, but the favorable barrier and conditions make him a strong place chance.
The likely fast tempo should suit her racing pattern, and she has a reasonable barrier 5 draw.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Hotim English | 4 | Jarrod Todd | Ella Clarke | 61kg | $3.00 |
| 2nd | 2 | Sabor | 6 | Vanessa Arnott | Jason Manning | 59kg | $3.50 |
| 3rd | 5 | Astern Magic | 2 | Sonja D Wiseman | Tommy Logan | 55kg | $4.80 |
| 4th | 3 | Dancer For Money | 5 | Deborah Barton | Philip Cole | 53kg | $6.00 |
| 5th | 6 | Full Damage | 1 | Aaron Sweeney | Chris Pollard | 55kg | $11.00 |
| 6th | 4 | Canada Bay | 3 | Hannah Le Blanc | Tommy Logan | 55kg | $8.00 |
| Scr | 7 | Whitten | 7 | Wayne Davis | Philip Cole | 55kg |
Boldinho brings the strongest credentials to this race with back-to-back wins and excellent track statistics. Despite the top weight, he's well-placed to control the race from a forward position and has the class edge over this field. The barrier draw suits his racing pattern and the expected fast tempo should play to his strengths.
Sunzou brings strong recent form with a last-start win and excellent track/distance statistics. While he's rising in class, his perfect 3 from 3 record at Fannie Bay suggests he handles this track exceptionally well. The wide barrier is a concern on this tight-turning track, but his tactical speed should allow him to find a position. Represents the main danger to Boldinho.
Field Of Flutes brings solid credentials with a strong record at both track and distance. His last start second to Boldinho suggests he's in good form, and the 3kg weight swing in his favor gives him a chance to turn the tables. Drawn well in barrier 4, he should get an ideal run on speed. While he may not have the class edge of the top selection, his familiarity with the track and conditions makes him a genuine place chance.
Her first-up record is impressive (6: 2-1-2), and she boasts a strong record at both track (12: 4-3-1) and this specific track/distance combination (7: 3-2-0). Coming back from a 63-day spell but dropping significantly in class from her last Open company run where she finished a creditable 3rd.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Boldinho | 5 | Jarrod Todd | G Clarke | 62.5kg | $1.75 |
| 2nd | 3 | Flying Annie | 1 | Aaron Sweeney | G Clarke | 58.5kg | $8.00 |
| 3rd | 5 | Sunzou | 6 | Sonja D Wiseman | Chris Nash | 55kg | $4.40 |
| 4th | 4 | Pharoah Magic | 3 | Wayne Davis | G Clarke | 57.5kg | $15.00 |
| 5th | 2 | Field Of Flutes | 4 | Adam Nicholls | G Clarke | 59.5kg | $5.00 |
| 6th | 6 | Oakland Raider | 2 | Deborah Barton | Philip Cole | 52kg | $51.00 |
Progressive 3YO filly who broke her maiden last start with a strong front-running performance. Has shown consistent improvement with each run and draws perfectly in barrier 2 which is crucial at Fannie Bay. Her on-pace racing style is ideal for this track configuration, and she appears to have more upside than most rivals. The Wayne Davis/Philip Cole combination is working well.
Consistent mare who has been knocking on the door with a last start 2nd at this track. Has shown ability to handle Fannie Bay with a place record of 0-1-1 from 4 starts. The gear change (lugging bit off, tongue control and lugging bit on) could help her find the improvement needed to break through. Draws well in barrier 3 which should allow her to settle in a forward position.
Experienced mare who has been remarkably consistent with three consecutive 3rd placings. Has shown an affinity for Fannie Bay with 0-0-2 from 3 starts at the track. The gear change to a tongue control bit could help her find the extra length needed to improve. While she's yet to win from 24 starts, her consistency makes her a reliable place prospect.
Patyep draws the coveted barrier 1 which is a significant advantage at Fannie Bay. His likely front-running style suits this track perfectly, and he's shown ability on synthetic surfaces with two placings.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 7 | Snappy Sweetheart | 2 | Wayne Davis | Philip Cole | 56.5kg | $3.70 |
| 2nd | 5 | Mlinzi | 6 | Sonja D Wiseman | Philip Cole | 57kg | $12.00 |
| 3rd | 2 | Patyep | 1 | Adam Nicholls | G Clarke | 59kg | $5.00 |
| 4th | 3 | Achacha | 3 | Deborah Barton | Philip Cole | 54kg | $3.10 |
| 5th | 4 | Juelene | 4 | Dakota-Lee Gillett | Tommy Logan | 55.5kg | $4.80 |
| 6th | 1 | No Brakes | 5 | Jarrod Todd | G Clarke | 59kg | $12.00 |
| 7th | 6 | My Reward | 7 | Aaron Sweeney | Chris Pollard | 57kg | $14.00 |
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