Punt like a Pro, without the know!
New South Wales · Sunday 5 October 2025
Our top pick won 2 of 7 races at Ballina. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
top pick wonanother tip wonno tip won
Deodee brings the strongest recent form into this race with a close 2nd last start at Grafton over 1206m. The blinkers coming off is interesting but may help her settle better. Looks ready to break through for a maiden win.
Her recent form includes a 3rd placing two starts back and a 4th last start. The wide barrier is a concern, but with her tactical speed she should be able to find a position. Represents strong place value.
Flaming Genesis returns from a spell and is likely to be prominent in the early stages. While yet to place in 4 starts, he has shown consistency at this level and should appreciate the Good 4 track. The speed map suggests he'll be up on the pace which is advantageous at this track and distance. Represents each-way value.
The addition of a lugging bit for the first time could improve his racing manners. While recent form has been declining, he's lightly raced and has scope for improvement.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Deodee | 1 | Matthew Mc Guren | M J Dunn | 57.5kg | $2.90 |
| 2nd | 5 | Miss Graysea | 10 | Jon Grisedale | B D Bellamy | 57kg | $10.00 |
| 3rd | 9 | Traveller | 9 | Anthony Allen | Ms L Sheppard | 57kg | $17.00 |
| 4th | 2 | Flaming Genesis | 7 | Nozi Tomizawa | S B Lee | 58.5kg | $2.60 |
| 5th | 4 | Da Silva Gold | 5 | N Masuda | Ms J M Smith | 57kg | $11.00 |
| 6th | 8 | Stratton | 6 | Danny Peisley | A Parramore | 57kg | $12.00 |
| 7th | 7 | Rainsitpours | 4 | E J Farr | Ms V McLennan | 55kg | $15.00 |
| 8th | 6 | Pressipitating | 8 | Luke Rolls | Samantha McGuren | 57kg | $41.00 |
| 9th | 10 | Washik | 2 | Raymond Spokes | Ms J Pratten | 57kg | $26.00 |
| 10th | 1 | Highland Harmony | 3 | Bella Youngberry | Carolyn Halliday | 57kg | $26.00 |
Jewels Statement brings the strongest recent form into this race with a last-start win at Grafton. Her excellent record at this track (2: 1-1-0) is a significant advantage, and she's proven on Good tracks. Despite the wide draw, she has tactical speed to overcome it and should get a perfect midfield position in a race with strong tempo. The mare is in peak form and represents the best winning chance.
De Forza is a progressive 4yo who brings winning form into this race after scoring at Coffs Harbour last start. He draws perfectly in barrier 2 and has a strong second-up record. While stepping up in class, his tactical versatility from the good gate should allow him to secure an ideal position. His consistent form profile (7: 2-2-1) suggests further improvement is likely, making him a genuine winning chance.
The Gambling Greek returns from a spell with a strong first-up record (2: 1-0-0) and drops significantly in class. He's likely to lead or be right on the pace which suits the expected race pattern. While carrying topweight is a concern, the class drop offsets this. His best time at the distance is strong and he should be in this for a long way if he can reproduce his best fresh form.
While stepping up in class is a concern, she's well-weighted and should get a good run midfield with cover. The fast tempo should suit her running style, and the return of the tongue tie is a positive gear change. Represents genuine value.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Cutepi | 4 | Andrew Mallyon | K A Lees | 60kg | $4.00 |
| 2nd | 2 | Krakarib | 1 | Leah Martyn | Adam Campton | 60kg | $8.00 |
| 3rd | 1 | The Gambling Greek | 5 | Bella Youngberry | Tony & Maddysen Sears | 60.5kg | $3.10 |
| 4th | 6 | De Forza | 2 | Raymond Spokes | N Mayfield-Smith | 59kg | $4.40 |
| 5th | 10 | Perfect Beth | 9 | Scott Sheargold | Leanne McCormick | 55kg | $61.00 |
| 6th | 5 | Missy No Nay | 8 | Jasper Franklin | Peter Robl | 59.5kg | $11.00 |
| 7th | 4 | Jewels Statement | 10 | Luke Rolls | Samantha McGuren | 60kg | $12.00 |
| 8th | 9 | Top Bird | 7 | Nozi Tomizawa | Ms S Batten | 57kg | $15.00 |
| 9th | 7 | Iobject | 11 | Michael Hellyer | D B Campbell | 59kg | $51.00 |
| 10th | 8 | Secret Statement | 3 | Danny Peisley | Amy Usher | 57kg | $31.00 |
| Scr | 11 | Barron | 6 | Ms S Pepper | 55kg |
Risk For Reward brings solid recent form with a 3rd placing in a BM58 at Casino two starts back and a respectable 6th at Grafton last start. Has an excellent record at Ballina with a win and a place from two starts. Will be suited by the fast tempo predicted and should get a nice midfield position. Damien Thornton is a significant jockey booking and the horse has proven ability on Good tracks.
True Fairy brings consistent form with a 5th last start at Coffs Harbour and has placed at this track previously. The significant class drop is a major positive, having competed in much stronger races earlier in her career. Will get back in running but should be suited by the fast tempo predicted. The 31-day freshen-up is a slight concern but her overall profile suggests she'll be very competitive.
Gioia River is a lightly raced mare with upside potential. Her form prior to her last start 10th was consistent with a 2nd placing at Wagga two starts back. The midfield running style should suit the race shape and she gets in with a light weight. Raymond Spokes is an experienced jockey who knows the track well. If there's any rain, her soft track record (6:1-1-1) becomes a significant advantage.
Gaming represents excellent value coming off a strong 3rd placing at Grafton just 5 days ago. The quick backup suggests connections are striking while the iron is hot. Has drawn well in barrier 3 and carries just 55kg. While his overall record is modest with just 1 win from 14 starts, his recent form suggests he's found his groove.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Risk For Reward | 8 | Damien Thornton | S B Lee | 56.5kg | $3.60 |
| 2nd | 4 | Highland Hustle | 11 | Jon Grisedale | John Higgins | 56kg | $11.00 |
| 3rd | 9 | Ourlegseleven | 2 | B Lerena | Ms S Pepper | 55kg | $11.00 |
| 4th | 1 | True Fairy | 5 | Bella Youngberry | S B Lee | 58kg | $6.00 |
| 5th | 11 | Son Of Heroic | 1 | Luke Rolls | D J Graham | 55kg | $18.00 |
| 6th | 2 | Viadelamore | 10 | Wayne Wheatley | Daniel Bowen | 60kg | $16.00 |
| 7th | 10 | Eastowin | 6 | Michael Hellyer | D B Campbell | 55kg | $21.00 |
| 8th | 6 | Gioia River | 4 | Raymond Spokes | J D Shelton | 55.5kg | $10.00 |
| 9th | 8 | Memumza Diva | 7 | N Masuda | Ms L Thomson | 55kg | $91.00 |
| Scr | 5 | Octavio | 9 | Ms J Pratten | 56kg | ||
| Scr | 7 | Gaming | 3 | R Downey | S J Bennett | 55kg |
The mare is second-up from a spell with natural improvement expected, and draws perfectly in barrier 4 with top jockey Damien Thornton aboard. While yet to place from 7 starts, her form against much stronger opposition suggests she's well-placed to break through in this maiden.
Icewater brings solid recent form, finishing a close 3rd last start at Lismore over a similar distance. While drawn wide in barrier 12, his racing pattern suggests he can overcome this. The gelding is showing progressive improvement and appears ready to break through for a maiden win.
Righteous Brother brings consistent recent form, finishing 4th last start at Lismore over this distance. While yet to win from 15 starts, he has placed at this track previously and appears to be knocking on the door for a breakthrough win with experienced jockey Raymond Spokes aboard.
While her recent form appears modest, she has previously placed when second-up and draws well in barrier 7.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Icewater | 12 | Wayne Wheatley | Daniel Bowen | 57kg | $12.00 |
| 2nd | 13 | Sea Me Dance | 4 | Damien Thornton | Marcus Wilson | 56kg | $2.10 |
| 3rd | 14 | Share Trader | 2 | Luke Rolls | S B Laming | 56kg | $9.00 |
| 4th | 10 | Mayor Of Kingston | 11 | A C Goindasamy | Peter Robl | 56kg | $26.00 |
| 5th | 11 | On Any Tuesday | 1 | Andrew Mallyon | K A Lees | 56kg | $5.50 |
| 6th | 2 | Kiroro Peak | 10 | Adin Thompson | Ms M Brosnan | 58.5kg | $13.00 |
| 7th | 8 | I''ma Charmer | 3 | Scott Sheargold | Ms M Brosnan | 56kg | $91.00 |
| 8th | 9 | Jacob''s Well | 13 | Anthony Allen | Ms L Sheppard | 56kg | $51.00 |
| 9th | 6 | Dellucy | 7 | Bailie Baker | G N Nielsen | 53kg | $61.00 |
| 10th | 3 | Risky Mission | 14 | Nozi Tomizawa | Ms K Stabe | 57.5kg | $201.00 |
| 11th | 12 | Righteous Brother | 6 | Raymond Spokes | S J Bennett | 56kg | $4.40 |
| 12th | 7 | Good Day Mae | 5 | Yvette Lewis | Geoff Hardy | 56kg | $151.00 |
| 13th | 5 | Comicon | 8 | E J Farr | P J Evans | 54kg | $151.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Launcher | 9 | Allan Chau | 59kg |
The speed map suggests this runner will get an ideal tactical position in a race with very fast tempo. The stable's decision to debut in this race rather than a lower-grade maiden is a positive sign of ability.
Lovecats brings metropolitan form to a country maiden, representing a significant class drop. While yet to place from three starts, she's been competitive in stronger company. The barrier 3 draw is ideal, and the removal of blinkers could help her settle better. Andrew Mallyon is a quality jockey booking, and the stable clearly has opinion of this filly.
Betta Than Presley brings the most consistent form to this race with 5 placings from 6 starts. He's drawn well in barrier 2 and should get an ideal run in transit. While he's yet to break through for a win, his consistency makes him a reliable place chance. The 9-day backup is ideal, and he's proven on Good track surfaces with 2 placings from 4 starts.
The booking of quality jockey Damien Thornton is significant, and the barrier 5 draw should allow for a good tactical position.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 11 | Lovecats | 3 | Andrew Mallyon | M J Dunn | 55kg | $2.35 |
| 2nd | 7 | Another Cashie | 10 | Matthew Mc Guren | M J Dunn | 56.5kg | $3.30 |
| 3rd | 2 | Betta Than Presley | 2 | Nozi Tomizawa | Tony & Maddysen Sears | 59kg | $5.50 |
| 4th | 1 | Baby Ryan | 1 | Raymond Spokes | B D Bellamy | 59kg | $19.00 |
| 5th | 13 | Zellweger | 5 | Damien Thornton | Marcus Wilson | 55kg | $4.60 |
| 6th | 10 | I''lltellyouafter | 8 | Leah Martyn | Renita Beaton | 53kg | $91.00 |
| 7th | 8 | Prestige Gundy | 9 | Luke Rolls | Jordan Lee | 56.5kg | $21.00 |
| 8th | 5 | Magic Socks | 7 | G Spokes | B D Bellamy | 54kg | $151.00 |
| 9th | 4 | Magic Sound | 4 | Danny Peisley | F Dichiera | 59kg | $101.00 |
| Scr | 3 | Boomtime Now | 13 | P J Wallace | 59kg | ||
| Scr | 6 | Alleze | 12 | M J Dunn | 56.5kg | ||
| Scr | 9 | Zhongxin Koala | 6 | Allan Chau | 56.5kg | ||
| Scr | 12 | Tidal Point | 11 | G Heinrich & B Rodgers | 55kg |
Second-up today with a perfect record in that pattern (1 from 1). Has tactical versatility and should get a good run midfield. Well-weighted and represents the best winning chance.
Second-up today and drawn perfectly in barrier 2. Has shown ability at this distance (3: 0-1-2) and should improve off her first-up run. Main danger to the top selection.
Five-year-old gelding with consistent form and strong win rate (24%). Dropping in class today which is a significant advantage. Has carried big weights successfully before and gets the services of experienced jockey Matthew McGuren. Main concern is the 62kg impost, but class edge may offset this disadvantage.
Six-year-old mare resuming from a 163-day spell with a solid first-up record (4: 0-2-0). Well-weighted and drawn favorably in barrier 4.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Written Fame | 5 | Matthew Mc Guren | M J Dunn | 62kg | $4.20 |
| 2nd | 7 | Prancing With Fire | 4 | B Lerena | Fleur Henley | 58.5kg | $6.50 |
| 3rd | 3 | Air Marshal | 7 | Damien Thornton | Renita Beaton | 61kg | $14.00 |
| 4th | 9 | Vacillation | 10 | Adin Thompson | Ms M Brosnan | 57.5kg | $2.90 |
| 5th | 11 | Next Pay Run | 2 | Andrew Mallyon | A Parramore | 57kg | $4.40 |
| 6th | 10 | He''s A Copy Boy | 11 | Bella Youngberry | Samantha McGuren | 55kg | $21.00 |
| 7th | 5 | Badda Boom Baby | 12 | Leah Martyn | Renita Beaton | 57.5kg | $31.00 |
| 8th | 6 | Picasso''s Dream | 1 | Yvette Lewis | G N Nielsen | 59kg | $21.00 |
| 9th | 8 | Vermeer | 13 | R Downey | S B Lee | 58kg | $41.00 |
| 10th | 4 | Change The Date | 6 | G Spokes | B D Bellamy | 57.5kg | $26.00 |
| 11th | 14 | Shoot The Diva | 9 | Bailie Baker | Fleur Henley | 52kg | $101.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Lovewillcomelater | 15 | Jordan Lee | 62kg | ||
| Scr | 12 | Keiko Say | 8 | J C Smerdon | 55.5kg | ||
| Scr | 13 | Need For Spieth | 14 | Indiana Turner | 55kg | ||
| Scr | 15 | Royal Victory | 3 | S B Lee | 55.5kg |
The mare has a win at Ballina and is dropping significantly in class.
Need For Spieth comes off an impressive maiden win and is second-up from a spell. The colt is dropping significantly in class from Group 3 company and has Damien Thornton aboard.
Prestige Ice comes off a maiden win at Grafton and is second-up from a spell.
While he has only won once from 37 starts, he has placed 16 times and has experience at Ballina with 5 placings from 10 starts.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | National Interest | 3 | Matthew Palmer | G Heinrich & B Rodgers | 56kg | $4.20 |
| 2nd | 10 | Deep Stealth | 16 | Dylan Turner | M J Dunn | 55kg | $5.00 |
| 3rd | 5 | Assent | 7 | Adin Thompson | Ms M Brosnan | 57.5kg | $6.00 |
| 4th | 12 | Prestige Ice | 4 | Luke Rolls | Jordan Lee | 55kg | $7.00 |
| 5th | 13 | Rephrase | 5 | N Masuda | Ms J M Smith | 55kg | $41.00 |
| 6th | 17 | Barron | 13 | B Lerena | Ms S Pepper | 55kg | $21.00 |
| 7th | 4 | Calvary | 1 | Scott Sheargold | Ms M Brosnan | 58kg | $15.00 |
| 8th | 3 | Tietar | 11 | Andrew Mallyon | M J Dunn | 59kg | $13.00 |
| 9th | 6 | Olivershare | 10 | Danny Peisley | Peter G Sinclair | 57kg | $11.00 |
| 10th | 14 | Westerly | 2 | Jon Grisedale | C R Manson | 55kg | $151.00 |
| 11th | 16 | Need For Spieth | 6 | Damien Thornton | Indiana Turner | 55.5kg | $5.50 |
| Scr | 1 | River Ribble | 12 | G Heinrich & B Rodgers | 62kg | ||
| Scr | 2 | Every Heart | 15 | Michael Freedman | 59.5kg | ||
| Scr | 7 | Platinum Gift | 8 | Adam Campton | 56.5kg | ||
| Scr | 9 | Solidude | 14 | Allan Chau | 55.5kg | ||
| Scr | 11 | Monte Tiana | 9 | R Downey | N Mayfield-Smith | 55kg | |
| Scr | 15 | Doyle | 17 | Marcus Wilson | 55kg |
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