Punt like a Pro, without the know!
Victoria · Monday 6 October 2025
Our top pick won 4 of 8 races at Ballarat. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
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Three-year-old filly dropping significantly in class after a strong 4th in open company at Flemington. The step up to 2000m looks suitable based on her strong finishing efforts, and the 55kg weight is a significant advantage.
Four-year-old gelding showing consistent form with placings in 5 of 6 starts. Finished a close second over 2000m last start at Mornington and has the services of top jockey Damian Lane. The wide barrier is a concern, but his consistent form and proven stamina at the distance make him a genuine contender despite the weight.
Lightly-raced three-year-old gelding showing promise with a close second last start over 1600m. The wide barrier is a concern, but the weight advantage and progressive profile suggest he can handle the step up to 2000m. Ryan Houston takes the ride.
Finished 4th over this distance last start and gets the gear change to visors for the first time.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Dharam Shalaa | 14 | Harry Coffey | Dan O''Sullivan | 59.5kg | $26.00 |
| 2nd | 6 | Peeaitchdee | 12 | Damian Lane | G M Begg | 59.5kg | $2.60 |
| 3rd | 11 | Simply Gold | 13 | Ryan Houston | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 55.5kg | $10.00 |
| 4th | 14 | There Were Roses | 4 | Craig Williams | T Busuttin & N Young | 55kg | $1.90 |
| 5th | 4 | Infer | 2 | Neil Farley | Tammy Birnie | 59.5kg | $61.00 |
| 6th | 8 | Justified At Last | 11 | Fred W Kersley | Mark & Levi Kavanagh | 57.5kg | $151.00 |
| 7th | 2 | Grinding Away | 3 | Teodore Nugent | Michele Denham | 59.5kg | $26.00 |
| 8th | 10 | Patriot Wolf | 9 | Luke Currie | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 57kg | $16.00 |
| 9th | 7 | Ruscello | 5 | Jye Mc Neil | C J Waller | 59.5kg | $21.00 |
| Scr | 3 | Hard Grunt | 1 | Simon Zahra | 59.5kg | ||
| Scr | 5 | Irlandais | 8 | Scott Irlam | 59.5kg | ||
| Scr | 9 | Onya Shoulders | 10 | Simon Zahra | 57.5kg | ||
| Scr | 12 | Zorb | 6 | Archie Alexander | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 13 | Don''t Doubt Dare | 7 | M C Kent | 55kg |
The Hayes stable is renowned for having their horses well-prepared for debut, and the booking of Luke Currie is a positive indicator. The middle barrier draw should allow for a positive position in the run, likely settling midfield with options.
Robert Hickmott is a quality trainer who typically places his horses well. The inside barrier draw should allow for a positive position in the run, and with the likely fast tempo, Light Filled could be finishing strongly if given a patient ride by Declan Bates.
Rosangela brings the strongest form credentials to this maiden, having placed twice from four starts in much stronger company. The significant class drop from open company to a provincial maiden is a major advantage, and she's drawn to get an ideal run from barrier 6.
She's second-up from a spell today which should see her improve, and she has experience on soft tracks with a placing from two starts in similar conditions. The wide barrier is a concern, but with the expected fast tempo, she could be running on strongly late.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Angel Eyes | 5 | Luke Currie | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 57kg | $1.90 |
| 2nd | 8 | Light Filled | 3 | Declan Bates | Robert Hickmott | 57kg | $7.50 |
| 3rd | 10 | Romantic Miss | 8 | John Allen | Tom Dabernig | 57kg | $9.50 |
| 4th | 13 | Skjaldmo | 10 | Jye Mc Neil | R D Griffiths | 57kg | $7.50 |
| 5th | 3 | Eyes Of Blue | 1 | Luke Nolen | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 57kg | $4.20 |
| 6th | 9 | Raison D''rose | 7 | Teodore Nugent | J F Moloney | 57kg | $20.00 |
| 7th | 7 | Lacessit | 4 | Harry Coffey | Kate Rousseaux | 57kg | $71.00 |
| Scr | 2 | Classy Sassy | 2 | D J Cannon | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 4 | Giddy Girl | 11 | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 5 | Grandstraz | 13 | Jason Warren | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 6 | Hegely | 12 | B C Hearps | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 11 | Rosangela | 6 | M Price & M Kent Jnr | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 12 | Russian Sky | 9 | Matthew Cumani | 57kg |
First starter from the powerful Ciaron Maher stable with top jockey Jye McNeil engaged. Drawn perfectly in barrier 4 which should allow a midfield position with cover. The cross-over nose band first time suggests connections are expecting a professional debut. Stable has excellent record with well-prepared first starters.
First starter from the Chris Waller stable with champion jockey Damian Lane aboard. The comprehensive gear application (cross-over nose band, ear muffs pre-race, lugging bit, tongue tie) suggests connections have identified and addressed potential issues during trackwork. Waller rarely sends horses to provincial maidens unless they're ready to perform.
Second-up from a spell with 17 days between runs, which is an ideal spacing. Has placed once from 5 starts and should appreciate the step up to 1200m. Barrier 11 is slightly awkward but should have enough early speed to find a position.
First starter from the Tom Dabernig stable with quality jockey John Allen engaged. The stable rarely sends horses to the races underdone, and the booking of Allen suggests some confidence. Likely to settle back from the wide draw but should be running on strongly.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 7 | Ornithology | 10 | Damian Lane | C J Waller | 57kg | $4.60 |
| 2nd | 5 | Neverenoughlego | 11 | Harry Coffey | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 57kg | $3.30 |
| 3rd | 13 | Justibella | 4 | Jye Mc Neil | C Maher | 55kg | $2.60 |
| 4th | 10 | Texture | 1 | Luke Currie | T & C McEvoy | 57kg | $8.00 |
| 5th | 8 | Prince Iadora | 13 | John Allen | Tom Dabernig | 57kg | $15.00 |
| 6th | 18 | Left Hook | 2 | Beau Mertens | M Price & M Kent Jnr | 59.5kg | $11.00 |
| 7th | 15 | Shot Of Satin | 7 | Jarrod Fry | J F Moloney | 57.5kg | $101.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Banyan Jenni | 9 | Shane Jackson | 57.5kg | ||
| Scr | 2 | Gina''s A Star | 12 | Mitchell Freedman | 57.5kg | ||
| Scr | 3 | Langlo Crossing | 8 | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 4 | Mr Vegas | 15 | C I Brown | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 6 | Octane Reign | 6 | Jason Warren | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 9 | Star Compass | 14 | Aaron Purcell | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 11 | Bajaria | 18 | Peter Gelagotis | 55kg | ||
| Scr | 12 | Balmoral Castle | 5 | C Maher | 55kg | ||
| Scr | 14 | Valorada | 17 | Claire Patterson | 55kg | ||
| Scr | 16 | Samand | 16 | Patrick Keane | 57.5kg | ||
| Scr | 17 | Wyman Lake | 3 | Andrew Bobbin | 57.5kg |
Angelos brings the most consistent form to this race with placings in two of her three career starts, including a strong third at this track and distance last start. The addition of winkers should help her focus, and she gets in well at the weights with 55kg. Trainer Andrew Noblet has her in good order and Declan Bates is a positive jockey booking.
On The Prowl is showing steady improvement with two solid placings from as many starts. The engagement of top jockey John Allen is significant, and from barrier 3, he should get a perfect midfield position. The Gavin Bedggood-trained gelding is well-weighted with 57kg and appears ready to break through for his maiden win.
Miss Como showed promise on debut with a strong third at Kilmore on a soft track. The Hayes stable has a strong record with maidens, and the addition of winkers should help her focus better. Well-weighted with 55kg, she's open to significant improvement second-up and should handle the soft track conditions based on her debut performance.
Alana Kelly knows the horse well having ridden her in most starts, and she typically improves second-up.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 13 | Angelos | 16 | Declan Bates | Andrew Noblet | 55kg | $3.30 |
| 2nd | 5 | Abby''s Crossword | 7 | Alana Kelly | D J Cannon | 57.5kg | $16.00 |
| 3rd | 10 | On The Prowl | 3 | John Allen | Gavin Bedggood | 57kg | $2.00 |
| 4th | 12 | Taajwar | 12 | Harry Coffey | T & C McEvoy | 57kg | $6.00 |
| 5th | 9 | You Said What | 10 | Lachlan King | Claire Patterson | 57.5kg | $21.00 |
| 6th | 16 | Saker Falcon | 9 | Luke Currie | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 59.5kg | $9.00 |
| 7th | 7 | Riccia | 8 | Tayla Childs | B & A McKnight | 57.5kg | $101.00 |
| 8th | 2 | Goyathlay | 5 | Tom Madden | R F Donat | 59.5kg | $101.00 |
| 9th | 4 | Stings Like A Bee | 11 | Carleen Hefel | Grant & Peter Dalziel | 59.5kg | $91.00 |
| 10th | 8 | Victory Blues | 2 | Valentin Le Boeuf | Ann-Jeanette Tindale | 57.5kg | $151.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Cod Invader | 4 | Dennis Julius | 59.5kg | ||
| Scr | 3 | Smart Moves | 1 | Dennis Julius | 59.5kg | ||
| Scr | 6 | Mystic Rapture | 17 | Mark & Levi Kavanagh | 57.5kg | ||
| Scr | 11 | Sky Deel | 15 | Gavin Bedggood | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 14 | Target Set | 6 | T Busuttin & N Young | 55kg | ||
| Scr | 15 | Miss Como | 14 | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 55kg | ||
| Scr | 17 | Lawn Bowler | 13 | Matthew Cumani | 59.5kg |
Vixenette represents the clear class runner in this field, dropping back from metropolitan and strong provincial company. Her recent synthetic form has been excellent with consecutive placings, and the first-time blinkers should sharpen her up. The McEvoy stable has engaged Luke Currie which signals intent, and her overall consistency gives confidence despite the weight.
Count Ida comes into this race in peak form after a last-start win at Donald over 1350m. While this represents a slight class rise, his consistency and ability to handle soft tracks make him a genuine contender. Ryan Hurdle retains the ride which is a positive.
Naval Force brings strong credentials to this race with a last-start second at Geelong. His soft track record is excellent with two wins from five starts, and he's proven at the distance. While carrying top weight is a challenge, he's shown he can handle it in similar company. The Andrew Payne-trained gelding should get a good run from barrier 4 and will be strong late.
Artpark represents excellent value after a strong second last start at Warrnambool. The Preusker/Yendall combination is always dangerous, and her soft track record adds confidence.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 11 | Vixenette | 6 | Luke Currie | T & C McEvoy | 60kg | $2.80 |
| 2nd | 16 | Summer Night | 1 | E J Walsh | S Fliedner | 58.5kg | $41.00 |
| 3rd | 6 | Anchor Down | 12 | Harry Coffey | D T O''Brien | 60.5kg | $10.00 |
| 4th | 5 | Vaderlee | 5 | Fred W Kersley | Simon Zahra | 61kg | $7.50 |
| 5th | 3 | Rhodesian Red | 11 | Brad Rawiller | Mark & Levi Kavanagh | 61kg | $17.00 |
| 6th | 4 | Tears Are Flowing | 3 | Declan Bates | Symon Wilde | 61kg | $7.50 |
| 7th | 10 | Pontmeirion | 17 | John Allen | Robert Hickmott | 60kg | $15.00 |
| 8th | 15 | Warakurna | 10 | Mr M Aitken | Rhys Archard | 59kg | $26.00 |
| 9th | 9 | Treasury Place | 13 | Jarrod Fry | Andrew Campbell | 60.5kg | $19.00 |
| 10th | 18 | Rippa Buddy | 14 | Neil Farley | D J Cannon | 58kg | $71.00 |
| 11th | 7 | Count Ida | 7 | Ryan Hurdle | Michael Jones | 60.5kg | $10.00 |
| 12th | 12 | Artpark | 15 | Dean Yendall | P A Preusker | 58.5kg | $7.00 |
| 13th | 17 | Quizlet | 16 | Lucinda Doodt | Lucinda Boyd | 58kg | $41.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Naval Force | 4 | Andrew Payne | 63kg | ||
| Scr | 2 | Mamuno | 2 | C I Brown | 61kg | ||
| Scr | 8 | Switch Hit | 9 | Mitchell Freedman | 60.5kg | ||
| Scr | 13 | Highly Intrigued | 18 | Saab Hasan | 58.5kg | ||
| Scr | 14 | Magic Edition | 8 | B & A McKnight | 57.5kg |
Dancing Dolly brings the strongest recent form into this race with a maiden win last start and consistently strong performances. Second-up from a spell with a strong second-up record, drawn perfectly in barrier 6 with John Allen aboard, she looks primed to handle this class rise.
Touchdown brings an unbeaten record (1-1-0 from 2 starts) and is second-up after an impressive maiden win at Sale. The Hayes-trained gelding has shown plenty of ability in limited starts and retains the services of Luke Nolen. The wide barrier is a concern, but his tactical speed should allow him to overcome it. The class rise is significant but he appears to have the talent to measure up.
Gee Tee is a promising filly from the McEvoy stable who won impressively at this track last start. Second-up from a spell with natural improvement expected, she gets in with a light weight and has Harry Coffey aboard. The class rise is significant, but she's shown enough ability to suggest she can be competitive. Her lack of experience on soft tracks is the main query.
His record at the distance is excellent (2-1-2 from 7) and he's drawn perfectly in barrier 3.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 11 | Dancing Dolly | 6 | John Allen | Archie Alexander | 56kg | $4.40 |
| 2nd | 1 | Touchdown | 13 | Luke Nolen | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 60kg | $2.60 |
| 3rd | 3 | Ahab | 2 | Valentin Le Boeuf | Ann-Jeanette Tindale | 59kg | $61.00 |
| 4th | 13 | Gee Tee | 9 | Harry Coffey | T & C McEvoy | 55.5kg | $3.00 |
| 5th | 12 | Arizona Luck | 4 | Beau Mertens | Symon Wilde | 55.5kg | $7.00 |
| 6th | 9 | Lumpys Highway | 8 | Brad Rawiller | Chris Calthorpe | 57.5kg | $21.00 |
| 7th | 7 | Garfield | 1 | Craig Atkinson | Ms H White | 58kg | $51.00 |
| 8th | 2 | Triomphe | 10 | Campbell Rawiller | Symon Wilde | 60kg | $71.00 |
| 9th | 4 | It''s Lit | 7 | Jarrod Fry | L Smith | 59kg | $26.00 |
| Scr | 5 | Norwoods | 11 | Rachael Cunningham | 59kg | ||
| Scr | 6 | Teddy Boy | 3 | Lachlan King | Claire Patterson | 59kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Jenni Intiba | 12 | Shane Jackson | 58kg | ||
| Scr | 10 | Aria Electra | 5 | Peter Gelagotis | 57kg |
All Pink brings the strongest credentials as a lightly-raced mare dropping significantly in class from Open company. The perfect barrier draw should allow her to utilize her early speed in a race likely to be run at a very fast tempo.
Under My Thumb brings solid credentials with a consistent record of 2 wins and 3 placings from 8 starts. Her distance record is excellent (2-1-0 from 4 starts) and she's proven on soft going. The Hayes stable has her ready first-up, though her fresh record suggests she might be vulnerable.
Lavandula is a lightly-raced mare with clear upside, having won impressively at this distance last start. The Thomas Sadler stable has her ready first-up, though her fresh record is only fair. The wide barrier is a concern in a race with likely fast tempo, and she's untested on soft tracks.
The advantageous barrier 6 draw and experienced jockey Neil Farley further enhance her claims.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Lavandula | 12 | Rhys Mc Leod | Thomas Sadler | 60kg | $5.50 |
| 2nd | 4 | Mr Assertive | 10 | Jye Mc Neil | Mark & Levi Kavanagh | 61.5kg | $6.00 |
| 3rd | 1 | Under My Thumb | 4 | Brittany Button | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 60kg | $3.40 |
| 4th | 9 | Liberty Rae | 7 | Melissa Julius | Cameron Thompson | 58kg | $17.00 |
| 5th | 6 | All Pink | 1 | Declan Bates | M Price & M Kent Jnr | 59kg | $3.50 |
| 6th | 10 | Factually | 6 | Neil Farley | C J Cassar | 57.5kg | $20.00 |
| 7th | 3 | Sophast | 2 | Beau Mertens | Patrick Keane | 62kg | $10.00 |
| 8th | 11 | Raging Monkey | 9 | Sam Kennedy Roessling | L E Robertson | 53kg | $16.00 |
| Scr | 2 | Wolf Twenty One | 3 | Shane Jackson | 63kg | ||
| Scr | 7 | Brash Lass | 11 | Lauren Burke | Shane Nichols & Hayden Black | 55.5kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Rich And Joyful | 8 | K & K Keys | 58.5kg | ||
| Scr | 12 | War Of Wisdom | 13 | Tyson Barton | 54.5kg | ||
| Scr | 13 | Especial Courage | 5 | Ms E Haworth | 54kg |
Thunder Award brings the most consistent form to this race with 6 seconds from 14 starts. The first-time visors could be the key gear change to help him break through for a win. His soft track form is solid, and he maps to get a nice trailing position despite the wide barrier. Has been racing in similar or stronger company and looks well-placed to break through.
Nightime Star is a lightly raced improver coming off a last-start win. Her perfect soft track record and favorable barrier draw give her strong claims. While she's stepping up in class from maiden grade and trying 1200m for the first time, her progressive profile and weight advantage (55.5kg) suggest she can be competitive in this field.
Let's Trot brings solid credentials with a strong record at the distance (1-2-0 from 6 starts) and excellent soft track form. Well drawn in barrier 3 to get an ideal run, and his overall consistency (2-3-1 from 12 starts) suggests he'll be competitive. His last run was poor, but he can bounce back with the right run in transit.
She's coming off a solid 3rd place finish last start and has been racing consistently in similar company.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 9 | Bellalique | 1 | Carleen Hefel | P A Preusker | 59.5kg | $15.00 |
| 2nd | 2 | Flux | 2 | Neil Farley | Rodney Foster | 62kg | $11.00 |
| 3rd | 14 | Nightime Star | 4 | Christopher Pang | Tom Dabernig | 55.5kg | $6.50 |
| 3rd | 17 | Rockcliff | 7 | Beau Mertens | R J Besanko | 59kg | $15.00 |
| 5th | 5 | Russian Front | 9 | Fred W Kersley | Simon Zahra | 61kg | $9.00 |
| 6th | 15 | Soobooma | 12 | Brad Rawiller | R J Besanko | 61kg | $16.00 |
| 7th | 13 | Danube | 6 | Harry Coffey | C Maher | 58.5kg | $9.00 |
| 8th | 10 | Seattle Hope | 8 | Thomas Doyle | Mitchell Freedman | 59.5kg | $51.00 |
| 9th | 12 | Alpinova | 13 | Melea Castle | Brooke Verwey-Mitchell | 59kg | $21.00 |
| 10th | 6 | Thunder Award | 15 | Rhys Mc Leod | Lloyd Kennewell | 61kg | $3.00 |
| 11th | 1 | Milo | 11 | Sam Kennedy Roessling | Andrew Bobbin | 59.5kg | $17.00 |
| 12th | 7 | Frost Yourself | 16 | Alana Kelly | Thomas Conlan | 60kg | $10.00 |
| Scr | 3 | Let''s Trot | 3 | Shane Jackson | 62kg | ||
| Scr | 4 | Nordic | 17 | Andrew Noblet | 62kg | ||
| Scr | 8 | Secret Elegance | 5 | Peter Gelagotis | 60kg | ||
| Scr | 11 | Sistine Tunnel | 18 | Andrew Noblet | 59.5kg | ||
| Scr | 16 | Nicking Gracie | 14 | Robert Palm | 57.5kg | ||
| Scr | 18 | Supamano | 10 | Michael Gibson | 58.5kg |
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