Punt like a Pro, without the know!
Queensland · Wednesday 15 October 2025
Our top pick won 3 of 7 races at Mackay. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
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Better Be Ready brings the strongest recent form, having won over this track and distance last start in good time. The 4YO gelding is improving with racing and should get an ideal run from barrier 5 with the expected moderate-fast tempo. The Manzelmann/Cormack combination is firing and this progressive galloper looks ready to win again.
The Penske File brings strong recent form having won at Bowen over 1810m just 4 days ago. He's perfectly drawn in barrier 1 which is ideal at Mackay's leader-friendly track, and his record at this track is excellent (1 win, 3 placings from 5 starts).
Fortified drops significantly in class after racing in Open company and has a strong record at this track and distance (2 wins from 6 starts).
While she hasn't won at this distance, she has placed twice at this track and distance from 8 attempts.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | The Penske File | 1 | Nikki Olzard | Jennifer Hatfield | 57kg | $2.40 |
| 2nd | 3 | Better Be Ready | 5 | Sean Cormack | Joshua Manzelmann | 59.5kg | $1.75 |
| 3rd | 7 | Torque Espagna | 2 | Amie Meissner | Lachie Manzelmann | 52kg | $8.50 |
| 4th | 2 | Fortified | 4 | Chelsea Jokic | Joshua Manzelmann | 63.5kg | $20.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Odegaard | 3 | Tom Orr | Joshua Manzelmann | 62.5kg | |
| Scr | 4 | Final Comment | 7 | R B Williams | 58.5kg | ||
| Scr | 5 | Eagle Warrior | 6 | S J Royes | 58kg |
Three-year-old gelding showing consistent form with two seconds from six starts. Should get a perfect run on pace and has the strongest finishing burst in this field.
Five-year-old mare who has been a consistent placegetter with four seconds from 13 starts. Well drawn in barrier 5 and likely to be on pace which suits the Mackay track. Has a good record on Good tracks with three seconds from seven starts. The 60kg topweight is a concern, as is the 56-day break between runs, but her consistency puts her in the finish.
Five-year-old gelding who ran a strong second at this track last start over 1300m. Has shown improvement in recent runs and carries just 55.5kg today. Has a good record at Mackay with a second from three starts. Will likely settle midfield to back which isn't ideal at this track, but his finishing burst should see him in the finish.
Five-year-old mare showing improvement with a strong third last start at Rockhampton. Perfectly drawn in barrier 1 which is a significant advantage at Mackay. Second-up today where she has placed before with a third from two second-up attempts.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Grumpywantsatissue | 8 | Raul Silvera Olivera | Jessica Kuhn | 59kg | $2.90 |
| 2nd | 5 | Supeedo Gonzales | 3 | Jackson Murphy | Joshua Manzelmann | 57.5kg | $4.80 |
| 3rd | 1 | She''s Got Lyrics | 5 | Nathan Thomas | Jade Doolan | 60kg | $2.30 |
| 4th | 3 | Debbie Baby | 2 | Adam Sewell | Lachie Manzelmann | 57.5kg | $10.00 |
| 5th | 9 | Spieth Impediment | 6 | Ivo Fry | T Button | 55.5kg | $71.00 |
| 6th | 6 | Mahtikkainstinct | 1 | Chris Mc Iver | Jessica Kuhn | 57kg | $9.00 |
| Scr | 4 | Miss Comaneci | 7 | Nikki Olzard | Lachie Manzelmann | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 7 | The Kobay Train | 4 | Chelsea Jokic | Joshua Manzelmann | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 8 | John''s Road | 9 | Jason Taylor | P J Duncan | 55.5kg |
Shoalwater Bay brings the strongest overall form into this race with an impressive 19% win and 52% place strike rate. While untested at Mackay, his tactical versatility and consistent form make him well-suited to this track's configuration. The moderate-fast tempo should play to his strengths.
Iconic Prince brings valuable track experience with a win and a placing from three starts at Mackay. His inside barrier (2) is advantageous on this leader-friendly circuit, and he showed consistent form with three consecutive placings before his last start.
Diasonic brings the strongest track/distance credentials with 2 wins and 2 placings from 7 starts at Mackay over 1560m. While carrying top weight and showing modest recent form, the class drop and proven track performance give him solid place claims.
While unproven at Mackay, he has a solid record at the distance with 2 wins from 7 attempts. The inside barrier (4) is advantageous on this leader-friendly track, and the slight class drop works in his favor. His recent winning form suggests he's in career-best condition.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 7 | Iconic Prince | 2 | Sean Cormack | C G Russell | 58kg | $2.70 |
| 2nd | 3 | Diasonic | 1 | Adam Sewell | Lachie Manzelmann | 59.5kg | $6.00 |
| 3rd | 6 | Cash Artist | 4 | Chris Mc Iver | Darryl Johnston | 58kg | $7.50 |
| 4th | 4 | Shoalwater Bay | 3 | Tom Orr | Bevan Johnson | 57kg | $2.50 |
| 5th | 5 | Mr Caleb | 7 | Amie Meissner | Lachie Manzelmann | 56.5kg | $8.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Aidenabet | 6 | Chelsea Jokic | Joshua Manzelmann | 60.5kg | |
| Scr | 2 | Presszora | 5 | Ashley Butler | Clinton Taylor | 60kg |
Second-up today with a proven record in this pattern, he's drawn perfectly in barrier 3 for this tight-turning track. His soft track record (18:5-4-2) suggests today's conditions will suit, and he should get a perfect run just off the likely fast tempo.
While carrying topweight of 60.5kg is a challenge, he's proven capable under weight and has a solid record at this distance (4:1-0-1). The lack of Mackay experience is a concern, but his class should carry him through.
Flying Shamus brings the strongest track credentials to this race with an excellent Mackay record (33:8-5-4) and strong track/distance statistics (10:2-3-1). Drawn ideally in barrier 2 with just 54kg, she should get a perfect run.
The barrier draw is the main concern, but if he can find cover midfield, his finishing burst could see him in the finish.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Master Montaro | 4 | Aidan Holt | Ricky Vale | 60.5kg | $4.60 |
| 2nd | 7 | Flying Shamus | 2 | Nikki Olzard | Jennifer Hatfield | 54kg | $6.00 |
| 3rd | 2 | Outback Action | 1 | Georgina Cartwright | Lachie Manzelmann | 57.5kg | $6.50 |
| 4th | 5 | Captain Fox | 5 | Adam Sewell | P J Fleming | 56kg | $14.00 |
| 5th | 6 | Doubting Eye | 3 | Raul Silvera Olivera | Jason Morgan | 56kg | $2.00 |
| 6th | 4 | Soopat | 6 | Tom Orr | Bevan Johnson | 55kg | $12.00 |
| 7th | 3 | Journalism | 7 | Jackson Murphy | Lachie Manzelmann | 57kg | $31.00 |
Second-up today after a solid 2nd placing at Townsville, he's well-placed to break through for a maiden win. The inside draw suits Mackay's tight turning track, and he's proven on Good surfaces. The class drop from previous preparation is significant.
The significant class drop from previous Group 3 company is notable, and the inside barrier draw suits Mackay's tight turning track. Jason Taylor taking the ride is a positive jockey booking, and the filly should be ready to show her best.
Time Power is showing an improving pattern with his form, progressing from 7th to 5th in his two career starts. The barrier draw is suitable for Mackay's configuration, and the 10-day spacing between runs should have him at peak fitness.
Her recent 2nd placing at Bowen over 1200m shows she's in form, and the drop back from 1800m should sharpen her up. Sean Cormack is a strong jockey booking, and the inside barrier bias at Mackay should work in her favor. Represents good each-way value.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Dragon Tales | 6 | Aidan Holt | Georgina Bourke | 60kg | $1.55 |
| 2nd | 4 | Time Power | 5 | Ivo Fry | T Button | 59kg | $10.00 |
| 3rd | 8 | The Kobay Train | 8 | Sean Cormack | Joshua Manzelmann | 56.5kg | $7.00 |
| 4th | 9 | Picnic Blanket | 1 | Jackson Murphy | Lachie Manzelmann | 56kg | $41.00 |
| 5th | 5 | Fillydelphia Miss | 9 | Adam Sewell | Lachie Manzelmann | 58kg | $10.00 |
| 6th | 7 | Van Der Woodsen | 3 | Jason Taylor | Troy Clive | 57kg | $7.50 |
| 7th | 6 | Ruby Doreen | 4 | Raul Silvera Olivera | Lachie Manzelmann | 57.5kg | $101.00 |
| 8th | 2 | Promptly | 2 | Georgina Cartwright | Lachie Manzelmann | 60kg | $15.00 |
| Scr | 3 | Watchfulwilderness | 7 | Ashley Butler | Ricky Vale | 60kg |
His recent form is strong with two seconds from his last four starts, and he's dropping back from tougher company. The barrier will allow him to utilize his tactical speed and the expected fast tempo should suit his running style.
Rich Divinity comes off a last-start win and draws perfectly in barrier 2, which is crucial at this track. With a strong record at Mackay (9: 1-2-2) and consistent recent form, he should get a perfect run in transit. While dropping back in trip is a slight concern, the inside draw and Georgina Cartwright's riding should ensure he's in the finish.
Turn Bird drops significantly in class and gets the blinkers on for the first time, which should sharpen him up. As a likely leader on a track that favors front-runners, he maps to get the perfect run. While carrying top weight is a concern, his class edge and the addition of blinkers make him a genuine winning chance in this field.
Lady Masquerade offers excellent value given her strong record at this track (11: 2-3-0) and distance (8: 2-0-0). While her last start was disappointing, she's well-weighted with 55.5kg and should get a good run from barrier 3.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Turn Bird | 6 | Samantha Pointon | S J Royes | 60kg | $3.90 |
| 2nd | 3 | Northernontap | 1 | Ivo Fry | T Button | 59kg | $3.90 |
| 3rd | 6 | Rich Divinity | 2 | Georgina Cartwright | W N Pomfrett | 56.5kg | $6.00 |
| 4th | 2 | Raetihi | 7 | Adam Sewell | Lachie Manzelmann | 60kg | $8.00 |
| 5th | 5 | Lady Masquerade | 3 | Tom Orr | Trevor Williams | 55.5kg | $4.60 |
| 6th | 9 | Just Frank | 4 | Nathan Thomas | Joshua Manzelmann | 54kg | $91.00 |
| 7th | 4 | Demon Delivera | 5 | Jackson Murphy | Kale Sinclair | 58kg | $13.00 |
| 8th | 7 | Aidenabet | 8 | Chelsea Jokic | Joshua Manzelmann | 55.5kg | $21.00 |
| 9th | 8 | Me Time | 9 | Chris Mc Iver | Jessica Kuhn | 54kg | $10.00 |
Underrated brings the strongest form credentials, dropping significantly from Open company where he's been competitive. Second-up today with a solid record in this pattern (2:0-1-1), he's drawn perfectly in barrier 5 on this leader-friendly track.
Her strong Mackay record (6:1-1-1) is a significant positive, and she's a consistent placegetter (31:2-8-3). The wide barrier is a concern on this tight-turning track, but she has the tactical speed to find a position midfield and her proven ability on soft tracks (9:2-1-2) could be valuable if conditions deteriorate.
He's a Mackay winner (8:1-0-1) who should get a good run from barrier 7 with experienced jockey Georgina Cartwright aboard. While his win strike rate is modest (13:1-2-2) and he's rising slightly in class, his reliable racing pattern and proven ability at the track make him a solid place chance in this field.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Underrated | 5 | Ashley Butler | Clinton Taylor | 59.5kg | $1.60 |
| 2nd | 8 | Holy Crown | 13 | Jackson Murphy | Kale Sinclair | 56.5kg | $7.50 |
| 3rd | 9 | Chiaro Di Luna | 8 | Raul Silvera Olivera | L A Wright | 56kg | $16.00 |
| 4th | 12 | Fireupzous | 3 | Nathan Thomas | Lachie Manzelmann | 54kg | $31.00 |
| 5th | 13 | Fancy Legend | 2 | Amie Meissner | Ms L Horstman | 52kg | $101.00 |
| 6th | 7 | Belle''s Boy | 9 | Jason Taylor | Ms L Horstman | 57.5kg | $26.00 |
| 7th | 3 | Ravenite | 7 | Georgina Cartwright | W N Pomfrett | 59kg | $10.00 |
| 8th | 11 | Madame Moth | 1 | Chris Mc Iver | Lachie Manzelmann | 54.5kg | $31.00 |
| 9th | 10 | Microwave Jenny | 10 | Adam Sewell | Ms R Binder | 55.5kg | $26.00 |
| 10th | 1 | Mattei | 6 | Chelsea Jokic | Joshua Manzelmann | 60kg | $13.00 |
| 11th | 6 | Lulo Rose | 4 | Nikki Olzard | Tracy Simmons | 58kg | $10.00 |
| Scr | 4 | Vancouver Bay | 14 | S J Royes | 59kg | ||
| Scr | 5 | Diamond Money | 11 | Tom Orr | Kevin Miller | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 14 | Just Frank | 12 | Joshua Manzelmann | 54kg |
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