Punt like a Pro, without the know!
New South Wales · Saturday 18 October 2025
Our top pick won 4 of 8 races at Newcastle. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
top pick wonanother tip wonno tip won
That run was over 900m, suggesting the step up to 1250m should suit. Has drawn perfectly in barrier 6 with top jockey Aaron Bullock aboard. The form is recent and relevant at this track, making him the clear standout.
Three Arrows represents the powerful John O'Shea stable and has drawn well in barrier 5. The booking of experienced jockey Keagan Latham is significant, and the application of ear muffs (pre-race) and lugging bit suggests connections are expecting a forward showing. The likely fast tempo should suit a midfield runner like this, and the stable rarely presents unprepared runners.
Iron Legend comes from the highly successful Hawkes stable, known for having their horses well-prepared on debut. The booking of Jean Van Overmeire is positive, and the barrier draw (4) should allow for an ideal run in transit. The application of ear muffs pre-race suggests they're managing the horse's temperament, and the stable's runners typically perform well at provincial level.
The booking of Reece Jones is a positive, and the likely fast tempo should suit his running style. While drawn wide, the anticipated pace should allow him to find a position and finish strongly.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | Zoucratic | 2 | Mitch Stapleford | Joseph Pride | 54.5kg | $4.20 |
| 2nd | 10 | Exceeding Limits | 1 | William A Stanley | Mark Cross | 53kg | $101.00 |
| 3rd | 7 | Three Arrows | 5 | Keagan Latham | John O''Shea & Tom Charlton | 56.5kg | $2.80 |
| 4th | 4 | Iron Legend | 4 | Jean Van Overmeire | M, W & J Hawkes | 56.5kg | $3.30 |
| 5th | 1 | Mariko | 6 | Aaron Bullock | M S Minervini | 59kg | $6.50 |
| 6th | 3 | Calippo | 8 | L P Beuzelin | Marc Chevalier | 56.5kg | $101.00 |
| 7th | 12 | Riga | 3 | Nacim Dilmi | 55kg | $10.00 | |
| 8th | 2 | Adeel It''s A Steal | 7 | Jake Hull | 58.5kg | $26.00 | |
| Scr | 5 | Patonga | 11 | C J Waller | 56.5kg | ||
| Scr | 6 | The Prospect | 12 | Nacim Dilmi | 56.5kg | ||
| Scr | 9 | English Conqueror | 9 | Reece Jones | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 56kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Fast Blue | 10 | T J Bartley | 55kg |
The Peter Snowden-trained filly has drawn perfectly in barrier 1 but may need luck in running as she typically gets back in the field. While yet to win from 4 starts, she has placed twice on Good tracks and brings recent racing fitness.
The Waller-trained filly has drawn well in barrier 2 and should get an ideal run. While yet to win from 4 starts, she's placed twice including a narrow second when second-up last campaign. First-up status is the main concern after 108 days off.
The Richard & Will Freedman-trained filly has drawn perfectly in barrier 3 with experienced jockey Keagan Latham aboard. Her improving form trend with consecutive placings suggests she's ready to break through for a maiden win. Recent racing fitness is a significant advantage in this field.
The mare is second-up from a spell after a solid second-place finish first-up. She has previously placed second at this track and distance and boasts a consistent place record (0-2-1 from 4 starts). While carrying top weight from a wide barrier, she's likely to be on-pace in a fast tempo race which could suit her running style.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 9 | Beverly Hills | 4 | C J Waller | 56kg | $8.00 | |
| 2nd | 2 | Frankely Sublime | 8 | C J Waller | 59kg | $15.00 | |
| 3rd | 7 | Look Here | 1 | Peter Snowden | 56.5kg | $2.80 | |
| 4th | 5 | Ernaux | 2 | C J Waller | 58kg | $1.80 | |
| 5th | 3 | Sara''s Rocket | 11 | Mitch Stapleford | M S Minervini | 57kg | $12.00 |
| 6th | 6 | Hellavalegacy | 9 | Andrew Gibbons | K A Lees | 56.5kg | $31.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Semibreve | 10 | J C Coyle | 59.5kg | ||
| Scr | 4 | Uber In | 13 | Aaron Bullock | Richard Litt | 59kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Shakespeare''s Girl | 7 | Mollie Fitzgerald | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 55kg | |
| Scr | 10 | Lethal Love | 3 | Keagan Latham | Richard & Will Freedman | 56kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Mamma Mia | 14 | L P Beuzelin | John Thompson | 56kg | |
| Scr | 12 | Sachi | 5 | Deanne Panya | R S Englebrecht | 56kg | |
| Scr | 13 | Alnair | 12 | G Ryan & S Alexiou | 56kg | ||
| Scr | 14 | Heraion | 15 | Jason Attard | 55kg | ||
| Scr | 15 | Mane Character | 6 | Nacim Dilmi | 56kg |
Uncle Barry brings the strongest recent form to this race with consecutive seconds including one at this track and distance. Second-up record shows improvement and he appears ready to break through.
Invincible Phantom brings solid form credentials and represents a significant class drop from previous racing. The Bjorn Baker-trained gelding maps to settle midfield and finish strongly, making him a genuine winning chance.
The significant gear changes (cross-over nose band, ear muffs, tongue tie) suggest improvement is expected, and the engagement of Reece Jones is a positive.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 11 | Straight Sets | 5 | Reece Jones | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 55kg | $3.10 |
| 2nd | 10 | Precious Girl | 4 | Andrew Gibbons | Denim Wynen | 55kg | $11.00 |
| 3rd | 5 | Love You Anyway | 1 | Kacie Adams | B G Lawrence | 57kg | $201.00 |
| 4th | 3 | Cool Blaze | 3 | G Portelli | 57kg | $12.00 | |
| 5th | 2 | Uncle Barry | 9 | Jean Van Overmeire | Mitchell Beer & George Carpenter | 59kg | $4.20 |
| 6th | 7 | Over The Rainbow | 10 | Donovan Dillon | P M Perry | 57kg | $31.00 |
| 7th | 1 | Lord Seymour | 2 | Mitch Stapleford | Brad Widdup | 57kg | $20.00 |
| 8th | 6 | Oakfield Mars | 11 | Aaron Bullock | D Lane | 57kg | $7.50 |
| 9th | 8 | Invincible Phantom | 7 | Bjorn Baker | 56.5kg | $3.70 | |
| 10th | 9 | Red Rocks Beach | 6 | Jeff Penza | C Karakatsanis | 56.5kg | $151.00 |
| 11th | 4 | Dandeelion Wishes | 8 | P J Evans | 57kg | $201.00 |
No Statement brings the strongest credentials with an exceptional track/distance record of 16: 5-3-2. The significant class drop from BM68 to BM64 is a major positive, and he maps to get an ideal run from barrier 3 in a race with very fast tempo.
Her track/distance record of 4: 1-0-2 is encouraging, and she gets in with just 55kg. The favorable barrier 4 should allow her to settle midfield in a race with very fast tempo.
Leantothemoon returns from a spell with an impressive record of 5: 1-3-0. Her fresh record of 2: 0-1-0 suggests she performs well when resuming, and her last preparation showed consistent form. The Angela Davies/Andrew Gibbons combination is potent, and she's proven on good tracks with a record of 4: 1-2-0. The wide barrier is the main concern in a race with very fast tempo.
With 16 starts for 3 wins, 1 second and 7 thirds, she's remarkably consistent. The significant class drop from her previous starts is a major positive, and Aaron Bullock is a strong booking. Barrier 5 gives options in a race with very fast tempo.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Shambretta | 2 | Keagan Latham | Ms K Waugh | 58kg | $18.00 |
| 2nd | 9 | Kev''s Girl | 1 | L P Beuzelin | Marc Chevalier | 55kg | $31.00 |
| 3rd | 3 | Leantothemoon | 11 | Andrew Gibbons | Angela Davies | 58kg | $2.70 |
| 4th | 5 | Princess Cruizer | 9 | Siena Grima | P M Perry | 54.5kg | $20.00 |
| 5th | 7 | Ocean Joy | 4 | Mollie Fitzgerald | M S Minervini | 55kg | $6.50 |
| 6th | 8 | Mr Trackside | 8 | Shae Wilkes | P M Perry | 52.5kg | $8.50 |
| 7th | 10 | Willingale | 6 | Jess Taylor | P M Perry | 55kg | $51.00 |
| 8th | 2 | Etoile Filante | 10 | William A Stanley | K A Lees | 57kg | $8.00 |
| 9th | 6 | Singing Star | 5 | Aaron Bullock | D Lane | 57.5kg | $9.00 |
| 10th | 1 | No Statement | 3 | Madeline Owen | M F Van Gestel | 60kg | $5.00 |
| Scr | 11 | Super Freds | 7 | Shannen Llewellyn | Jay Hopkins | 52kg |
Gunroom brings the strongest credentials with a consistent record of 1-3-1 from 7 starts and impressive 57% place rate. While carrying top weight of 60kg and first-up from a spell, his first-up record (0-1-0 from 2) suggests he can perform fresh. The gear changes are interesting additions that could improve performance.
Oakfield Saturn brings solid credentials with a 25% win rate and 50% place rate from limited starts. While first-up from a spell, her record when fresh is encouraging with a win from her only first-up attempt. The mare has shown versatility across track conditions and has previous experience at Newcastle with a placing. Aaron Bullock is a significant jockey booking and from barrier 6, she should secure an ideal midfield position.
Roman Forum makes an intriguing case with a win from her only start. While that win came on a soft track, she showed ability and determination. The retention of Jean Van Overmeire is a positive, and from barrier 4, she should get a nice run in midfield. The main concerns are her lengthy spell (176 days) and the significant class rise she faces.
Coming back from higher class races and on a quick backup suggests fitness won't be an issue. As a backmarker, he should benefit from the predicted fast tempo.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Gunroom | 5 | Mitch Stapleford | Mitchell Beer & George Carpenter | 60kg | $4.40 |
| 2nd | 3 | Oakfield Saturn | 6 | Aaron Bullock | D Lane | 56.5kg | $1.75 |
| 3rd | 2 | Caelus | 2 | Kevin May | 57.5kg | $9.00 | |
| 4th | 4 | Roman Forum | 4 | Jean Van Overmeire | David Pfieffer | 56.5kg | $4.80 |
| 5th | 8 | The Prospect | 3 | Nacim Dilmi | 55kg | $17.00 | |
| 6th | 6 | Mane Character | 7 | Nacim Dilmi | 55kg | $101.00 | |
| 7th | 7 | Meerut | 8 | T J Drayton | 55kg | $91.00 | |
| Scr | 5 | Riga | 1 | Nacim Dilmi | 55kg |
His 36% win strike rate is outstanding, and he's proven adaptable across different tracks and distances. While this represents a class rise, his progressive profile and tactical versatility suggest he can handle the step up.
Sonofdec brings solid credentials with a strong record at Newcastle (8:1-2-1) and excellent second-up statistics (4:2-0-0). His last start 2nd at this track over 1300m suggests he's in good form, and his overall consistency makes him a major player. The step up to 1350m shouldn't pose any problems, though he does carry top weight.
Cool Lad represents solid each-way value given his consistent recent form, including a close 3rd at this track over this distance 16 days ago. He's drawn well in barrier 3 and drops 2kg from his last start. While his win strike rate is modest, he's a reliable place-getter who should be suited by the likely fast tempo. His consistency makes him an attractive each-way proposition.
Rebel Rhapsody is a progressive 4YO who won impressively last start at Scone over 1300m. He's drawn perfectly in barrier 1 which should allow him to secure a good position in running.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Earl Of Bantry | 10 | Mitchell Bell | Cameron Crockett | 58.5kg | $2.80 |
| 2nd | 1 | Sonofdec | 6 | Mollie Fitzgerald | Jay Hopkins | 59.5kg | $5.50 |
| 3rd | 2 | Dashing Rupert | 11 | Grant Buckley | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 60.5kg | $9.50 |
| 4th | 7 | Rebel Rhapsody | 1 | Keagan Latham | Nacim Dilmi | 56.5kg | $3.40 |
| 5th | 6 | Rajnish | 12 | Cameron Crockett | 57kg | $13.00 | |
| 6th | 9 | Cool Lad | 3 | Jean Van Overmeire | Matthew Smith | 55kg | $9.50 |
| 7th | 11 | Ollie''s Secret | 2 | Ms J Bowen | 55kg | $21.00 | |
| 8th | 8 | Dark Vador | 5 | Andrew Gibbons | Matthew Smith | 56kg | $101.00 |
| 9th | 5 | Black Duke | 7 | Shae Wilkes | W T Wilkes | 54.5kg | $31.00 |
| 10th | 3 | Whetu | 4 | Mitch Stapleford | Robert Quinn | 57kg | $91.00 |
| Scr | 10 | Our Boy Ollie | 9 | Michelle Fleming | 55kg | ||
| Scr | 12 | Smart Jazz | 8 | J A Sylvester | 55kg |
Oceanfront brings the strongest recent form with a win at Newcastle over 1850m just 16 days ago. This progressive 4yo is showing an upward trajectory with 2 wins from 9 starts and has proven track ability. While facing a class rise, he's well-weighted with 56kg and has the services of experienced jockey Keagan Latham. His proven ability at the track and distance gives him a significant edge.
Taipan Legend brings strong recent form with a win just 6 days ago. His record on good tracks is excellent with 4 wins from 15 starts. The inside barrier draw is advantageous, but the quick backup and class rise are slight concerns.
Highborn Harry brings solid recent form with a third placing at this track and distance 14 days ago. His racing pattern is versatile, allowing him to adapt to different pace scenarios. The rise in class is offset by a manageable weight of 57kg.
While his win strike rate is low (5 from 74), he's a consistent placegetter with 11 seconds and 9 thirds. Well-weighted with 55kg and drawn well in barrier 4.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 7 | Oceanfront | 12 | Keagan Latham | Nacim Dilmi | 56kg | $5.50 |
| 2nd | 1 | Black Run | 1 | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 61kg | $9.00 | |
| 3rd | 6 | Highborn Harry | 10 | David Payne | 57kg | $6.00 | |
| 4th | 10 | Brok Cafe | 11 | P Messara & L Gavranich | 55kg | $21.00 | |
| 5th | 12 | Chateaux Park | 4 | J C Coyle | 55kg | $101.00 | |
| 6th | 4 | Hawk Power | 2 | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 60kg | $18.00 | |
| 7th | 5 | Dr Evil | 6 | Deanne Panya | J A Steinmetz | 58.5kg | $20.00 |
| 8th | 2 | Morning Sun | 7 | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 60.5kg | $4.40 | |
| 9th | 11 | Like Lukey | 5 | Andrew Gibbons | K A Lees | 55kg | $71.00 |
| 10th | 3 | Claim The Crown | 8 | J G Sargent | 60kg | $4.80 | |
| 11th | 8 | Taipan Legend | 3 | Mitchell Bell | Cameron Crockett | 56kg | $6.00 |
| Scr | 9 | Otono | 9 | Chad Lever | K J Parker | 55kg |
Natoya brings strong recent form with a close 3rd last start at Kembla over this distance. She's second-up today where she has an excellent record of 1-0-2 from 3 attempts. The mare is well-weighted, ideally drawn, and should get a perfect midfield position in a race with genuine tempo.
Uncle Harry comes off an impressive win at Port Macquarie just 7 days ago and drops 3kg in weight for this assignment. His recent form has been consistent with a win and 4th placing in his last two starts. While he's yet to place at the 1600m distance, he's shown versatility in his running style and has a solid record at Newcastle. The wide barrier is a concern but his tactical speed should allow him to find a position.
Surreal I Am was disappointing last start but won impressively two starts back over a similar course and distance. He's well-drawn in barrier 2 which should allow him to utilize his forward running style, and the claim from apprentice William Stanley helps offset his top weight. His record at the track and distance is solid, and he handles good tracks well. The main concern is his inconsistency.
She's dropping significantly in class after contesting Group races earlier this year and has a strong record at the mile distance. The mare will appreciate the fast tempo expected and should be running on strongly late. Her consistency and proven ability make her an attractive each-way proposition.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Natoya | 5 | Mitch Stapleford | J G Sargent | 58kg | $1.90 |
| 2nd | 6 | Uncle Harry | 10 | Shae Wilkes | P M Perry | 54.5kg | $4.60 |
| 3rd | 9 | Jessandi | 9 | J C Deamer | 55kg | $12.00 | |
| 4th | 1 | Surreal I Am | 2 | William A Stanley | K A Lees | 58.5kg | $9.00 |
| 5th | 8 | Thebes | 3 | Chad Lever | Ms K Gavenlock | 56kg | $19.00 |
| 6th | 7 | Zizette | 4 | Reece Jones | L J Bridge | 56.5kg | $51.00 |
| 7th | 4 | Alpine Kandy | 8 | Mollie Fitzgerald | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 57kg | $11.00 |
| 8th | 5 | Mission Bravo | 1 | Andrew Gibbons | Adam Duggan | 58.5kg | $61.00 |
| 9th | 10 | Oakfield Peewee | 6 | Grant Buckley | D Lane | 55kg | $81.00 |
| 10th | 3 | Think We''re There | 7 | Keagan Latham | J C Deamer | 60kg | $11.00 |
Before the races, not after
Our top three picks and a value pick for every race, with assessed prices, speed maps and the analysis behind them. Free for 7 days.