Punt like a Pro, without the know!
Victoria · Friday 24 October 2025
Our top pick won 1 of 8 races at Ballarat. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
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Chergui brings the strongest form credentials to this maiden, having competed admirably in Listed and Open company. Second-up here after a solid placing at Seymour, he's well-positioned from barrier 6 with proven ability on soft tracks. The significant class drop makes him the clear standout.
Venetian Choice showed ability on debut with a solid third placing. Returns first-up from a lengthy spell but has a perfect first-up record. The advantageous barrier 4 draw should allow her to settle in a good position.
Rathlin Express showed promise on debut with a strong second placing on a Soft 7 track, suggesting today's conditions will suit. First-up here after a spell but has a perfect first-up record.
She has already proven herself at this track and distance with a placing, and importantly has shown ability on soft tracks.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Chergui | 6 | Daniel Stackhouse | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 58kg | $1.75 |
| 2nd | 8 | Jessica Rabbit | 3 | Beau Mertens | M Price & M Kent Jnr | 56kg | $5.50 |
| 3rd | 12 | Venetian Choice | 4 | Jack Hill | G Eurell | 56kg | $3.70 |
| 4th | 7 | Cristaria | 1 | Teodore Nugent | C Maher | 56kg | $31.00 |
| 5th | 9 | Justibella | 13 | Declan Bates | C Maher | 56kg | $8.00 |
| 6th | 11 | Valorada | 5 | Alana Kelly | Claire Patterson | 56kg | $151.00 |
| 7th | 4 | Watt On Earth | 12 | Cian Macredmond | Anthony Cosgriff | 58kg | $31.00 |
| 8th | 1 | Black Hex | 10 | Neil Farley | Tammy Birnie | 58kg | $151.00 |
| Scr | 3 | Rathlin Express | 11 | Thomas Stockdale | P Stokes | 58kg | |
| Scr | 5 | Asiatic | 9 | Jett Stanley | T Busuttin & N Young | 56kg | |
| Scr | 6 | Concord Connie | 8 | Lachlan Neindorf | Charlotte Littlefield | 56kg | |
| Scr | 10 | Path To Profit | 2 | John Allen | C Maher | 56kg | |
| Scr | 13 | Very Famous | 7 | Harry Coffey | Dominic Sutton | 56kg |
John Allen is a significant jockey booking, and she's drawn well in barrier 4. The fast tempo should suit her running style, and she appears ready to break through.
The step up to 1200m looks suitable, and she should improve second-up. Brad Rawiller is a significant jockey booking, and she's drawn well in barrier 2. Her previous experience at this track is a plus, and her soft track form (1: 0-0-1) suggests she'll handle today's conditions.
She's second-up today (1: 0-1-0) and should improve off that run. Carleen Hefel maintains the ride from a good barrier 9, and the fast tempo should suit her running style.
Dylan Dunn is a quality jockey booking, and from barrier 5, she should get a good run.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 11 | Tipsy Gypsy | 2 | Brad Rawiller | E W Ewert | 58kg | $5.50 |
| 2nd | 7 | Shot Of Satin | 8 | Jarrod Fry | J F Moloney | 58kg | $15.00 |
| 3rd | 5 | Ravens Bay | 5 | Dylan Dunn | Brett Scott | 58kg | $8.00 |
| 4th | 14 | Wetland | 7 | Thomas Stockdale | T G Eurell | 58kg | $6.50 |
| 5th | 10 | Think Baby | 12 | Jake Noonan | Vincent Hall | 58kg | $12.00 |
| 6th | 6 | Shimazy | 1 | Alana Kelly | Paul A Jones | 58kg | $41.00 |
| 7th | 12 | Tuxedo Miss | 4 | John Allen | Archie Alexander | 58kg | $2.60 |
| 8th | 2 | Eleanor Dumont | 15 | Neil Farley | Patrick & Michelle Payne | 58kg | $7.50 |
| 9th | 15 | Victory Blues | 10 | Tayla Childs | Ann-Jeanette Tindale | 58kg | $201.00 |
| 10th | 4 | Maristela | 6 | Liam Riordan | Brooke Verwey-Mitchell | 58kg | $71.00 |
| 11th | 9 | Tap Dance | 13 | John Keating | D J Laws | 58kg | $31.00 |
| 12th | 8 | So Beautiful Story | 3 | Jade Da Rose | A M Burns | 58kg | $101.00 |
| 13th | 3 | Fille En Or | 11 | Paul Gatt | C J Cassar | 58kg | $151.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Coniston Spice | 14 | Cian Macredmond | T & C McEvoy | 58kg | |
| Scr | 13 | Unapproachable | 9 | Carleen Hefel | E Jusufovic | 58kg |
The A & S Freedman-trained filly is second-up today after a promising first-up performance and draws ideally in barrier 5. While unproven on soft tracks, her overall form trajectory is positive and she appears ready to break through.
The Robert Hickmott-trained filly has proven soft track ability and retains Declan Bates in the saddle. While stepping up significantly in distance, her running style suggests she should handle the 1400m, and her proven ability at this track is a significant positive.
Strictly Business makes her return from a lengthy spell with a significant class drop from open company at Flemington. The Thomas Carberry-trained filly has secured the services of top jockey John Allen and draws well in barrier 4. While she finished 7th in her only start, that was in much stronger company, and the addition of a cross-over nose band suggests connections expect improvement.
Nostra Bella represents excellent value returning from a spell with significant class relief after contesting Group and Listed races.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 10 | Strictly Business | 4 | John Allen | Thomas Carberry | 57kg | $9.50 |
| 2nd | 5 | Miss Deceiver | 1 | Thomas Stockdale | C Maher | 57kg | $6.00 |
| 3rd | 9 | Sketch | 5 | Lachlan Neindorf | A & S Freedman | 57kg | $2.20 |
| 4th | 6 | Nostra Bella | 9 | Craig Newitt | Karlene Tindale | 57kg | $21.00 |
| 5th | 3 | Light Filled | 6 | Declan Bates | Robert Hickmott | 57kg | $2.70 |
| 6th | 1 | Coolazclara | 3 | Liam Riordan | Rachel Samsonenko | 57kg | $16.00 |
| 7th | 2 | French Court | 7 | Jason Webb | Andrew Angelone | 57kg | $151.00 |
| 8th | 12 | Vienna Pride | 2 | Nadia Daniels | Pat Carey & Harris Walker | 54kg | $71.00 |
| 9th | 8 | Show No Doubt | 8 | Neil Farley | Anthony Cosgriff | 57kg | $101.00 |
| Scr | 4 | Loft Vega | 11 | Alexander Rae | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 7 | Pravaha | 10 | Harry Coffey | T & C McEvoy | 57kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Verry Stella | 12 | Fred W Kersley | C J Waller | 57kg |
So Regal brings the strongest recent form into this race with a close second last start at Mt Gambier over 1562m. Has shown consistent improvement with each run this preparation and has strong place credentials with 1 second and 2 thirds from 6 starts. The step up to 1600m looks suitable based on her strong finishing efforts, and she handles soft tracks with a placing from 2 attempts.
Voting Rights represents the Waterhouse & Bott stable and brings strong metropolitan form credentials. The addition of blinkers for the first time should sharpen her up, and the step up to 1600m looks suitable for this well-bred Snitzel filly. The stable's decision to send her to Ballarat suggests confidence.
Abby's Crossword comes off a strong second placing at this track over 1400m and looks ready for the step up to 1600m. Alana Kelly retains the ride and knows the mare well. The wide barrier is a concern but she has the experience to overcome it.
The step up to 1600m looks suitable based on her strong finishing effort last start, and she handles soft tracks with a placing from 2 attempts. The addition of blinkers for the first time should help her focus, and she draws well in barrier 4 with Cian Macredmond's claim.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 12 | Voting Rights | 8 | Jett Stanley | G Waterhouse & A Bott | 55.5kg | $3.20 |
| 2nd | 1 | Abby''s Crossword | 9 | Alana Kelly | D J Cannon | 58kg | $6.00 |
| 3rd | 10 | Fedora | 2 | Neil Farley | David & Coral Feek | 55.5kg | $31.00 |
| 4th | 11 | Harmony | 1 | Fred W Kersley | L Smith | 55.5kg | $10.00 |
| 5th | 8 | Yatchaw | 4 | Cian Macredmond | Ms M Cunningham | 58kg | $12.00 |
| 6th | 9 | You Said What | 12 | Lachlan King | Claire Patterson | 58kg | $16.00 |
| 7th | 5 | Kazza Joy | 7 | Declan Bates | Dan O''Sullivan | 58kg | $19.00 |
| 8th | 7 | So Regal | 3 | Tom Madden | Daniel Bowman | 58kg | $5.50 |
| 9th | 6 | Shark Park | 10 | Thomas Stockdale | M Price & M Kent Jnr | 58kg | $4.40 |
| 10th | 4 | Idling Behind | 5 | Mitchell Aitken | Henry Dwyer | 58kg | $91.00 |
| 11th | 2 | Avina | 6 | Carleen Hefel | Ms Allison Sheehan | 58kg | $101.00 |
| Scr | 3 | Break Out Lucille | 11 | Jake Noonan | Thomas Sadler | 58kg |
Pharoah's Daughter brings the strongest recent form into this race with a last-start win at Kilmore over the same distance. The moderate-fast tempo should allow her to settle midfield and use her strong finishing burst.
While stepping up in class, her consistent form pattern (1-1-1 record) suggests she has more to offer. Well-drawn in barrier 3 and with the moderate-fast tempo likely to suit her running style, she represents a genuine winning chance.
Miss Castelvecchio brings consistent recent form with placings in stronger company. Her ability to handle soft tracks (0-0-1) and heavy going (1-0-0) is a significant advantage given the conditions.
Second-up from a spell with a good second-up record (0-0-1), she's proven at the distance (1-1-0) and well-drawn in barrier 6.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 7 | Street Lark | 3 | Carleen Hefel | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 59kg | $3.70 |
| 2nd | 8 | Pharoah''s Daughter | 8 | Ryan Hurdle | Robert Hickmott | 58.5kg | $3.30 |
| 3rd | 11 | Zaaffair Steal | 6 | Beau Mertens | Julius Sandhu | 58kg | $11.00 |
| 4th | 3 | Finale | 1 | Declan Bates | C I Brown | 59.5kg | $10.00 |
| 5th | 5 | That''swhatshesaid | 4 | Liam Riordan | Nathan McPherson | 59.5kg | $31.00 |
| 6th | 4 | Miss Tramell | 9 | Jack Hill | Amy & Ash Yargi | 59.5kg | $31.00 |
| 7th | 6 | Miss Castelvecchio | 10 | Harry Coffey | Charlotte Littlefield | 59kg | $2.60 |
| 8th | 9 | Look At Mego | 5 | Tom Madden | Daniel Bowman | 58kg | $51.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Eloped | 2 | Jade Smith | Jack Laing | 58.5kg | |
| Scr | 2 | On Broadway | 11 | Ben Allen | Lloyd Kennewell | 60kg | |
| Scr | 10 | Stung | 7 | Daniel Stackhouse | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 58kg |
Lavender Glory brings the strongest recent form into this race with a win at Moe on similar conditions just 23 days ago. Has shown versatility across different tracks and conditions with a solid record of 2 wins and 3 placings from 9 starts. The mare has proven soft track ability and draws perfectly in barrier 3 for a forward position. Dylan Dunn is a strong jockey booking and the mare appears well-placed despite the weight.
Gisella is an improving 3yo filly who won her maiden at this track last month and has been racing consistently since. While this represents a significant class rise from maiden grade, she's on an upward trajectory and carries a manageable weight. The 10-day backup should maintain her fitness.
Ginger Sweet is a consistent mare who has placed in 8 of her 15 starts but only won once. She has a solid first-up record with a placing from two attempts and has shown ability on soft tracks with a win and a place from four starts. The mare draws well in barrier 5 and has Craig Newitt aboard, which is a positive. While she often finds one better, her consistency makes her a strong place chance.
The mare has also shown aptitude on soft tracks with a win and a place from 3 starts.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | Queen Amanjena | 4 | Carleen Hefel | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 58kg | $5.00 |
| 2nd | 2 | Jenni Multabella | 7 | Ben Allen | Lloyd Kennewell | 61kg | $2.30 |
| 3rd | 9 | Gisella | 2 | Declan Bates | Dan O''Sullivan | 57.5kg | $6.00 |
| 4th | 5 | Wolfess | 9 | Jack Hill | G Eurell | 60kg | $14.00 |
| 5th | 10 | Hot Chilli Mama | 1 | Bree Temple | J D Sadler | 53.5kg | $17.00 |
| 6th | 3 | Lavender Glory | 3 | Dylan Dunn | Jason Warren | 61kg | $12.00 |
| 7th | 12 | Dudance | 12 | Nadia Daniels | Nathan McPherson | 53kg | $151.00 |
| 8th | 11 | Rich And Joyful | 6 | Alana Kelly | K & K Keys | 57.5kg | $10.00 |
| 9th | 7 | Ginger Sweet | 5 | Craig Newitt | Peter Gelagotis | 58.5kg | $11.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Hide Your Assets | 8 | Lauren Burke | Shane Nichols & Hayden Black | 59kg | |
| Scr | 4 | Vixenette | 11 | Harry Coffey | T & C McEvoy | 61kg | |
| Scr | 6 | Game Plan | 10 | Jake Noonan | Ms C Alderson | 58.5kg |
Her soft track record (1 win from 2 starts) suits today's conditions, and she drops significantly in class after competing well in stronger races. The 3yo filly gets weight relief and has shown tactical versatility in her runs.
While facing a class rise, her consistent form (1-2-0 from 8 starts) and tactical versatility suggest she can be competitive. Declan Bates takes the ride and the middle barrier draw is advantageous on this track.
Campari Twist brings a solid record of 2-2-1 from 9 starts and drops in class for this assignment. While first-up from a spell (with a record of 0-0-1 when fresh), she has shown consistency throughout her career. The wide barrier and heavy weight are concerns, but her class edge and Harry Coffey's riding experience could overcome these disadvantages.
The experienced mare won 3 starts back and placed 3rd last start, showing she's in good form.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Ellicazam | 1 | Carleen Hefel | J R Welsh | 60kg | $16.00 |
| 2nd | 16 | Bay Of Zea | 2 | Alana Kelly | Liam Howley | 60.5kg | $4.00 |
| 3rd | 2 | Campari Twist | 12 | Harry Coffey | M M Laurie | 61kg | $6.50 |
| 4th | 13 | Meisho | 10 | Caitlin Hollowood | T Busuttin & N Young | 55kg | $3.50 |
| 5th | 12 | Flip The Switch | 4 | Liam Riordan | Brooke Verwey-Mitchell | 58.5kg | $91.00 |
| 6th | 15 | Carolina Breeze | 5 | Jett Stanley | Dominic Sutton | 60.5kg | $6.00 |
| 7th | 7 | Effusiv | 9 | Ben Allen | P Stokes | 59.5kg | $14.00 |
| 8th | 9 | Areyoureadyforit | 3 | Declan Bates | Archie Alexander | 59kg | $9.50 |
| 9th | 8 | Viperion | 11 | Paul Gatt | C J Cassar | 59.5kg | $41.00 |
| 10th | 3 | Geminga | 8 | Nadia Daniels | Gary Boyce | 58kg | $14.00 |
| 11th | 1 | Peridot Star | 16 | Brad Rawiller | L E Robertson | 62kg | $41.00 |
| Scr | 4 | Bridgeitall | 13 | Mitchell Aitken | Linc Sullivan | 60kg | |
| Scr | 6 | Simply Luscious | 7 | Caitlin Hollowood | L & T Corstens & W Larkin | 57kg | |
| Scr | 10 | Thaimor | 15 | Jack Hill | Simon Ryan | 59kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Wild Pharaoh | 14 | M, W & J Hawkes | 59kg | ||
| Scr | 14 | Especial Courage | 6 | Tayla Childs | Ms E Haworth | 54kg |
Poetic Storm brings excellent consistency with consecutive second placings and a perfect 3:1-2-0 record at this distance. Second-up from a spell where she has a strong 3:1-2-0 record, she's drawn perfectly in barrier 2 which should give her every chance. While rising in class is a concern, her recent form suggests she's ready to handle the step up, and Brad Rawiller is a significant positive.
Sistine Tunnel comes off an impressive win at this track and class level just 10 days ago. The wide barrier is a concern, but her versatile racing pattern should allow her to overcome it. The top weight is significant, but her class edge compensates for this disadvantage.
Her experience in higher class races is a significant advantage, and her soft track record of 9:2-1-1 suggests she'll handle today's conditions well. While she's unproven at Ballarat, her overall profile suggests she'll be competitive in this field.
Zenacity represents excellent value returning from a spell with a strong fresh record (2:0-1-0) and even better second-up statistics (2:1-0-1). The addition of blinkers and tongue tie for the first time could spark significant improvement, and her consistent overall record of 8:1-3-2 suggests reliability. The good barrier draw in gate 4 should allow her to settle in a favorable position despite the expected fast tempo.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 13 | Go Left | 10 | Carleen Hefel | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 57.5kg | $10.00 |
| 2nd | 1 | Starmae | 9 | Holly Durnan | Dwayne Reid | 58.5kg | $8.00 |
| 3rd | 3 | Sistine Tunnel | 13 | Declan Bates | Andrew Noblet | 60.5kg | $7.50 |
| 4th | 4 | Poetic Storm | 2 | Brad Rawiller | R D Griffiths | 60kg | $2.50 |
| 5th | 15 | Mordialloc Beach | 3 | Jason Maskiell | Ms W Kelly | 58.5kg | $21.00 |
| 6th | 12 | Vores | 6 | Christine Puls | Nell Carter | 58kg | $31.00 |
| 7th | 6 | All The Way Baby | 1 | Dean Yendall | M J Williams | 59kg | $9.00 |
| 8th | 7 | Zenacity | 4 | Nick Ryan | 59kg | $11.00 | |
| 9th | 11 | Night Colours | 11 | Neil Farley | Neil Farley | 58kg | $9.00 |
| 10th | 5 | Point Of Ecstasy | 5 | Ryan Hurdle | Mitchell Freedman | 59.5kg | $26.00 |
| 11th | 8 | Frost Yourself | 8 | Alana Kelly | Thomas Conlan | 58.5kg | $31.00 |
| Scr | 2 | Altermatum | 7 | Harry Coffey | T & C McEvoy | 60.5kg | |
| Scr | 9 | She''s Impeccable | 15 | Tom Madden | Shane Jackson | 58.5kg | |
| Scr | 10 | Hey Jessie | 12 | Jett Stanley | Dominic Sutton | 58kg | |
| Scr | 14 | Hidden Witness | 14 | Cian Macredmond | Brittany Raymond | 55.5kg |
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