Punt like a Pro, without the know!
Queensland · Wednesday 26 November 2025
Our top pick won 2 of 7 races at Ipswich. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
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The Vandyke stable is making key gear changes (blinkers off, tongue tie on) suggesting they're targeting improvement, while the booking of Damien Thornton is significant. With an inside draw at this tight-turning track and weight relief, she's well-positioned to break through.
La Gracia brings the most consistent recent form with placings in 2 of her last 3 starts including a third at this track. She's drawn perfectly in barrier 3 which is crucial at Ipswich, and the step up in distance looks suitable based on her recent racing pattern. While she's yet to win from 10 starts, she's shown enough to suggest she'll be right in the finish.
Miss Ellyse brings strong staying credentials after an eye-catching second over 2200m last start. She's proven at a similar distance and shows an improving form pattern with placings in 2 of her last 3 starts. The midfield draw gives options at Ipswich, and Brandon Lerena is a capable rider.
The significant class drop is a positive, and she's proven on soft tracks with three placings. Dale Smith is an experienced jockey who can get the best from her.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 7 | Making Eyes | 2 | Damien Thornton | David Vandyke | 55kg | $3.00 |
| 2nd | 2 | La Gracia | 3 | Heavelon Van Der Hoven | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 56.5kg | $1.80 |
| 3rd | 5 | Miss Ellyse | 5 | Brandon Lerena | M A Kropp | 56.5kg | $6.00 |
| 4th | 1 | Jadatan | 4 | Noriyuki Masuda | D & G Lane | 56.5kg | $17.00 |
| 5th | 6 | Preachabull | 7 | Dale Smith | D & G Lane | 56.5kg | $21.00 |
| 6th | 4 | Magic They Say | 1 | Matthew Palmer | D & G Lane | 56.5kg | $31.00 |
| Scr | 3 | Laan | 6 | T J Gollan | 56.5kg |
Nottington Prince brings the strongest form credentials to this maiden, having placed in 6 of his 10 starts including recent seconds at Doomben and Eagle Farm. His soft track record (0-2-1 from 4 starts) suits today's conditions, and he's dropping significantly in class after racing in open company.
The application of blinkers for the first time should sharpen his focus, and his likely forward position suits Ipswich's leader-favoring layout. While still a maiden after 2 starts, he's shown improvement and has scope to take another step forward in this field.
Bodhran has drawn the coveted inside barrier at this tight-turning track, which should allow her to utilize her early speed. The Chris Anderson-trained filly gets the services of Damien Thornton and should improve third-up, though her soft track credentials remain unproven.
She's dropping significantly in class from open company and has placed at this track previously. While she tends to get back in her races (not ideal at Ipswich), the moderate-fast tempo should help her finishing burst. Her soft track credentials and good barrier make her an appealing each-way proposition.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Bodhran | 1 | Damien Thornton | Chris Anderson | 56kg | $3.10 |
| 2nd | 4 | Nottington Prince | 6 | Robbie Dolan | Ms O Cairns | 58kg | $2.60 |
| 3rd | 1 | He's Got Grunt | 7 | Heavelon Van Der Hoven | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 58kg | $6.00 |
| 4th | 3 | Mishani Impact | 3 | Danny Peisley | Donna Stanbridge | 58kg | $31.00 |
| 5th | 5 | Vintage Vibes | 9 | Boris Thornton | Jay Bellamy | 58kg | $5.50 |
| 6th | 8 | Nuzana | 4 | Dale Smith | Bob Davis | 56kg | $201.00 |
| 7th | 9 | Piertaga | 5 | Mark Du Plessis | Ryan Tyrell | 56kg | $9.50 |
| Scr | 2 | Meade's Cafe | 8 | Georgina Cartwright | David Murphy | 58kg | |
| Scr | 7 | Making Eyes | 2 | David Vandyke | 56kg |
From barrier 3, she should secure an ideal position on this tight-turning track. The 53kg impost is a significant advantage, and her last start 2nd at Ipswich suggests she's ready to break through. The step up in distance is the query, but her racing pattern suggests it will suit.
Laan is a lightly-raced mare showing steady improvement with each run, culminating in a 3rd placing last start at Eagle Farm over 1600m. The main query is her lack of experience on soft tracks, but her progressive profile suggests she can handle the step up in distance.
Tulong has been knocking on the door with two 2nd placings in recent starts before a disappointing 5th last time. The main concerns are his inability to break through for a win and his unproven record on soft tracks, but the barrier draw gives him every chance.
His recent 3rd placing at this track and distance on a soft surface indicates he can handle today's conditions. The 20-day freshen-up since his last run could see him improve.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | Laan | 5 | Angela Jones | T J Gollan | 56kg | $2.50 |
| 2nd | 2 | Kojak | 8 | Ryan Maloney | Jack Bruce | 58kg | $4.00 |
| 3rd | 4 | Tulong | 1 | Cejay Graham | Jason Edwards | 58kg | $3.50 |
| 4th | 7 | Kobability | 3 | Cobi Vitler | Ms O Cairns | 53kg | $5.00 |
| 5th | 1 | Alzurri | 7 | Courtney Bellamy | B D Azel | 55kg | $61.00 |
| 6th | 6 | Caesar Cake | 9 | Dale Smith | Grant Forge | 56kg | $31.00 |
| 7th | 9 | Our Esprit | 4 | Matthew Palmer | D & G Lane | 56kg | $201.00 |
| Scr | 3 | Stynsy | 2 | Jag Guthmann-Chester | Jack Bruce | 58kg | |
| Scr | 5 | Witness Dis | 6 | Boris Thornton | Gregory Cornish | 58kg |
Her tactical speed suits Ipswich's tight turning track, and she has proven soft track ability (3:1-0-0). The mare has excellent distance credentials (7:2-2-1) and should get an ideal run from barrier 1 in a race with genuine tempo.
Party Spirit brings strong recent form with a close 2nd last start at this track. She has excellent credentials at Ipswich (5:1-2-1) including at this track and distance (3:1-0-1). Her proven ability on soft tracks (13:2-3-4) is a significant advantage given the conditions, and she draws perfectly in barrier 4 to utilize her tactical speed on this tight-turning track.
His overall record is impressive (9:4-1-1) with proven ability on soft tracks (2:1-0-1). While untested at this distance, his tactical speed from barrier 5 should be advantageous at Ipswich's tight-turning track. The 22-day freshen-up looks ideal for this assignment.
Blue Spinel represents excellent value dropping significantly in class after racing in stronger company. The mare draws perfectly in barrier 2 for Ipswich's tight track and gets the services of top jockey Ryan Maloney.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | Party Spirit | 4 | Angela Jones | R L Heathcote | 56kg | $3.90 |
| 2nd | 5 | Blue Spinel | 2 | Ryan Maloney | T J Gollan | 57kg | $3.50 |
| 3rd | 3 | Rich Minx | 1 | Jai Williams | Matthew Hoysted | 56kg | $4.20 |
| 4th | 7 | Speedy One | 5 | Emily Lang | T J Gollan | 56.5kg | $4.80 |
| 5th | 1 | Antonito | 6 | Jace McMurray | David Vandyke | 57.5kg | $8.50 |
| 6th | 6 | Majestic Boom | 7 | Adin Thompson | L J Mayfield-Smith | 57kg | $21.00 |
| 7th | 2 | Mishani Renegade | 8 | Danny Peisley | Donna Stanbridge | 59.5kg | $21.00 |
| Scr | 4 | Treporti | 3 | Leslie Tilley | H R Richardson | 58.5kg |
Zou Big Boy brings exceptional credentials for this assignment with a superb heavy track record (3 wins from 4 starts) and perfect record at Ipswich over this trip (2-1-0 from 3). Second-up pattern suggests improvement from his first-up effort, and the Gollan stable is in strong form. Ideally drawn in barrier 8 to settle midfield and with tactical versatility, he's perfectly suited to handle the Heavy 9 conditions.
The Georgina Cartwright engagement is significant as she knows the horse well. While stepping up in class and facing a heavy track for the first time, his soft track form (1-1-2 from 6) suggests he'll handle conditions. Tactical speed should allow him to overcome the wide barrier.
While stepping up in class and distance, his soft track form (0-1-1 from 4) suggests he should handle the conditions. Well-weighted with 55.5kg and drawn ideally in barrier 5, he has the tactical speed to position well at this tight-turning track. Represents each-way value.
With 2 wins from his last 3 starts and a strong overall record of 4 wins from 11 starts, he's in career-best form.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 9 | Wirewalker | 5 | Jace McMurray | M A Currie | 55.5kg | $5.50 |
| 2nd | 6 | Smart As Smart | 4 | Damien Thornton | Renita Beaton | 58.5kg | $5.50 |
| 3rd | 8 | Moonshine Run | 6 | Karl Zechner | Nicholas Beck | 58kg | $16.00 |
| 4th | 4 | Zou Big Boy | 8 | Ryan Maloney | T J Gollan | 59kg | $5.50 |
| 5th | 3 | Man Of The Town | 11 | Georgina Cartwright | L J Gough | 59kg | $4.20 |
| 6th | 7 | Flying Bat | 2 | Cobi Vitler | Allan Chau | 55kg | $8.00 |
| 7th | 11 | Power Ace | 3 | Emily Lang | T J Gollan | 56.5kg | $12.00 |
| 8th | 12 | Deep Dawn | 1 | Ron Stewart | R L Heathcote | 52kg | $14.00 |
| 9th | 2 | Expectant | 12 | Chelsea Baker | John Thomas | 57.5kg | $12.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Roller Coaster | 10 | Jai Williams | P L Shailer | 59kg | |
| Scr | 5 | Connewarre | 7 | Brandon Lerena | M A Kropp | 58.5kg | |
| Scr | 10 | Reggie's Folly | 9 | Angela Jones | T J Dougall | 57kg |
First time blinkers should sharpen her up, and while she's unproven at the track and distance, her tactical speed should allow her to overcome the wide barrier. The likely fast tempo will suit her finishing burst.
Mare with excellent credentials at both track and distance. Her record at Ipswich (3:1-2-0) and at this distance (3:1-1-0) are significant positives. Recent 2nd placing shows she's in good form.
Consistent galloper bringing solid recent form with consecutive 2nd placings. While unproven at both track and distance, his experience and proven ability on soft tracks (3:1-1-0) are positives. The top weight of 58kg is a concern, but his consistency warrants respect.
The addition of blinkers for the first time should sharpen her up, and she's likely to be suited by the anticipated fast tempo.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Esjay | 8 | Jasper Franklin | Pat W Webster | 58kg | $5.50 |
| 2nd | 5 | Ivy Dexstress | 12 | Emily Lang | T J Gollan | 58.5kg | $3.40 |
| 3rd | 3 | Diamond Epic | 9 | Jai Williams | Renita Beaton | 55.5kg | $3.90 |
| 4th | 4 | Ferino | 1 | Jag Guthmann-Chester | David Vandyke | 58.5kg | $7.50 |
| 5th | 6 | Smart Shazza | 7 | Ryan Maloney | Jack Bruce | 58kg | $4.40 |
| 6th | 12 | Strike The Heart | 5 | Angela Jones | David Vandyke | 54kg | $14.00 |
| 7th | 10 | Island Magic | 4 | Dale Smith | Amanda Park | 56kg | $201.00 |
| 8th | 2 | Limahuli | 2 | Andrew Mallyon | Ben Hull | 60kg | $21.00 |
| Scr | 7 | Magic In Me | 11 | G R Schwenke | 57.5kg | ||
| Scr | 8 | Switchblade | 6 | Mark Du Plessis | Stephen Matthews | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Anarita | 10 | Heavelon Van Der Hoven | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 57kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Gold Puma | 3 | Ethan Ensby | 54.5kg |
Blitzum brings strong credentials with a perfect record at Ipswich (1 win from 2 starts) and consistent recent form including a 3rd placing last start at Eagle Farm. The significant class drop is a major positive, and the inside barrier (2) is ideal for this tight-turning track. While unproven on heavy tracks, his overall profile suggests he'll handle conditions, and Corey Sutherland's claim reduces the weight impost.
Second-up today where he has a win from 3 attempts, and the moderate-fast tempo should suit his running style. Ryan Maloney is a significant jockey booking, though the weight (59.5kg) and barrier (7) are slight concerns at this tight-turning track.
Second-up today where he has won previously, and the addition of blinkers for the first time could sharpen him up significantly. Michael Rodd is a quality jockey booking, and the class drop from his last start enhances his chances.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Blitzum | 2 | Corey Sutherland | Chris Anderson | 57kg | $2.45 |
| 2nd | 11 | Ceekay's Choice | 4 | Angela Jones | T J Gollan | 56.5kg | $7.00 |
| 3rd | 4 | Lantau Island | 7 | Ryan Maloney | T J Gollan | 59.5kg | $7.50 |
| 4th | 12 | Sequel | 5 | Damien Thornton | C J Waller | 56.5kg | $7.00 |
| 5th | 2 | Boom Boom Ray | 12 | Jasper Franklin | Barry Lockwood & Emma-Jane Vincent | 57kg | $26.00 |
| 6th | 5 | Extreme Spirit | 10 | Jag Guthmann-Chester | Tony & Maddysen Sears | 59kg | $6.00 |
| 7th | 3 | Turn The Corner | 15 | Emily Lang | T J Gollan | 60kg | $18.00 |
| 8th | 10 | Brutal Glory | 11 | Michael Rodd | K M Schweida | 57kg | $8.50 |
| Scr | 6 | Sum Invictus | 8 | Jace McMurray | Kurt Goldman | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 7 | Warilla Gorilla | 1 | Andrew Mallyon | Nick Keal | 58.5kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Boomroux | 3 | Martin Harley | Chris & Corey Munce | 58kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Kahlua Girl | 14 | Dylan Turner | P L Shailer | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 13 | Grey Impact | 13 | L J Gough | 56kg | ||
| Scr | 14 | Strike The Heart | 9 | David Vandyke | 55kg | ||
| Scr | 15 | The Immortals | 6 | Cecily Eaton | Cecily Eaton | 56kg |
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