Punt like a Pro, without the know!
Northern Territory · Friday 5 December 2025
Our top pick won 1 of 5 races at Darwin. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
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Hell Fire Miss brings solid credentials with a consistent record at Fannie Bay (8: 1-2-2). The mare drops slightly in class from her last start and has a proven record at the distance (3: 1-0-0). The addition of a tongue tie for the first time could help improve her breathing and performance. Well-drawn in barrier 4 and with McGuren aboard, she maps to get an ideal run in midfield.
Merchant Delight brings strong credentials with an excellent record at Fannie Bay (8: 1-2-3) and at this track and distance (2: 1-0-1). His recent form is solid with a close 2nd last start over 1200m. While carrying 59kg is a concern, he's drawn well in barrier 6 and has a versatile running style that should allow him to settle midfield and finish strongly. Deborah Barton knows this horse well.
Astern Magic comes into this race with improving form, including a strong 2nd last start over this distance. His synthetic track record (4: 2-0-0) suggests he'll handle today's surface well. While barrier 9 is a concern, his lightweight and improving form make him a genuine chance. The 31-day freshen-up should have him ready.
His form is improving with a 3rd place finish last start in a stronger race. With Paul Shiers aboard and drawn well in barrier 2, he should get an ideal run in midfield.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Debating | 3 | Jarrod Todd | Ella Clarke | 58.5kg | $10.00 |
| 2nd | 3 | Hell Fire Miss | 4 | Matthew Mc Guren | Chloe Baxter | 60kg | $3.10 |
| 2nd | 5 | Beatification | 7 | Sonja D Logan | Tommy Logan | 56kg | $7.00 |
| 4th | 7 | New Enterprise | 2 | Paul Shiers | Peter Stennett | 55kg | $6.00 |
| 5th | 1 | Merchant Delight | 6 | Deborah Barton | Philip Cole | 59kg | $4.20 |
| 6th | 9 | Whitten | 10 | Wayne Davis | Philip Cole | 55kg | $41.00 |
| 7th | 2 | July | 1 | Raymond Vigar | Chris Pollard | 60.5kg | $5.50 |
| 8th | 8 | Roc De Russian | 8 | Aaron Sweeney | Chris Pollard | 55kg | $20.00 |
| Scr | 6 | Astern Magic | 9 | Tommy Logan | 55.5kg | ||
| Scr | 10 | World Affairs | 5 | Peter Stennett | 55kg |
Crown Waters brings excellent credentials with a perfect record at track and distance plus strong overall Fannie Bay statistics (3-2-1 from 7 starts). Her first-up record is solid and the addition of blinkers first time should sharpen her up. Maps to get an ideal run from barrier 5 and has shown consistent form with a 27% win rate. The moderate weight and proven ability on this track make her the standout.
Vanguard Legend brings a perfect record at track and distance (2 from 2) and excellent overall Fannie Bay statistics. His recent form has been consistent with 3 wins from his last 7 starts. The main concerns are his first-up record (0-0-1 from 3 starts) and the top weight of 61kg. However, his class edge and proven ability at this track and distance make him a major player.
Struck Gold brings rock-solid recent form with placings in his last four starts (3-3-2-3). While yet to win at Fannie Bay, he has placed in all four attempts at the track (0-1-3). His race fitness is a significant advantage, having raced just 20 days ago. His proven ability on soft tracks (1-3-1 from 8 starts) is another plus if the track remains affected. Maps to get a reasonable run despite the slightly tricky barrier.
His track and distance record is impressive (2-0-1 from 3) and his first-up statistics (2-0-2 from 7) suggest he can fire fresh. The advantageous barrier 4 should allow him to settle in a good position at Fannie Bay where positioning is crucial.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Forms Of Fear | 4 | Raymond Vigar | Ms T Halter | 60kg | $4.40 |
| 2nd | 10 | Crown Waters | 5 | Sonja D Logan | Tommy Logan | 58kg | $5.00 |
| 3rd | 2 | Vanguard Legend | 2 | Matthew Mc Guren | Chloe Baxter | 61kg | $4.40 |
| 4th | 9 | Prince Ruban | 6 | Deborah Barton | G Clarke | 55.5kg | $16.00 |
| 5th | 1 | Capitol Hill | 10 | Paul Shiers | Chloe Baxter | 61kg | $41.00 |
| 6th | 6 | Struck Gold | 7 | Jarrod Todd | Ella Clarke | 59.5kg | $5.00 |
| 7th | 7 | Global Wonder | 1 | Aaron Sweeney | G Clarke | 59kg | $18.00 |
| 8th | 4 | Galaxy General | 8 | Wayne Davis | G Clarke | 60kg | $26.00 |
| 9th | 5 | Brazen Bon | 3 | Vanessa Arnott | Jason Manning | 59.5kg | $4.80 |
| Scr | 8 | Kangaroo Court | 9 | Terry Gillett | 58.5kg |
La Boqueria comes into this second-up after an impressive win at this track and distance 48 days ago. Her second-up record is excellent with 2 wins from 4 attempts, and she's drawn perfectly in barrier 1 which is crucial at Fannie Bay. She's been racing in stronger company and drops in class here, which gives her a significant advantage over most rivals.
Kessler returns from a spell after winning his last three starts in impressive fashion. While first-up from a 125-day break, he has a solid fresh record (0-1-1 from 4 starts) and boasts an excellent record at this track with 5 wins from 19 starts. He's versatile enough to adapt to the moderate tempo expected and should be right in the finish despite the class rise.
Canton Kid resumes from a spell with a strong first-up record and excellent track/distance statistics. The 8-year-old drops significantly in class from his recent runs which should offset the 61kg impost. While his form tapered off before the spell, his overall consistency at this track and distance (4 wins from 20 starts) suggests he'll be competitive fresh.
He drops significantly in class from metropolitan racing and would be particularly dangerous if the track deteriorates given his strong soft track record (4-1-1 from 8 starts). While unproven at this track, his class edge and fresh credentials make him an appealing value proposition.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Canton Kid | 2 | Raymond Vigar | Ms T Halter | 61kg | $4.80 |
| 2nd | 5 | La Boqueria | 1 | Matthew Mc Guren | Chloe Baxter | 57.5kg | $1.80 |
| 3rd | 3 | Kessler | 4 | Vanessa Arnott | Angela Forster | 59.5kg | $4.80 |
| 4th | 4 | Oakland Raider | 3 | Wayne Davis | Philip Cole | 59kg | $15.00 |
| 5th | 2 | Cripps Tonite | 5 | Deborah Barton | Philip Cole | 58kg | $7.50 |
Jumping Power Two brings the strongest recent form into this race with back-to-back wins including a victory at this track and distance. While carrying top weight, he's proven capable of handling it and has a perfect 2 from 2 record at Fannie Bay. The synthetic soft surface is a query but his overall consistency and tactical versatility make him the standout selection.
Field Of Praise returns from a spell with a solid first-up record and consistent performances at this track. While she hasn't won at this distance, she has placed and her advantageous barrier draw should allow her to settle in a good position. The class rise is offset by her weight advantage over the top selection, making her a genuine threat if she's forward enough first-up.
Peace Baby brings consistent recent form into this race and the quick backup suggests fitness won't be an issue. While yet to win at Fannie Bay, he has placed here and the addition of a tongue tie for the first time could spark improvement. The class rise is a concern, but his recent performances suggest he's ready to take the next step.
The significant weight advantage (52kg) and advantageous barrier 3 should allow him to settle in a good position. While his overall record is modest, his form is improving and the moderate tempo should suit his running style.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Jumping Power Two | 7 | Sonja D Logan | Tommy Logan | 60.5kg | $1.95 |
| 2nd | 6 | Dancer For Money | 4 | Wayne Davis | Philip Cole | 55kg | $21.00 |
| 3rd | 4 | Field Of Praise | 2 | Aaron Sweeney | Angela Forster | 57.5kg | $4.20 |
| 4th | 5 | Starspangledancer | 1 | Jarrod Todd | G Clarke | 56kg | $9.00 |
| 5th | 7 | Tough Impact | 3 | Deborah Barton | Chris Pollard | 52kg | $11.00 |
| 6th | 3 | Peace Baby | 6 | Matthew Mc Guren | Chloe Baxter | 58kg | $6.50 |
| 7th | 2 | Predicting | 5 | Raymond Vigar | Ms T Halter | 59.5kg | $16.00 |
Red Extreme brings the strongest recent form, finishing a close second last start at this track over 1100m. Has shown consistency at this distance with two third placings from nine attempts. Maps to get a good run from midfield and should be suited by the moderate tempo. The most reliable runner in this field with a proven record at Fannie Bay.
Patyep brings solid form credentials with four placings from 11 starts and two placings at this track from six attempts. Will get a good run from barrier 3 and has shown ability at this distance previously. The main concern is the top weight of 59kg, but his consistency makes him a genuine place chance.
Juelene is a consistent mare who has placed 8 times from 27 starts including 3 placings at Fannie Bay from 6 attempts. Her best time at this distance is solid and she should be able to settle midfield from barrier 5. While she's yet to break through for a win, her consistency makes her a solid place prospect.
Tee Galleria offers value as a lightly-raced 3yo who placed third last start at this track over 1100m. Being second-up from a spell suggests natural improvement, and the moderate tempo should suit his running style. While inexperienced with only two starts, he has shown ability and gets in with a manageable weight. Has more upside than most in this field.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Juelene | 5 | Sonja D Logan | Tommy Logan | 57kg | $5.50 |
| 2nd | 3 | Tee Galleria | 2 | Paul Shiers | Paul Shiers | 57.5kg | $4.40 |
| 3rd | 6 | Red Extreme | 6 | Vanessa Arnott | Jason Manning | 57kg | $2.00 |
| 4th | 1 | Patyep | 3 | Jarrod Todd | G Clarke | 59kg | $4.20 |
| 5th | 2 | Royal Lytham | 7 | Deborah Barton | Chris Pollard | 54.5kg | $51.00 |
| 6th | 7 | Aqua Blue | 1 | Aaron Sweeney | Chris Pollard | 55.5kg | $26.00 |
| 7th | 4 | Berkeley Bay | 4 | Raymond Vigar | Chris Pollard | 57kg | $51.00 |
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