Punt like a Pro, without the know!
Western Australia · Thursday 18 December 2025
Our top pick won 2 of 7 races at Bunbury. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
top pick wonanother tip wonno tip won
The significant class drop from Open company to a provincial Maiden is a major positive, as is the engagement of William Pike. Drawn to get a perfect run from barrier 3 but lacks the experience and consistency of Tiger Tank.
Belaura Star showed promise on debut with a solid 4th at metropolitan level in a fast time. The experience gained from that run should see improvement here at his second start. Drawn to get a good position from barrier 5 and likely to push forward in a race with expected fast tempo, which suits Bunbury's 1100m start configuration.
The barrier 1 draw is ideal for Bunbury's 1100m start where leaders and inside barriers are favored. His consistent Good track form and proven ability at the distance make him the standout, despite carrying top weight.
The significant class drop from Open/Restricted company to a provincial Maiden is a major positive. First-up from a spell but has had time to mature, and while her backmarker style is slightly against the Bunbury sprint pattern, the fast tempo should help her chances.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 10 | Alebrije | 1 | Natika Riordan | D & B Pearce | 52kg | $16.00 |
| 2nd | 2 | Belaura Star | 4 | Luke Campbell | Tiarnna Noske | 57kg | $2.60 |
| 3rd | 9 | White Hot | 2 | William Pike | D & B Pearce | 55kg | $3.30 |
| 4th | 7 | Modern Girl | 7 | Chanel Cooper | Ms S Naylor | 53kg | $20.00 |
| 5th | 6 | Cosmic Treat | 8 | Holly Nottle | D T McAuliffe | 53kg | $5.50 |
| 6th | 8 | Coracao | 3 | Holly Watson | Kirryn Scallan | 55kg | $31.00 |
| 7th | 3 | Deeply Rooted | 10 | Laqdar Ramoly | Brock Lewthwaite | 57kg | $16.00 |
| 8th | 4 | Funky Boy | 5 | Chris Parnham | S J Miller | 57kg | $10.00 |
| 9th | 11 | La Nocciola | 9 | Shaun Mc Gruddy | P E Roberts | 55kg | $31.00 |
| 10th | 5 | Purpleboots | 6 | Keshaw Dhurun | N D Parnham | 57kg | $41.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Tiger Tank | 1 | Steven Parnham | N D Parnham | 57kg |
Sovereign Crust represents the powerful Grant & Alana Williams stable with champion jockey William Pike aboard - a significant combination for a first-starter. The application of a lugging bit and tongue tie suggests they're addressing any trackwork issues. While unraced, the stable rarely presents unprepared runners, especially with Pike aboard at a provincial venue on a Thursday.
Her first-up record shows she can perform fresh, and the barrier draw suits perfectly for Bunbury's 1000m start. The gear changes (winkers on, lugging bit off) suggest connections are fine-tuning her for this assignment. McGruddy is a strong booking.
Hold My Wine comes into this second-up after a solid run at Belmont Park. The drop from metropolitan company to a provincial maiden is significant. Has placed at this distance previously and should be fitter for the recent run.
He's previously placed at this track and distance and drops significantly in class from his last start. The wide barrier is a concern, but with the expected fast tempo, he could be finishing strongly late.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 7 | Elvira Star | 4 | Shaun Mc Gruddy | Robert & Kate Witten | 56kg | $4.80 |
| 2nd | 5 | Morf | 3 | Chris Parnham | Luke Fernie | 56.5kg | $6.00 |
| 3rd | 8 | Luna Ascending | 9 | Brayden Gaerth | Ms A King | 56kg | $61.00 |
| 4th | 6 | Barney Rommel | 5 | Alex Hearn | T M Wolfe | 56.5kg | $81.00 |
| 5th | 9 | My Testimony | 1 | Luke Campbell | Tiarnna Noske | 54.5kg | $9.50 |
| 6th | 4 | Hold My Wine | 6 | Holly Nottle | D & B Pearce | 54.5kg | $3.20 |
| 7th | 2 | Findout | 7 | Jason Whiting | G L Carige | 58kg | $31.00 |
| 8th | 11 | Sovereign Crust | 8 | William Pike | G & A Williams | 54.5kg | $2.80 |
| 9th | 1 | Le Beau | 10 | Jade Mc Naught | P J Naylor | 58kg | $61.00 |
| Scr | 3 | Diminutive Intruda | 2 | Jason Brown | T W Widdeson | 58kg | |
| Scr | 10 | Dance Version | 6 | D M Luciani | 54.5kg |
Macho Arquero brings the strongest form credentials into this race with multiple placings in stronger metro maidens. The drop back to provincial grade is significant, and with a good draw and regular rider aboard, he looks well-placed to break through for a maiden win.
Sin City Boy is an improving 3YO who has shown progression with each start. While he lacks experience at the distance, his racing pattern suggests he'll appreciate the step up in trip. With top jockey Patrick Carbery aboard, he looks a genuine winning chance.
Iraychoux comes into this off a solid third placing at this track 11 days ago over 1695m. He's shown improvement with each run this preparation and appears ready for the step up to 2000m. Well-drawn in barrier 3 with the same jockey aboard, he should get a perfect run in transit.
His last start sixth at Ascot was better than it looks on paper, and he should appreciate the step up to 2000m based on his racing pattern.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Iraychoux | 3 | Chris Nicoll | Brock Lewthwaite | 58kg | $3.40 |
| 2nd | 10 | Electric Bec | 7 | Laqdar Ramoly | Brock Lewthwaite | 56kg | $12.00 |
| 3rd | 9 | She's Resolute | 2 | Jefferson Tsang | B P Fitzgerald | 53kg | $21.00 |
| 4th | 6 | Excavation | 10 | Holly Nottle | D T McAuliffe | 56kg | $41.00 |
| 5th | 3 | Giles | 6 | Zephen Johnston-Porter | Robert Gulberti | 56kg | $9.00 |
| 6th | 8 | Sin City Boy | 9 | Patrick Carbery | B A Miller | 56.5kg | $7.00 |
| 7th | 12 | Dontplaywivmatches | 12 | Shaun Mc Gruddy | Joshua Krispyn | 56kg | $51.00 |
| 8th | 2 | Safari Boy | 8 | Taj Dyson | G W Dupre | 58kg | $8.00 |
| 9th | 1 | Macho Arquero | 5 | Holly Watson | Phillipa Elliott | 58kg | $2.70 |
| 10th | 7 | Infrastructure | 1 | Jessica Gray | D R Pateman | 58kg | $81.00 |
| 11th | 4 | Ain'tnocureforlove | 13 | Jade Mc Naught | Ms M J Midgley | 58kg | $101.00 |
| 12th | 11 | Doro Girl | 14 | Madi Derrick | Carey Martin | 56kg | $81.00 |
| 13th | 13 | Nazelen | 4 | Natika Riordan | A K Reid | 53kg | $151.00 |
| Scr | 14 | Dandy Flirt | 11 | Luke Campbell | Brett Mathews | 54.5kg |
Rising Fame brings the strongest recent form into this race with three placings from her last four starts. The step up to 1400m looks ideal based on her strong finishing efforts, and she gets the services of Steven Parnham who knows her well. Appears ready to break through.
Magic Carats has been knocking on the door with a second and third from his last two starts, both at Bunbury. His track record is excellent with a second and third from just two starts here. Last start he ran on well for third over 1400m at this track, suggesting he's ready for a peak performance. The expected fast tempo should suit his running style, and he looks a genuine winning chance.
Whiskers Harbour has shown ability at this track and distance with a second two starts back over 1400m at Bunbury. His overall track record is solid with a second and third from three starts here. The expected fast tempo should help his chances as he tends to settle midfield and run on.
He's also performed well over this distance with two thirds from four attempts. While his recent form has been only fair, he's been consistent at this level and the expected fast tempo should suit his running style. The addition of a tongue tie could spark improvement.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 10 | Rising Fame | 10 | Steven Parnham | N D Parnham | 56kg | $2.50 |
| 2nd | 11 | Flavoursome | 4 | Rocky Cheung | Daniel O'Connor | 53kg | $51.00 |
| 3rd | 3 | Extreme Ruler | 11 | Jade Mc Naught | Bronwyn Mathieson | 58kg | $41.00 |
| 4th | 2 | Sainty Cullity | 2 | Chris Parnham | Luke Fernie | 58kg | $16.00 |
| 5th | 4 | Whiskers Harbour | 3 | Jason Whiting | R C McPherson | 58kg | $5.00 |
| 6th | 7 | Nanarup | 8 | Patrick Carbery | C R Green | 58kg | $91.00 |
| 7th | 1 | Profound Benefit | 1 | Victoria Corver | Brian Kersley | 58kg | $13.00 |
| 8th | 9 | Swishgobango | 13 | Kyra Yuill | T M Wolfe | 56.5kg | $101.00 |
| 9th | 13 | Misty's Mirror | 5 | William Pike | G & A Williams | 54.5kg | $6.50 |
| 10th | 6 | Magic Carats | 6 | Alex Hearn | B R Larsson | 58kg | $3.80 |
| 11th | 12 | Velvet Princess | 12 | Laqdar Ramoly | Ms C Stelmach | 56kg | $61.00 |
| 12th | 5 | Gringo | 7 | Chanel Cooper | Ms S L Miller | 56kg | $101.00 |
| 13th | 8 | West River Robot | 9 | Holly Nottle | D & B Pearce | 56kg | $101.00 |
The mare has been a model of consistency with a 10:1-3-0 record and should be well-suited by the expected fast tempo.
Ripper Rupert brings strong credentials first-up from a spell with a significant class drop from his last start. The Luke Fernie-trained gelding has drawn perfectly in barrier 1, which is advantageous for the 1100m start at Bunbury. With Chris Parnham aboard and a consistent record of 5:1-1-1, he should get an ideal run just behind the leaders. While his first-up record shows no wins, he has placed fresh and the inside draw compensates for this.
The mare carries just 52.5kg after Rocky Cheung's claim, giving her a significant weight advantage. With a solid record at the distance (3:1-0-1) and only 15 days since her last run, she's ready to peak third-up from a spell. While rising in class is a concern, her weight relief and improving form trajectory suggest she's ready to take the next step.
Classic Ruler represents excellent value as a second-up specialist with a record of 3:1-0-0 when having his second run from a spell. Having raced at this track just 11 days ago, fitness won't be an issue, and the expected fast tempo should suit his running style.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Ripper Rupert | 1 | Chris Parnham | Luke Fernie | 58.5kg | $4.80 |
| 2nd | 9 | Firey Panz | 5 | Natika Riordan | P J Naylor | 51.5kg | $20.00 |
| 3rd | 8 | So Immaculate | 8 | Rocky Cheung | Daniel O'Connor | 52.5kg | $9.50 |
| 4th | 3 | Pygmalion | 6 | Jason Whiting | L P Luciani | 58.5kg | $3.20 |
| 5th | 5 | Royal Defense | 9 | Kyra Yuill | P J Naylor | 57kg | $21.00 |
| 6th | 6 | Scary Mary | 2 | Jessica Gray | D R Pateman | 56.5kg | $21.00 |
| 7th | 2 | Favourite Songs | 4 | Holly Nottle | Ms S Bakranich | 56.5kg | $2.50 |
| 8th | 1 | Big Karri | 3 | Jefferson Tsang | Brett Pope | 57kg | $17.00 |
| Scr | 7 | Classic Ruler | 7 | Jade Mc Naught | Ms C Stelmach | 55.5kg |
Progressive 4YO mare who brings the strongest recent form into this race with back-to-back wins. Has an excellent record at Bunbury (3: 1-1-1) and while untested at this distance, her racing pattern suggests she'll handle it well. Gets in well at the weights with 56kg and has the services of top jockey Chris Parnham. Likely to settle midfield and finish strongly.
Second-up today with a solid second-up record and has won at this distance previously (2: 1-0-0). Gets in light with 53.5kg and Holly Nottle's claim. Likely to settle back in the field but has the finishing burst to be right in the finish.
Lightly-raced 3YO gelding who won impressively at this track and distance last start. Faces a significant class rise but has the scope for further improvement. Joey Azzopardi sticks with him and from barrier 8 should get a nice trailing position midfield.
Consistent 5YO gelding with an excellent record at Bunbury (7: 1-2-1). Gets the services of star jockey William Pike which is a significant positive. Has been racing consistently without winning recently but is well-weighted and should get a good run from barrier 2.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Omerta Grace | 2 | William Pike | J F Miller | 59.5kg | $6.00 |
| 2nd | 6 | Sandfire Rose | 7 | Holly Nottle | Robert Gulberti | 53.5kg | $3.50 |
| 3rd | 5 | God's Grin | 6 | Chris Parnham | D & B Pearce | 56kg | $3.10 |
| 4th | 4 | Awesome Force | 8 | Joey Azzopardi | R W Price | 56kg | $4.40 |
| 5th | 2 | Point Rocks | 1 | Jason Brown | T M Wolfe | 60kg | $13.00 |
| 6th | 9 | Wheatstack Thief | 9 | Alex Hearn | Ms F J Hossell | 55kg | $151.00 |
| 7th | 7 | Gav Has Spoken | 3 | Luke Campbell | Brett Mathews | 55kg | $101.00 |
| 8th | 8 | Runforrob | 5 | Jade Mc Naught | P J Naylor | 55kg | $41.00 |
| 1 | Atlantis Beach | 4 | Patrick Carbery | C R Green | 60kg |
Belta Of A Song brings the strongest form credentials with a consistent record of 3-5-1 from 17 starts. With a proven record at Bunbury over this distance (1-0-1 from 2 starts) and William Pike in the saddle, she's well-positioned to overcome the wide draw. The fast tempo should suit her running style.
Showlas brings solid credentials with consistent recent form, finishing 2nd, 3rd, and 3rd in her last three starts. With a perfect record at this track and distance (1-0-0 from 1 start) and a good barrier draw, she's well-positioned to challenge the top selection. The fast tempo should suit her running style, though the class rise is a slight concern.
Take A Leaf is a progressive 3yo filly showing significant improvement, winning her maiden two starts back before a solid 3rd in Class 1 company last time out. Her record at Bunbury is excellent (1-0-1 from 3 starts), and she gets in with just 52.5kg.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Belta Of A Song | 10 | William Pike | B P Fitzgerald | 58kg | $1.80 |
| 2nd | 1 | Showlas | 4 | Ava Catarino | David Catarino | 57kg | $4.80 |
| 3rd | 5 | Secrecy | 3 | Jessica Valas | R C McPherson | 58kg | $15.00 |
| 4th | 6 | Space Ace | 2 | Natika Riordan | Ms R L Williams | 55kg | $21.00 |
| 5th | 7 | Universal Hotness | 5 | Alex Hearn | T W Crosby | 57.5kg | $12.00 |
| 6th | 10 | Five Down | 8 | Cassey Martinan | Luke Fernie | 53kg | $61.00 |
| 7th | 11 | Take A Leaf | 9 | Chanel Cooper | T M Wolfe | 52.5kg | $7.50 |
| 8th | 9 | Beau Talk | 6 | Jason Whiting | C G Willis | 56kg | $17.00 |
| 9th | 4 | Lieutenant Dunbar | 7 | Joey Azzopardi | G W Dupre | 58kg | $17.00 |
| Scr | 3 | Cape Leeuwin | 1 | Holly Nottle | D T McAuliffe | 56kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Across Generations | 5 | N D Parnham | 56kg |
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