Punt like a Pro, without the know!
Queensland · Saturday 20 December 2025
Our top pick won 2 of 7 races at Cairns. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
top pick wonanother tip wonno tip won
Alberta Bound brings the strongest form credentials with two dominant wins at this track and distance. The inside barrier is advantageous at Cairns, especially for her forward racing pattern. While carrying top weight, she's shown the ability to handle it effectively. Clearly the one to beat.
The Sean Cormack/F J Wieland combination suggests connections have some confidence. Likely to be positioned well in the run from the good draw, which is crucial at Cairns with its short straight. Main danger to the top selection.
Scarlena is another first-starter with limited information available, but the booking of Jackson Murphy is significant. Barrier 7 is slightly disadvantageous but not impossible at Cairns. Represents each-way value and could surprise if the leaders tire on the soft track.
That run was also on a soft track, proving her ability in these conditions. While she was well beaten by Alberta Bound, she clearly outperformed the rest of that field.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Alberta Bound | 1 | Nathan Thomas | Scott Cooper | 60kg | $1.16 |
| 2nd | 5 | Chica Poderosa | 8 | Krysten Swaffer | Trevor & Peter Rowe | 55.5kg | $16.00 |
| 3rd | 6 | Scarlena | 7 | Jackson Murphy | Georgie Holt | 55.5kg | $13.00 |
| 4th | 9 | Radiant Power | 2 | Wanderson D'Avila | Trevor & Peter Rowe | 54kg | $31.00 |
| 5th | 3 | Worthy Gem | 3 | Sean Cormack | F J Wieland | 57.5kg | $7.00 |
| 6th | 4 | Betta Win | 6 | Rachel Shred | A R Bailey | 55.5kg | $101.00 |
| 7th | 2 | Raar | 5 | Ryan Wiggins | A R Bailey | 57.5kg | $26.00 |
| Scr | 7 | Whispers Of Ziaan | 8 | Lauren Guernier | F J Wieland | 53.5kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Red Light Power | 4 | Lacey Morrison | Trevor & Peter Rowe | 55kg |
Has shown consistent improvement with a 3rd followed by a 2nd in recent runs. Proven performer at Cairns over this trip and should handle the Soft 7 surface based on previous wet track placings. Well-weighted and can overcome the wider draw with her tactical speed.
Drawn favorably in barrier 6 which is crucial at Cairns' tight-turning track. The 3yo filly gets in with just 55kg and should improve second-up. The main query is her ability on the Soft 7 surface, but her tactical speed and good barrier should allow her to be prominent in running.
The quick back-up suggests fitness and the mare should strip fitter second-up. Barrier 10 is a concern at Cairns' tight-turning track, but she has the benefit of race fitness and recent form. Main query is handling the Soft 7 surface with no wet track form to assess, but her recent racing is a significant advantage.
Has previously placed 2nd at this track over 950m and comes in fresh with a reasonable first-up record (4: 0-1-0). The mare drops significantly in class from her previous runs and has drawn favorably in barrier 8.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 9 | Adaj | 3 | Ivo Fry | Ms L McCormack | 55kg | $19.00 |
| 2nd | 11 | Minnie Vegas | 12 | Krysten Swaffer | Trevor & Peter Rowe | 55kg | $20.00 |
| 3rd | 4 | Middle Child | 13 | Wanderson D'Avila | S J Royes | 56.5kg | $15.00 |
| 4th | 6 | Silverturn | 11 | Rachel Shred | Nicole Homann | 56.5kg | $2.60 |
| 5th | 14 | Niven | 5 | Ryan Wiggins | S Massingham | 58.5kg | $8.50 |
| 6th | 1 | Here's Mason | 2 | Ashley Butler | S Massingham | 58.5kg | $6.50 |
| 7th | 8 | Webs | 8 | Shane Mc Govern | Ms M Preston | 56.5kg | $26.00 |
| 8th | 2 | Essay Wine | 4 | Lauren Guernier | F J Wieland | 54.5kg | $21.00 |
| 9th | 7 | Volare | 10 | Nathan Thomas | Troy Clive | 56.5kg | $21.00 |
| 10th | 5 | Missin' De Quo | 15 | Chris Meehan | Kayla Russell | 56.5kg | $101.00 |
| 11th | 10 | Light My Life | 6 | Sean Cormack | Trevor & Peter Rowe | 55kg | $7.00 |
| 12th | 3 | Macy The Ace | 9 | Lacey Morrison | Bodine Bailey | 56.5kg | $7.00 |
| Scr | 12 | She's A Sweet Star | 9 | Terry McGovern | 55kg | ||
| Scr | 13 | Magic Tyla | 17 | Tracy Simmons | 56.5kg | ||
| Scr | 15 | Omnipresent | 1 | Ms L McCormack | 55kg | ||
| Scr | 16 | Mind Over Matter | 14 | Terry McGovern | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 17 | Confiserie | 7 | D K Amos | 55kg |
Corbusier brings the strongest credentials with an excellent record at Cairns over this trip (4: 2-1-1). Despite carrying top weight, he's proven he can handle it with strong performances in similar company. His inside draw is ideal for Cairns' tight turns, and his soft track form is solid. First-up record is the main query, but class edge should prevail.
Power Puff comes into this race in winning form, having scored at Innisfail just 14 days ago. The mare gets in with just 54kg and has drawn favorably in barrier 6. The soft track is a query, but her lightweight and momentum make her a genuine place chance.
Mutafiq brings strong credentials with a solid record at this track and distance (6: 2-1-0). His recent form has been consistent with a 4th placing just 16 days ago on a similar surface. The wide barrier is a concern at Cairns' tight-turning track, but his experience and proven ability on soft going should help overcome this disadvantage. Represents each-way value.
She has a solid record at Cairns (6: 1-1-1) and was a winner just two starts back at Pentland.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Corbusier | 2 | Sean Cormack | F J Wieland | 60kg | $2.05 |
| 2nd | 9 | Our Addiction | 9 | Krysten Swaffer | Trevor & Peter Rowe | 54kg | $7.50 |
| 3rd | 5 | Super Twenty Three | 1 | Chris Meehan | S Massingham | 55.5kg | $18.00 |
| 4th | 3 | Catalina Dreaming | 3 | Jackson Murphy | S J Royes | 56.5kg | $6.50 |
| 5th | 10 | Five Bulls | 5 | Ivo Fry | Ms J Ryan | 54kg | $31.00 |
| 6th | 7 | Hot Torque Invegas | 4 | Wanderson D'Avila | Lachie Manzelmann | 54kg | $31.00 |
| 7th | 6 | Power Puff | 6 | Amanda Thomson | A R Bailey | 54kg | $5.00 |
| 8th | 4 | Fast As Steel | 7 | Lacey Morrison | Bodine Bailey | 55.5kg | $7.50 |
| 9th | 8 | Egzakly | 10 | Nathan Thomas | Kayla Russell | 54kg | $71.00 |
| Scr | 2 | Mutafiq | 8 | Ryan Wiggins | S Massingham | 57.5kg |
The gear change (nose roll on, winkers off) suggests connections are looking to sharpen her up, and she should appreciate the likely fast tempo. While unproven at the distance, her racing pattern suggests it will suit, and Morrison is a capable rider who knows the horse well.
Gem Of Scots brings strong local track credentials to this race with a win and a place from 5 starts at Cairns. Her soft track record (1 win from 2 starts) is a significant advantage given the Soft 7 conditions. While unproven at the distance, her racing style suggests she should handle it, and her barrier draw gives her tactical options. Jackson Murphy knows the horse well.
Nordic Invader brings consistency to this race with a record of 1 win and 2 places from 10 starts. His soft track credentials (1 win, 1 place from 7 starts) are valuable given today's conditions. The barrier 1 draw is ideal at Cairns, especially with its tight turns and short straight.
The significant gear change (blinkers off, tongue tie on) suggests connections are looking to spark improvement, and his track and distance record includes a placing. The lightweight impost of 54kg is a significant advantage, and his barrier draw gives him tactical options.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Aspen Cowboy | 8 | Krysten Swaffer | Trevor & Peter Rowe | 59kg | $5.00 |
| 2nd | 4 | Desarae Doll | 3 | Lacey Morrison | Trevor & Peter Rowe | 58kg | $6.00 |
| 3rd | 6 | Mr Oreo | 4 | Lauren Guernier | F J Wieland | 54kg | $19.00 |
| 4th | 5 | Lost Lamb | 7 | Chris Meehan | D K Amos | 58kg | $26.00 |
| 5th | 3 | Gem Of Scots | 5 | Jackson Murphy | Scott Cooper | 58.5kg | $4.60 |
| 6th | 1 | Nordic Invader | 1 | Ryan Wiggins | S Massingham | 60kg | $1.90 |
| 7th | 8 | Confiserie | 2 | Wanderson D'Avila | D K Amos | 54kg | $91.00 |
| 8th | 7 | Omnipresent | 6 | Ivo Fry | Ms L McCormack | 55.5kg | $41.00 |
On The Quiet brings compelling credentials with a last-start win on soft ground at this track and distance. His proven ability on soft tracks (6:1-1-0) and perfect record at Cairns (1:1-0-0) are significant advantages. The 54.5kg weight is ideal for the conditions, and his improving form pattern suggests further upside. While facing a class rise, he appears well-placed to handle it based on his progressive profile.
His soft track record (13:2-3-4) and strong Cairns performances (8:0-2-3) are significant positives. The main concerns are the top weight of 59.5kg on a soft track and stepping up to 1400m for the first time. Nevertheless, his class and consistency make him a major player.
Nippa's Nightcap brings valuable experience and a strong record at Cairns with two second-place finishes from two starts. His soft track credentials (12:3-1-1) are impressive, and he comes off a good runner-up finish. The inside barrier should allow him to utilize his tactical speed on this tight-turning track. While he lacks a win at Cairns, his place record suggests he'll be competitive.
The 55.5kg weight is advantageous on a soft track.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Nippa's Nightcap | 2 | Lacey Morrison | Sharlee Hoffman | 58.5kg | $3.00 |
| 2nd | 1 | Yamabushi | 1 | Lauren Guernier | F J Wieland | 59.5kg | $3.70 |
| 3rd | 4 | Boom Boom Ray | 6 | Sean Cormack | Tracy Simmons | 57.5kg | $5.00 |
| 4th | 6 | Dreamwoman | 7 | Nathan Thomas | Nicole Homann | 55.5kg | $18.00 |
| 5th | 8 | Diasonic | 3 | Jackson Murphy | Lachie Manzelmann | 54kg | $26.00 |
| 6th | 9 | Winehouse | 4 | Wanderson D'Avila | Scott Cooper | 54kg | $21.00 |
| 7th | 7 | On The Quiet | 8 | Amanda Thomson | A R Bailey | 54.5kg | $3.60 |
| 8th | 5 | City Playboy | 5 | Shane Mc Govern | K McGovern | 57.5kg | $81.00 |
| Scr | 2 | Brasco | 5 | Lachie Manzelmann | 60kg |
Seventies Hit brings the strongest recent form into this race with a dominant win just 7 days ago at Atherton over the same distance. His soft track record is excellent (3:3-3-0), and he gets in with just 54kg.
King's Halo brings strong course form with an impressive record at Cairns (18: 4-6-3) and specifically at this track and distance (6: 2-2-1). Coming off a win at this track 16 days ago, he's shown he handles soft conditions and has a consistent pattern of racing.
Tycoon Beau brings solid consistency with placings in his last three starts including a close 2nd at this track and distance. The inside barrier is a significant advantage at Cairns, and his record at this track and distance (4: 1-1-1) shows he handles the course well.
While he's untested at this track and his soft track record is concerning (15: 0-0-3), he gets in with just 54kg and has drawn well in barrier 3.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Tycoon Beau | 1 | Ryan Wiggins | S Massingham | 57.5kg | $4.20 |
| 2nd | 7 | Seventies Hit | 6 | Lacey Morrison | Bodine Bailey | 54kg | $2.70 |
| 3rd | 4 | Strathcona | 5 | Amanda Thomson | Megan Purvis | 56kg | $11.00 |
| 4th | 6 | King's Halo | 7 | Nathan Thomas | S Massingham | 54.5kg | $5.00 |
| 5th | 1 | Inching Closer | 2 | Lauren Guernier | M A Dale | 58kg | $12.00 |
| 6th | 5 | Sir Rocket | 4 | Jackson Murphy | Lachie Manzelmann | 55.5kg | $13.00 |
| 7th | 8 | Reformist | 3 | Shane Mc Govern | K McGovern | 54kg | $31.00 |
| 8th | 2 | Lidder Valley | 8 | Sean Cormack | S Massingham | 58kg | $7.00 |
| Scr | 9 | Brasco | 2 | Lachie Manzelmann | 54kg |
Has proven ability on soft tracks (1-1-2 from 12 starts) and the tight-turning Cairns circuit suits her forward racing pattern. The barrier draw (10) gives options to find a position in the run, and her recent form suggests she's ready to win again despite the slight class rise.
Her versatile racing pattern should suit the tight Cairns circuit, and she's proven effective at similar distances. While unproven at this track, her adaptability and consistent form make her a genuine threat, especially if she can secure a good position from barrier 6.
Kickagoal Kenny brings strong credentials with a recent win at Cairns and an excellent overall record at this track (3-1-2 from 8 starts). The wide barrier (11) is a concern on this tight-turning track, but his class and track experience could help overcome this disadvantage.
Russian Summer represents excellent value after an impressive last-start win. His recent form has been consistent (1-3-3 in last 5) and he's shown ability on soft tracks (0-2-3 from 9 starts). While the wide barrier (14) is a significant concern at Cairns' tight-turning track, his strong finishing ability could overcome this if he can find cover early.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Singular | 2 | Sean Cormack | S Massingham | 59.5kg | $5.00 |
| 2nd | 8 | Russian Summer | 12 | Lacey Morrison | S J Royes | 58.5kg | $5.50 |
| 3rd | 3 | Buffet Buster | 11 | Amanda Thomson | A R Bailey | 59.5kg | $10.00 |
| 4th | 11 | Sheza Chiquitita | 3 | Chris Meehan | Trevor & Peter Rowe | 56kg | $41.00 |
| 5th | 2 | Kickagoal Kenny | 10 | Krysten Swaffer | Trevor & Peter Rowe | 60kg | $5.00 |
| 6th | 9 | La Mano | 4 | Lauren Guernier | Ms J Ryan | 56kg | $11.00 |
| 7th | 14 | He Goes Boom | 1 | Shane Mc Govern | K McGovern | 54kg | $61.00 |
| 8th | 6 | Melo Melo Kava | 5 | Ashley Butler | Tracy Simmons | 59kg | $6.00 |
| 9th | 10 | Savee | 9 | Nathan Thomas | Ms R Inglis | 57kg | $7.50 |
| 10th | 1 | Betta Al | 7 | Rachel Shred | A R Bailey | 60kg | $26.00 |
| 11th | 7 | Flying Artist | 6 | Ryan Wiggins | S Massingham | 58.5kg | $14.00 |
| 12th | 13 | Rose Of Athens | 8 | Jackson Murphy | Scott Cooper | 54kg | $71.00 |
| Scr | 4 | Paro | 5 | Terry McGovern | 59.5kg | ||
| Scr | 12 | Grovers Prediction | 12 | Wanderson D'Avila | Krystin Allender | 55.5kg |
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