Punt like a Pro, without the know!
Victoria · Tuesday 23 December 2025
Our top pick won 4 of 8 races at Mornington. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
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Regal Banter draws favorably in barrier 3 at this tight, turning track where inside barriers are crucial. The addition of ear muffs pre-race only suggests connections are focused on having the horse settled for its debut. Likely to settle in a good position on this leader-biased circuit.
Divine Dot has drawn barrier 5 which is still favorable at Mornington where inside barriers are advantageous. The McArdle stable typically presents their horses well prepared for debut, and with the speed map suggesting a forward position, Divine Dot should get every chance on this leader-friendly circuit.
Foxy Vixen from the Hayes stable has drawn well in barrier 4, which is advantageous at this tight-turning track. The addition of ear muffs pre-race only and a lugging bit suggests connections have focused on racing manners. Likely to settle midfield with options from the good draw.
Circus Prince has drawn ideally in barrier 2 at this tight-turning, leader-biased track. The comprehensive gear changes (bandages, cross-over nose band, lugging bit, visors) suggest connections have addressed any issues from trials. The inside draw gives every chance on this track.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Divine Dot | 5 | Jett Stanley | John McArdle | 56kg | $1.95 |
| 2nd | 6 | Regal Banter | 3 | Luke Cartwright | M W Walker | 54.5kg | $5.00 |
| 3rd | 4 | Foxy Vixen | 4 | Jackson Radley | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 53kg | $3.20 |
| 4th | 3 | Fontalicious | 6 | Patrick Moloney | Shane Nichols & Hayden Black | 56kg | $8.50 |
| 5th | 1 | Circus Prince | 2 | Valentin Le Boeuf | Anthony Cosgriff | 58kg | $31.00 |
| 6th | 5 | Nova Eclipse | 1 | Ryan Houston | Mitchell Leek | 54.5kg | $21.00 |
Aqua Storm showed significant promise when finishing second on debut at Pakenham over 1400m. The Moody/Coleman-trained gelding draws perfectly in barrier 2 at this tight, turning track and should settle on-pace with Luke Nolen aboard. The step up to 1500m looks suitable, and the first-time tongue tie suggests connections expect improvement. Perfectly positioned to capitalize on Mornington's leader-favoring layout.
Gold Decree has been knocking on the door with consistent form, finishing 4th last start at Cranbourne over this distance. The M. Laurie-trained gelding draws the rails which is crucial at Mornington's tight-turning track. The application of blinkers for the first time should sharpen his focus, while the removal of the nose band suggests connections are addressing any breathing issues. Teodore Nugent takes the ride on this improving 3YO.
The Jerome Hunter-trained filly gets the services of top jockey Damien Thornton and should be ready to peak third-up. The wide barrier is a concern at this tight-turning track, but her improving form suggests she can overcome it if finding cover early.
Hirarkee showed ability two starts back when a strong 3rd at Kilmore over 1600m. While disappointing last start at Wangaratta, the Busuttin/Young-trained gelding draws well in barrier 4 and gets the services of Linda Meech, who excels at provincial tracks.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Surperb Frost | 6 | Luke Cartwright | M J Mehegan | 58kg | $12.00 |
| 2nd | 4 | Boy From Oz | 7 | Jason Maskiell | Amy & Ash Yargi | 58kg | $51.00 |
| 3rd | 1 | Aqua Storm | 2 | Luke Nolen | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 59.5kg | $1.75 |
| 4th | 8 | Montana Rose | 4 | Nadia Daniels | Mick Nolan | 54.5kg | $101.00 |
| 5th | 2 | El Toro Macho | 5 | Robert Whearty | C Maher | 59.5kg | $13.00 |
| 6th | 5 | Gold Decree | 1 | Teodore Nugent | M M Laurie | 58kg | $6.00 |
| 7th | 9 | Foxing Warrior | 8 | Damien Thornton | Jerome Hunter | 56kg | $4.40 |
| 8th | 6 | Hirarkee | 3 | Linda Meech | T Busuttin & N Young | 58kg | $17.00 |
| Scr | 7 | Areaan | 3 | Jackson Radley | C I Brown | 54.5kg | |
| Scr | 10 | Imponderable | 6 | Jett Stanley | A & S Freedman | 56kg |
Our Justify showed excellent ability on debut when finishing a close second at this track and distance 17 days ago. The Jerome Hunter-trained filly should take natural improvement from that run and gets the services of top jockey Damien Thornton. Despite the wide barrier, she has enough tactical speed to position well in a race that should be run at a genuine tempo.
Veomas brings solid form credentials having placed in 2 of his 4 starts, most recently finishing third at Cranbourne 17 days ago. The M W Walker-trained gelding has been racing in stronger company and the addition of visors could sharpen him up. The wide barrier is a concern at this tight track, but he has enough ability to overcome it if he can position midfield.
Pafitis represents the powerful Ciaron Maher stable and drops significantly in class after contesting Group 2 company at his last start. The wide barrier is a concern at this tight track, but he's been freshened up with a 289-day break and could show improvement as a gelding.
Silver Bullet has only had one start but comes from the capable Charlotte Littlefield stable with Jason Maskiell aboard. First-up from a 144-day break, he's likely to settle back and be suited by the anticipated fast tempo.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 11 | Our Justify | 12 | Damien Thornton | Jerome Hunter | 56kg | $2.80 |
| 2nd | 7 | Silver Bullet | 9 | Jason Maskiell | Charlotte Littlefield | 58kg | $4.20 |
| 3rd | 1 | San Pueblo | 7 | Melea Castle | Marcus Fahler | 59.5kg | $101.00 |
| 4th | 3 | Flying Gentry | 10 | Jett Stanley | M Price & M Kent Jnr | 58kg | $12.00 |
| 5th | 12 | Thankful Smile | 3 | Jackson Radley | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 53kg | $5.50 |
| 6th | 8 | Veomas | 11 | Luke Cartwright | M W Walker | 56.5kg | $4.60 |
| 7th | 15 | Empress Jupiter | 6 | Robert Whearty | C Maher | 56kg | $51.00 |
| 8th | 10 | Hot Spirit | 4 | Ryan Houston | Simon Zahra | 54.5kg | $26.00 |
| 9th | 9 | Dandirose | 2 | Sam Kennedy | Logan McGill | 54.5kg | $71.00 |
| 10th | 16 | Graceful Mist | 1 | Nicole Dickson | 57.5kg | $201.00 | |
| 11th | 4 | Foxland | 5 | Jake Noonan | A W Noonan | 58kg | $11.00 |
| Scr | 2 | Cold Logic | 1 | Brad Rawiller | Shannon Roughan | 58kg | |
| Scr | 5 | It's Gnarly | 13 | Teodore Nugent | Logan McGill | 58kg | |
| Scr | 6 | Pafitis | 16 | Zoe Waller | C Maher | 55kg | |
| Scr | 13 | Witch's Treasure | 12 | Theodore Ladd | Shane Stockdale | 56kg | |
| Scr | 14 | Mywifeisnothere | 8 | Simone Walker | 59.5kg |
Lapland brings consistent form with placings in all three career starts and draws the perfect barrier 1 on this leader-biased track. With proven wet track ability and a solid first-up record, he's well-positioned to capitalize on the inside draw with experienced jockey Brad Rawiller aboard. The McArdle stable has him ready to break through for a maiden win.
Tassorting brings excellent course-specific form with two seconds from two attempts at this track and distance. His consistency is impressive with placings in 3 of 4 career starts, and he has a fitness edge being only 17 days since his last run where he finished a close second. Luke Nolen takes the ride and from barrier 6, he should get a good position in midfield.
Bold Suitor returns from a spell with the advantage of barrier 3 on this leader-biased track. His first-up record includes a placing and he's shown ability on heavy tracks which could be relevant with showers forecast. The father/son combination of trainer and jockey is a positive, and the addition of ear muffs pre-race suggests they're addressing any pre-race issues.
While her first-up run was disappointing (6th), she should improve second-up and has drawn well in barrier 7 to secure a tactical position. Patrick Moloney is a capable jockey who should give her every chance in a race that should suit her tactical speed.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Lapland | 1 | Brad Rawiller | John McArdle | 58kg | $3.10 |
| 2nd | 4 | Tassorting | 6 | Luke Nolen | Jerome Hunter | 58kg | $4.80 |
| 3rd | 13 | Dazzling Secret | 8 | Mick Nolan | 58kg | $61.00 | |
| 4th | 7 | Artie's Storm | 5 | Damien Thornton | A & S Freedman | 56kg | $5.50 |
| 5th | 11 | Bold Suitor | 3 | Jake Noonan | A W Noonan | 58kg | $3.00 |
| 6th | 10 | Bella Angelica | 4 | Tom Dabernig | 56kg | $26.00 | |
| 7th | 2 | Baldoni | 10 | Koby Jennings | Michael Huglin | 58kg | $17.00 |
| 8th | 9 | Peninsula Rose | 9 | Luke Cartwright | Clayton Douglas | 54.5kg | $18.00 |
| 9th | 12 | Hard Tempo | 2 | Ryan Houston | Logan McGill | 54.5kg | $151.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Igotmymindonyou | 10 | Shane Stockdale | 59.5kg | ||
| Scr | 5 | Brazen Diva | 13 | Jett Stanley | G Eurell | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 6 | Alphabet | 7 | Patrick Moloney | A & S Freedman | 56kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Lotta City | 11 | Paul Gatt | Jerome Hunter | 56kg |
Bazaball Rewarded brings exceptional track/distance credentials with a perfect 4-from-4 record at Mornington over 1000m. Her tactical speed suits this leader-biased circuit perfectly, and she's proven she can carry weight with multiple wins at 58kg+. Recent form is rock solid with 3 wins from her last 5 starts. The wide barrier is the main concern, but her early pace should overcome this disadvantage.
Ichiberu presents as a strong second-up proposition with an excellent record when having her second run from a spell (1-1-0 from 3 starts). She's drawn well in barrier 5 which is crucial at Mornington's tight-turning track, and her recent form has been consistent. The class rise is a concern, but she gets significant weight relief compared to the top selection.
Remember Poppy brings strong recent form with a win and a second from her last two starts. The quick backup suggests fitness, and she gets in with just 55kg which is a significant advantage. Her inside draw (barrier 4) is ideal for Mornington's tight-turning track. The class rise is the main concern, but her light weight and good draw offset this somewhat.
The wide barrier is a concern at Mornington, but her tactical speed should allow her to overcome this disadvantage.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Bazaball Rewarded | 7 | Sam Kennedy | Kelvin Southey | 61.5kg | $2.25 |
| 2nd | 3 | Ichiberu | 4 | Jason Maskiell | Jason Warren | 60kg | $3.10 |
| 3rd | 5 | Remember Poppy | 3 | Nadia Daniels | Rachael Cunningham | 55kg | $6.00 |
| 4th | 6 | Smart Return | 2 | Linda Meech | Tom Dabernig | 58kg | $5.50 |
| 5th | 2 | Lunar Module | 6 | Ryan Houston | Logan McGill | 61.5kg | $11.00 |
| 6th | 8 | Rivers Reward | 1 | Sally Wynne | Ms N Shelton | 54kg | $101.00 |
| 7th | 7 | Belriah | 5 | Teodore Nugent | Ms B Schreuder | 54kg | $151.00 |
| Scr | 4 | Mislead | 1 | Jake Noonan | Ms R Frost | 59.5kg |
She's dropping from Restricted 62 to Class 1 company and gets the benefit of blinkers for the first time. Linda Meech takes the ride which is a significant positive at Mornington. While she tends to settle midfield, her finishing burst should be too strong.
Final Moment has excellent credentials with a win at this track and distance and a perfect record at Mornington (2:1-0-0). She's dropping in class from a BM64 to Class 1 and has the advantage of barrier 1, which is crucial at this tight-turning track. The 10-day backup is a slight concern.
Rodriquez brings improving form with a last-start maiden win and should get the perfect run from barrier 2. He's likely to be on speed in a race that should favor leaders at this tight-turning track. The class rise from a maiden to Class 1 is significant, and he's yet to win at this distance, but his tactical speed and inside draw are major positives. If the track deteriorates, his Heavy track win is another plus.
She's a last-start winner at this track with a strong record at Mornington over this distance (2:1-1-0). While the class rise is significant, her track knowledge and proven ability to handle the tight turns make her an appealing longshot.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Du Clisson | 4 | Linda Meech | Tom Dabernig | 57kg | $2.30 |
| 2nd | 4 | Party Benefits | 3 | Patrick Moloney | M J Mehegan | 57.5kg | $6.50 |
| 3rd | 7 | Final Moment | 1 | Luke Cartwright | Clayton Douglas | 55kg | $4.60 |
| 4th | 2 | Never A Thought | 2 | Damien Thornton | Colin Scott | 58.5kg | $12.00 |
| 5th | 3 | Playlist | 5 | Hayley Spitse | G M Begg | 54kg | $3.60 |
| Scr | 1 | Rodriquez | 2 | Nathan Punch | Brian McGrath | 60kg | |
| Scr | 5 | Dirty Diana | 8 | Jett Stanley | Charlotte Littlefield | 57kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Gliding Lightening | 3 | Luke Nolen | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Pacific Glamour | 7 | Jackson Radley | T & C McEvoy | 53.5kg |
Hot Chips draws the perfect barrier 1 at this leader-biased track and has the tactical speed to utilize it. While first-up from a spell with a moderate fresh record (3:0-0-1), the inside draw at Mornington is a massive advantage. With expected showers, her heavy track record (2:2-0-0) could prove valuable.
While his barrier 9 is a concern at this tight track, he's second-up from a spell with natural improvement expected. His last start maiden win here suggests he handles the unique configuration, and the expected fast tempo should allow him to find a position despite the wide draw.
His first-up record is excellent (3:1-0-2) and he's now second-up where he should improve further. The inside-middle draw suits Mornington's tight turning track, and Luke Nolen's engagement is significant.
While she typically settles back in her races, which isn't ideal at Mornington, the expected fast tempo should help her cause. With only 10 days between runs, she'll be at peak fitness, and Damien Thornton's engagement is a significant positive. Her recent form (9221212629) shows she's rarely far away.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 10 | Russian Benefits | 2 | Patrick Moloney | M J Mehegan | 56kg | $12.00 |
| 2nd | 12 | Gracious Diva | 6 | Valentin Le Boeuf | Susie Wells | 54kg | $15.00 |
| 3rd | 1 | Hot Chips | 1 | Sam Kennedy | John McArdle | 57kg | $3.80 |
| 4th | 3 | Magic Money | 7 | Ryan Houston | Simon Zahra | 57.5kg | $4.60 |
| 5th | 7 | Missile Girl | 4 | Damien Thornton | Reece Goodwin | 58kg | $6.50 |
| 6th | 11 | Sweet 'n' Spicy | 3 | Teodore Nugent | Ms L Tolson & Ms L Proctor | 54.5kg | $7.00 |
| 7th | 5 | Sky Sista | 8 | Luke Cartwright | M W Walker | 57kg | $4.40 |
| 8th | 2 | Electromagnetic | 5 | Jett Stanley | M Price & M Kent Jnr | 59kg | $17.00 |
| Scr | 4 | Andiamo Rosso | 12 | Jason Maskiell | Ms W Kelly | 58.5kg | |
| Scr | 6 | Suppose I Do | 10 | Jake Noonan | John R Allen | 58.5kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Tennessee Song | 14 | Linda Meech | Tom Dabernig | 57kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Sotomayor | 2 | M M Laurie | 56.5kg | ||
| Scr | 13 | Smarticon | 7 | Luke Nolen | David & Coral Feek | 58kg | |
| Scr | 14 | Free To Play | 13 | Melanie Bullard | 56kg |
Norwoods brings the strongest recent form, winning at this track and class just 17 days ago. His overall Mornington record is excellent (8: 2-4-1) and he's proven at the distance. While he'll likely settle midfield, his tactical speed should allow him to position within striking distance on the tight-turning track. The inside-middle draw is ideal for this course.
Lim's Smythe drops significantly in class after solid performances in stronger company. While untested at 1500m, his racing style suggests the distance should suit, and his likely on-pace position is ideal for Mornington's tight-turning track. Luke Nolen is a significant jockey booking, and the horse's recent form indicates he's ready to peak third-up.
Mystic Vamp brings solid recent form, finishing second at this track and class 17 days ago. The perfect inside draw is a massive advantage at Mornington, and she gets in with just 55kg. While her win strike rate is modest, she's consistently competitive and should get the perfect run from barrier 1 with Dakotah Keane aboard.
The removal of blinkers could spark significant improvement, and he's well-drawn in barrier 5. While his first-up run was disappointing, the Busuttin & Young stable knows how to prepare a horse to peak second-up.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Taka Speed | 13 | Teodore Nugent | M M Laurie | 60kg | $3.90 |
| 2nd | 3 | Norwoods | 8 | Jason Maskiell | Rachael Cunningham | 60.5kg | $6.50 |
| 3rd | 7 | Fauci | 5 | Brad Rawiller | T Busuttin & N Young | 59.5kg | $14.00 |
| 4th | 12 | Mystic Vamp | 1 | Dakotah Keane | A W Noonan | 55kg | $6.50 |
| 5th | 2 | Lim's Smythe | 9 | Luke Nolen | D Meagher | 60.5kg | $3.80 |
| 6th | 10 | Cinque Ponte | 2 | Jake Noonan | A W Noonan | 58kg | $41.00 |
| 7th | 1 | Williamstown | 6 | Makisha Salter | R J Blacker | 59kg | $15.00 |
| 8th | 4 | Brooklyn Boss | 12 | Luke Cartwright | Shannon Roughan | 58.5kg | $7.00 |
| 9th | 5 | Queen Beira | 7 | Patrick Moloney | David & Coral Feek | 60kg | $26.00 |
| 10th | 14 | Track Patcher | 11 | Nadia Daniels | Pat Carey & Harris Walker | 54.5kg | $31.00 |
| 11th | 15 | King Ben | 3 | Lauren Burke | M J Mehegan | 54kg | $61.00 |
| 12th | 13 | Indreamsyou'remine | 15 | Jett Stanley | Patrick Keane | 58kg | $91.00 |
| Scr | 8 | The Negotiator | 16 | C I Brown | 59.5kg | ||
| Scr | 9 | Mr Bannock | 10 | Jackson Radley | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 56kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Subtle Power | 14 | Koby Jennings | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 16 | Tidal Force | 4 | Ryan Houston | Logan McGill | 54.5kg |
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