Punt like a Pro, without the know!
South Australia · Wednesday 24 December 2025
Our top pick won 1 of 7 races at Strathalbyn. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
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Shalhavmusik brings solid recent form including a win three starts back and competitive performances since. The mare draws perfectly in barrier 2 which is crucial at Strathalbyn's 1200m start. The fast tempo predicted should suit her running style, and Campbell Rawiller is a positive jockey booking.
With 4 wins and 8 placings from 41 starts, she knows how to find the line. Her record at 1200m is particularly strong with 2 wins and 6 placings. The fast tempo should suit her running style, and she maps to get a good midfield position from barrier 4. Kayla Crowther is a positive jockey booking.
Pulambi brings a strong record at the 1200m distance with 2 wins and 6 placings from 14 attempts. The experienced mare draws well in barrier 3 which should allow her to utilize her early speed. Todd Pannell is a significant jockey booking, and she's likely to be prominent in the early stages which suits Strathalbyn's configuration. Her recent form has been below her best, but the drop back to this level could see improvement.
Her recent form includes a close second at Wentworth, and she gets in well at the weights with just 54.5kg.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Shalhavmusik | 2 | Campbell Rawiller | Grant Young | 59.5kg | $2.80 |
| 2nd | 5 | Brooklyn Baby | 4 | Kayla Crowther | Stephen Theodore | 58kg | $3.50 |
| 3rd | 4 | Sumambistarr | 5 | Polly Brewster | James Short | 55.5kg | $16.00 |
| 4th | 7 | Prancing Countess | 8 | Matthew Chadwick | Chris Bieg | 54.5kg | $16.00 |
| 5th | 1 | Urbanise | 6 | Jason Holder | Jon O'Connor | 60kg | $6.50 |
| 6th | 2 | Pulambi | 3 | Todd Pannell | W F Francis & G Kent | 59.5kg | $5.00 |
| 7th | 6 | Lunarshot | 1 | Lauren Stojakovic | Alexander Justice | 57kg | $17.00 |
| Scr | 8 | Star Decorum | 7 | Caitlin Tootell | Darren & Aimee Magro | 54.5kg |
Second-up today after a disappointing fresh run, his second-up record shows promise with a placing from two attempts. The Michael Hickmott-trained gelding has drawn ideally in barrier 5 and gets the services of top jockey Todd Pannell. His consistent form in similar maidens makes him the standout.
The perfect barrier 1 draw is a major advantage at Strathalbyn for the 1100m start. First-time gear additions (cross-over nose band and ear muffs pre-race) indicate connections are addressing potential issues. The lightweight and inside draw position this debutant perfectly for a forward running position in a race with likely fast tempo.
Ze Ze Zap comes from the powerful P Stokes stable which has an excellent record with maiden runners. Jacob Opperman is a talented young rider who should give this debutant every chance. The lack of race experience is the main concern, but the stable confidence is telling.
The removal of cheekers could help her see out the finish better, while the addition of a tail chain suggests connections are addressing behavior issues. First-up today but drawn well in barrier 4 with experienced jockey Emily Finnegan aboard.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Ze Ze Zap | 11 | Jacob Opperman | P Stokes | 56.5kg | $3.00 |
| 2nd | 9 | Goodlookin' Guru | 1 | Taylor Johnstone | A J Gluyas | 54.5kg | $4.20 |
| 3rd | 3 | Sir Monica | 3 | Caitlin Jones | Kristi Evans | 58kg | $8.00 |
| 4th | 10 | Even In America | 2 | Sophie Potter | David Jolly & Justin Potter | 53kg | $11.00 |
| 5th | 1 | Foolish Lad | 7 | Campbell Rawiller | Lewis & Eliza Grantham | 58kg | $19.00 |
| 6th | 4 | Stranded | 5 | Todd Pannell | Michael Hickmott | 56.5kg | $7.00 |
| 7th | 2 | On Tik | 6 | Sophie Logan | Jarrod Lynch | 58kg | $10.00 |
| 8th | 7 | Cosmo Diva | 10 | Alana Livesey | G Richards & D Moyle | 56kg | $14.00 |
| 9th | 8 | Xaiambi | 4 | Emily Finnegan | Ms R Day | 56kg | $11.00 |
| Scr | 5 | Wine Snob | 1 | Connor Murtagh | R & C Jolly | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Aramoso | 9 | Caitlin Tootell | Ms E Hubbard | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 12 | Stella's Charm | 8 | J Hickmott & C Riggs | 56kg |
Now second-up from a spell, natural improvement is expected, and the Clarken & Macgillivray stable is in good form. Emily Finnegan knows this horse well, and from barrier 7, should secure a good midfield position in a race with likely fast tempo. The main danger appears to be the first-starter Impact Storm.
Impact Storm makes his debut for the strong Michael Hickmott stable with top jockey Todd Pannell engaged. While there's no public form to assess, the stable placement and jockey booking suggest confidence. From barrier 6, he should get a good position in running, likely settling forward.
From barrier 3, Alysha Warren should secure a good midfield position. While yet to win from 12 starts, her consistency and proven ability at this track and distance make her a genuine place chance. The fast tempo should suit her running style, allowing her to finish strongly.
Australia Forever debuts for the strong Phillip Stokes stable with quality jockey Kayla Crowther aboard. With a light weight of 54.5kg and a strong jockey booking, this first-starter represents value in a maiden where many runners have shown limited ability. The barrier (10) is the main concern.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 10 | Vaniteux | 8 | Ben Price | Dion & Raygan Koch | 56kg | $9.00 |
| 2nd | 11 | Australia Forever | 10 | Kayla Crowther | P Stokes | 54.5kg | $4.60 |
| 3rd | 4 | Like A Drifter | 7 | Emily Finnegan | D Clarken & O Macgillivray | 56.5kg | $2.35 |
| 4th | 3 | Impending Fury | 2 | Jason Holder | Stephen Theodore | 56.5kg | $12.00 |
| 5th | 2 | Impact Storm | 6 | Todd Pannell | Michael Hickmott | 56.5kg | $4.20 |
| 6th | 8 | Splash Of White | 3 | Alysha Warren | M J Seyers | 54kg | $14.00 |
| 7th | 12 | La Petite | 5 | Taylor Johnstone | R Daniel & T Stanbury | 54.5kg | $19.00 |
| 8th | 15 | Prince Of King | 9 | Andrew Stead | Sophia Mackay | 58kg | $201.00 |
| 9th | 6 | Thakolt | 1 | Sairyn Fawke | Grant Young | 56.5kg | $101.00 |
| 10th | 9 | Tiny Bay | 11 | Wesley Cave | T L Day | 56kg | $151.00 |
| 11th | 16 | Katherinemarie | 12 | Sophie Potter | Grant Kluske | 53kg | $61.00 |
| 12th | 14 | Littlebitvexatious | 4 | Teagan Voorham | Ms N Irwin | 54.5kg | $151.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Thavma | 11 | Caitlin Jones | Kristi Evans | 58kg | |
| Scr | 5 | Shamastar | 14 | Michael Hickmott | 56.5kg | ||
| Scr | 7 | Lillikins | 13 | Lauren Stojakovic | Dion & Raygan Koch | 56kg | |
| Scr | 13 | Oak Park Maddison | 17 | Travis Doudle | 54.5kg | ||
| Scr | 17 | Alabama Belle | 14 | J Hickmott & C Riggs | 56kg |
With two wins from 11 starts at this distance and a proven ability on good tracks (22: 2-2-3), he maps to get a good run from barrier 5 and should be finishing strongly.
Lastar brings valuable course experience as a track and distance winner at Strathalbyn. With 5 wins and 8 placings from 27 starts at this distance, he's a proven performer at 1200m. While barrier 10 isn't ideal at Strathalbyn and he carries 59.5kg, his track knowledge and consistent record (56: 7-10-7) make him a major threat.
Big Mav brings valuable course experience as a track specialist with 2 wins and a place from 8 starts at Strathalbyn, including a win at this track and distance. His consistent record (21: 3-2-1) and proven ability on good tracks make him a solid place chance.
The lightweight of 54kg is a significant advantage, and he maps to get a good run from barrier 6.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Big Mav | 4 | Connor Murtagh | Sarah Rutten | 60kg | $3.40 |
| 2nd | 7 | Bolted In | 5 | Jessica Tzaferis | M J Seyers | 58kg | $4.80 |
| 3rd | 4 | Lastar | 10 | Campbell Rawiller | Ms N Irwin | 59.5kg | $4.80 |
| 4th | 6 | Mapleway | 3 | Jason Holder | Alexander Justice | 58.5kg | $9.50 |
| 5th | 8 | Hasslefree | 8 | S H Sit | James Short | 55kg | $31.00 |
| 6th | 2 | Frontpoint | 7 | Lauren Stojakovic | Jarrod Lynch | 60kg | $11.00 |
| 7th | 9 | Brazano | 2 | Ben Price | Dion & Raygan Koch | 57kg | $26.00 |
| 8th | 10 | Broadway Lane | 6 | Rochelle Milnes | Alexander Justice | 54kg | $9.50 |
| 9th | 5 | Canyon Wind | 1 | Todd Pannell | Stephen Theodore | 59kg | $20.00 |
| Scr | 3 | Je City | 9 | Caitlin Jones | Dylan Caboche | 60kg |
Her versatile running style should allow her to settle midfield from barrier 7 and make a strong run in the straight. With 2 wins and 1 place from 10 starts at the distance, she has proven ability at the trip and gets the services of experienced jockey Sairyn Fawke.
Gogolf Guru brings excellent course experience with 3 wins and 2 places from 18 starts at Strathalbyn, including 2 wins and 1 place from 9 starts at this track and distance. Her recent form is consistent with three consecutive third placings. From barrier 6 with a light weight of 54kg, she should get a good run and will be strong late. Sophie Logan knows this mare well.
The Ice Cutter comes off a strong 2nd place finish at this track and has a good record here with 1 win and 3 places from 18 starts. The wide barrier is a concern but with Connor Murtagh aboard and only 56kg, he should get back and be running on strongly in the straight.
Didwewin represents excellent value given her current form, with a win and a 2nd from her last two starts. Drawing barrier 1 is perfect for her to get a soft run just behind the leaders. While she's unproven at the track and distance, her improving form line suggests she's ready to handle the step up. The moderate-fast tempo should suit her running style and Caitlin Tootell knows how to ride this mare.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Yes I Believe | 4 | Campbell Rawiller | Chris Bieg | 58.5kg | $13.00 |
| 2nd | 5 | Didwewin | 1 | Caitlin Tootell | Garret Lynch | 56kg | $8.00 |
| 3rd | 13 | Gogolf Guru | 6 | Sophie Logan | Ms D Quinton | 54kg | $5.00 |
| 4th | 7 | Unwind | 8 | Teagan Voorham | Kristi Evans | 57kg | $19.00 |
| 5th | 12 | Queenoftheair | 5 | Andrew Stead | Sophia Mackay | 55.5kg | $8.00 |
| 6th | 8 | Hit The Slopes | 12 | Todd Pannell | Mick Kluske | 56.5kg | $8.50 |
| 7th | 10 | The Ice Cutter | 13 | Connor Murtagh | Grant Kluske | 56kg | $4.00 |
| 8th | 4 | Caring Lass | 7 | Sairyn Fawke | Garret Lynch | 58kg | $5.50 |
| 9th | 6 | Prickly Poppy | 10 | Taylor Johnstone | M J Seyers | 57kg | $14.00 |
| 10th | 2 | Les Vosges | 15 | Alysha Warren | R Daniel & T Stanbury | 57.5kg | $31.00 |
| 11th | 11 | Tosen Storm | 11 | Tala Hutchinson | Jarrod Lynch | 54kg | $151.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Artful Tawny | 3 | Jason Holder | Dion & Raygan Koch | 60kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Tofino | 9 | Alana Livesey | R Daniel & T Stanbury | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 14 | Shadow Hawk | 2 | Sophie Potter | Bill W Williams | 52kg | |
| Scr | 15 | Sam's Reward | 14 | Alysha Warren | Nikki Gordon | 52kg |
His track record at Strathalbyn (1-0-0 from 4 starts) is encouraging, and he's dropping from higher class races. With Kayla Crowther aboard and a proven ability to handle the distance, he represents the most reliable winning chance in this field.
Her record on good tracks (3-1-3 from 15 starts) is solid, and she's shown versatility in her running style. The wide barrier is a concern, but with Sairyn Fawke aboard and her natural ability, she should be able to overcome it and be right in the finish.
His record at this distance (1-2-0 from 3 starts) is excellent, and he's dropping significantly in class. The good barrier draw and experienced jockey are additional positives, though the 60kg impost is a concern. Should be right in the finish if he brings his best form.
Warrandyte Road represents excellent value as a last-start winner over this course and distance.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Alchian | 3 | Teagan Voorham | Tracy Cox | 60kg | $4.60 |
| 2nd | 13 | Chartin | 6 | Taylor Johnstone | G Richards & D Moyle | 55kg | $17.00 |
| 3rd | 6 | Sandpiper | 14 | Connor Murtagh | Garret Lynch | 59kg | $19.00 |
| 4th | 11 | Warrandyte Road | 10 | Alana Livesey | G P Moody | 56kg | $8.50 |
| 5th | 12 | Bush Inference | 7 | Rochelle Milnes | Byron Cozamanis | 55kg | $21.00 |
| 6th | 3 | Eaglelou | 11 | Campbell Rawiller | Darren & Aimee Magro | 60kg | $16.00 |
| 7th | 1 | Back Me Up Benny | 2 | Jason Holder | Kristi Evans | 61kg | $8.50 |
| 8th | 5 | Alainge | 13 | Sairyn Fawke | Garret Lynch | 59kg | $8.50 |
| 9th | 4 | Think Tank | 8 | Kayla Crowther | M J Seyers | 59.5kg | $6.50 |
| 10th | 8 | Annanda | 5 | Jacob Opperman | P Stokes | 57.5kg | $11.00 |
| 11th | 10 | Spec Raider | 4 | Todd Pannell | Ryan Hannemann | 56kg | $8.00 |
| 12th | 9 | The Tank | 9 | Alyssa Webb | Grant Young | 54.5kg | $16.00 |
| 13th | 7 | Mcleod | 1 | Sophie Logan | Sophie Logan | 58.5kg | $101.00 |
| Scr | 14 | Alpine Beau | 12 | J Hickmott & C Riggs | 54kg |
Empire Grace brings the strongest recent form, winning last start over this track and distance in good time. Has excellent track statistics (7: 2-1-0) including 3: 1-1-0 at this track/distance. The 4yo mare is improving with each run and should get an ideal midfield position from barrier 8. Handles Good tracks well and carries a manageable 57kg with Sophie Potter aboard.
Grinzinger Ace brings rock-solid recent form with consecutive 2nd placings and has strong track statistics (7: 1-1-1). The 5yo gelding handles Good tracks well (20: 3-2-2) but carries a challenging 60kg. Dylan Caboche knows the horse well and should position him perfectly.
Has won at this track previously (2: 1-0-0) and performs well on Good surfaces (12: 4-0-0). The class drop is significant but must overcome barrier 13 and top weight of 61.5kg. Connor Murtagh stays aboard which is a positive.
Lucky Fortuna represents excellent value after winning last start and drops significantly in class for this assignment. The 6yo mare has a strong overall record (39: 7-3-6) and performs well on Good tracks (32: 7-2-5). While barrier 14 is challenging and she lacks experience at this track/distance, the class drop is substantial. Caitlin Jones is a major positive in the saddle.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 10 | Tyusix | 9 | Alysha Warren | R Daniel & T Stanbury | 56kg | $17.00 |
| 2nd | 4 | Empire Grace | 8 | Sophie Potter | David Jolly & Justin Potter | 57kg | $2.70 |
| 3rd | 11 | Dragonface | 4 | Caitlyn Munro | Lewis & Eliza Grantham | 55.5kg | $21.00 |
| 4th | 3 | Ironbar | 10 | Campbell Rawiller | Hannah Bryce | 60.5kg | $31.00 |
| 5th | 6 | Lucky Fortuna | 14 | Caitlin Jones | Ms H Lehmann | 59.5kg | $4.60 |
| 6th | 1 | Head Of The Herd | 13 | Connor Murtagh | Sarah Rutten | 61.5kg | $4.40 |
| 7th | 7 | Justadexter | 3 | Rochelle Milnes | Ryan Hannemann | 59kg | $21.00 |
| 8th | 8 | Pretentious Lass | 12 | Alana Livesey | Ryan Hannemann | 58.5kg | $71.00 |
| 9th | 9 | Joviale | 1 | Ben Price | S G Padman | 58kg | $26.00 |
| 10th | 14 | Scandalist | 5 | Kayla Crowther | M J Seyers | 55kg | $21.00 |
| 11th | 2 | Explicable | 7 | Tala Hutchinson | Garret Lynch | 58.5kg | $18.00 |
| 12th | 15 | Ocean Blast | 6 | Jarrod Lynch | 54kg | $101.00 | |
| 13th | 5 | Grinzinger Ace | 2 | Dylan Caboche | Ms E Hubbard | 60kg | $10.00 |
| Scr | 12 | Ruling Goddess | 16 | Kate Halliday | 57.5kg | ||
| Scr | 13 | Lady Skylla | 12 | Todd Pannell | Aaron Bain & Ned Taylor | 55.5kg | |
| Scr | 16 | Weekend Warrior | 11 | J Hickmott & C Riggs | 54kg |
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