Punt like a Pro, without the know!
Victoria · Saturday 27 December 2025
Our top pick won 3 of 10 races at Cranbourne. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
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Her two wins from six attempts at the mile distance shows her suitability, and she's drawn perfectly in barrier 3 to get an economical run. With a light weight and progressive profile, she represents the most likely winner.
Gellhorn brings winning form at this track, having scored impressively at Cranbourne last start over 1400m. While stepping up to the mile for the first time presents a question mark, her strong overall record of three wins from nine starts and excellent fresh form suggests she has the class to handle this assignment. Drawn well in barrier 10 to find cover.
Extreme Virtue brings a strong overall record of five wins from 13 starts and will get every chance from the inside barrier. While her recent form has been moderate, she has a proven record on good tracks and rarely runs a poor race. The mile isn't her preferred distance with no wins from four attempts, but she has placed once and should get an economical run throughout.
While she faces a class rise here, her recent form includes three consecutive wins before a respectable third last start in similar company. The wide barrier is a concern, but her proven ability at the distance and on good tracks makes her an attractive value proposition.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Miss Playlounge | 6 | Jamie Melham | C W McDonald | 57.5kg | $5.50 |
| 2nd | 7 | Tarvue | 2 | Luke Nolen | J D Sadler | 57kg | $21.00 |
| 3rd | 2 | Real Alliance | 9 | Hannah Edgley | Luke Oliver | 56kg | $26.00 |
| 4th | 1 | Extreme Virtue | 1 | Jackson Radley | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 57.5kg | $4.80 |
| 5th | 3 | Sirius Statement | 5 | Craig Williams | Gavin Bedggood | 59kg | $11.00 |
| 6th | 9 | Divine Thoughts | 7 | Harry Coffey | T & C McEvoy | 56kg | $10.00 |
| 7th | 10 | Indian Jewel | 8 | Jye McNeil | M Price & M Kent Jnr | 56kg | $12.00 |
| 8th | 6 | I Only Wish | 3 | Logan Bates | R D Griffiths | 55kg | $3.20 |
| 9th | 4 | Gellhorn | 10 | Luke Cartwright | M C Kent | 56.5kg | $8.00 |
| 10th | 8 | Ataegina | 4 | Ryan Houston | Luke Oliver | 54kg | $101.00 |
Gets in with just 54kg and the perfect barrier 2 draw. The booking of Craig Williams is significant, and while she's stepping up in class, her consistent form (1-5-2 from 12 starts) and weight advantage make her the standout.
Has a favorable barrier 3 draw and a strong overall record of 3-3-0 from 11 starts.
Stealth Of Night brings an impressive record of 3 wins from just 5 starts and was dominant winning last start at Sandown-Lakeside over 1400m. The wide barrier (16) is the main concern, but her class and ability should overcome this disadvantage.
Ahha Ahha represents excellent value as a last-start winner at Cranbourne over 1400m.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 15 | Watersports | 2 | Craig Williams | Archie Alexander | 54kg | $3.10 |
| 2nd | 2 | Porter | 13 | Logan Bates | D T O'Brien | 60kg | $12.00 |
| 3rd | 6 | Dark Simba | 3 | Jackson Radley | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 57kg | $3.40 |
| 4th | 13 | Savamoon | 15 | Luke Nolen | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 58kg | $11.00 |
| 5th | 11 | Ahha Ahha | 12 | Jamie Melham | C W McDonald | 59kg | $4.60 |
| 6th | 8 | Roguery | 1 | Jye McNeil | Lloyd Kennewell | 59.5kg | $16.00 |
| 7th | 7 | Private Jumbo | 8 | Harry Coffey | Paul & Tracey Templeton | 60kg | $31.00 |
| 8th | 1 | Typhoon Harmony | 10 | Hannah Edgley | Peter Gelagotis | 59.5kg | $51.00 |
| 9th | 17 | Austrata | 7 | Reece Goodwin | 58.5kg | $61.00 | |
| 10th | 12 | Bavicia | 11 | Emily Pozman | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 55.5kg | $41.00 |
| 11th | 3 | British Columbia | 6 | Ryan Houston | Melissa Page | 59.5kg | $26.00 |
| 12th | 16 | Russian Roni | 9 | Liam Riordan | Ms R Kelly | 59kg | $201.00 |
| Scr | 4 | Princeofnottingham | 14 | Holly Durnan | Patrick & Michelle Payne | 58kg | |
| Scr | 5 | Leg Drive | 5 | Patrick Moloney | M M Laurie | 60.5kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Stealth Of Night | 16 | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 59.5kg | ||
| Scr | 10 | Thorin | 16 | Nick Ryan | 59.5kg | ||
| Scr | 14 | Torn | 15 | Ben Brisbourne | 57.5kg | ||
| Scr | 18 | Mometz | 4 | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 58kg |
El Tercero comes off a strong win at Moe and boasts an impressive record at 1200m with 3 wins from 6 attempts. This 4YO gelding is building an impressive career record (3 wins from 11 starts) and appears to be improving with racing. While rising in class, his consistent form and strong finishing ability make him a genuine threat, especially with Jake Noonan retaining the ride.
Grinzinger Pod comes off a solid third at Caulfield and drops significantly in class for this assignment. While her win strike rate isn't exceptional (2 from 16), she has placed in stronger company and gets the services of Craig Williams.
Primal Spirit brings excellent credentials with a last-start win at Sandown and a perfect 1-from-1 record at Cranbourne. His distance record is outstanding with 5 wins from 11 attempts at 1200m. While rising in class, he's drawn perfectly in barrier 2 which suits Cranbourne's configuration, and his consistent form (5 wins from 18 starts) suggests he can handle the step up.
His record at 1200m is strong with 3 wins and 3 thirds from 11 starts. The inside draw is perfect for Cranbourne, and despite carrying top weight, he has the class to overcome it.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Laa De Sha | 1 | Jackson Radley | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 59kg | $5.50 |
| 2nd | 4 | Highland Harley | 6 | Rose Hammond | E Jusufovic | 57kg | $21.00 |
| 3rd | 13 | Grinzinger Pod | 8 | Craig Williams | Ben Brisbourne | 56.5kg | $3.80 |
| 4th | 14 | Kagemusha | 11 | Jye McNeil | A & S Freedman | 56kg | $6.00 |
| 5th | 2 | Lim's Ida | 3 | Rhys Mc Leod | D Meagher | 62kg | $41.00 |
| 6th | 8 | El Tercero | 4 | Jake Noonan | T Busuttin & N Young | 58.5kg | $4.60 |
| 7th | 5 | Riproar | 5 | Jordan Childs | Reece Goodwin | 60kg | $14.00 |
| 8th | 11 | Jewel Bay | 10 | Dakotah Keane | Andrea Leek | 54kg | $19.00 |
| 9th | 10 | Grouse Mountain | 9 | Logan Bates | Gavin Bedggood | 55.5kg | $6.00 |
| Scr | 3 | Primal Spirit | 2 | Luke Cartwright | Reece Goodwin | 60kg | |
| Scr | 6 | Strike Gold | 11 | T Fitzsimmons | 60kg | ||
| Scr | 7 | No Fooling | 8 | C Maher | 59kg | ||
| Scr | 9 | Street Conqueror | 14 | E Jusufovic | 58kg | ||
| Scr | 12 | Mercurial Lady | 2 | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 15 | Dollar Chaser | 7 | Teodore Nugent | Bill Papazaharoudakis | 58.5kg |
Drawn to advantage in barrier 4 with a top jockey engaged, and likely to utilize early speed at Cranbourne where the 1000m start favors speed horses. The first-time tongue tie suggests connections are addressing any issues seen in trackwork.
Resolutely represents the powerful Hayes stable with champion jockey Craig Williams aboard, suggesting high expectations. The first-time gear changes (ear muffs pre-race and lugging bit) indicate connections are addressing specific issues seen in trackwork or trials. Barrier 9 presents some challenges at Cranbourne's 1000m start, but the Hayes team typically has their juveniles ready to perform first-up.
Fine Sierra brings valuable race experience from the Moody/Coleman stable, having finished 3rd on debut. Well-drawn in barrier 3 to secure a good position at Cranbourne where the 1000m start favors speed horses.
The Hayes stable knows how to prepare juveniles, and this filly is likely to improve second-up. Barrier 10 is not ideal at Cranbourne's 1000m start, but her proven ability on Good tracks is a positive for today's conditions.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Guest House | 4 | Jamie Melham | M Price & M Kent Jnr | 59kg | $1.85 |
| 2nd | 10 | Resolutely | 9 | Craig Williams | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 57kg | $5.50 |
| 3rd | 8 | Leopard Shark | 1 | Patrick Moloney | Clayton Douglas | 57kg | $15.00 |
| 4th | 11 | Spirit Nature | 5 | Harry Coffey | C Maher | 57kg | $9.00 |
| 5th | 9 | Neotropical | 8 | Luke Cartwright | John McArdle | 55kg | $20.00 |
| 6th | 13 | Takasago | 12 | Jett Stanley | E & D Browne | 57kg | $101.00 |
| 7th | 14 | Trillium | 2 | Ryan Houston | T G Eurell | 55kg | $41.00 |
| 8th | 7 | Hendon Honey | 6 | Luke Nolen | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 57kg | $9.00 |
| 9th | 2 | Perfect Dismount | 7 | Robert Whearty | C Maher | 59kg | $91.00 |
| 10th | 16 | Bright Star | 11 | Logan Bates | G M Begg | 54.5kg | $13.00 |
| Scr | 3 | Tag The Bride | 10 | J D Sadler | 58kg | ||
| Scr | 4 | Fine Sierra | 3 | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 57.5kg | ||
| Scr | 5 | Blue Jeans Talk | 16 | Shannon Roughan | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 6 | Eternal Joy | 10 | Jackson Radley | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 54kg | |
| Scr | 12 | Tagabella | 11 | K & K Keys | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 15 | From Yesterday | 12 | T Busuttin & N Young | 59kg |
The inside barrier is ideal at Cranbourne, and his tactical versatility to race midfield should suit the expected fast tempo. With two wins at the distance and consistent form, he represents the best winning chance.
Harry's Yacht brings strong credentials with an excellent record at the distance (2-1-0 from 4 starts) and consistent recent form including a win and close second in his last two starts. His versatile racing pattern will allow him to adapt to the expected fast tempo. While barrier 7 isn't ideal at Cranbourne, his class and tactical versatility should overcome this minor disadvantage.
Silent Shares brings a strong fresh record and excellent win strike rate to this contest. The advantageous barrier draw will allow her to secure a good position despite the expected fast tempo. Her previous win at Cranbourne is a significant positive, and Ben Melham's booking suggests connections are confident of a forward showing. Her progressive profile suggests further improvement.
This lightly-raced 3YO comes off a strong 3rd in similar company and gets in with just 56kg. His improving profile suggests further development, and the weight advantage as a 3YO is significant. While barrier 8 isn't ideal at Cranbourne, the expected fast tempo should allow him to find a position and finish strongly.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Steel Move | 1 | Harry Coffey | T & C McEvoy | 59kg | $4.80 |
| 2nd | 8 | Chergui | 3 | Jamie Melham | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 56kg | $12.00 |
| 3rd | 2 | Harry's Yacht | 6 | Jye McNeil | L & T Corstens & W Larkin | 59kg | $2.00 |
| 4th | 6 | Butternut Princess | 8 | Luke Nolen | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 57kg | $26.00 |
| 5th | 7 | Silent Shares | 2 | Ben Melham | Gavin Bedggood | 57kg | $5.50 |
| 6th | 10 | Col Klink | 5 | Fred W Kersley | Pat Cannon | 56kg | $51.00 |
| 7th | 9 | Torotena | 7 | Jordan Childs | M J Williams | 56kg | $17.00 |
| 8th | 1 | Just For Show | 4 | Craig Williams | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 59kg | $9.50 |
| Scr | 4 | Untapped | 9 | G Eurell | 59kg | ||
| Scr | 5 | Brandjam | 6 | Glen Thompson | 59kg |
His recent 1400m third at Flemington behind Buccleuch reads well for this, and his inside draw should allow Craig Williams to position him perfectly midfield. Perfectly suited by the Good 4 surface.
Impending War brings strong second-up credentials with a perfect record when having his second run back. The barrier draw is ideal for his forward racing pattern, though he may face pressure from other runners. His 2-0-1 record suggests he's a consistent performer who should be in the finish.
Buccleuch brings the strongest form credentials, dropping from Listed company where he was competitive. The wide barrier is mitigated by the long run to the first turn at Cranbourne, and his class should overcome the weight impost. First-up record is the main query, but the Payne stable can have them ready fresh.
The addition of blinkers for the first time is a significant gear change that could spark improvement, and his second-up record (1-0-1) suggests he'll be at peak fitness.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 11 | Davida | 7 | Logan Bates | D T O'Brien | 52kg | $26.00 |
| 2nd | 7 | The Volta | 4 | Jake Noonan | J F Moloney | 56kg | $5.50 |
| 3rd | 6 | Our Chief | 9 | Jamie Melham | D T O'Brien | 56kg | $6.00 |
| 4th | 5 | Falset Star | 10 | Luke Cartwright | Patrick & Michelle Payne | 54kg | $51.00 |
| 5th | 10 | Toy Queen | 3 | Jye McNeil | E & D Browne | 54kg | $26.00 |
| 6th | 8 | Signoretti | 8 | Liam Riordan | M W Walker | 55.5kg | $31.00 |
| 7th | 9 | Star Compass | 1 | Harry Coffey | Aaron Purcell | 55.5kg | $26.00 |
| 8th | 3 | Millennium Blade | 2 | Craig Williams | M Price & M Kent Jnr | 57.5kg | $2.45 |
| 9th | 2 | Impending War | 5 | Jackson Radley | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 56kg | $6.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Buccleuch | 11 | Holly Durnan | Patrick & Michelle Payne | 59.5kg | |
| Scr | 4 | Diamond Gust | 6 | Teodore Nugent | M M Laurie | 56kg |
While stepping up in class, his consistency (8 placings from 22 starts) and recent form suggest he's ready for the challenge. The inside barrier draw is advantageous at Cranbourne, and his good track record suits today's conditions. The distance is the main query.
Saint George brings solid credentials with consistent recent form including two seconds from his last three starts. The inside barrier is perfect for Cranbourne's layout, and he's dropping in class from Listed company. While carrying top weight is a concern, his weight-for-age profile suggests he can handle it. His place record at the distance indicates he'll see out the trip.
The 51kg weight is a significant advantage, and his excellent record at the distance (3 wins from 6 starts) suggests he'll handle the 2025m journey perfectly. His soft track record is outstanding, and he's proven adaptable to various racing patterns.
Regal Lion represents excellent value with a recent win at this track over a similar distance and a last-start third at Ballarat over the same trip. He's proven at the distance with 2 wins from 15 starts and is dropping slightly in class.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Saint George | 1 | Robert Whearty | C Maher | 59kg | $2.90 |
| 2nd | 6 | Fortune | 4 | Logan Bates | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 52kg | $7.00 |
| 3rd | 8 | Jenni's Meadow | 8 | Jett Stanley | M W Walker | 53kg | $17.00 |
| 4th | 2 | Bold Soul | 7 | Holly Durnan | Patrick & Michelle Payne | 55kg | $15.00 |
| 5th | 3 | Shaiyhar | 2 | Craig Williams | T Busuttin & N Young | 56kg | $5.50 |
| 6th | 9 | Regal Lion | 9 | Craig Newitt | Gavin Bedggood | 53kg | $8.50 |
| 7th | 5 | Verdad | 3 | Luke Cartwright | R D Griffiths | 53.5kg | $5.50 |
| 8th | 4 | Cadmus | 5 | Patrick Moloney | A & S Freedman | 55.5kg | $9.00 |
| Scr | 7 | Lincoln Rocks | 6 | Ryan Houston | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 51kg |
Progressive mare who has found her best form this preparation, winning two of her last four starts including an impressive victory in stronger BM78 company last start. Drawn ideally in barrier 2 to get a perfect run.
Improving mare who scored impressively last start over 2100m at Sandown, showing she's ready for this step up in class. Gets in with just 54kg and has been building nicely through her preparation with consistent form.
Consistent mare who has been knocking on the door with two consecutive third placings. Gets the perfect draw in barrier 1 which should give her every chance at Cranbourne. The booking of Craig Williams is a significant positive.
Consistent gelding who has been racing in good form with a win and two placings in his last four starts. The gear change (blinkers off, winkers on) could spark improvement, and he's dropping back in class here.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 12 | Sun Gift | 3 | Craig Williams | D T O'Brien | 54kg | $3.40 |
| 2nd | 3 | Suntora | 2 | Ryan Houston | Nick Ryan | 57.5kg | $3.20 |
| 3rd | 8 | Winston | 10 | Luke Cartwright | John McArdle | 54.5kg | $4.80 |
| 4th | 11 | Bon Fete | 8 | Harry Coffey | Jason Warren | 54kg | $8.00 |
| 5th | 4 | Dictionary | 6 | Teodore Nugent | J F Moloney | 59kg | $9.00 |
| 6th | 2 | Rich Champagne | 7 | Logan Bates | Andrew Bobbin | 58kg | $26.00 |
| 7th | 5 | Staunch | 9 | M M Laurie | 58.5kg | $26.00 | |
| 8th | 1 | Stop The Rock | 11 | Holly Durnan | Patrick & Michelle Payne | 58.5kg | $17.00 |
| Scr | 6 | Brilliant Venture | 5 | Liam Riordan | Andrea Leek | 57kg | |
| Scr | 7 | Legend Beast | 4 | Jordan Childs | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Hanafubuki | 1 | Jett Stanley | T Busuttin & N Young | 55kg | |
| Scr | 10 | Wolfess | 10 | G Eurell | 55kg |
Recon brings exceptional credentials with 5 wins from 7 starts including a perfect 5 from 6 at this distance. While facing a class rise, his tactical speed from barrier 2 should give him every chance to continue his winning ways.
Zouper Fund brings a similar profile to our top selection with 5 wins from 7 starts and comes off a last-start win at Ballarat. He's perfectly drawn in barrier 3 and has a strong second-up record.
Celsius Star comes off a last-start win at Caulfield and drops significantly in class here. While his overall win rate is modest, he's proven at the distance with 4 wins and appears to be in career-best form. The quick backup is a slight concern, but the class drop compensates.
His recent form includes a close second at Seymour, and he's proven at the distance. The 42-day freshen-up could prove beneficial for a strong first-up performance.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Meridius | 6 | Jamie Melham | Lloyd Kennewell | 61.5kg | $20.00 |
| 2nd | 4 | Celsius Star | 7 | Hannah Edgley | Shawn Mathrick | 57kg | $7.00 |
| 3rd | 9 | Zouper Fund | 3 | Luke Cartwright | C Maher | 56kg | $2.90 |
| 4th | 5 | Recon | 2 | Patrick Moloney | Pat Carey & Harris Walker | 58.5kg | $2.15 |
| 5th | 12 | Fission | 1 | Harry Coffey | R D Griffiths | 55kg | $12.00 |
| 6th | 7 | Prancing Spirit | 9 | Luke Nolen | P Stokes | 58kg | $26.00 |
| 7th | 11 | Until Valhalla | 8 | Logan Bates | C Maher | 55.5kg | $41.00 |
| 8th | 6 | Apache Song | 5 | Jackie Beriman | Michael Trotter | 58kg | $41.00 |
| Scr | 2 | Extratwo | 9 | C Maher | 61kg | ||
| Scr | 3 | Carbonados | 10 | Jackson Radley | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 57kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Rhapsody Chic | 4 | Jett Stanley | A & S Freedman | 58kg | |
| Scr | 10 | Dirty Grin | 13 | Nick Ryan | 57.5kg | ||
| Scr | 13 | Shaalute | 11 | Rose Hammond | M M Laurie | 52kg |
Lightly-raced mare with significant upside who has shown excellent ability in her brief career. Her 3rd placing last start in BM84 company at Pakenham over this trip reads well for this, and she gets Craig Williams aboard.
Consistent gelding who has been racing in good form with consecutive second placings in his last two starts. Drops slightly in class from his last start BM84 placing at Pakenham and should get a perfect run from barrier 4. Has placed twice from six attempts at the mile and looks ready to break through.
Talented gelding with an excellent record at both the track and distance. His recent form has been solid with a 2nd and 4th in his last two starts. The significant class rise is the main concern, but his track/distance record and inside draw give him strong claims. Jye McNeil is a positive jockey booking.
Last start winner who drops significantly in class from his recent BM74 victory at Caulfield. Gets the perfect draw in barrier 1 and should be able to utilize his early speed to take up a forward position. The top weight is a concern, but he's proven he can carry weight to victory.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 13 | Welcometotheshow | 3 | Craig Newitt | Tyler Donaldson-Aitken | 55.5kg | $9.00 |
| 2nd | 5 | Hiyaam Proud | 4 | Logan Bates | M M Laurie | 56.5kg | $3.90 |
| 3rd | 4 | New York Hurricane | 6 | Rose Hammond | Liam Howley | 56.5kg | $101.00 |
| 4th | 10 | Madiyya | 10 | Craig Williams | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 57kg | $4.00 |
| 5th | 11 | Otago | 9 | Jamie Melham | M Price & M Kent Jnr | 57kg | $7.00 |
| 6th | 8 | Mixxit | 2 | Jye McNeil | E Jusufovic | 57.5kg | $8.00 |
| 7th | 9 | Stylish Secret | 12 | Rhys Mc Leod | Mick Nolan | 57.5kg | $21.00 |
| 8th | 3 | Gregolimo | 7 | Harry Coffey | Glen Thompson | 60kg | $71.00 |
| 9th | 7 | Chakado | 5 | Luke Nolen | P Stokes | 58kg | $11.00 |
| 10th | 1 | Opening Address | 1 | Luke Cartwright | Liam Howley | 58.5kg | $6.50 |
| Scr | 2 | Reset The Jazz | 11 | Jackson Radley | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 6 | Shiny New Deel | 6 | Gavin Bedggood | 58.5kg | ||
| Scr | 12 | Somewhere | 8 | Jordan Childs | Archie Alexander | 57kg |
Before the races, not after
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