Punt like a Pro, without the know!
Australian Capital Territory · Sunday 28 December 2025
Our top pick won 3 of 8 races at Canberra. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
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While lacking public form, Miss Farnan represents the powerful Waterhouse & Bott stable who excel with debutants. The inside barrier draw is advantageous given the track bias favoring inside gates. The very fast predicted tempo should suit a horse likely to settle midfield.
Kiss Of Gold is another first-starter with a favorable barrier draw. The Matthew Smith stable has another runner in this race (Andhe's Brave) with some experience, suggesting they know the required level. The addition of a lugging bit first time indicates they're addressing a known issue from trackwork or trials. The inside draw should allow her to find a good position.
Nefradite brings solid form credentials with placings in all three career starts. Second-up today with a strong record in that pattern and drawn perfectly in barrier 2 to take advantage of the inside bias. Main concern is the lack of a listed jockey.
While yet to win, he has placed third when second-up previously. The Matthew Smith stable has another runner in the race, suggesting they're targeting this event.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | Miss Farnan | 4 | L P Beuzelin | G Waterhouse & A Bott | 56kg | $1.45 |
| 2nd | 4 | Bivacco | 5 | Louise Day | C Maher | 57.5kg | $12.00 |
| 3rd | 6 | Top Pick | 6 | Molly Bourke | L T Hodgson | 56.5kg | $21.00 |
| 4th | 7 | Kiss Of Gold | 3 | Rebecca Bronett Prag | Matthew Smith | 56kg | $8.50 |
| 5th | 3 | Andhe's Brave | 7 | Shaun Guymer | Matthew Smith | 57.5kg | $6.00 |
| 6th | 10 | Miss Immy | 1 | Amy Mc Lucas | J C Coyle | 55.5kg | $41.00 |
| 7th | 5 | Reds City | 8 | Jack Martin | N J Osborne | 57.5kg | $26.00 |
| 8th | 2 | Our Cielo | 9 | Brock Ryan | Paul Murray | 58kg | $26.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Muscle Beach | 8 | Bryce Heys | 58kg | ||
| Scr | 9 | Nefradite | 2 | G P Vella | 56kg |
Her record at Canberra (1-0-2 from 4 starts) and at this distance (1-0-2 from 3 starts) is impressive. Despite rising in class, her consistent recent form and advantageous barrier draw make her the standout selection. The fast tempo should suit her running style.
Gatchan brings excellent course and distance form (1-1-1 from 4 starts) and consistent recent performances. The fast tempo should suit her running style, and she's well-weighted at 57.5kg.
Craft is a consistent performer who won two starts back at Queanbeyan over this distance. With a solid track record at Canberra (1-0-1 from 2 starts) and at this distance (1-0-1 from 3 starts), he's well-suited to these conditions. Despite carrying top weight, his advantageous barrier draw and proven class level make him a strong place chance.
Ever Was represents excellent value as a last-start winner over this distance at Queanbeyan. With three top-2 finishes from his last three starts, he's in career-best form.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Gatchan | 8 | Dale Cole | N F Gardner | 57.5kg | $6.00 |
| 2nd | 9 | Flashy Icon | 11 | Brock Ryan | Rob Potter | 57kg | $7.00 |
| 3rd | 3 | Burgundy Girl | 1 | Jessica Brookes | K Dryden & L Snowden | 58.5kg | $5.00 |
| 4th | 8 | Jimmy Manolo | 9 | Nick Heywood | Matthew Smith | 57.5kg | $15.00 |
| 5th | 11 | Ever Was | 10 | Robyn Freeman | J A Steinmetz | 56.5kg | $20.00 |
| 6th | 7 | Eight Martinis | 4 | Molly Bourke | J G Sargent | 58kg | $15.00 |
| 7th | 2 | Helluva Soiree | 6 | Deon Le Roux | Luke Pepper | 58.5kg | $41.00 |
| 8th | 10 | Ana Carolina | 5 | Jeff Penza | Matthew Kelley | 56.5kg | $31.00 |
| 9th | 1 | Craft | 2 | Billy Owen | N J Olive | 62.5kg | $8.00 |
| 10th | 6 | Anulfa | 3 | Pierre Boudvillain | S B Hill | 58kg | $3.50 |
| 11th | 5 | Xcited | 7 | Shaun Guymer | Robert Quinn | 60kg | $12.00 |
With just 55.5kg and natural improvement second-up, she represents the strongest winning chance.
The addition of blinkers first time is a typical stable move, and the engagement of Beuzelin suggests connections expect a forward showing. Likely to be positioned prominently in a race with fast tempo.
The David Pfieffer-trained mare should appreciate the fast tempo predicted and has been racing consistently without winning. With a strong finishing burst, she can run into the placings.
The locally-trained mare is second-up from a spell and should improve on her last-start 4th at this track.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 11 | Fire 'n' Stone | 10 | Shaun Guymer | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 55.5kg | $3.70 |
| 2nd | 6 | Alabama Hussy | 7 | Zac Wadick | David Pfieffer | 57kg | $4.80 |
| 3rd | 8 | Jewel County | 6 | Jess Taylor | J M Austin | 57kg | $11.00 |
| 4th | 9 | Meritage | 4 | Winona Costin | Bryce Heys | 57kg | $5.00 |
| 5th | 5 | Ruskana | 11 | L P Beuzelin | G Waterhouse & A Bott | 57.5kg | $3.70 |
| 6th | 7 | Capital Babe | 9 | Mathew Cahill | K Dryden & L Snowden | 57kg | $7.00 |
| 7th | 3 | Irish Pepper | 5 | Pierre Boudvillain | B Joseph & P & M Jones | 57.5kg | $19.00 |
| 8th | 4 | Outfoxing | 2 | Jack Martin | K Dryden & L Snowden | 57.5kg | $101.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Zoustrong | 8 | Brock Ryan | R & L Price | 59kg | |
| Scr | 2 | Alamagan | 3 | Louise Day | Joseph Ible | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 10 | Monnie | 1 | Luke Pepper | 57kg |
Music Time draws perfectly in barrier 2 on a track showing strong inside barrier bias. With leaders winning at 33% and inside barriers performing well, this runner should get an ideal run in transit. The compressed weight scale (only 2kg spread) negates any weight concerns, and the fast predicted tempo should suit a horse settling midfield with a strong finish.
Star Of Lily has several factors in her favor, including an advantageous barrier 3 draw on a track showing strong inside barrier bias. The 2kg weight advantage could prove significant in a tight finish. Trainer Nick Olive has a solid record with debutants, and the addition of a lugging bit first time suggests they're expecting the filly to run straight when pressure is applied.
The application of blinkers first time suggests connections expect improvement in focus, which is often beneficial for debutants. Jockey Shaun Guymer is experienced at navigating Canberra's track configuration and should give this runner every chance from the prime draw.
The combination of ear muffs pre-race (to keep calm) and lugging bit (for steering) indicates thoughtful preparation. Jockey Mathew Cahill is a significant booking, and this runner should get a good midfield position to capitalize on the expected fast tempo.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Bar Jester | 6 | Coriah Keatings | N J Olive | 58kg | $5.00 |
| 2nd | 6 | Music Time | 2 | Pierre Boudvillain | G P Vella | 58kg | $3.20 |
| 3rd | 9 | Star Of Lily | 3 | Jack Martin | N J Olive | 56kg | $8.00 |
| 4th | 5 | Mr Peasant | 4 | Brock Ryan | Paul Murray | 58kg | $19.00 |
| 5th | 4 | Jimmy's Ready | 5 | Jess Taylor | J M Cleary | 58kg | $11.00 |
| 6th | 3 | Highwire Artist | 7 | Mathew Cahill | N F Gardner | 58kg | $2.60 |
| 7th | 1 | Acrojack | 1 | Shaun Guymer | S Spackman | 58kg | $26.00 |
| Scr | 7 | Scoish Maloish | 9 | Marc & Mitchell Conners | 58kg | ||
| Scr | 8 | By Choice | 6 | Zac Wadick | G Waterhouse & A Bott | 56kg |
His last-start second at this track and distance is a strong reference, and he appears to be improving with each run. Well-drawn in barrier 2 and with proven soft track ability, he represents a genuine winning chance.
Whack Attack is a lightly-raced 3YO with clear upside potential. A recent maiden winner at this track, he followed up with a solid 4th in Class 1 company at Goulburn. His local track experience and progressive profile make him a legitimate chance.
New Business represents the strongest form reference in this field, dropping back significantly from metropolitan BM72 company where he ran a creditable 4th at Warwick Farm just 11 days ago. The class drop is substantial and makes him the clear standout.
Her previous maiden win came on a soft track, suggesting she'll handle today's conditions.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Whack Attack | 4 | Zac Wadick | G Waterhouse & A Bott | 57.5kg | $3.40 |
| 2nd | 4 | Simply Nutbush | 2 | Jess Taylor | J M Austin | 59kg | $2.40 |
| 3rd | 8 | Southern Sky | 9 | Rebecca Bronett Prag | Matthew Smith | 57kg | $4.40 |
| 4th | 1 | Call Me Son | 5 | Shaun Guymer | David Pfieffer | 59kg | $9.00 |
| 5th | 12 | Baulkham Hills | 6 | Louise Day | Matthew Smith | 55kg | $21.00 |
| 6th | 13 | Rose Diamond | 3 | Jeff Penza | Matthew Kelley | 55kg | $12.00 |
| 7th | 10 | Hard Grunt | 12 | Jessica Brookes | G P Vella | 54.5kg | $26.00 |
| 8th | 11 | Mr Usher | 10 | Ryan Bradley | Robert Quinn | 53.5kg | $61.00 |
| 9th | 2 | Memphis Tennessee | 11 | Michael Heagney | J Rolfe | 59kg | $91.00 |
| 10th | 9 | Easy Time | 1 | Richard Bensley | G P Vella | 56.5kg | $151.00 |
| Scr | 3 | New Business | 7 | Pierre Boudvillain | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 59kg | |
| Scr | 6 | Lovehunter | 13 | Nick Heywood | Luke Pepper | 57kg | |
| Scr | 7 | Playful Puzzle | 8 | Joseph Ible | 57kg |
Progressive 3yo gelding with a perfect 2 from 2 record at this track and distance. Coming off a dominant win at this track 16 days ago and draws perfectly in barrier 3. The class rise is offset by his raw ability and upside. Clearly the one to beat.
In-form 6yo gelding riding a three-race winning streak including a win at this track 23 days ago. Perfect 2 from 2 at Canberra and boasts strong distance record (5-1-0 from 11 starts). The class rise is the main query but his current form is hard to ignore.
Experienced 5yo mare with strong track/distance credentials (2-0-0 from 4 starts). Comes off a solid 2nd last start and draws the inside barrier which should allow her to utilize her early speed. The significant class drop is a major positive, though she carries top weight. Her inconsistency is the main concern, but she's well-placed to run a strong race.
4yo mare coming off a win at Albury 15 days ago and now second-up from a spell. Has a solid second-up record (0-1-0 from 3 starts) and is dropping in class. Should get a nice run from barrier 5 and will be suited by the likely fast tempo.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Famoso | 8 | Nick Heywood | Rob Potter | 59.5kg | $7.50 |
| 2nd | 5 | Margin Call | 3 | Brock Ryan | C Maher | 60kg | $2.00 |
| 3rd | 1 | Destructive Diva | 1 | Jessica Brookes | N F Gardner | 61.5kg | $11.00 |
| 4th | 7 | Climate Change | 5 | Jack Martin | K Dryden & L Snowden | 58.5kg | $11.00 |
| 5th | 9 | Kev's Girl | 6 | L P Beuzelin | Marc Chevalier | 58.5kg | $13.00 |
| 6th | 8 | Crucial Witness | 2 | Caitlin Sinclair | G P Vella | 55.5kg | $51.00 |
| 7th | 3 | Aegipan | 4 | Dale Cole | Pat Murphy | 58.5kg | $4.80 |
| 8th | 11 | Anthracia | 7 | Molly Bourke | P J Facoory | 56.5kg | $15.00 |
| 9th | 2 | Off Shaw | 10 | Michael Heagney | J Rolfe | 62.5kg | $151.00 |
| 10th | 4 | Arctic Desert | 9 | Billy Owen | J Rolfe | 60kg | $21.00 |
| Scr | 10 | Faceoff | 11 | Pierre Boudvillain | Bryce Heys | 58kg |
His track record is excellent (3:1-1-1) and he's proven on soft tracks (7:2-0-2). While facing a class rise, his consistent form (14:3-3-4) and tactical versatility suggest he can overcome the wide draw. The addition of a tongue tie first time is a positive gear change for his return.
Slush Fund brings excellent consistency with recent form reading 1149321322. His record at the distance is impressive (6:2-2-0) and he gets in with just 53.5kg from a favorable barrier 3 draw. The Lundholm/Hunt combination has been firing recently.
His inside draw is advantageous and he's proven on soft tracks (20:0-4-2). While his win strike rate is modest (11%), his place percentage (31%) suggests consistency. The Martin/Pepper combination is firing and he's ready to peak third-up from a spell.
His form is improving and he's well-weighted with 56kg. The Potter/Ryan combination is in good form.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Canadian Ruler | 10 | Nick Heywood | Matthew Dale | 58kg | $3.30 |
| 2nd | 9 | Chasing A Quid | 6 | Pierre Boudvillain | G P Vella | 55kg | $11.00 |
| 3rd | 8 | Slush Fund | 3 | Zoe Hunt | C Lundholm | 53.5kg | $4.80 |
| 4th | 6 | Keikoku | 2 | Jack Martin | Luke Pepper | 56kg | $4.60 |
| 5th | 1 | Craving Magic | 9 | Shaun Guymer | Rob Potter | 60.5kg | $10.00 |
| 6th | 7 | Champions League | 1 | Rebecca Bronett Prag | A D Bourke | 55kg | $17.00 |
| 7th | 5 | Imasuperstar | 7 | Brock Ryan | Rob Potter | 56kg | $6.00 |
| 8th | 10 | Breakaway Week | 4 | Teaghan Martin | G G Kirkup | 53.5kg | $51.00 |
| 9th | 2 | Fagin | 5 | Richard Bensley | Matthew Dale | 60.5kg | $61.00 |
| 10th | 3 | Loose Love | 8 | Billy Owen | Todd Smart | 60kg | $26.00 |
The mare has been competing in stronger company recently and drops back to a more suitable class. First-time blinkers should sharpen her up, and the barrier draw gives options. Well-weighted with 55kg and has the tactical speed to take advantage of the expected fast tempo.
Her consistent place record (10: 1-2-3) and previous win at Canberra are positives. While first-up from a spell, her second-up record (2: 1-0-0) suggests she can run well fresh. The mare handles soft tracks well (8: 1-2-2) and should appreciate the expected fast tempo.
While unproven at this track and distance, her consistent place record (10: 1-2-1) suggests she'll be competitive. Well-weighted with 55.5kg and has the services of in-form jockey Brock Ryan. Should appreciate the fast tempo predicted.
Tulipwood represents value with her perfect second-up record (2: 2-0-0) and proven ability at this distance (2: 1-0-1). While her last start was disappointing, she won impressively two starts back at Wyong. Handles good tracks well (6: 2-1-0) and should get a good run from barrier 6.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | November Air | 7 | Pierre Boudvillain | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 56.5kg | $4.60 |
| 2nd | 8 | Callenem Thru | 5 | Molly Bourke | Richard Litt | 55kg | $2.70 |
| 3rd | 3 | Brazen Crime | 4 | Rebecca Bronett Prag | K Dryden & L Snowden | 57kg | $5.00 |
| 4th | 4 | Tulipwood | 6 | Shaun Guymer | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 57kg | $6.50 |
| 5th | 2 | Kotaishi | 2 | Dale Cole | Matthew Kelley | 55kg | $7.00 |
| 6th | 7 | Deep Emotion | 8 | Brock Ryan | John Thompson | 55.5kg | $7.50 |
| 7th | 9 | Ample Time | 3 | Jessica Brookes | Martin Guenther | 53kg | $61.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Cashbook | 9 | Billy Owen | Todd Smart | 61kg | |
| Scr | 5 | Egypitian's Reward | 1 | Joseph Ible | 56.5kg | ||
| Scr | 10 | Single Beat | 9 | N F Gardner | 55kg |
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