Punt like a Pro, without the know!
Victoria · Thursday 1 January 2026
Our top pick won 2 of 6 races at Hanging Rock. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
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Alternate brings strong credentials dropping significantly in class from metropolitan BM66/70 races. His tactical speed from barrier 1 is perfectly suited to Hanging Rock's tight turning track. Second-up record shows 2 wins from 4 attempts and he should improve sharply off his last start. The class drop is the decisive factor, having competed well in much stronger races.
Unquestionably brings strong credentials second-up from a spell where he has a win from three attempts. The class drop is significant coming from higher grade races, and his record at the mile (1-1-0 from 4 starts) suggests the distance suits perfectly.
He's dropping significantly in class from a metropolitan BM66 and has a solid record at the mile (1-2-1 from 8 starts).
Her consistency is impressive with 4 placings from her last 5 starts. The return to blinkers is a positive gear change that could sharpen her focus. While facing a class rise, her barrier 5 draw is ideal for Hanging Rock's tight turning track, and her mile record (1-2-1) shows distance suitability.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 9 | Trinity's D'oro | 5 | Jackie Beriman | Brian McGrath | 58kg | $4.20 |
| 2nd | 3 | Alternate | 1 | Milos Bunjevac | Stacey Kirkpatrick | 61kg | $2.30 |
| 3rd | 10 | Cumbrian Queen | 4 | Hannah Le Blanc | Ben Brisbourne | 57.5kg | $7.00 |
| 4th | 5 | Real Intrigue | 10 | Bailey Kinninmont | Luke Oliver | 58.5kg | $41.00 |
| 5th | 6 | Top Arctic | 6 | Logan McNeil | Steven King | 60.5kg | $10.00 |
| 6th | 8 | Everett | 14 | John Keating | M A Bell | 59kg | $19.00 |
| 7th | 4 | Unquestionably | 11 | Harry Grace | N J Dyer | 61kg | $8.50 |
| 8th | 7 | Avonview | 7 | Hannah Edgley | D J Walkley | 60kg | $21.00 |
| 9th | 1 | Bellman | 3 | Alice Kennedy | Andrew Dale | 60kg | $14.00 |
| 10th | 2 | Boyfromwye | 13 | Koby Jennings | Jarrod Robinson | 61.5kg | $41.00 |
| Scr | 11 | The Crusader | 9 | Carly Cook | 59kg | ||
| Scr | 12 | Highland George | 8 | Chelsea Taylor | L J Lake | 58kg | |
| Scr | 13 | Gemma Nascosta | 12 | Cassidy Hill | Stacey Kirkpatrick | 52kg | |
| Scr | 14 | Stormtrooper | 2 | Brendon Newport | 55kg |
Has placed in 2 of 6 career starts and maps to get an ideal on-pace position from barrier 5. The tight turning Hanging Rock track should suit his forward racing pattern, and his consistent form makes him the clear standout in a race that strongly favors leaders.
Do Say returns from a lengthy spell but brings strong formlines having previously raced in Listed company. Barrier 3 is ideal at Hanging Rock, and the Corstens stable knows how to prepare horses first-up. Main query is the long absence and lack of placings to date.
Maps to be one of the leaders from barrier 8, which is crucial at Hanging Rock's tight turning track. The gear changes (ear muffs pre-race, tongue tie) suggest the stable has addressed any issues, and the K T Bourke stable rarely presents unprepared runners.
The addition of blinkers first time is a significant gear change that should sharpen his focus, while barrier 2 is ideal at Hanging Rock's tight turning track. His form is improving and the very fast predicted tempo should suit his running style. The inside draw is particularly valuable at this venue, and the booking of claiming apprentice Bailey Kinninmont reduces his weight.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 11 | Bring The Thunder | 2 | Bailey Kinninmont | Luke Oliver | 57.5kg | $6.00 |
| 2nd | 9 | Tristania | 1 | Jake Duffy | Craig Weeding | 57.5kg | $31.00 |
| 3rd | 1 | Gatsby Crown | 8 | Harry Grace | K T Bourke | 59.5kg | $12.00 |
| 4th | 10 | Wayne's Dream | 7 | Rose Hammond | Ms G Johnstone | 56kg | $11.00 |
| 5th | 5 | Do Say | 3 | Paul Gatt | L & T Corstens & W Larkin | 57.5kg | $3.50 |
| 6th | 2 | Smart And Mighty | 5 | Alice Kennedy | Ben Brisbourne | 56.5kg | $2.25 |
| 7th | 6 | Larza City | 12 | Nathan Punch | Ms G Johnstone | 57.5kg | $71.00 |
| 8th | 7 | Natalie Joy | 11 | John Keating | N J Dyer | 57.5kg | $17.00 |
| 9th | 8 | Prosperous Star | 6 | John Keating | Saab Hasan | 57.5kg | $101.00 |
| 10th | 4 | Works Dirty | 9 | Hannah Le Blanc | D E Dean | 58kg | $21.00 |
| Scr | 3 | Capital Design | 13 | Ben Brisbourne | 58kg | ||
| Scr | 12 | Gentleman Jim | 3 | John R Allen | 59.5kg | ||
| Scr | 13 | Macaverty | 4 | Milos Bunjevac | Toby Lake | 59.5kg | |
| Scr | 14 | Fairy Steps | 10 | Bailey Kinninmont | Luke Oliver | 54kg |
Scream brings the strongest credentials to this race with the crucial advantage of barrier 1 at Hanging Rock's tight-turning track. His record at the distance is excellent (26: 3-4-3), and he's dropping back from stronger BM62 company.
Fox Man is ideally suited to Hanging Rock's characteristics with his tactical speed and favorable barrier 3 draw. He brings solid credentials with a recent win at this class level and a strong place record at the distance. His ability to race on-pace is a significant advantage at this tight-turning track where leaders are favored. The main concern is the top weight of 61.5kg, but his tactical advantages should help overcome this.
The significant class drop from Open company to BM56 is a major plus, and his consistent recent form (2-3-2) suggests he's in career-best form. With the lightweight of 55.5kg and the advantage of barrier 2 at this tight-turning track, he represents excellent value and a genuine winning chance.
The gear changes (blinkers off, lugging bit off) could spark improvement, and his record at the distance (8: 2-2-0) is excellent.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Scream | 1 | Jake Duffy | Amy & Ash Yargi | 60kg | $2.45 |
| 2nd | 10 | Simply Luscious | 12 | Christopher Pang | Nathan Hobson | 55.5kg | $19.00 |
| 3rd | 8 | Rowdy Anthem | 6 | Alice Kennedy | Ben Brisbourne | 55.5kg | $15.00 |
| 4th | 1 | Fox Man | 3 | Harry Grace | Andrew Bobbin | 61.5kg | $5.00 |
| 5th | 14 | Noci Di Cocco | 2 | Andrew Dale | 55.5kg | $11.00 | |
| 6th | 4 | Viperion | 5 | Paul Gatt | C J Cassar | 60.5kg | $13.00 |
| 7th | 6 | The Wayfarer | 9 | Logan McNeil | Nathan Hobson | 60kg | $8.50 |
| 8th | 9 | Redemption Time | 8 | Chelsea Taylor | M Sell | 57.5kg | $15.00 |
| 9th | 2 | Airclash | 10 | Koby Jennings | Jarrod Robinson | 61kg | $8.00 |
| 10th | 12 | Picksix | 11 | Dale Plant | 56kg | $81.00 | |
| Scr | 3 | Infinite Matrix | 12 | W Morrissey | 61kg | ||
| Scr | 7 | Shanghai Venture | 7 | Bailey Kinninmont | Brian McGrath | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Mishima | 6 | Ben Brisbourne | 58.5kg | ||
| Scr | 13 | Hollerloud | 4 | Andrew Dale | 56kg |
Phantom's Chase brings the strongest recent form with three close seconds in his last five starts. The drop back to 1800m looks ideal, and he maps to get a perfect midfield position from barrier 8. Logan McNeil takes the ride and the addition of blinkers first time could sharpen him up.
Dali's Picasso brings solid credentials with two seconds and a third from 11 starts. He maps to be on-pace from barrier 2 which is highly advantageous at Hanging Rock's tight-turning track. Rose Hammond takes the ride and should give him every chance from the inside draw. The on-pace style suits this track perfectly.
The mare is still learning but has been improving with each run. The addition of blinkers first time could be the catalyst for a breakthrough performance. From barrier 5, Jake Duffy should be able to position her ideally in midfield. The step up to 1800m looks suitable based on her racing pattern.
The addition of blinkers first time could spark significant improvement, and he's dropping in class. While barrier 13 is a concern at Hanging Rock, Harry Grace is an experienced jockey who should be able to navigate a path.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Mahogwise Honour | 11 | Chelsea Taylor | Glen Gascoyne | 59.5kg | $26.00 |
| 2nd | 1 | Dali's Picasso | 2 | Rose Hammond | Kelvin Southey | 58kg | $11.00 |
| 3rd | 3 | Phantom's Chase | 8 | Logan McNeil | Claire Patterson | 59.5kg | $1.75 |
| 4th | 5 | St Dominic | 7 | Tayla Childs | Jason Chandler | 59.5kg | $71.00 |
| 5th | 12 | Great Obsession | 1 | Craig Blackshaw | 59.5kg | $13.00 | |
| 6th | 10 | Rangatoo | 14 | Nathan Punch | Nathan Hobson | 57.5kg | $31.00 |
| 7th | 4 | Plastic Dreams | 6 | Koby Jennings | Jarrod Robinson | 59.5kg | $13.00 |
| 8th | 9 | Irish Bloom | 5 | Jake Duffy | Mitchell Freedman | 57.5kg | $4.80 |
| 9th | 6 | Stolen Stock | 13 | Harry Grace | Andrew Bobbin | 59.5kg | $16.00 |
| 10th | 8 | Play It Cool | 12 | Paul Gatt | M W Walker | 58kg | $17.00 |
| Scr | 7 | King Kauffo | 4 | Alice Kennedy | Ben Brisbourne | 55kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Immortal Diva | 10 | John Keating | Tetyana Furdetska | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 13 | Composite Action | 9 | Yoko Ota | Yoko Ota | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 14 | Satirica | 3 | Amy McDonald | 57.5kg |
Fashion Fighter brings crucial course experience with a previous 2nd at this track and distance. From barrier 1, he should secure an on-pace position which is advantageous at Hanging Rock's tight circuit. The 60kg is a concern, but his track experience and tactical speed are significant positives on this leader-favoring track.
Master Polanski brings strong recent form with a close 2nd at Colac over 2000m just 13 days ago. His consistent placing ability is a positive, but the concern is whether he'll get too far back on a track that favors leaders. If he can secure a midfield position from barrier 6, he should be finishing strongly.
Spirit Angel brings solid credentials with consistent placing ability and a recent 2nd at Wangaratta over 1300m. She's dropping in class and has shown good adaptability across different distances. Her record on good tracks is solid with multiple placings. The wide barrier (9) is a significant concern at Hanging Rock's tight circuit, and she may struggle to make ground from back in the field on a track that typically favors leaders and on-pace runners.
He's dropping significantly in class and should get a midfield position from barrier 7.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 9 | Spirit Angel | 9 | Nathan Punch | Brian McGrath | 58kg | $3.30 |
| 2nd | 8 | Master Polanski | 6 | Jake Duffy | Reece Goodwin | 58.5kg | $3.90 |
| 3rd | 4 | London Bell | 12 | Bailey Kinninmont | D J Walkley | 58kg | $8.50 |
| 4th | 2 | Fashion Fighter | 1 | Harry Grace | Peter Jaques | 60kg | $5.50 |
| 5th | 1 | Blaazay | 2 | Yoko Ota | Yoko Ota | 60kg | $18.00 |
| 6th | 3 | Gold Relay | 5 | Koby Jennings | Glen Gascoyne | 60kg | $6.00 |
| 7th | 7 | Gunnafly | 11 | Melea Castle | Ms R Waymouth | 59kg | $21.00 |
| 8th | 6 | Haather | 7 | Carly Cook | 59.5kg | $26.00 | |
| 9th | 10 | Seeking Prophet | 10 | Bradley Vale | Shilleagh Meyervale | 57kg | $61.00 |
| 10th | 5 | Notmeanttobe | 8 | John Keating | Jody Thompson | 60kg | $20.00 |
| Scr | 11 | Lucania | 4 | Brendon Newport | Carly Cook | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 12 | Toscana Rising | 8 | G C Strang | 55kg | ||
| Scr | 13 | Oh No George | 13 | Tayla Childs | Michael Farrell | 55kg | |
| Scr | 14 | Here With Me | 3 | Paul Gatt | C J Cassar | 55kg |
Mash And Gravy brings the strongest staying credentials with a last-start win over 2350m at Healesville. His form has been progressively improving with a win and a 4th in his last two starts. The tight Hanging Rock circuit should suit his forward running style from barrier 1, and the moderate tempo predicted should allow him to settle in a prominent position. Drops to 55kg and appears perfectly placed in this grade.
Vineux is a progressive staying mare who broke through for a maiden win last start over 2600m at Cranbourne. She's been knocking on the door with consecutive second placings prior to that win. The slight drop back in distance is a query, but she's shown versatility and appears to be improving with racing. The wide barrier is a significant concern at Hanging Rock's tight circuit, but her tactical speed should allow her to overcome it.
Lightning Flash brings strong recent form with a win over 2000m at Wangaratta two starts back. The step up to 2400m is the main query, but her racing pattern suggests she'll handle it. Her versatility to race forward or midfield is a significant advantage at Hanging Rock where positioning is crucial. The good draw will allow her to save ground throughout.
The 55kg weight is a significant advantage, and barrier 7 should allow him to position midfield without covering too much extra ground. If there's any rain, his heavy track record (2-1-2 from 10) becomes a major plus.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 9 | Mash And Gravy | 1 | Jackie Beriman | Reece Goodwin | 55kg | $3.40 |
| 2nd | 3 | Nicoffhome | 8 | Christopher Pang | Chris Calthorpe | 58kg | $7.50 |
| 3rd | 1 | Holly's Star | 10 | Chelsea Taylor | Toby Lake | 60kg | $8.50 |
| 4th | 10 | Brassi Road | 4 | Nathan Punch | Nathan Hobson | 55kg | $21.00 |
| 5th | 8 | Parabellum | 5 | Bailey Kinninmont | Andrew Dale | 53kg | $10.00 |
| 6th | 6 | Staying Strong | 2 | Paul Gatt | Nathan Newton | 56.5kg | $81.00 |
| 7th | 5 | The Yachtsman | 11 | Koby Jennings | Naomi Bourke | 57.5kg | $15.00 |
| 8th | 4 | Vineux | 12 | Jake Duffy | Mitchell Freedman | 60kg | $7.50 |
| 9th | 2 | Lightning Flash | 3 | Alice Kennedy | Ben Brisbourne | 57kg | $5.50 |
| 10th | 11 | Tosen Glory | 7 | Harry Grace | K T Bourke | 55kg | $6.50 |
| Scr | 7 | Adare Manor | 7 | P Donnelly | 55.5kg | ||
| Scr | 12 | Fear No One | 6 | Carly Cook | 55.5kg | ||
| Scr | 13 | Brookers Turbo | 9 | Jody Thompson | 55kg |
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