Punt like a Pro, without the know!
Victoria · Thursday 1 January 2026
Our top pick won 3 of 8 races at Mornington. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
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Areaan brings the strongest recent form into this race with consecutive second placings, most recently finishing just a length off the winner at Sale. The inside-favoring track bias at Mornington should suit her tactical speed, and she maps to settle in a perfect midfield position.
Boy From Oz showed plenty of promise on debut when finishing second at this track over 1500m just 9 days ago. As a lightly-raced 3yo, he has significant scope for improvement second-up and should appreciate the step up to 1600m. The inside draw is perfect for Mornington's tight-turning track, and he maps to settle in a forward position.
Zamparini Spirit has shown ability with three placings from ten starts, including two seconds at this distance. His disappointing last-start performance can likely be forgiven, and the booking of quality jockey Jye McNeil is a significant positive. He has tactical speed which suits Mornington's tight-turning track, and should be able to position forward from barrier 7.
Towntotown showed promise with a solid third placing when resuming from a spell 13 days ago. The mare should appreciate the step up to 1600m and is well-suited by the likely moderate-fast tempo.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | Areaan | 6 | Jackson Radley | C I Brown | 55.5kg | $2.60 |
| 2nd | 5 | Zamparini Spirit | 7 | Jye McNeil | Clayton Douglas | 59.5kg | $4.80 |
| 3rd | 11 | Towntotown | 9 | Jake Noonan | Julius Sandhu | 57.5kg | $15.00 |
| 4th | 10 | Durness | 8 | Jordan Childs | M Price & M Kent Jnr | 57.5kg | $10.00 |
| 5th | 7 | Dr Slump | 1 | Teodore Nugent | M M Laurie | 58kg | $7.00 |
| 6th | 6 | Boy From Oz | 3 | Jason Maskiell | Amy & Ash Yargi | 58kg | $7.50 |
| 7th | 1 | Golden Mask | 2 | Sally Wynne | Ms S L Wynne | 59.5kg | $51.00 |
| 8th | 9 | Chateau Dancer | 10 | Carleen Hefel | A R McGregor | 57.5kg | $9.00 |
| 9th | 3 | Tassadar | 4 | Thomas Stockdale | Aaron Laing | 59.5kg | $21.00 |
| 10th | 2 | Il Penseroso | 11 | Rhys Mc Leod | Dan O'Sullivan | 59.5kg | $61.00 |
| 11th | 4 | Tensile | 5 | Celine Gaudray | N G Eades | 59.5kg | $151.00 |
Oceanella brings consistent form to this race with 3 placings from 6 starts and a particularly strong record at this distance. The Simon Zahra-trained mare has drawn perfectly in barrier 2, which is crucial at Mornington's tight track. Second-up today with a good record in that pattern and with the tactical speed to utilize her inside draw, she represents a solid winning chance.
The Hayes-trained filly has drawn well for Mornington's tight track and gets the services of in-form jockey Daniel Stackhouse.
The Moody/Coleman-trained filly has drawn well in barrier 6 and gets weight relief with apprentice Emily Pozman's claim. While she tends to get back in her races which isn't ideal at Mornington, her strong finishing burst could overcome the track bias.
Lotta City represents excellent value with the perfect barrier 1 draw at Mornington's leader-biased track. The Jerome Hunter-trained filly showed ability with a strong placing two starts back and should be forgiven for her last run on a heavy track.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 13 | Sheanadh | 4 | Michael Dee | M W Walker | 56.5kg | $9.50 |
| 2nd | 2 | Oceanella | 2 | Thomas Stockdale | Simon Zahra | 58kg | $2.80 |
| 3rd | 10 | Lotta City | 1 | Celine Gaudray | Jerome Hunter | 56.5kg | $4.40 |
| 4th | 7 | Angelotti | 14 | Luke Cartwright | Ms L Tolson & Ms L Proctor | 55kg | $41.00 |
| 5th | 3 | Poised | 10 | Teodore Nugent | G Waterhouse & A Bott | 58kg | $16.00 |
| 6th | 16 | Missy Aggravation | 3 | L & T Corstens & W Larkin | 56.5kg | $15.00 | |
| 7th | 1 | Fearless Monarch | 7 | Ben Melham | A R McGregor | 58kg | $8.50 |
| 8th | 6 | Angelista | 13 | Jordan Childs | M Price & M Kent Jnr | 56.5kg | $6.00 |
| 9th | 14 | Too Much Too Soon | 15 | Jye McNeil | Shane Nichols & Hayden Black | 56.5kg | $10.00 |
| 10th | 5 | Summer Spritz | 5 | Sheridan Clarke | D Binaisse | 56.5kg | $151.00 |
| Scr | 4 | Rock Glory | 15 | Jackson Radley | G Eurell | 56kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Celestra | 12 | Luke Currie | A & S Freedman | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Layla | 11 | Daniel Stackhouse | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Miss Maranda | 8 | Linda Meech | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 12 | Mystery 'n' Drama | 6 | Emily Pozman | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 54.5kg | |
| Scr | 15 | Tan Tat Art | 9 | Craig Williams | C J Waller | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 17 | Platinum Rush | 12 | Jason Warren | 56.5kg | ||
| Scr | 18 | Graceful Mist | 18 | Nicole Dickson | 58kg |
Thanks Gorgeous brings the strongest form into this race, having competed admirably in Group 3 company. The drop back to maiden grade is significant, and while barrier 11 isn't ideal at Mornington, her class edge should overcome this disadvantage.
Shapenapit brings solid credentials with a recent second at this track and distance. The inside barrier draw is a significant advantage at Mornington's tight 1000m course. Jye McNeil is a positive jockey booking, and she should get an ideal run from the inside gate.
She's proven on Good tracks and has Michael Dee aboard, which is a positive. The main concern is barrier 12 at Mornington's tight 1000m course, which will likely force her to settle back in a leader-biased track.
The Walker stable has a good record with debutants, and the gear changes (ear muffs pre-race, nose roll, tongue tie) suggest they're addressing any potential issues.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 11 | Thanks Gorgeous | 9 | Jake Noonan | Mark & Levi Kavanagh | 57kg | $2.90 |
| 2nd | 9 | Shapenapit | 2 | Jye McNeil | G M Begg | 57kg | $5.50 |
| 3rd | 6 | Heidi Dancer | 4 | Linda Meech | D Meagher | 57kg | $12.00 |
| 4th | 3 | Galactic Girl | 5 | Shane Foley | R D Griffiths | 57kg | $8.00 |
| 5th | 2 | Drefonna | 7 | Jamie Melham | M W Walker | 57kg | $3.20 |
| 6th | 12 | Waggish | 6 | Luke Currie | Clayton Douglas | 57kg | $13.00 |
| 7th | 8 | Mariner Miss | 3 | Ben Melham | Henry Dwyer | 57kg | $19.00 |
| 8th | 7 | Lady Of Soul | 1 | Remi Tremsal | D Binaisse | 57kg | $26.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Beautiful Bevy | 8 | Carleen Hefel | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 57kg | |
| Scr | 4 | Gwen's Girl | 10 | Jordan Childs | Tom Dabernig | 57kg | |
| Scr | 5 | Head Bobber | 5 | Jacques Luxe | R J Meunier | 57kg | |
| Scr | 10 | Taupe | 10 | Michael Dee | A & S Freedman | 57kg |
Midnight Charm brings strong credentials with an excellent record at Mornington (2-2-2 from 8 starts) and is dropping significantly in class. While the wide barrier and top weight are concerns, his track experience and consistent form make him a major player. Should settle forward and be in the finish.
Wiltshire Square brings class to this race, having competed in Group races before a spell. The addition of a tongue tie first time suggests improvement is expected, but she's first-up from a 215-day spell and may need the run.
While she's only had one start (which she won), she's well-weighted, drawn perfectly in barrier 3, and has gear changes suggesting improvement.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | La Astro Chat | 5 | Nadia Daniels | Pat Carey & Harris Walker | 57kg | $3.50 |
| 2nd | 9 | Mystery Blonde | 2 | Ruby Lamont | Julius Sandhu | 52.5kg | $16.00 |
| 3rd | 8 | Eco Force | 7 | Jye McNeil | G M Begg | 56.5kg | $3.00 |
| 4th | 2 | Auckland | 1 | Teodore Nugent | Simone Walker | 62kg | $11.00 |
| 5th | 7 | Chills 'n' Thrills | 3 | Jackson Radley | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 55kg | $9.00 |
| 6th | 1 | Midnight Charm | 6 | Chelsea Thompson | Clayton Douglas | 60kg | $3.20 |
| Scr | 4 | Faraway Dream | 7 | Linda Meech | T Busuttin & N Young | 59.5kg | |
| Scr | 5 | Wiltshire Square | 6 | Ben Melham | C Maher | 59.5kg | |
| Scr | 6 | Astari | 4 | Michael Dee | M W Walker | 58kg |
The inside draw is perfect for Mornington's tight turning track, and the class drop from BM66 to BM62 is significant. The gear changes suggest connections have found the right formula, and Michael Dee is a strong booking. Looks perfectly placed to break through.
Her record at the distance is excellent with 4 seconds and 6 thirds from 15 starts, and the inside barrier is perfect for Mornington's tight track. While she finds it hard to win (only 3 from 38), she's incredibly consistent and drops in class here. Strong each-way proposition.
Whisky Moon brings strong recent form into this race, finishing 2nd last start at this track over 3040m. He's lightly raced with just 9 starts but is showing an improving profile with 2 placings from his last 3 starts. The booking of Jye McNeil is significant, and he should be able to position forward on this leader-biased track. The main query is the 2400m distance, which he's yet to prove himself at.
Discobay brings improving form into this race, having won her maiden over this track and distance just three starts back. The booking of Linda Meech is significant, and she carries just 55kg. While this is a significant class rise from maiden grade, her recent form suggests she's ready for the challenge.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Tsitsipas | 8 | Daniel Stackhouse | T Busuttin & N Young | 60kg | $9.00 |
| 2nd | 11 | Highland Glory | 1 | Luke Currie | Dan O'Sullivan | 56kg | $5.00 |
| 3rd | 2 | Hollandia | 10 | Nadia Daniels | J F Moloney | 57.5kg | $31.00 |
| 4th | 4 | Rebadge | 7 | Luke Cartwright | Dominic Sutton | 58kg | $18.00 |
| 5th | 1 | Buddong | 9 | Rhys Mc Leod | P Kearney | 60.5kg | $10.00 |
| 6th | 6 | Whisky Moon | 4 | Jye McNeil | Alexander Rae | 58.5kg | $2.90 |
| 7th | 9 | Winds Of March | 11 | Teodore Nugent | Simon Zahra | 56.5kg | $17.00 |
| 8th | 10 | Coastal Whispers | 5 | Jordyn Weatherley | Tom Dabernig | 54kg | $18.00 |
| 9th | 5 | Duke Of Hastings | 3 | Emily Pozman | Simon Zahra | 57kg | $12.00 |
| 10th | 12 | Discobay | 6 | Linda Meech | A R McGregor | 55kg | $26.00 |
| 11th | 7 | Mercante | 2 | Michael Dee | N A Blackiston | 57.5kg | $6.50 |
| Scr | 8 | Cuban Dawn | 9 | Celine Gaudray | David & Coral Feek | 57kg |
Norwoods brings excellent recent form with a win and two seconds from his last three starts. His record at Mornington is outstanding (9: 2-5-1) and he has tactical speed to settle forward on this leader-biased track. Has proven himself at this class level and should get an ideal run from barrier 6. The slight step up to the mile is the only query, but he's won at the distance before.
Johnich is a progressive 3YO who won impressively last start over 2050m at this track. He's stepping back in distance but should appreciate the mile and gets in well at the weights against older horses. His record is excellent with 3 starts for 1-1-1 and he's proven at Mornington (2: 1-1-0). The class rise is the main query, but he appears to have plenty of upside.
Super Solar is a consistent performer with an excellent overall record (76: 10-15-12) and strong distance credentials (47: 8-10-9). While he's carrying top weight and his recent form is slightly below his best, his consistency and class make him a genuine contender.
Horatius is a progressive 3YO who won impressively last start over 1500m at Cranbourne. He's on an improving trajectory (7-6-1) and gets in well at the weights against older horses. The good barrier (4) should allow him to take up a forward position on this leader-biased track.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Horatius | 3 | Ben Melham | C W McDonald | 58.5kg | $6.00 |
| 2nd | 3 | Triple Time | 1 | Jordan Childs | M Price & M Kent Jnr | 59.5kg | $9.50 |
| 3rd | 9 | Convo | 11 | Michael Dee | C Maher | 57kg | $11.00 |
| 4th | 5 | Stole Him | 9 | Chelsea Thompson | Jason Warren | 55kg | $21.00 |
| 5th | 12 | Zaaffair Steal | 4 | Celine Gaudray | Julius Sandhu | 55.5kg | $11.00 |
| 6th | 7 | Johnich | 7 | Daniel Stackhouse | Jason Warren | 58.5kg | $6.00 |
| 7th | 1 | Super Solar | 2 | Nadia Daniels | Reece Goodwin | 60kg | $9.00 |
| 8th | 2 | Norwoods | 5 | Jason Maskiell | Rachael Cunningham | 60.5kg | $2.90 |
| 9th | 8 | Bob The Horse | 8 | Teodore Nugent | J F Moloney | 57kg | $10.00 |
| Scr | 4 | Mr Bannock | 10 | Jackson Radley | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 57kg | |
| Scr | 10 | Mickidamuzz | 6 | Jye McNeil | Patrick Keane | 57kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Tight Grip | 1 | Luke Cartwright | N G Eades | 55.5kg |
The progressive 4YO has been remarkably consistent with 6 placings from 10 starts and should have the tactical speed to overcome barrier 7 at this tight track. Second-up today, he's ready to take the next step despite the class rise.
Bons To Riches brings strong credentials as a second-up specialist who won impressively first-up carrying 62kg. With a strong record at the distance (12: 3-2-1) and tactical speed to utilize barrier 5, he's well-placed to capitalize on Mornington's leader-friendly layout. The top weight is the main concern, but his class edge compensates.
The 3YO filly gets in with just 57kg and has Linda Meech aboard, which is a significant positive.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 11 | Tennessee Song | 8 | Linda Meech | Tom Dabernig | 57kg | $8.50 |
| 2nd | 2 | Bold Response | 5 | Ruby Lamont | Julius Sandhu | 56.5kg | $5.00 |
| 3rd | 10 | Insain Harry | 6 | Liam Riordan | L & T Corstens & W Larkin | 58kg | $2.60 |
| 4th | 1 | Bons To Riches | 4 | Jackson Radley | Alexander Rae | 59kg | $3.40 |
| 5th | 4 | Nic's Choice | 1 | Sheridan Clarke | J F Moloney | 58.5kg | $16.00 |
| 6th | 6 | Alpine Fox | 3 | Thomas Stockdale | Ms C Alderson | 59.5kg | $9.50 |
| 7th | 7 | Crystanado | 7 | Sally Wynne | Ms N Shelton | 59.5kg | $26.00 |
| Scr | 3 | Esquel | 11 | Jordyn Weatherley | Tom Dabernig | 58kg | |
| Scr | 5 | So Suave | 1 | C J Waller | 60kg | ||
| Scr | 8 | Forest Jim | 2 | C I Brown | 59kg | ||
| Scr | 9 | Lulu Darling | 8 | Emily Pozman | Michael Huglin | 57kg |
The 3YO gelding has an excellent second-up record and should get an ideal run from barrier 5 on this tight-turning track. Linda Meech is a strong booking and the Tom Dabernig-trained runner appears perfectly placed to handle the step up to Class 1 grade.
Kings Commission brings winning form at this track and distance, having scored impressively at Mornington just 15 days ago. The Hawkes-trained gelding has drawn perfectly in barrier 3 and should get an ideal run just behind the speed. Second-up here and with natural improvement expected, he represents the main danger to the top selection.
Brutal World brings consistent form and a perfect barrier draw to this assignment. The Simon Zahra-trained mare has an excellent place record (50%) and performs well at this distance. With the rails draw on this tight-turning track and just 53.5kg, she should get every chance to run into the placings again.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Warrior Within | 4 | Jake Noonan | Julius Sandhu | 59kg | $17.00 |
| 2nd | 4 | Bazzar | 5 | Linda Meech | Tom Dabernig | 58kg | $3.10 |
| 3rd | 1 | Electric Elvis | 7 | Jordan Childs | G M Begg | 59.5kg | $5.50 |
| 4th | 9 | Brutal World | 1 | Ryan Houston | Simon Zahra | 53.5kg | $7.50 |
| 5th | 8 | Arabian Myth | 8 | Daniel Stackhouse | Vincent Hall | 56.5kg | $26.00 |
| 6th | 2 | Kings Commission | 3 | Carleen Hefel | M, W & J Hawkes | 59.5kg | $3.30 |
| 7th | 5 | Ruby Avenue | 2 | Thomas Stockdale | Andrea Leek | 58kg | $10.00 |
| 8th | 7 | Smarticon | 6 | Celine Gaudray | David & Coral Feek | 57kg | $12.00 |
| Scr | 6 | Ryanman | 9 | Amy Herrmann | M & L Cerchi | 58kg |
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