Punt like a Pro, without the know!
Tasmania · Friday 2 January 2026
Our top pick won 3 of 7 races at Hobart. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
top pick wonanother tip wonno tip won
Fiorente De Legend brings the strongest recent form, with five runner-up finishes from her last seven starts. Her track/distance record is excellent (9: 2-4-1) and she's proven on soft tracks (16: 2-7-1). The consistent mare looks ready to break through.
Dantes brings strong credentials as a second-up specialist (3: 1-1-1) and drops significantly in class from recent assignments. His overall record at the track is solid (14: 1-6-4) and he handles soft going (5: 1-0-2). Still, his class edge makes him a major player.
Johnnie Pinch brings consistent recent form with placings in similar company. The quick five-day backup suggests fitness and trainer confidence. His track record is solid (9: 1-1-1) and he carries a moderate 57kg. Place prospects look stronger than win claims.
The removal of winkers is a significant gear change that could spark improvement, and his second-up record (4: 1-1-0) suggests he could improve sharply.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Johnnie Pinch | 4 | Erica Byrne Burke | J L Keys | 57kg | $2.80 |
| 2nd | 5 | Fiorente De Legend | 1 | Bulent Muhcu | J F Luttrell | 54kg | $1.90 |
| 3rd | 2 | Dantes | 5 | Jabez Johnstone | J L Keys | 59.5kg | $3.70 |
| 4th | 3 | Iffycould | 2 | Sam Kennedy | J L Keys | 55.5kg | $31.00 |
| 5th | 6 | Navajo Warrior | 3 | Lizzie Annells | L R Laskey | 54kg | $81.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Ashfall | 6 | Ashley Meaburn | 62kg | ||
| Scr | 7 | Stratojack | 4 | Ms T Mollross | 54kg |
Bella Chinkara brings the strongest form credentials to this maiden, having placed in 4 of her 9 starts including twice at this track and distance. The drop back to maiden grade after competing in stronger company is significant, and the gear change to winkers first time could sharpen her up.
Monclere brings rock-solid consistency to this race with three consecutive third placings. Well drawn in barrier 4 and should get a good run in midfield with the expected fast tempo. The main concern is his inability to break through after 17 starts.
Ilovethistown returns from a spell with solid first-up credentials and consistent form overall. The Adam Trinder stable is strong, and the gear changes (ear muffs pre-race only first time, tongue tie off) suggest they're looking to sharpen his focus. The main concerns are the topweight and potential vulnerability late if the tempo is genuinely fast.
She's a first-up specialist with 2 placings from 3 fresh runs and should be suited by the fast tempo as a backmarker.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 9 | Bella Chinkara | 10 | David Pires | J K Blacker | 55kg | $2.70 |
| 2nd | 2 | Ilovethistown | 6 | Erica Byrne Burke | Adam Trinder | 58.5kg | $3.00 |
| 3rd | 1 | Cardiosphere | 12 | Kirra-Lee Lane | Sigrid Carr | 54.5kg | $11.00 |
| 4th | 12 | Nandi Clan | 5 | Sam Kennedy | J L Keys | 53kg | $12.00 |
| 5th | 5 | Geegees Ace | 9 | Mehmet Ulucinar | S Gandy | 57kg | $20.00 |
| 6th | 3 | Monclere | 4 | Chloe Wells | S Gandy | 58.5kg | $5.50 |
| 7th | 11 | Littlemissallsorts | 7 | Jabez Johnstone | R Seymour | 53.5kg | $31.00 |
| 8th | 8 | Royal Scene | 8 | Troy Baker | Stephen Lockhart | 56.5kg | $13.00 |
| 9th | 4 | Ceeya Sunshine | 11 | Bulent Muhcu | J K Blacker | 57kg | $101.00 |
| 10th | 10 | Global Miracle | 2 | Shayleigh Ingelse | Brendan McShane | 55kg | $101.00 |
| 11th | 6 | Richards | 1 | Stan Tsaikos | T W Evans | 57kg | $101.00 |
| Scr | 7 | Colleen's Crown | 11 | Sarah Cotton | 56.5kg | ||
| Scr | 13 | Zoe Of Rome | 3 | Lizzie Annells | J K Blacker | 55kg |
Vortistar brings the strongest form credentials, finishing a close second last start at Launceston over 1200m. The Adam Trinder-trained gelding has Victorian form that reads well for this, including competitive performances at Seymour and Warracknabeal. Second-up today and should be at peak fitness, with the step up to 1400m ideal. The fast tempo should suit his racing pattern.
Da Silver Flash has been steadily improving and ran a strong fourth last start over this course and distance. Gets in with just 52kg after Catherine Van Munster's claim and should get a nice run from barrier 7. The fast tempo should suit her closing style.
Northern Child brings consistent form to this race with two thirds from three career starts. Last start third at Launceston over 1600m reads well for this, and the step back to 1400m should suit. Drawn wide in barrier 14 which is a concern, but has shown tactical versatility in previous runs. Experienced jockey Mehmet Ulucinar should give him every chance.
First-up from a spell but has shown ability fresh before. The fast tempo should suit her closing style, and experienced jockey David Pires is a significant positive.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | The Little Bay | 16 | Stan Tsaikos | T W Evans | 57kg | $10.00 |
| 2nd | 5 | Savage River | 8 | Sam Kennedy | J L Keys | 55kg | $4.60 |
| 3rd | 9 | White Star Suzie | 6 | Troy Baker | Sigrid Carr | 56.5kg | $31.00 |
| 4th | 13 | Little El | 3 | David Pires | Ms L Gaffney | 55kg | $12.00 |
| 5th | 4 | Northern Child | 14 | Mehmet Ulucinar | S Gandy | 57kg | $21.00 |
| 6th | 14 | Miss Ess | 4 | Kirra-Lee Lane | J L Keys | 51kg | $26.00 |
| 7th | 7 | Vortistar | 11 | Erica Byrne Burke | Adam Trinder | 57kg | $1.80 |
| 8th | 11 | Da Silver Flash | 7 | Catherine Van Munster | S Gandy | 52kg | $12.00 |
| 9th | 2 | Le Costa Paradiso | 9 | Jabez Johnstone | Brendan McShane | 55.5kg | $91.00 |
| 10th | 1 | Deeper Water | 10 | Chloe Wells | S Gandy | 57kg | $21.00 |
| 11th | 8 | Cheeky Tilly | 5 | Shayleigh Ingelse | Brendan McShane | 56.5kg | $61.00 |
| 12th | 12 | Graphite Power | 12 | Kasi Boxall | S Gandy | 55kg | $91.00 |
| 13th | 3 | Naracoopa | 15 | Lauren Burke | J L Keys | 55kg | $101.00 |
| 14th | 15 | Miss Mabel | 1 | Lizzie Annells | Patrick Dargan | 55kg | $101.00 |
| Scr | 10 | A Queens Buzz | 16 | S Gandy | 55kg | ||
| Scr | 16 | No Surprises | 13 | Bulent Muhcu | Stephen Lockhart | 58.5kg | |
| Scr | 17 | Infringement | 2 | J L Keys | 58.5kg |
Progressive 3YO filly showing excellent improvement with each run, culminating in a strong win over this distance last start. The step up in class is offset by her rapid improvement and strong finishing ability which should suit the likely fast tempo.
Mare with excellent second-up credentials (1 win from 1 attempt) and strong track/distance record (1-1-0 from 2). Last start produced a close second in this class, suggesting she's ready to peak. The rise in class is offset by her consistency and proven ability at the track and distance. Should be suited by the fast tempo.
Consistent gelding dropping significantly in class from Open company. The fast tempo is a concern for a likely leader, but the class drop is significant. Has placed at this track and distance previously, suggesting suitability. Overall record of 1-0-1 from 4 starts indicates consistency.
Recent form is improving with a 5th last start in this class. Has extensive experience at this track (1-3-1 from 19 starts) and should be suited by the fast tempo.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Queen Of Malwa | 1 | Sam Kennedy | J L Keys | 54kg | $5.00 |
| 2nd | 8 | Fierce 'n Fabulous | 6 | Erica Byrne Burke | S Gandy | 55.5kg | $3.40 |
| 3rd | 3 | South Georgia | 5 | Stan Tsaikos | T W Evans | 56.5kg | $4.40 |
| 4th | 2 | Miss Lyra | 9 | Chloe Wells | Adam Trinder | 56.5kg | $9.50 |
| 5th | 4 | Wyndinthewillows | 13 | Troy Baker | Ms T Mollross | 56.5kg | $71.00 |
| 6th | 13 | Gazza's Spirit | 10 | Shayleigh Ingelse | J F Luttrell | 54kg | $31.00 |
| 7th | 1 | Bunker Jako | 2 | Lauren Burke | J K Blacker | 57kg | $7.50 |
| 8th | 9 | Star Fortian | 7 | Kirra-Lee Lane | Ms L Gaffney | 51kg | $17.00 |
| 9th | 5 | Played Strong | 8 | Lizzie Annells | J K Blacker | 56kg | $71.00 |
| 10th | 7 | Crystal Moonbeam | 11 | Kasi Boxall | Ms R Hall | 55.5kg | $10.00 |
| 11th | 11 | Miss Niagara | 3 | Bulent Muhcu | R Seymour | 54kg | $61.00 |
| 12th | 10 | Whisper Of Matilda | 4 | Jabez Johnstone | Stephen Lockhart | 52.5kg | $21.00 |
| 13th | 12 | Gie It Laldy | 12 | David Pires | Patrick Dargan | 54kg | $91.00 |
Magnaprime brings the strongest form credentials, dropping significantly in class after competing in Open and Listed races. His track record is excellent (3: 2-1-0) and he's proven at the distance. The barrier draw suits and he should get an ideal run. Clearly the class runner of the field.
Georgaroni brings a progressive profile with an impressive 60% win rate from limited starts. Last start winner stepping back from 1600m to 1400m which is a slight query, but his excellent track record (4: 3-1-0) and perfect barrier draw offset this concern. Should get an ideal on-pace position from barrier 1 and has proven effective on soft tracks (2: 2-0-0).
The Trine brings a progressive profile as a last-start winner stepping up in class. Has proven effective on soft tracks (5: 2-0-2) and carries a light weight of 55kg. His one attempt at this track/distance resulted in a win. The widest barrier is a slight concern, but his tactical versatility should allow him to find a position. Represents solid each-way value.
Her track/distance record is outstanding (7: 1-3-2) and she's a second-up specialist (3: 0-2-1). While her last start was disappointing, she has the ability to bounce back at this track and distance where she's been so effective previously.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Magnaprime | 2 | Erica Byrne Burke | Adam Trinder | 59kg | $2.50 |
| 2nd | 6 | Global Awareness | 4 | Sam Kennedy | J L Keys | 54kg | $13.00 |
| 3rd | 2 | Georgaroni | 1 | David Pires | J K Blacker | 57kg | $2.35 |
| 4th | 5 | The Trine | 6 | Bulent Muhcu | S Gandy | 55kg | $4.60 |
| 5th | 4 | Speed Rock | 3 | Lizzie Annells | Amanda Jones | 55kg | $71.00 |
| 6th | 3 | Gems Eagle | 5 | Chloe Wells | S Gandy | 55kg | $14.00 |
Has excellent track/distance credentials (8: 2-2-2) and should get an ideal run from barrier 3. The fast tempo predicted will suit his running style perfectly, allowing him to finish strongly. Clearly the horse to beat on current form.
Stardarmus represents strong value as he drops significantly in class after competing in stronger races. His overall record at Hobart (17: 4-5-1) is excellent, and the return to winkers could spark improvement. While his recent form has tapered off slightly, the class relief makes him a genuine threat, especially with Muhcu taking the ride.
The light weight (54kg) is a significant advantage, and she should appreciate the fast tempo. While this represents a class rise, her consistency at the distance (16: 2-2-5) suggests she can be competitive. Place prospects look strongest.
While his recent form has been below his best, he's proven at the track (5: 2-0-0) and class level.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Make A Decision | 2 | Jabez Johnstone | Sarah Cotton | 56.5kg | $3.40 |
| 2nd | 5 | Geegeehailstorm | 6 | Erica Byrne Burke | S Gandy | 54kg | $3.40 |
| 3rd | 6 | Rich Clan | 3 | Sam Kennedy | J L Keys | 52kg | $3.30 |
| 4th | 4 | Stardarmus | 5 | Bulent Muhcu | J K Blacker | 57kg | $5.50 |
| 5th | 1 | Captain Cam | 1 | Lauren Burke | J K Blacker | 59.5kg | $14.00 |
| 6th | 2 | Cruz Missile | 4 | Shayleigh Ingelse | W N McShane | 61.5kg | $19.00 |
| Scr | 7 | Araya Sunshine | 2 | J K Blacker | 54kg |
Opensea brings the strongest recent form into this race with consecutive 2nd placings at his last two starts over similar distances. The Ocean Park gelding should get an ideal run from barrier 2 and has shown tactical versatility. His second-up record is solid and the step up to 2000m looks ideal based on his recent performances. The moderate-fast tempo should suit his racing pattern.
Alpine Cowgirl is a progressive mare who broke her maiden status two starts back before a solid 4th in Class 1 company last time out. She's shown steady improvement throughout her career and appears ready for the 2000m journey. Her soft track record (1 win from 5 starts) is encouraging if conditions deteriorate, and she gets in well at the weights with 55kg.
Sir Jag is the definition of consistency with back-to-back 2nd placings in his most recent outings. While his win strike rate is concerning (just 1 from 35), he regularly finds the placings and knows Hobart well with 4 placings from 11 starts at the track. He should get an ideal run from barrier 4 and will be right in the finish if the leaders are favored.
Carnotaurus represents excellent value as a rapidly improving mare who has hit her straps with consecutive placings. She's untried at the 2000m journey but her racing pattern suggests she'll relish the trip. The class rise is the query, but she's on an upward spiral.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Florence Glass | 9 | Lizzie Annells | J K Blacker | 57kg | $12.00 |
| 2nd | 2 | Sir Jag | 4 | Troy Baker | J F Luttrell | 59kg | $4.60 |
| 3rd | 6 | Rousing Levi | 1 | David Pires | Ms L Gaffney | 56.5kg | $14.00 |
| 4th | 5 | Tideford | 7 | Stan Tsaikos | L R Laskey | 57kg | $17.00 |
| 5th | 7 | Carnotaurus | 8 | Jabez Johnstone | Sarah Cotton | 53.5kg | $6.50 |
| 6th | 1 | Opensea | 2 | Bulent Muhcu | M S Trinder | 59kg | $3.60 |
| 7th | 3 | Alpine Cowgirl | 6 | Lauren Burke | J K Blacker | 55kg | $4.80 |
| 8th | 9 | Jenny Jenny | 3 | Shayleigh Ingelse | Brendan McShane | 54.5kg | $17.00 |
| 9th | 8 | Lady Be Cool | 5 | Erica Byrne Burke | Adam Trinder | 55kg | $9.00 |
Before the races, not after
Our top three picks and a value pick for every race, with assessed prices, speed maps and the analysis behind them. Free for 7 days.