Punt like a Pro, without the know!
New South Wales · Friday 2 January 2026
Our top pick won 1 of 8 races at Taree. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
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He's dropping in class here and his midfield running style should be suited by both the moderate-fast tempo and the track bias that slightly favors closers. His record at the mile (1-0-3 from 7 starts) shows he's effective at this trip.
Despite the significant class rise, she's lightly raced with clear upside potential and has a good record at the mile (1-1-0 from 4 starts). The low weight (54.5kg) and good barrier draw (2) are additional positives, though she'll need to handle the step up in class.
Think I'm Irish brings consistent recent form with 3 placings from her last 5 starts. Her backmarker style should be suited by both the moderate-fast tempo and the track bias that favors closers. While she's yet to win at the mile, her place record at the distance (0-1-3 from 6 starts) suggests she's competitive. The inside barrier gives options, though she is rising in class.
Damascus Gate represents value as a track and distance winner (1-0-0 from 3 starts) who's dropping in class. The quick backup suggests fitness, though his declining form trend and equal top weight are concerns.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Mellencamp | 6 | Leeshelle Small | A M Boyle | 56.5kg | $2.25 |
| 2nd | 6 | Sea Me Dance | 2 | Tilly McCarroll | S I Singleton | 54.5kg | $2.35 |
| 3rd | 1 | Maui | 3 | Leanne Boyd | Ms A Willick-McDonald | 57.5kg | $9.00 |
| 4th | 8 | Cheeky Nugget | 5 | William A Stanley | Julia Presits | 55kg | $6.00 |
| Scr | 2 | Ken'ker | 5 | D Wagstaff | 60kg | ||
| Scr | 3 | Damascus Gate | 4 | Ella Drew | Carlos Antonio | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 5 | Tea Or Coffee | 7 | Ben Blay | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 7 | Think I'm Irish | 1 | Anna Roper | D Wagstaff | 58kg |
In a race with very fast predicted tempo, should get an economical run from the inside draw.
Agent Max showed ability on debut with a strong second placing at this track and distance just 9 days ago. The top weight is a concern, but his proven ability at the track and distance is a significant positive in a field with many unraced or unproven runners.
La Potenza brings solid credentials with 1 second and 1 third from 2 career starts, both on soft tracks. First up from a spell but has placed third when fresh previously. Drawn reasonably in barrier 3 and should be competitive with natural improvement.
Dropping significantly in class after competing in Open company last preparation where he ran a respectable 4th. First-up from a spell but has the talent to improve sharply in this easier company. Mikayla Weir retains the ride which suggests stable confidence.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Agent Max | 4 | Luke Rolls | Gaye Ball | 59kg | $2.20 |
| 2nd | 2 | Already Blue | 6 | William A Stanley | Julia Presits | 59kg | $13.00 |
| 3rd | 4 | Velka | 9 | Mikayla Weir | T S Howlett | 56.5kg | $17.00 |
| 4th | 6 | Casino Collection | 7 | Jon Grisedale | Donna Grisedale | 56kg | $61.00 |
| 5th | 5 | Atadcheeky | 10 | Emily Farr | Glen Milligan | 54kg | $151.00 |
| 6th | 9 | Repeat Offender | 2 | Matthew Bennett | Glen Milligan | 56kg | $51.00 |
| 7th | 7 | Euroka Abby | 5 | Ben Looker | G Prosser | 56kg | $15.00 |
| 8th | 8 | Fannoir | 1 | Grant Buckley | R P Northam | 56kg | $1.95 |
| Scr | 3 | La Potenza | 3 | Anna Roper | Brett & Georgie Cavanough | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 10 | Blue Dane | 8 | Kacie Adams | Darren Treacy | 55.5kg |
Odaka brings the strongest form credentials, dropping significantly from Listed company to a country maiden. The inside draw gives Andrew Gibbons options, and with moderate-fast tempo predicted, she should get the perfect trailing run. Clearly the one to beat.
Bellevue is open to significant improvement second-up from a spell. Drawn to get a perfect run from barrier 3, he represents the main danger to the top selection with natural progression expected.
Linda's Princess brings solid recent form, finishing a close second last start at Beaumont over 1350m. Jeff Penza is a positive jockey booking, and her progressive profile suggests she's ready to peak. Represents each-way value.
Aaron Bullock is a significant jockey booking, and while he's yet to win from 10 starts, his consistency (2 seconds, 1 third) indicates he's knocking on the door. The predicted moderate-fast tempo suits his racing pattern.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Bellevue | 3 | Anna Roper | Nacim Dilmi | 57.5kg | $2.70 |
| 2nd | 10 | Odaka | 1 | Andrew Gibbons | K A Lees | 55.5kg | $2.10 |
| 3rd | 1 | Alaska Dream | 4 | Shannen Llewellyn | Allan Kehoe | 59kg | $51.00 |
| 4th | 11 | Tetsu Belle | 5 | Ben Looker | Nathan Doyle | 55.5kg | $12.00 |
| 5th | 3 | Maximum Ride | 8 | Aaron Bullock | D Lane | 59kg | $6.50 |
| 6th | 9 | Linda's Princess | 7 | Jeff Penza | Ms J Bowen | 55.5kg | $9.00 |
| 7th | 8 | Same Terms | 9 | Kacie Adams | M J Robinson | 57kg | $101.00 |
| 8th | 4 | Our Land | 6 | Leeshelle Small | Ms J Bowen | 57kg | $101.00 |
| 9th | 2 | Bigbetterbest | 2 | Serg Lisnyy | N F Boland | 59kg | $101.00 |
| Scr | 6 | Warm Front | 10 | Nacim Dilmi | 57.5kg | ||
| Scr | 7 | Resume | 8 | M S Minervini | 57kg |
Speedy Target resumes from a spell with a strong first-up record and excellent statistics at this distance. His last preparation showed consistent form with multiple placings in similar company. The inside draw is advantageous given the track bias, though could be challenging with the very fast tempo predicted. Has won on soft tracks previously and carries a manageable weight. Represents strong place value.
Kermitisapet returns from a lengthy spell but has a perfect record at this track and distance. Though facing a class rise, this lightly-raced mare showed ability in her brief career with a win and a placing from just 4 starts. Has performed well on wet tracks previously which is a positive if the Soft 5 deteriorates. The wide barrier is somewhat offset by her light weight and the likely fast tempo could suit her racing pattern.
Climate Control brings solid form into this race, dropping back in class from his last start 4th at Scone. His racing pattern suits the likely very fast tempo, as he can settle midfield and finish strongly. The Soft 5 surface should pose no issues with multiple placings on soft tracks.
Her second-up record shows 3 placings from 4 attempts, and she's drawn perfectly in barrier 3 to take advantage of the inside bias.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Ex Wife | 8 | Glen Milligan | 62kg | $3.40 | |
| 2nd | 7 | El Beatle | 6 | J A Sylvester | 57.5kg | $10.00 | |
| 3rd | 5 | Cupid's Kiss | 10 | Luke Rolls | J A Sylvester | 59kg | $14.00 |
| 4th | 8 | Kermitisapet | 9 | Emily Farr | Glen Milligan | 54.5kg | $2.60 |
| 5th | 6 | Royal Teens | 4 | Ben Looker | Terry Evans | 58.5kg | $18.00 |
| 6th | 2 | Vee Eight | 5 | Teighan Worsnop | Sue Laughton | 61kg | $101.00 |
| 7th | 10 | Nikody's Diego | 2 | Jeff Penza | P Cheers | 55kg | $13.00 |
| 8th | 4 | Speedy Target | 1 | Grady Spokes | Donna Grisedale | 58kg | $4.40 |
| Scr | 3 | Climate Control | 7 | Leeshelle Small | J R Gask | 58kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Hermosa Rosa | 3 | Julia Presits | 55.5kg |
The addition of blinkers first time should sharpen his focus, and from barrier 2 he maps to get the perfect run. The Kris Lees and Aaron Bullock combination is a significant positive, and this lightly-raced gelding has plenty of upside.
While disappointing last start, the soft track conditions should suit based on his previous form. The engagement of Ben Looker is a positive, and the Ciaron Maher stable is always respected. Expect improvement from barrier 8.
She has placed on soft going previously and should appreciate the conditions. From barrier 7, she maps to get a good run in midfield. The 14-day spacing between runs is ideal, and she appears ready to produce her best.
The addition of visors first time could sharpen his focus, and second-up is the right time to catch him.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Lune D'excellence | 3 | Andrew Gibbons | K A Lees | 57.5kg | $6.00 |
| 2nd | 6 | Warm Front | 4 | Zac Wadick | Nacim Dilmi | 56.5kg | $13.00 |
| 3rd | 8 | Castelle | 1 | Luke Rolls | M S Minervini | 55.5kg | $41.00 |
| 4th | 4 | Top Speed | 8 | Ben Looker | C Maher | 57.5kg | $5.00 |
| 5th | 1 | Surpasser | 2 | Aaron Bullock | K A Lees | 58kg | $3.40 |
| 6th | 2 | Don't Share Shamus | 10 | Damien Smith | 57.5kg | $61.00 | |
| 7th | 11 | Robbed By Rob | 9 | Jeff Penza | Sara Ryan | 55.5kg | $21.00 |
| 8th | 10 | Red Deer | 11 | Grant Buckley | Sara Ryan | 55.5kg | $26.00 |
| 9th | 12 | Tesorino | 7 | Anna Roper | Ms L Munce | 55.5kg | $3.20 |
| 10th | 7 | All Too Silent | 6 | Emily Farr | A P Ball | 53.5kg | $151.00 |
| 11th | 9 | Phoedec | 5 | Mikayla Weir | A M Boyle | 55.5kg | $17.00 |
| Scr | 5 | Bellevue | 3 | Nacim Dilmi | 57kg |
Lord Vettori brings the strongest recent form into this race with a close second last start at Beaumont. The likely fast tempo should suit his racing pattern, and Ben Looker is a significant jockey booking. Represents the most reliable winning chance.
Herman Said brings strong credentials as a lightly raced gelding from the Kris Lees stable. The class drop is significant, and Aaron Bullock is a positive jockey booking. Should be right in the finish if he can overcome the barrier draw.
Her last start 4th at this track and distance reads well, and she gets the services of the experienced Grant Buckley.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Star Prediction | 5 | Hollie Hull | A P Ball | 57.5kg | $7.00 |
| 2nd | 6 | Herman Said | 6 | Aaron Bullock | K A Lees | 58kg | $3.70 |
| 3rd | 1 | Etoile Filante | 3 | Benjamin Osmond | K A Lees | 60.5kg | $7.00 |
| 4th | 10 | Oakfield Echidna | 4 | Jon Grisedale | D Lane | 55kg | $101.00 |
| 5th | 5 | Flycatcher | 2 | Jenny Duggan | Ms J Lynch | 58.5kg | $41.00 |
| 6th | 4 | Mirai San | 9 | Ella Drew | S I Singleton | 57.5kg | $4.40 |
| 7th | 9 | Smokey Saint | 11 | Anna Roper | R N Godbolt | 55kg | $61.00 |
| 8th | 12 | Paji Briway | 10 | Grant Buckley | Wayne Seelin | 55kg | $51.00 |
| 9th | 11 | Aquafire | 8 | Jeff Penza | Sara Ryan | 55kg | $21.00 |
| 10th | 3 | Lord Vettori | 7 | Ben Looker | Jake Hull | 60kg | $3.20 |
| 11th | 8 | Oakfield Earth | 1 | Luke Rolls | D Lane | 56kg | $51.00 |
| Scr | 7 | Nay Pee Cee | 12 | G McFarlane | 57.5kg |
Progressive mare who has been in excellent form with 3 wins from her last 5 starts. Her last win at Muswellbrook over 1750m was impressive, suggesting she'll handle the step up to 2000m. Gets in with just 55.5kg and has shown ability on soft tracks (1 win from 6 starts). The class rise is significant but she's improving rapidly and represents excellent value.
Consistent gelding who has been racing in good form with a second placing over 1900m two starts back. Well-drawn in barrier 5 and should get a good run in midfield. The 61kg is a concern, as is his moderate soft track record, but his overall consistency and ability to handle similar distances make him a leading contender.
Lightly-raced 4yo who has hit form with a win and second in his last two starts. Gets in with just 55kg and has drawn perfectly in barrier 1. Has shown ability on soft tracks with a win and a place from 6 starts. The class rise is significant and he's unproven at 2000m, but his recent form suggests he's ready for the challenge. Represents solid each-way value.
Has a perfect record at this track and distance (1 win from 1 start) and is dropping significantly in class. His recent form has been inconsistent but he won over 2012m at Taree three starts back. The ear muffs gear change could help him settle better.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Monty Be Quick | 3 | Grant Buckley | Wayne Seelin | 61kg | $5.50 |
| 2nd | 10 | Dash By | 11 | Tilly McCarroll | S I Singleton | 55.5kg | $7.00 |
| 3rd | 5 | Think We're There | 5 | Aaron Bullock | J C Deamer | 61kg | $4.40 |
| 4th | 11 | Seething Seb | 7 | Madeline Owen | Ms K Owen | 57kg | $16.00 |
| 5th | 6 | Mission Bravo | 6 | Hollie Hull | Adam Duggan | 57kg | $6.50 |
| 6th | 12 | Prince Is Game | 1 | Anna Roper | M J Robinson | 55kg | $3.50 |
| 7th | 9 | Fighting Magnus | 10 | Shannen Llewellyn | B G Lawrence | 58kg | $15.00 |
| 8th | 2 | Ashim | 2 | Jon Grisedale | B D Bellamy | 61.5kg | $26.00 |
| 9th | 1 | Full Press | 4 | Grace Palmer | B J Dodson | 61kg | $21.00 |
| 10th | 4 | Sound And Vision | 12 | Emily Farr | Ms K Owen | 59kg | $19.00 |
| Scr | 7 | Tycoon Charger | 9 | Cassandra Stummer | 59kg | ||
| Scr | 8 | Oh No Bro | 8 | Jeff Penza | Carlos Antonio | 58.5kg |
Antilocapra presents as the standout selection with a strong first-up record and excellent soft track credentials. The perfect barrier draw is significant with inside barriers favored at this track, and her tactical versatility should allow her to settle in a good position despite the fast tempo.
Speedy Henry brings strong credentials as a consistent performer with an excellent soft track record. His recent 4th at Gosford in similar company was solid, and he should strip fitter second-up. The inside draw is advantageous, though he'll likely face pressure in the lead with Navy Steel also pushing forward. The weight is a concern, but his class and soft track ability make him a genuine contender.
Get Some Fun brings strong recent form including a win at Armidale and a close 3rd at this track last start. The wide barrier is a concern, but she should get a good midfield position and her strong finishing burst will be suited by the likely fast tempo. A genuine chance if the track isn't too soft.
The good barrier draw and fast tempo should suit her running style, and while she's stepping up in class, her recent performances suggest she can be competitive at this level.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Get Some Fun | 10 | Madeline Owen | Ms K Owen | 59.5kg | $5.00 |
| 2nd | 9 | Savvyrocker | 5 | Liam Blanch | R N Godbolt | 58.5kg | $19.00 |
| 3rd | 2 | Navy Steel | 8 | Aaron Bullock | Brett & Georgie Cavanough | 61kg | $5.00 |
| 4th | 6 | Antilocapra | 1 | Anna Roper | R P Northam | 59kg | $5.00 |
| 5th | 11 | Zelestial | 3 | Ben Looker | Lyle Chandler | 58.5kg | $7.50 |
| 6th | 3 | Speedy Henry | 2 | Grant Buckley | R P Northam | 60.5kg | $3.00 |
| 7th | 14 | Bella Kathleen | 4 | Luke Rolls | M S Minervini | 57kg | $81.00 |
| 8th | 7 | Miss Checkoni | 7 | Ella Drew | Nick Mitchell | 57kg | $26.00 |
| 9th | 8 | Golden Honour | 6 | Matthew Bennett | Glen Milligan | 58.5kg | $18.00 |
| 10th | 10 | Strobing | 9 | Hollie Hull | A P Ball | 55.5kg | $71.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Ostracised | 14 | Ms J Lynch | 66.5kg | ||
| Scr | 4 | Otium | 12 | Shae Wilkes | W T Wilkes | 58.5kg | |
| Scr | 12 | Capzinzi | 13 | Sally Taylor | 58kg | ||
| Scr | 13 | Kevin Mckeen | 11 | Jon Grisedale | B J Dodson | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 15 | Discreet Lady | 12 | Kacie Adams | Darren Treacy | 55kg |
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