The mare has demonstrated consistent staying ability with four third placings from 12 starts and appears perfectly suited to this 2520m journey. Well-drawn in barrier 2 and with Carleen Hefel aboard, she should get an economical run throughout.
Victoria · Saturday 3 January 2026
Cranbourne tips and results
Our top pick won 2 of 7 races at Cranbourne. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
top pick wonanother tip wonno tip won
Ladbrokes Popular SRM Mdn Plate
Sardius brings strong staying credentials with a second placing over 2431m at Moe and a recent fourth over 2600m at this track. Perfectly drawn in barrier 1, he should get an economical run throughout and looks well-placed to challenge the favorite.
The mare has been racing consistently without winning and comes off a quick 3-day backup which suggests fitness won't be an issue.
- 1st2SardiusTeodore Nugent$5.00
- 2nd6RanselotCarleen Hefel$1.30
- 3rd3TavoltaThomas Doyle$41.00
- 4th1Power Of HindsightCraig Atkinson$7.50
Full result · 5 runners
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Sardius | 1 | Teodore Nugent | Ashleigh Smith | 59.5kg | $5.00 |
| 2nd | 6 | Ranselot | 2 | Carleen Hefel | Ms B Dunn | 57.5kg | $1.30 |
| 3rd | 3 | Tavolta | 3 | Thomas Doyle | Stephen Lenehan | 59.5kg | $41.00 |
| 4th | 1 | Power Of Hindsight | 4 | Craig Atkinson | Aaron Peterson | 59.5kg | $7.50 |
| 5th | 5 | Immortal Diva | 5 | Bailey Kinninmont | Tetyana Furdetska | 54.5kg | $21.00 |
| Scr | 4 | Bologna Baby | 6 | Amy Herrmann | Jamie Barry | 57.5kg |
NZB Karaka 2026 Mdn Plate
The Hayes-trained filly should take natural improvement second-up and has drawn perfectly to get an economical run. With the expected fast tempo likely to suit her finishing style, she represents the clear top selection.
Pafitis brings strong form credentials having contested Group 2 company last preparation. While first-up from a lengthy spell, his fresh record shows he can perform well when resuming. The inside draw should allow him to settle midfield and finish strongly with the expected fast tempo.
The Hawkes-trained gelding has a good second-up record and should strip fitter for his recent run. While the wide barrier and top weight are concerns, the fast tempo should allow him to find cover midfield and finish strongly.
- 1st8LaylaCeline Gaudray$1.45
- 2nd2Mount SabyinyoLachlan King$14.00
- 3rd3PafitisCarleen Hefel$3.30
- 4th10OrganicsTeodore Nugent$31.00
Full result · 8 runners
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | Layla | 2 | Celine Gaudray | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 56kg | $1.45 |
| 2nd | 2 | Mount Sabyinyo | 3 | Lachlan King | T Busuttin & N Young | 58kg | $14.00 |
| 3rd | 3 | Pafitis | 1 | Carleen Hefel | C Maher | 58kg | $3.30 |
| 4th | 10 | Organics | 5 | Teodore Nugent | T & C McEvoy | 56kg | $31.00 |
| 5th | 6 | The Secret | 11 | Jackie Beriman | Ms N Burke | 57.5kg | $51.00 |
| 6th | 1 | Trooper | 6 | Shane Foley | M, W & J Hawkes | 59.5kg | $16.00 |
| 7th | 4 | Proffer | 8 | Jason Maskiell | Julius Sandhu | 58kg | $31.00 |
| 8th | 16 | San Marco Kid | 4 | Liam Riordan | M Price & M Kent Jnr | 58kg | $31.00 |
| Scr | 5 | Great Fuego | 9 | Celine Gaudray | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 7 | Wetland | 13 | T G Eurell | 57.5kg | ||
| Scr | 9 | Miss Maranda | 10 | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 56kg | ||
| Scr | 11 | Sheanadh | 6 | M W Walker | 56kg | ||
| Scr | 12 | Too Much Too Soon | 2 | Nadia Daniels | Shane Nichols & Hayden Black | 53kg | |
| Scr | 13 | Tijola | 7 | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 58kg | ||
| Scr | 14 | Wilf | 3 | Michael Huglin | 58kg | ||
| Scr | 15 | Zoudeadly | 11 | Jason Warren | 58kg |
Trusteel Fabrications Mdn Plate
The filly is second-up from a spell where she has shown ability previously and should be ready to peak. The expected fast tempo suits her running style, and she has proven ability on soft tracks with a placing from two attempts.
Now second-up from a spell, this gelding should be ready to take another step forward. The wide barrier is a concern, but the expected fast tempo should allow him to find a position and finish strongly. Represents good each-way value.
Somethingintheair is likely to lead from a good barrier and could take some catching at Cranbourne where on-pace runners often perform well. The addition of winkers first time suggests improvement is expected, and the A & J Williams stable knows how to prepare a horse.
Now second-up from a spell with significant gear changes (ear muffs first time), improvement is expected. The Hayes stable knows how to prepare a horse, and the fast tempo should suit her running style.
- 1st6Blue AkoyaTeodore Nugent$2.15
- 2nd10Invincible Lover$10.00
- 3rd7Dama RoyaleShane Foley$3.00
- 4th3Dazzling SecretJason Maskiell$16.00
Full result · 8 runners
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Blue Akoya | 1 | Teodore Nugent | A & S Freedman | 56kg | $2.15 |
| 2nd | 10 | Invincible Lover | 5 | Lloyd Kennewell | 56kg | $10.00 | |
| 3rd | 7 | Dama Royale | 3 | Shane Foley | T Busuttin & N Young | 56kg | $3.00 |
| 4th | 3 | Dazzling Secret | 11 | Jason Maskiell | Mick Nolan | 58kg | $16.00 |
| 5th | 14 | Gold Thunder | 8 | Celine Gaudray | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 57.5kg | $26.00 |
| 6th | 1 | Benriach | 2 | Ruby Lamont | Julius Sandhu | 55.5kg | $31.00 |
| 7th | 2 | Somethingintheair | 4 | Carleen Hefel | A & J Williams | 59.5kg | $6.00 |
| 8th | 13 | Gentleman Jim | 7 | Bailey Kinninmont | John R Allen | 56.5kg | $81.00 |
| Scr | 4 | Beautiful Bevy | 7 | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 56kg | ||
| Scr | 5 | Bimballa | 10 | Celine Gaudray | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 56kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Drefonna | 11 | M W Walker | 56kg | ||
| Scr | 9 | Head Bobber | 9 | Valentin Le Boeuf | R J Meunier | 56kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Shahar | 6 | Amy & Ash Yargi | 56kg | ||
| Scr | 12 | Waggish | 15 | Clayton Douglas | 56kg | ||
| Scr | 15 | Wild Roses Grow | 4 | Lachlan King | Jason Warren | 56kg | |
| Scr | 16 | Immortal Joy | 12 | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 57.5kg |
Beraldo Coffee Hcp (62)
Gets in with just 55kg from the inside barrier which should allow her to take up a forward position in a race with good tempo. Second-up record shows she typically improves and her upside potential gives her the edge over more exposed rivals.
Consistent mare with a strong record at this distance (1-2-0 from 5 starts) and experience at this track (0-1-0 from 2 starts). Recent run at Cranbourne was solid and her soft track win is a positive if conditions deteriorate. Has the tactical versatility to overcome the slightly awkward barrier and should be right in the finish.
Lightly-raced gelding with a promising record of 1 win and 1 second from 4 starts. First-up from a spell but has shown ability when fresh. The class rise is a query but his raw talent and tactical speed give him strong claims.
First-up specialist who won on debut and has a perfect record on soft tracks (1-0-0 from 2 starts). The significant gear changes (removing blinkers, bubble cheeker, lugging bit and nasal strip while adding a norton bit) suggest the stable has found the key to improvement.
- 1st1Rich LoverNadia Daniels$9.50
- 2nd6Smash BlueBailey Kinninmont$2.60
- 3rd5AstariLiam Riordan$15.00
- 4th8ZoubelleCarleen Hefel$3.80
Full result · 9 runners
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Rich Lover | 4 | Nadia Daniels | Pat Carey & Harris Walker | 57kg | $9.50 |
| 2nd | 6 | Smash Blue | 1 | Bailey Kinninmont | Luke Oliver | 55kg | $2.60 |
| 3rd | 5 | Astari | 6 | Liam Riordan | M W Walker | 58kg | $15.00 |
| 4th | 8 | Zoubelle | 7 | Carleen Hefel | J R Welsh | 57kg | $3.80 |
| 5th | 2 | Three Point Turn | 2 | Teodore Nugent | Bill Papazaharoudakis | 59.5kg | $5.50 |
| 6th | 7 | Faerie | 9 | Celine Gaudray | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 57.5kg | $31.00 |
| 7th | 4 | Over Boost | 3 | Lachlan King | P Gorman | 58.5kg | $17.00 |
| 8th | 9 | Paradise Island | 5 | Samantha Noble | S G Noble | 55kg | $201.00 |
| 9th | 3 | Oceansprint | 8 | Caitlin Hollowood | T & C McEvoy | 55.5kg | $9.00 |
Freeway Ford Hcp (62)
Progressive mare who has shown ability in stronger company, finishing a close 3rd in BM70 grade last start. The step up to 1600m looks suitable based on her racing pattern, and she maps to get a perfect run from barrier 2. First-time tongue tie is a positive gear change that could help her finish off stronger. Main danger to the top selection.
Consistent gelding who has been racing well at this level with a close 2nd two starts back at Cranbourne over 2025m. Failed last start but can bounce back here with the drop back to the mile. Maps to settle midfield and should be running on strongly. Has the ability to win but needs to overcome the wide draw.
Lightly-raced mare who is building nicely this preparation, finishing a close 2nd last start at Colac over this trip. Gets in with just 52kg and should appreciate the likely fast tempo.
Has a good second-up record with a win from 4 attempts and should improve significantly here. Well-drawn in barrier 3 and will appreciate the likely fast tempo.
- 1st3Storm AheadCeline Gaudray$3.80
- 2nd4TsarineTeodore Nugent$1.95
- 3rd7Tight GripNadia Daniels$31.00
- 4th10VirtuconSarah Field$15.00
Full result · 9 runners
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Storm Ahead | 9 | Celine Gaudray | Julius Sandhu | 58.5kg | $3.80 |
| 2nd | 4 | Tsarine | 2 | Teodore Nugent | A & S Freedman | 58kg | $1.95 |
| 3rd | 7 | Tight Grip | 10 | Nadia Daniels | N G Eades | 54kg | $31.00 |
| 4th | 10 | Virtucon | 7 | Sarah Field | Rick Pinsent | 52kg | $15.00 |
| 5th | 1 | What A Cross | 8 | Carleen Hefel | A & J Williams | 60kg | $6.50 |
| 6th | 2 | Olive Baguette | 1 | Koby Jennings | Alexander Rae | 59kg | $8.00 |
| 7th | 9 | Piplup | 3 | Jackie Beriman | Reece Goodwin | 55kg | $26.00 |
| 8th | 8 | Justin Timberprawn | 5 | Bailey Kinninmont | Luke Oliver | 52.5kg | $61.00 |
| 9th | 11 | Asternishing | 4 | Paul Gatt | Rachael Cunningham | 55kg | $71.00 |
| Scr | 5 | Here Comes Ruby | 6 | Liam Riordan | M M Laurie | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 6 | Real Intrigue | 8 | Luke Oliver | 57.5kg |
Movie Night @ Southside Cranbourne 10 Jan (Bm62)
Brullen brings rock-solid form with a 2nd placing last start at Werribee over similar distance. The likely fast tempo should suit his running style, and Jason Maskiell retains the ride. Well-weighted and drawn to get a nice position midfield.
The addition of blinkers for the first time is a significant gear change that could spark improvement, and she's dropping in class from her last start. Liam Riordan takes the ride on this lightly-raced mare who has plenty of upside.
Hartfelt brings an impressive record of 2 wins from just 5 starts and excels at this distance with 2 wins and a second from 3 attempts. While first-up from a long spell and facing a class rise, his raw ability and perfect record at this trip make him a genuine contender. The removal of ear muffs suggests connections are confident.
While his win record is modest, he handles soft tracks well with a win and two placings from five attempts. The Hayes stable is in good form, and this gelding should appreciate the likely fast tempo, allowing him to finish strongly.
- 1st8Cosmic ChargerLachlan King$7.50
- 2nd1HighlandsTeodore Nugent$11.00
- 3rd3LensmanKoby Jennings$12.00
- 4th2Power CableBailey Kinninmont$6.00
Full result · 9 runners
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | Cosmic Charger | 2 | Lachlan King | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 57kg | $7.50 |
| 2nd | 1 | Highlands | 3 | Teodore Nugent | Gavin Bedggood | 62kg | $11.00 |
| 3rd | 3 | Lensman | 1 | Koby Jennings | Reece Goodwin | 61kg | $12.00 |
| 4th | 2 | Power Cable | 9 | Bailey Kinninmont | Luke Oliver | 58.5kg | $6.00 |
| 5th | 11 | La Meeting | 8 | Shane Foley | Lee & Shannon Hope | 56kg | $8.00 |
| 6th | 9 | Long Brew | 10 | Liam Riordan | Lee & Shannon Hope | 57kg | $7.50 |
| 7th | 4 | Brullen | 7 | Jason Maskiell | Shawn Mathrick | 59.5kg | $6.00 |
| 8th | 10 | Eye Of Epaulette | 11 | Caitlin Hollowood | D Binaisse | 53.5kg | $19.00 |
| 9th | 6 | Royal Turf | 5 | Celine Gaudray | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 58.5kg | $6.00 |
| Scr | 5 | Hartfelt | 4 | Carleen Hefel | J R Welsh | 59.5kg | |
| Scr | 7 | Shrewsbury Road | 8 | Simon Zahra | 57.5kg | ||
| Scr | 12 | I'm Dynamite | 6 | Valentin Le Boeuf | Susie Wells | 55kg |
Hygain Edge Hcp (62)
Second-up today with natural improvement expected, she maps to get a perfect run from barrier 5. The class rise is significant but she appears to have considerable upside and the weight scale works in her favor.
Has a strong record on soft tracks with 2 wins from 3 starts, suggesting he'll handle conditions well. The inside barrier is a concern but he should be able to use his early speed to establish a position. The weight is a challenge but his class and proven ability on soft going are significant positives.
Experienced gelding with a solid record at the distance (1-3-1 from 12 starts). Recent form has been consistent with placings in 2 of his last 3 starts. Draws well in barrier 3 which should allow him to take up a forward position. Main concern is his poor record on soft tracks (0-1-1 from 8 starts) which tempers enthusiasm, but his class and experience make him a definite place chance.
Has won at this track previously (1 from 2) which is a significant positive. The inside barrier is a concern but he should be able to find a position with cover. His recent form suggests he's on an upward trajectory and the expected fast tempo should play to his strengths.
- 1st3Stolen ArtTeodore Nugent$4.40
- 2nd2Russian FrontCaitlin Hollowood$2.60
- 3rd9FaithinherCeline Gaudray$13.00
- 4th4The Wizard KingLiam Riordan$10.00
Full result · 9 runners
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Stolen Art | 1 | Teodore Nugent | Simon Zahra | 59.5kg | $4.40 |
| 2nd | 2 | Russian Front | 3 | Caitlin Hollowood | Andrea Leek | 56.5kg | $2.60 |
| 3rd | 9 | Faithinher | 7 | Celine Gaudray | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 56.5kg | $13.00 |
| 4th | 4 | The Wizard King | 4 | Liam Riordan | Shawn Mathrick | 59kg | $10.00 |
| 5th | 11 | Prevention | 5 | Shane Foley | R D Griffiths | 56.5kg | $5.00 |
| 6th | 6 | King's Taj | 2 | Carleen Hefel | J R Welsh | 58.5kg | $6.50 |
| 7th | 12 | Doubt In The Sky | 8 | M M Laurie | 55.5kg | $31.00 | |
| 8th | 14 | Red Paree | 6 | Samantha Noble | S G Noble | 55kg | $151.00 |
| 9th | 7 | Finance Shogun | 9 | Jason Maskiell | Shea Eden | 58kg | $26.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Alpine Fox | 14 | Ms C Alderson | 59.5kg | ||
| Scr | 5 | Firerated | 10 | Koby Jennings | Alexander Rae | 58.5kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Hotspur Reale | 13 | Jackie Beriman | Brian McGrath | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 10 | Grand Intention | 11 | Archie Alexander | 56.5kg | ||
| Scr | 13 | Master Of Mischief | 1 | Ms R Mangan | 55kg |
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