Punt like a Pro, without the know!
Western Australia · Sunday 4 January 2026
Our top pick won 3 of 9 races at Albany. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
top pick wonanother tip wonno tip won
Second-up today after a solid first-up performance, she's drawn perfectly in barrier 1 which should allow her to secure a good position. Her consistent placing record suggests she's ready to break through, and the fast tempo predicted should suit her finishing style.
Nailed'em showed promise on debut with a strong second placing at this track, beaten less than a length. Drawn well in barrier 3 and carrying the same weight with the same jockey, conditions look favorable for another strong showing.
Unfortunate Lad returns from a spell with a significant class drop, having previously raced in stronger company. The wide barrier is a concern, but with the predicted fast tempo, he should get his chance to finish strongly if finding cover early.
Second-up today and with the addition of blinkers for the first time, there's potential for significant improvement.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Nailed'em | 3 | Natasha Faithfull | Samantha Faithfull | 56.5kg | $3.80 |
| 2nd | 1 | My Tea | 4 | Holly Watson | Brett Pope | 58kg | $16.00 |
| 3rd | 7 | Dark Opal | 1 | Lucy F Fiore | Brett Pope | 56kg | $2.60 |
| 4th | 5 | Cosmic Waltz | 8 | Brandon Louis | S J Wolfe | 56.5kg | $11.00 |
| 5th | 8 | American Que Tee | 10 | Jason Whiting | P B Hunter | 56kg | $26.00 |
| 6th | 10 | Huhtamaki | 6 | Indianna Weinert | 56kg | $51.00 | |
| 7th | 9 | Pure Sassy | 7 | Jefferson Tsang | A W McNamara | 53kg | $21.00 |
| 8th | 11 | River Beauty | 9 | Madi Derrick | P E Roberts | 56kg | $51.00 |
| 9th | 3 | Unfortunate Lad | 11 | Rosie Mahony | S J Wolfe | 56.5kg | $17.00 |
| 10th | 6 | Cosmic Gem | 5 | Shaun Mc Gruddy | S J Wolfe | 56.5kg | $4.00 |
| 11th | 2 | Bondi Baller | 2 | Austin Galati | Indianna Weinert | 58kg | $81.00 |
Gets the perfect inside draw which is crucial at Albany's turning track, and has shown consistent improvement. The Holly Watson/P B Hunter combination is working well, and this mare looks ready to break through.
Longtimebeliever brings solid consistency with consecutive second placings and a good record at similar distances. The mare has drawn well in barrier 4 which should allow her to settle in a forward position on this turning track. While yet to break through for a win, her place record of 0-3-1 from 10 starts shows she's rarely far away, making her a genuine threat.
Dancing Spirit is an unknown quantity with no form data available, but the engagement of star jockey William Pike is significant. The weight advantage of 54.5kg is another positive, though barrier 9 is a slight concern.
The Roy Rogers-trained gelding has experience at Albany with two third placings from five starts and drops significantly in class here.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 7 | Lovin' On Me | 1 | Holly Watson | P B Hunter | 56kg | $3.20 |
| 2nd | 11 | Dancing Spirit | 9 | William Pike | A G Durrant | 54.5kg | $6.50 |
| 3rd | 2 | Ray's Sauce | 3 | Brayden Gaerth | Jayden Lyall | 58kg | $41.00 |
| 4th | 10 | Pariah's Thanks | 7 | Holly Nottle | D & B Pearce | 52.5kg | $3.40 |
| 5th | 1 | Reggio Calabria | 6 | Roy Rogers | 58kg | $15.00 | |
| 6th | 6 | Longtimebeliever | 4 | Natasha Faithfull | P E Roberts | 56kg | $4.80 |
| 7th | 4 | Twilight God | 5 | Casey Hunter | M M Sheridan | 58kg | $151.00 |
| 8th | 8 | I Love Lucy A Lot | 11 | Rosie Mahony | S J Wolfe | 56kg | $31.00 |
| 9th | 5 | Prasutagus | 2 | Shaun Mc Gruddy | S J Wolfe | 56.5kg | $7.50 |
| 10th | 3 | Perfect Timing | 10 | Elisha Whittington | Brett Pope | 58kg | $71.00 |
| 11th | 9 | She'sallcosmic | 8 | Natika Riordan | Indianna Weinert | 52.5kg | $51.00 |
Southern Firetail represents the clear class runner in this field, dropping from Open company at Ascot to a country Maiden. The engagement of William Pike is significant, and the Maschino gelding should appreciate the step up to 1500m. Drawn to get cover midfield and finish strongly.
Sea Of Galilee brings strong consistent form with consecutive seconds at Albany over 1600m. The Dundeel gelding has a solid record at this track (3: 0-2-1) including a third over 1500m. McGruddy retains the ride and should give him every chance.
Tango Rhythm is a progressive 3yo filly who finished a solid third last start over 1600m at Albany. With Natasha Faithfull aboard and only 54.5kg, she should be running on strongly. The fast tempo predicted should suit her finishing burst.
Her record at the track is solid (3: 0-1-1), and she gets in with just 50.5kg after Giaan O'Donnell's claim.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 9 | Capricious Ruler | 4 | Amy Jo Hayes | Roy Rogers | 56kg | $17.00 |
| 2nd | 11 | Tango Rhythm | 1 | Natasha Faithfull | S J Wolfe | 54.5kg | $3.90 |
| 3rd | 2 | Sea Of Galilee | 11 | Shaun Mc Gruddy | S J Wolfe | 58kg | $6.00 |
| 4th | 5 | Southern Firetail | 12 | William Pike | A G Durrant | 56.5kg | $3.60 |
| 5th | 12 | Blinding Luck | 9 | Giaan O'Donnell | Samantha Faithfull | 50.5kg | $7.50 |
| 6th | 8 | Rose Moon | 2 | A W McNamara | 56kg | $71.00 | |
| 7th | 1 | Maid An Offer | 6 | Austin Galati | Indianna Weinert | 58kg | $8.00 |
| 8th | 4 | Hope To Admire | 13 | Lucy F Fiore | Brett Pope | 58kg | $8.00 |
| 9th | 3 | Great Deal | 10 | Chanel Cooper | Ms A J Smith | 56.5kg | $41.00 |
| 10th | 6 | Arafisio | 8 | Casey Hunter | Ms S Searle | 56kg | $41.00 |
| 11th | 13 | Ma Dame | 3 | Brandon Louis | S J Wolfe | 54.5kg | $41.00 |
| 12th | 10 | Toluca | 7 | Holly Watson | Brett Pope | 56kg | $91.00 |
| Scr | 7 | Prove Me Wrong | 5 | Lisa Staples | Jemma Collins | 56kg |
Mister Popcorn brings rock-solid recent form with three consecutive placings including a narrow second over this track and distance just 8 days ago. The significant class drop from recent assignments is a major positive, and he maps to get an ideal run from barrier 2. His strong Albany record (6:1-3-0) and proven ability at similar distances (4:0-2-1) make him the standout selection in a race that should suit his tactical style.
Why Me comes off a strong last-start win at this track over a similar distance and boasts an excellent Albany record (5:3-1-0). The main concerns are the top weight of 59kg and a significant class rise from his last start. Maps to be forward but may face pressure for the lead from barrier 8.
Beautiful Baroque brings strong credentials at this track (17:3-4-2) and specifically at this track and distance (8:1-2-1). The perfect barrier draw should allow her to secure an ideal position in running. Her place strike rate of 32% highlights her consistency. The blinkers going back on suggests connections are looking to sharpen her up.
The lightweight of 54kg and good barrier draw should allow her to secure a nice position in running. The 14-day freshen up looks ideal, and she should be suited by the moderate tempo.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Mister Popcorn | 2 | Indianna Weinert | 55.5kg | $2.50 | |
| 2nd | 2 | Beautiful Baroque | 1 | Natasha Faithfull | Samantha Faithfull | 58kg | $5.00 |
| 3rd | 6 | Annihilator | 6 | Jade Mc Naught | J D Jachmann | 55kg | $15.00 |
| 4th | 1 | Why Me | 8 | Holly Nottle | Brandon Fiore | 59kg | $3.80 |
| 5th | 9 | Win To Retire | 4 | Madi Derrick | P E Roberts | 54kg | $8.50 |
| 6th | 4 | Zackariah Beau | 5 | Ava Catarino | Greg Beauglehole | 54.5kg | $17.00 |
| 7th | 8 | No Second Thoughts | 3 | Elisha Whittington | Ashleigh Woollett | 54kg | $51.00 |
| 8th | 7 | Bagger Prince | 7 | Brayden Gaerth | Indianna Weinert | 55kg | $21.00 |
| 9th | 3 | Wheatstack Thief | 9 | Jason Whiting | Ms F J Hossell | 56.5kg | $18.00 |
The booking of William Pike is significant, and she'll be suited by the anticipated fast tempo. Her strong finishing ability should be showcased with leaders likely to set a solid pace. The mare has shown ability at similar distances and has the class to overcome the barrier draw.
Polyvanova brings solid recent form with a close 2nd last start at this track over 1500m. Her overall record shows consistency (21: 2-4-3) and she's performed well at Albany previously (4: 0-1-1). The mare is in regular racing and has shown she can be competitive at similar distances.
Kamikaze Fighter brings improving form with a strong 2nd place finish last start over 1600m at Albany. He has a good record at this track (8: 1-1-2) and has shown ability at similar distances. The 30-day freshen-up is a slight concern, but he's shown he can perform well with breaks between runs.
While unproven at the distance, he's only 8 days between runs and should be at peak fitness. The gelding will be suited by the anticipated fast tempo and has Jason Whiting aboard.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Sir Bear A Lot | 1 | Natasha Faithfull | Samantha Faithfull | 58kg | $11.00 |
| 2nd | 10 | Lordgivemestrength | 6 | Jade Mc Naught | S J Wolfe | 55.5kg | $5.00 |
| 3rd | 1 | Polyvanova | 7 | Giaan O'Donnell | P B Hunter | 56kg | $4.00 |
| 4th | 7 | Kamikaze Fighter | 8 | Austin Galati | Indianna Weinert | 57.5kg | $8.00 |
| 5th | 9 | Stormy's Show | 3 | A W McNamara | 56kg | $31.00 | |
| 6th | 6 | Amarlie Miss | 9 | William Pike | A G Durrant | 57.5kg | $4.80 |
| 7th | 11 | Maybe Divine | 2 | Jefferson Tsang | Mark Westthorp | 52.5kg | $91.00 |
| 8th | 3 | Pecos | 5 | Ava Catarino | P E Roberts | 57.5kg | $26.00 |
| 9th | 4 | Size Matters | 11 | Jason Whiting | P B Hunter | 59kg | $15.00 |
| 10th | 8 | Niccy's Affair | 12 | Brandon Louis | Roy Rogers | 56.5kg | $5.00 |
| 11th | 2 | Mr Hollywood | 10 | Rosie Mahony | Ms A J Smith | 59.5kg | $61.00 |
| 12th | 12 | Missijay | 4 | Casey Hunter | P B Hunter | 55kg | $101.00 |
Cruise To Rio drops significantly in class after racing in much stronger company and comes off a good 2nd place finish last start. With a consistent place record (16: 1-3-2) and previous placing at this track, she should be competitive despite the top weight. The main concerns are her low win strike rate and tendency to get back in the field when leaders may be advantaged.
Questioneverything brings perfect consistency with 3 starts for 1-2-0 and has never missed a place. His record at this track and distance is flawless (3: 1-2-0) and he's coming off a solid 2nd place finish last start. While drawn wide and carrying weight, his early speed should allow him to overcome the barrier and get into a forward position. The class rise is the main concern.
With a consistent place record (16: 1-6-1) and proven ability at this distance (11: 1-5-1), she's well-placed to run a strong race fresh.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 9 | Outlaw Music | 1 | Casey Hunter | Casey Hunter | 58kg | $10.00 |
| 2nd | 1 | Cruise To Rio | 6 | Austin Galati | T J Stone | 61kg | $4.00 |
| 3rd | 7 | Sanctions | 8 | Chanel Cooper | P B Hunter | 57kg | $6.50 |
| 4th | 11 | I'm That Girl | 2 | Lisa Staples | Alan L Smith | 56.5kg | $19.00 |
| 5th | 13 | Nutwood | 5 | Madi Derrick | T J Stone | 54kg | $61.00 |
| 6th | 10 | Gingers Sister | 7 | Rosie Mahony | S J Wolfe | 57kg | $12.00 |
| 7th | 4 | El Foxie | 11 | Holly Nottle | Indianna Weinert | 58kg | $6.50 |
| 8th | 12 | Military Jane | 4 | Lucy F Fiore | Brett Pope | 56kg | $12.00 |
| 9th | 5 | Lady Cabernet | 9 | Natika Riordan | Roy Rogers | 57kg | $31.00 |
| 10th | 8 | Gaspardo | 3 | Shaun Mc Gruddy | S J Wolfe | 58kg | $7.00 |
| 11th | 3 | Brazen Bid | 13 | Tiana Murray | Stephen Sheehy | 56kg | $13.00 |
| 12th | 6 | Our Existence | 10 | William Pike | A G Durrant | 59kg | $9.00 |
| Scr | 2 | Questioneverything | 12 | Natasha Faithfull | S J Wolfe | 60.5kg |
Setagaya brings strong form credentials with Pike aboard first-up. While the wide barrier is a concern, her tactical versatility should allow Pike to find a position. Her second-up record suggests she'll be ready to fire today.
His recent form has been solid with placings in stronger races, and the blinkers coming off could help him settle better. While his win strike rate isn't impressive, he's consistently around the mark and should be right in the finish.
The inside draw should allow him to secure a good position, and his record on Good tracks is solid. While stepping up in class is a concern, his consistent form suggests he'll be competitive.
Fantaxtic represents excellent value with a perfect 2 from 2 record at Albany and back-to-back wins coming into this race. While the wide barrier is a significant concern, his ability to perform at this track cannot be ignored. The step up in class is offset by his current form.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Head'em | 7 | Roy Rogers | 58.5kg | $16.00 | |
| 2nd | 1 | Vomo Island | 2 | Rosie Mahony | S J Wolfe | 61.5kg | $5.00 |
| 3rd | 9 | Crystalist | 4 | Brandon Louis | Roy Rogers | 54.5kg | $15.00 |
| 4th | 2 | Skytalker | 5 | Austin Galati | Indianna Weinert | 60kg | $5.00 |
| 5th | 11 | Puro | 8 | Elisha Whittington | Brett Pope | 54kg | $26.00 |
| 6th | 12 | Setagaya | 10 | William Pike | A G Durrant | 54kg | $3.20 |
| 7th | 7 | Fantaxtic | 11 | Holly Watson | P B Hunter | 56.5kg | $9.50 |
| 8th | 5 | Diablo Lad | 3 | Natasha Faithfull | Samantha Faithfull | 58kg | $7.00 |
| 9th | 8 | Private Sapling | 1 | Chanel Cooper | Ms A J Smith | 54.5kg | $51.00 |
| 10th | 4 | Delicate Ruler | 6 | Casey Hunter | Ms S Searle | 58kg | $41.00 |
| 11th | 6 | Warralea Lass | 9 | Shaun Mc Gruddy | S J Wolfe | 57.5kg | $17.00 |
| Scr | 10 | Precast | 7 | Madi Derrick | Mack Hall | 54kg |
Supernatural brings strong credentials with a last-start 2nd at Ascot. Second-up today with a solid record in this pattern (0-1-1 from 3), she's well-weighted with 54.5kg and has the services of William Pike. Her good track record is excellent (3-2-0 from 8) and she's shown versatility in her racing pattern. The slight class drop works in her favor, though she'll need to overcome no previous experience at Albany.
Charino comes off an impressive last-start win at Ascot in BM66+ company and has been racing consistently with 2 wins from his last 4 starts. Well-drawn in barrier 3 with tactical speed to take advantage, he should get an ideal run. His record at the distance is solid (1-0-0 from 3) and Lucy Fiore maintains the ride. The slight class rise is the main concern, but his current form suggests he can handle it.
Wineaclocksumwhere brings excellent local credentials with a superb Albany record (4-0-1 from 5) including a last-start win at this track over a similar distance. His record at this distance is strong (5-3-1 from 13) and he's on a quick backup (8 days) which can be advantageous. Natasha Faithfull maintains the ride, but he'll need to overcome a wide barrier (15) and a significant class rise from his last start.
Second-up today with a solid second-up record (2-0-0 from 6), he's coming off a good 2nd at Esperance.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 9 | Supernatural | 9 | William Pike | A G Durrant | 54.5kg | $2.45 |
| 2nd | 3 | Charino | 3 | Lucy F Fiore | Brett Pope | 57kg | $3.10 |
| 3rd | 15 | Wineaclocksumwhere | 15 | Natasha Faithfull | Samantha Faithfull | 54kg | $5.50 |
| 4th | 8 | Playing Rio | 16 | Jason Whiting | P B Hunter | 54.5kg | $19.00 |
| 5th | 10 | Avoidance | 11 | Shaun Mc Gruddy | S J Wolfe | 54kg | $101.00 |
| 6th | 5 | Zing To Win | 8 | Holly Nottle | D & B Pearce | 55.5kg | $21.00 |
| 7th | 1 | Wild Imagination | 7 | Wayne Wheatley | David Page | 61kg | $21.00 |
| 8th | 14 | What A Prince | 12 | Lisa Staples | Ashleigh Woollett | 54kg | $51.00 |
| 9th | 2 | Crippalenko | 2 | Austin Galati | Ashleigh Woollett | 57.5kg | $19.00 |
| 10th | 11 | Cable Boy | 1 | Jade Mc Naught | S J Wolfe | 54kg | $71.00 |
| 11th | 7 | Hilton | 14 | Brayden Gaerth | Nicholas Thomas | 54.5kg | $61.00 |
| 12th | 13 | Pretty Devine | 5 | Madi Derrick | Mack Hall | 54kg | $201.00 |
| 13th | 12 | Gift Of The Heart | 13 | Amy Jo Hayes | Roy Rogers | 54kg | $61.00 |
| 14th | 6 | Morethannumberone | 10 | Rosie Mahony | A W McNamara | 55kg | $201.00 |
| 15th | 4 | Bayezid | 6 | Casey Hunter | Casey Hunter | 55.5kg | $41.00 |
| Scr | 16 | Sacred Oath | 4 | Roy Rogers | 54kg |
Has shown ability to race on-pace which suits Albany's track profile. The step up to 1500m is a query but his racing pattern suggests he'll handle it, and the likely fast tempo should play to his strengths. Barrier 5 gives options and the 54.5kg is advantageous.
Consistent 7yo gelding who has been racing well with placings in stronger company. Has tactical versatility to settle midfield and finish strongly, which should suit the likely fast tempo. The class rise is offset by his consistent form and proven ability at the distance. Barrier 4 gives options.
Coming off a poor run at Ascot but previous form was solid with consecutive placings. The significant gear changes (bubble cheeker off, lugging bit off, norton bit on) could spark improvement. The 60kg is a concern but his class and track record offset this.
Dropping significantly in class after racing in stronger company. Has won at Albany previously and carries a manageable 55.5kg.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 10 | Imposing Brook | 7 | Indianna Weinert | 55.5kg | $11.00 | |
| 2nd | 13 | Gingerquest | 5 | Amy Jo Hayes | Roy Rogers | 54.5kg | $5.50 |
| 3rd | 6 | Hesket | 4 | Holly Nottle | Dylan Bairstow | 55.5kg | $6.00 |
| 4th | 3 | Pray Again | 10 | Jade Mc Naught | J D Jachmann | 60kg | $7.50 |
| 5th | 4 | Sunny Times | 1 | Holly Watson | Mack Hall | 59kg | $26.00 |
| 6th | 11 | Top Of The Pops | 15 | Natika Riordan | Roy Rogers | 53.5kg | $31.00 |
| 7th | 2 | Flying South | 14 | Jason Whiting | Ms A J Smith | 61kg | $4.80 |
| 8th | 1 | Duchees Demerit | 6 | Ava Catarino | P E Roberts | 59kg | $31.00 |
| 9th | 5 | Sacred Oath | 16 | Austin Galati | Roy Rogers | 58.5kg | $7.00 |
| 10th | 14 | Grace Du Roi | 3 | Madi Derrick | T J Stone | 54kg | $151.00 |
| 11th | 7 | Makin Prophets | 11 | Lisa Staples | Alan L Smith | 56kg | $13.00 |
| 12th | 8 | Vonsnip | 8 | Natasha Faithfull | Samantha Faithfull | 56kg | $10.00 |
| 13th | 12 | Rock Of Kaha | 2 | Tiana Murray | J D Jachmann | 51kg | $51.00 |
| 14th | 9 | Habib | 9 | Elisha Whittington | Ms F J Hossell | 55.5kg | $101.00 |
| Scr | 15 | Coatachino | 13 | Giaan O'Donnell | Jemma Collins | 50kg | |
| Scr | 16 | The Mighty Butch | 12 | Samantha Shirley | 54kg |
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