Punt like a Pro, without the know!
New South Wales · Friday 9 January 2026
Our top pick won 3 of 8 races at Ballina. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
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Zaindara brings the strongest form credentials to this race, having performed well in higher class races. With a strong second-up record and the services of Andrew Mallyon, she stands out as the clear top selection.
While her first-up run was disappointing, she typically improves second-up (1:0-1-0) and draws perfectly in barrier 3.
Patrioticintention returns from a spell with some solid form credentials. While his first-up record is modest and he's unproven at this distance and track, the experienced Luke Rolls takes the ride. The wide barrier is a concern at Ballina, but he has the ability to overcome it.
A previous winner at Ballina (3:1-0-0), he's second-up from a spell after a reasonable first-up effort.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Zaindara | 6 | Andrew Mallyon | M J Dunn | 58kg | $1.30 |
| 2nd | 1 | Patrioticintention | 7 | Luke Rolls | Samantha McGuren | 58kg | $6.50 |
| 3rd | 7 | No Ragrets | 8 | Karl Zechner | Carolyn Halliday | 56.5kg | $16.00 |
| 4th | 4 | Another Wish | 1 | Jon Grisedale | J D Shelton | 56.5kg | $11.00 |
| 5th | 5 | Ferry Road | 5 | Raymond Spokes | L J Clapham | 56.5kg | $41.00 |
| 6th | 3 | Manhattan Dress | 3 | Jai Williams | S B Lee | 57.5kg | $14.00 |
| 7th | 6 | Moana Kohala | 2 | Ben Looker | J D Shelton | 56.5kg | $51.00 |
| Scr | 8 | South Boambee | 4 | Jasen Watkins | W J Dean | 56.5kg |
Has shown ability to handle the conditions and should get a good run from barrier 6 with the rail out. The fast tempo should suit his running style, and he appears ready to peak third-up.
Australasia brings strong form credentials dropping back from open company races where she's been competitive. Recent 3rd at Murwillumbah suggests she's in good form, though the wide barrier is a concern at this track.
Drawn perfectly in barrier 3 with a top jockey aboard, but must overcome being first-up from a spell with no prior wins from 5 starts.
Cosmic Fun is the unknown quantity in the race but has several factors in his favor including the prime barrier 1 draw at a track that favors inside gates. The addition of blinkers first time and booking of experienced jockey Andrew Mallyon suggests connections expect a forward showing.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | Australasia | 9 | Ben Looker | Daniel Bowen | 55.5kg | $3.50 |
| 2nd | 2 | Southampton Flare | 3 | Jake Bayliss | M J Dunn | 59kg | $1.50 |
| 3rd | 3 | Dance Gavin Dance | 7 | Danny Peisley | Owen Glue | 57.5kg | $11.00 |
| 4th | 5 | Cianwood City | 5 | Jett Newman | Shane Everson | 55.5kg | $51.00 |
| 5th | 9 | Cosmic Fun | 1 | Andrew Mallyon | A Parramore | 55.5kg | $10.00 |
| 6th | 4 | Luck Of The Draw | 6 | Jai Williams | S B Lee | 57.5kg | $31.00 |
| 7th | 7 | Terzima | 8 | Karl Zechner | Carolyn Halliday | 57kg | $81.00 |
| 8th | 1 | Mr Hot Stepper | 2 | Jodi Worley | Daniel Stanley | 59kg | $101.00 |
| Scr | 6 | Sol Filia | 4 | Luke Rolls | S B Lee | 57kg |
With an impressive track record (5: 1-2-1) and distance record (7: 1-1-3), she's perfectly suited to today's conditions. The class rise is offset by her proven ability at this track.
Aquatier draws the coveted inside barrier which is crucial at Ballina's tight-turning track. Her record at this distance (3: 1-1-1) is excellent, and she's shown ability on soft tracks (7: 0-1-2). The inside draw should allow her to utilize her early speed.
Elronte comes into this second-up after a solid placing last start. Her second-up record (1: 1-0-0) suggests improvement today, though the wide barrier is a concern at Ballina's tight-turning track.
First-up today with an excellent fresh record (2: 1-1-0), he's a distance specialist (4: 1-2-0) dropping in class. The outside barrier is a concern at Ballina, but his early speed should allow him to overcome it if he's forward enough first-up.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Aquatier | 1 | Jett Newman | Gary Doughty | 57.5kg | $2.60 |
| 2nd | 7 | Call To Courage | 5 | A J Edmonds | 55kg | $2.70 | |
| 3rd | 6 | Elronte | 10 | Karl Zechner | Adam Campton | 55.5kg | $10.00 |
| 4th | 4 | Darling Take Care | 7 | Andrew Mallyon | Marcus Wilson | 56kg | $9.00 |
| 5th | 10 | Picupstixx | 9 | Dylan Turner | Wayne S Lawson | 55kg | $19.00 |
| 6th | 1 | Extreme Spirit | 3 | Ben Looker | Tony & Maddysen Sears | 60.5kg | $5.50 |
| 7th | 9 | Nasdaq Dubai | 6 | Jasen Watkins | D L Matts | 55kg | $71.00 |
| Scr | 2 | Betta Being Single | 11 | Harrison Shaw | Chris & Corey Munce | 59.5kg | |
| Scr | 5 | Ancient Mission | 8 | Ms M Brosnan | 55.5kg | ||
| Scr | 8 | Jidayubori | 4 | Jake Bayliss | Ben Ahrens | 55kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Heavenly Az | 2 | Stephanie Sixtus | 55kg |
While yet to win from 11 starts, she has placed second-up previously and has the most race experience in this field. Her draw in barrier 5 suits the track pattern, and she should be able to settle midfield and finish strongly. The C.J. Waller stable knows how to prepare a maiden winner.
The light weight of 53.5kg is a significant advantage, and her recent fifth placing showed promise.
Dubious Rose is an interesting first starter from the M.J. Dunn stable. As a likely leader in a race that should favor on-pace runners at Ballina, this runner has potential to control proceedings. The addition of a lugging bit first time suggests connections are focused on straight running. While the wide barrier is a concern, early speed can overcome this. Jake Bayliss is a capable jockey for a debutant.
The M.J. Dunn stable has another runner in this race (Dubious Rose), suggesting they're targeting this maiden.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Espada Ropera | 7 | Danny Peisley | C J Waller | 57kg | $12.00 |
| 2nd | 7 | Joanjett | 11 | Andrew Mallyon | M J Dunn | 56.5kg | $6.00 |
| 3rd | 12 | Saturdays Girl | 5 | Jett Newman | C J Waller | 55kg | $4.20 |
| 4th | 13 | Sound The Bugle | 13 | Amelia Heinrich | Ms O Cairns | 53.5kg | $13.00 |
| 5th | 2 | Sarah's Sonnets | 8 | Nozi Tomizawa | Tony & Maddysen Sears | 58.5kg | $4.80 |
| 6th | 9 | Navy Slippers | 1 | Damien Boutet | C Maher | 56.5kg | $51.00 |
| 7th | 1 | Dubious Rose | 12 | Jake Bayliss | M J Dunn | 58.5kg | $3.00 |
| 8th | 11 | Peroxide | 4 | Harrison Shaw | C Maher | 56.5kg | $21.00 |
| 9th | 4 | Avariella | 3 | Dylan Turner | Renita Beaton | 57kg | $31.00 |
| 10th | 6 | Arabian Legacy | 6 | Raymond Spokes | S J Bennett | 56.5kg | $91.00 |
| Scr | 3 | Steady On | 10 | Karl Zechner | Jimmy Downes | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Money On My Mind | 9 | Olivia Kendal | Beau Gorman | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 10 | Pearl Of Sicily | 2 | Jaden Lloyd | Ben Ahrens | 56.5kg |
Kirra's Sister brings compelling form credentials with a 2nd placing last start at Lismore over similar distance. Has proven ability at Ballina and handles good tracks well (5: 1-2-0). The slight class rise is offset by her progressive profile and tactical versatility.
Poseidon's Son brings a compelling first-up profile (4: 2-1-0) and drops significantly in class after competing in stronger company. Well-drawn in barrier 3 to utilize tactical speed on this on-pace favoring track. Gear changes (blinkers off, tongue tie off) could sharpen him up first-up.
Back On De Quo brings the standout track/distance record with a perfect 3-from-3 at Ballina over this trip. Recent form is strong with 2 wins from his last 3 starts. While facing a class rise, his local track advantage and tactical versatility make him a genuine contender despite the wider draw.
While unproven at Ballina, his tactical versatility should suit this track. The 177-day break is offset by his proven fresh ability, and trainer Jordan Lee has him ready to fire first-up.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Immortality | 7 | Dylan Turner | Jordan Lee | 58.5kg | $19.00 |
| 2nd | 6 | Eagle's Fire | 11 | Nozi Tomizawa | Ms S Batten | 58kg | $15.00 |
| 3rd | 1 | Eagle Hawk Star | 5 | Amelia Heinrich | Jordan Lee | 58kg | $7.00 |
| 4th | 3 | Twin Telepathy | 2 | Jett Newman | Peter G Sinclair | 57.5kg | $17.00 |
| 5th | 7 | Back On De Quo | 8 | Luke Rolls | S B Lee | 57.5kg | $9.50 |
| 6th | 5 | Poseidon's Son | 3 | Andrew Mallyon | M J Dunn | 58.5kg | $3.10 |
| 7th | 9 | Supersonic Man | 10 | Karl Zechner | Adam Campton | 55.5kg | $12.00 |
| 8th | 2 | Boambee Beach | 1 | Grady Spokes | B D Bellamy | 57.5kg | $26.00 |
| 9th | 8 | Kirra's Sister | 9 | Jai Williams | Jordan Lee | 57.5kg | $3.00 |
| 10th | 10 | Inspired Dream | 6 | Tony & Maddysen Sears | 55kg | $41.00 | |
| Scr | 11 | Qickwit | 4 | M A Palmer | 55kg |
Mad Ana brings solid credentials having won over this course and distance previously. Her recent form is consistent with a 3rd placing at Murwillumbah over 2020m showing she's in good order. The mare has tactical versatility to settle midfield and finish strongly, which should suit the likely moderate-fast tempo. Grady Spokes knows the track well, and her record on good tracks (2-0-1 from 9 starts) aligns with today's conditions.
Mishani Reactor brings winning form to this race with consecutive victories at Ballina (1900m) and Thangool (1600m). His win at this track and distance is a significant advantage, and the inside barrier should allow him to utilize his on-pace racing style. While carrying top weight of 65kg is a concern, his good track record (3-1-4 from 12 starts) suits today's conditions. The moderate-fast tempo should play to his strengths as a forward runner.
Will It Snow brings the strongest recent form into this race, finishing a close 2nd over 1800m at Gold Coast 13 days ago. The step up to 1920m looks ideal for this progressive stayer who has shown tactical versatility. His soft track record (1-1-1 from 6) is a plus given recent rain, and Jaden Lloyd's riding style suits this track. The middle barrier (12) aligns with track bias data showing middle barriers performing well.
He's dropping in class from his last start and has experience over staying trips with two placings from two attempts at similar distances.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Mad Ana | 6 | Grady Spokes | Michael Morrison | 58kg | $3.40 |
| 2nd | 10 | Quality Miss | 8 | Frederick Larson | Diane Murphy | 55kg | $14.00 |
| 3rd | 6 | Bokuden | 5 | Jett Newman | Gregory Cornish | 56.5kg | $8.50 |
| 4th | 1 | Mishani Reactor | 1 | Beau Gorman | 65kg | $5.00 | |
| 5th | 8 | Harriet | 4 | Harrison Shaw | S B Lee | 55kg | $20.00 |
| 6th | 13 | Googaz | 7 | Amelia Heinrich | Ms O Cairns | 56.5kg | $5.50 |
| 7th | 5 | Born To Be Alive | 11 | Karl Zechner | Allan Chau | 58.5kg | $4.40 |
| 8th | 12 | Lampkin Lane | 2 | Noriyuki Masuda | Shane Everson | 55kg | $101.00 |
| 9th | 9 | Brave Deel | 3 | Luke Rolls | Peter Rickards | 55kg | $13.00 |
| Scr | 2 | Jimmy Nails | 9 | Dylan Turner | P L Shailer | 61kg | |
| Scr | 4 | Will It Snow | 12 | Jaden Lloyd | S B Laming | 59.5kg | |
| Scr | 7 | Shannon's Legacy | 10 | Ben Looker | Renita Beaton | 55kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Frijoles | 11 | G R Schwenke | 55kg |
His last-start 2nd at Warwick showed he's returned in good order, and his versatile racing pattern should allow him to settle midfield and finish strongly in what projects as a genuinely run race. The class rise is offset by his consistent form.
Inquisitor brings the advantage of a perfect record at Ballina (1 from 1) and solid distance credentials (1-1-0 from 4 starts). His recent form is rock solid with consecutive 2nd placings, and he's well-weighted with 55.5kg.
Thunderous brings strong credentials as a track specialist (1 win from 2 starts at Ballina) including a win at this track and distance. The wide barrier is a concern, but his proven affinity for Ballina and recent form progression offset this.
Mishani Suspect represents excellent value as a track specialist (1 from 1 at Ballina) coming off a last-start win.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Inquisitor | 3 | Ben Looker | R H Dart | 55.5kg | $2.60 |
| 2nd | 3 | Call Out | 8 | Luke Rolls | Adam Campton | 56.5kg | $3.00 |
| 3rd | 2 | Explosive Power | 9 | Grady Spokes | Allan Chau | 56kg | $10.00 |
| 4th | 11 | Linda's Magic | 7 | Karl Zechner | G R Schwenke | 55kg | $31.00 |
| 5th | 7 | Gerry's Pick | 5 | Jett Newman | Jeff Dunn | 53.5kg | $12.00 |
| 6th | 1 | Flying Argento | 1 | Jaden Lloyd | Ben Hull | 59kg | $7.50 |
| 7th | 6 | Mishani Suspect | 11 | Olivia Kendal | Beau Gorman | 55.5kg | $7.50 |
| 8th | 10 | Coco Jewel | 2 | Nozi Tomizawa | Ms S Batten | 55kg | $51.00 |
| Scr | 4 | Oval Office | 6 | Dylan Turner | J A Gilmore | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Thunderous | 12 | Andrew Mallyon | Marcus Wilson | 55kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Dupont | 4 | Noriyuki Masuda | D W Dwane | 55kg | |
| Scr | 12 | Field Agent | 10 | Stephanie Sixtus | 55kg |
Lightly-raced 3YO showing significant improvement with each run, culminating in a dominant maiden win at this track. The Jordan Lee stable is placing him perfectly to continue his progression through the grades.
Coming off a maiden win at Murwillumbah where he showed good tactical speed. The step up to the mile is the query, but his racing pattern suggests he should handle it, and the M J Dunn stable places their horses well.
The G R Schwenke-trained gelding should appreciate the drop in class and has the tactical speed to position well from barrier 6.
Eight-year-old mare coming off a last-start win at this track over 1415m. Has a solid record at Ballina (5:1-0-1) and at similar distances (8:1-0-1). While first-up from a spell, her record when fresh isn't terrible, and she's shown she can handle this track.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Giapponese | 5 | Jai Williams | S B Lee | 58.5kg | $2.60 |
| 2nd | 8 | Beta Better | 1 | Nozi Tomizawa | T D Cowan | 57.5kg | $10.00 |
| 3rd | 2 | Spicy Wings | 10 | Jett Newman | M J Dunn | 59kg | $3.60 |
| 4th | 4 | Magic In Me | 6 | Jaden Lloyd | G R Schwenke | 59.5kg | $4.80 |
| 5th | 5 | Giddy Gan's Joy | 3 | Luke Rolls | S Foster | 59kg | $17.00 |
| 6th | 11 | Quick Shot | 2 | Ben Looker | Ms K Loy | 55kg | $7.50 |
| 7th | 12 | He's Viral | 4 | Olivia Kendal | Greg Wright | 55kg | $31.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Maple Door | 8 | Karl Zechner | Jimmy Downes | 60.5kg | |
| Scr | 3 | Googaz | 4 | Ms O Cairns | 59.5kg | ||
| Scr | 7 | Showman | 9 | Jordan Lee | 58.5kg | ||
| Scr | 9 | Maurita | 7 | Ruby Chatterton | 55kg | ||
| Scr | 10 | Cowgirl Lilly | 11 | Samantha McGuren | 55kg |
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