Punt like a Pro, without the know!
Northern Territory · Friday 9 January 2026
Our top pick won 1 of 5 races at Darwin. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
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The inside draw suits Fannie Bay's configuration, and while this represents a significant class rise, he appears to be an improving type with natural progression still to come. His tactical speed should allow him to settle in an ideal position in what looks to be a fast-tempo race.
His track record at Fannie Bay (2-1-2 from 9 starts) demonstrates his affinity for the surface, though his record at this distance is less impressive. The likely fast tempo should suit his running style, and his experience gives him an edge over some less seasoned rivals.
His record at Fannie Bay is solid (4-5-2 from 18 starts), and he's proven at this track and distance. The wide barrier is a concern at Fannie Bay, but his tactical speed should allow him to overcome this disadvantage. The weight (60.5kg) is a challenge, but his class and consistency keep him in contention.
The removal of blinkers could sharpen his focus, and the weight relief (55.5kg) is advantageous. The middle barrier draw gives options in a race with likely fast tempo, making him an appealing each-way proposition.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Just Albert | 2 | Deborah Barton | Paul Shiers | 57kg | $3.80 |
| 2nd | 2 | Debating | 10 | Jarrod Todd | Ella Clarke | 60.5kg | $9.50 |
| 3rd | 8 | Astern Magic | 5 | Sonja D Logan | Tommy Logan | 55.5kg | $6.50 |
| 4th | 7 | Max Rock | 3 | Wayne Davis | Terry Gillett | 56kg | $20.00 |
| 5th | 6 | Sabor | 1 | Vanessa Arnott | Jason Manning | 58kg | $8.50 |
| 6th | 4 | Straya Pride | 7 | Aaron Sweeney | G Clarke | 60kg | $2.70 |
| 7th | 5 | Marvelous Night | 6 | Hannah Le Blanc | Tommy Logan | 58.5kg | $18.00 |
| 8th | 1 | Rising Fire | 9 | Jason Lyon | Chloe Baxter | 61kg | $8.00 |
| Scr | 9 | New Enterprise | 4 | Peter Stennett | 55kg | ||
| Scr | 10 | Roc De Russian | 8 | Chris Pollard | 55kg |
Miami Baby brings consistent recent form with consecutive third placings and has a solid record at track and distance (1-0-2 from 5 starts).
His perfect 4-from-4 record at Fannie Bay is compelling, and while he rises in class and carries top weight, his tactical speed and proven ability on Good tracks make him the standout selection.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Physical Graffiti | 6 | Jarrod Todd | G Clarke | 59.5kg | $5.50 |
| 2nd | 5 | Time To Baca | 5 | Deborah Barton | Philip Cole | 56kg | $1.60 |
| 3rd | 6 | Miami Baby | 2 | Jason Lyon | Chloe Baxter | 58.5kg | $6.50 |
| 4th | 2 | King Akeed | 4 | Hannah Le Blanc | Tommy Logan | 60.5kg | $11.00 |
| 5th | 4 | Kessler | 3 | Vanessa Arnott | Angela Forster | 59kg | $6.50 |
| Scr | 1 | Jumping Power Two | 1 | Sonja D Logan | Tommy Logan | 61kg |
Rossanado brings the strongest recent form, winning first-up 13 days ago at this track and distance. Has an excellent record at Fannie Bay (2-2-1 from 6 starts) and performs well second-up (1 win from 2 attempts). Well-drawn in barrier 2 to utilize her tactical speed in a race likely to have strong early tempo. The class rise is offset by her local track knowledge and consistency.
Fury brings strong class credentials having raced in higher grade races. While first-up from a spell, he has a solid fresh record with 2 placings from 4 attempts. The main query is his first start at Fannie Bay, but his class edge and tactical speed should offset this concern.
Beatification is the quintessential place-getter with 8 placings from 29 starts. Has excellent local knowledge with 20 starts at Fannie Bay (1-6-4) and is well-suited at this track and distance (1-2-1 from 10 starts). More likely to place than win based on his record.
While his overall record is modest, he carries just 55kg and the addition of a tail chain could spark improvement.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Fury | 1 | Jarrod Todd | G Clarke | 60.5kg | $2.90 |
| 2nd | 3 | Rossanado | 2 | Aaron Sweeney | Paul Shiers | 57.5kg | $1.85 |
| 3rd | 7 | Tough Impact | 4 | Wayne Davis | Chris Pollard | 55kg | $81.00 |
| 4th | 5 | Valkur | 7 | Deborah Barton | Angela Forster | 52kg | $16.00 |
| 5th | 1 | Rock Revolution | 6 | Jason Lyon | Chloe Baxter | 62kg | $5.00 |
| 6th | 4 | Predicting | 5 | Hannah Le Blanc | Ms T Halter | 56.5kg | $26.00 |
| Scr | 6 | Beatification | 3 | Sonja D Logan | Tommy Logan | 55kg |
Forms Of Fear brings the strongest recent form, winning impressively first-up over 1200m at this track 35 days ago. While his second-up record shows no wins, he's placed twice and drops 3kg from his last start win. Maps to settle midfield with a strong finishing burst.
Crown Waters brings solid recent form with a close second over 1200m at this track 35 days ago. Has an excellent record at Fannie Bay (3-3-1 from 8 starts) and gets in with just 55kg.
Gets an ideal barrier (2) for Fannie Bay's front-running style and drops significantly in class. The 158-day break is a concern, but he's shown he can perform fresh. Will likely contest the lead and could prove hard to run down if he gets his own way in front.
While she's rising in class, she brings a race fitness advantage over most of the field and is an improving 5yo mare. Her track record (1-3-1 from 10 starts) suggests she handles Fannie Bay well, and she could be the one finishing strongest if the expected fast tempo materializes.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Zourata | 2 | Hannah Le Blanc | Terry Gillett | 60.5kg | $3.50 |
| 2nd | 5 | Crown Waters | 3 | Sonja D Logan | Tommy Logan | 55kg | $4.20 |
| 3rd | 7 | La Boqueria | 5 | Jason Lyon | Chloe Baxter | 55kg | $14.00 |
| 4th | 6 | Patriotic King | 7 | Jarrod Todd | G Clarke | 55kg | $6.00 |
| 5th | 1 | Bon's Pride | 4 | Vanessa Arnott | Jason Manning | 61kg | $8.50 |
| 6th | 4 | Forms Of Fear | 6 | Wayne Davis | Ms T Halter | 57kg | $4.40 |
| 7th | 3 | Atlantic Ocean | 1 | Aaron Sweeney | Paul Shiers | 57kg | $9.50 |
Anecdotal brings strong credentials first-up from a spell, with tactical speed to utilize the good draw. His 1000m record is excellent with a win and place from three attempts, and he's dropping in class from his last preparation. The Philip Cole-trained gelding has shown ability on good tracks and should get the perfect run from barrier 2 at this speed-favoring venue.
Polarising brings excellent track credentials with a perfect record at this track and distance (2-0-1 from 3 starts). The mare has a strong first-up record (1-1-1 from 4) and is dropping significantly in class. Her local knowledge is a major advantage at this specialist track, and she maps to get a good run from barrier 4. Hannah Le Blanc knows this track well.
I Loverain brings consistent recent form with three placings from his last five starts. The gelding is well drawn in barrier 3 and should get a good run in transit. The likely fast tempo should suit his running style.
The significant class drop and perfect barrier draw give him every chance to improve sharply.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | I Loverain | 3 | Aaron Sweeney | Paul Shiers | 60kg | $3.80 |
| 2nd | 5 | Polarising | 4 | Hannah Le Blanc | Tommy Logan | 59.5kg | $3.80 |
| 3rd | 2 | Anecdotal | 2 | Deborah Barton | Philip Cole | 58.5kg | $2.35 |
| 4th | 4 | Oakland Raider | 1 | Vanessa Arnott | Philip Cole | 60kg | $6.00 |
| 5th | 1 | Cripps Tonite | 5 | Wayne Davis | Philip Cole | 62kg | $13.00 |
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