Punt like a Pro, without the know!
Western Australia · Wednesday 14 January 2026
Our top pick won 3 of 7 races at Ascot. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
top pick wonanother tip wonno tip won
Has been knocking on the door with a 4th and 8th in stronger company, and the drop to maiden grade should see him break through. Well-positioned to capitalize on the very fast tempo predicted, with the ability to settle midfield and finish strongly.
His first-up record is encouraging (2: 0-1-1) and the gear changes (blinkers again, bubble cheeker off, lugging bit off, visors off) suggest connections are fine-tuning his setup.
Written Words offers appeal as a second-up improver drawn to get the perfect run from barrier 3. His soft track placing at this distance shows ability, and the Mitchell Pateman/Taj Dyson combination is capable. Likely to be on-pace in a race with a very fast tempo, which could set up for a strong finishing effort if he can handle the pressure.
Eightyseven Lad represents genuine value as an unraced prospect from the strong Pearce stable. The application of blinkers first-time is a significant gear change that often produces improvement, while the booking of Clint Johnston-Porter and favorable barrier draw suggest connections expect a forward showing.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Written Words | 3 | Taj Dyson | Mitchell Pateman | 57kg | $9.00 |
| 2nd | 1 | Just Walter John | 6 | Patrick Carbery | Mitchell Pateman | 57kg | $2.20 |
| 3rd | 7 | Maythisbetheone | 8 | Lucy F Fiore | D R Harrison | 55kg | $6.00 |
| 4th | 3 | Dust Aside | 5 | Holly Watson | D M Luciani | 57kg | $3.60 |
| 5th | 5 | Eightyseven Lad | 4 | Clint Johnston-Porter | D & B Pearce | 57kg | $17.00 |
| 6th | 8 | Himizu | 7 | Steven Parnham | Summer Dickson | 55kg | $17.00 |
| 7th | 9 | Invincible Sin | 2 | Victoria Corver | Ryan Hill | 55kg | $201.00 |
| 8th | 4 | Direct Debit | 1 | Shaun O'Donnell | E A Martinovich | 57kg | $20.00 |
| 9th | 6 | Finitto Web | 9 | Jason Whiting | B G Lucas | 57kg | $31.00 |
Vexatious Rose brings the strongest form credentials with 5 placings from 8 starts including a 3rd at this track and distance. Well-weighted and with an experienced jockey aboard, she appears ready to break through.
Faradio is a progressive 3YO who finished a strong 3rd last start at Pinjarra over 1600m. He's dropping in class from previous metropolitan assignments and carries a light weight of 56.5kg. The wide barrier is a concern, but he has the ability to overcome it.
Parish Prince brings solid recent form with consecutive 2nd placings at Pinjarra. He has a favorable barrier draw and has shown an ability to handle this track with a placing from three attempts. The class rise is a concern, but he has the ability to be competitive.
Cedar Leaf is an improving 3YO filly who finished a solid 5th last start at Pinjarra over 1600m. She gets in with just 51.5kg and draws favorably in barrier 2. While she's yet to place in her three starts, she's shown improvement with each run and appears to be heading in the right direction.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Parish Prince | 5 | Laqdar Ramoly | N D Parnham | 58kg | $4.40 |
| 2nd | 5 | Saucisson | 13 | Jason Whiting | Ms K D'Orsogna | 58kg | $101.00 |
| 3rd | 10 | Vexatious Rose | 8 | Shaun O'Donnell | Jeremy Easthope | 56kg | $2.50 |
| 4th | 12 | Universal Impact | 4 | Holly Nottle | M Santich | 51.5kg | $8.50 |
| 5th | 1 | Declared Innocent | 10 | Brandon Louis | J A Popescu | 58kg | $81.00 |
| 6th | 2 | Sainty Cullity | 11 | Clint Johnston-Porter | Luke Fernie | 58kg | $10.00 |
| 7th | 13 | Cedar Leaf | 2 | Jefferson Tsang | Russell Stewart | 51.5kg | $10.00 |
| 8th | 7 | Faradio | 12 | Jason Brown | J P Taylor | 56.5kg | $6.00 |
| 9th | 11 | My De Grece | 3 | Lisa Staples | Brett Pope | 56kg | $81.00 |
| 10th | 4 | Whiskers Harbour | 1 | Jessica Valas | R C McPherson | 58kg | $21.00 |
| 11th | 6 | Black Irish | 9 | Jordan Turner | B P Graham | 58kg | $101.00 |
| 12th | 8 | Kingsley Town | 6 | Ava Catarino | Aaron Pateman | 53.5kg | $151.00 |
| Scr | 9 | King Of The Town | 7 | Joey Azzopardi | A G Durrant | 56.5kg |
Urquharts Bluff brings the most consistent recent form into this race with consecutive 2nd placings. Has a strong record at the 1200m distance (5: 1-2-0) and performs well on Good tracks (4: 1-2-0). His midfield running style should suit the likely fast tempo, allowing him to finish strongly.
Though first-up from a spell, his fresh record (1: 0-1-0) suggests he can perform well. As a progressive 3yo with strong connections, he has significant upside potential. Has placed in both career starts and should get a good run from barrier 6 with the strong tempo likely to suit.
The advantageous barrier 1 draw should allow him to utilize the inside bias noted at Ascot. The combination of respected trainer Mitchell Pateman and quality jockey Patrick Carbery adds confidence, while the first-time nose roll suggests connections expect improvement.
While more a placegetter than winner (19: 1-0-6), his record at the track and distance makes him an appealing each-way proposition.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Urquharts Bluff | 8 | Holly Nottle | P H Jordan | 57kg | $1.90 |
| 2nd | 2 | Ripper Farooq | 3 | Chanel Cooper | C & M Gangemi | 58kg | $7.50 |
| 3rd | 1 | Dark Avalanche | 2 | Joey Azzopardi | B P Fitzgerald | 60kg | $6.50 |
| 4th | 5 | All Vital | 4 | Jason Whiting | G C Ballantyne | 57.5kg | $15.00 |
| 5th | 7 | Western Jet | 6 | Clint Johnston-Porter | Simon Miller | 57.5kg | $3.90 |
| 6th | 8 | Quindandino | 9 | Natasha Faithfull | A W Maley | 54kg | $21.00 |
| 7th | 9 | Wonshot | 5 | Madi Derrick | Ms J Mitchell | 54kg | $101.00 |
| Scr | 4 | Soldier Of God | 7 | Cassey Martinan | P H Jordan | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 6 | Bassett Hound | 1 | Patrick Carbery | Mitchell Pateman | 57.5kg |
Progressive mare showing significant upside with a perfect 2:1-1-0 record. The expected fast tempo should suit her midfield running style, allowing her to finish strongly.
Lightly-raced filly with a strong 2:1-1-0 record including a win at Ascot. Gets the perfect barrier 1 which should allow her to utilize her tactical speed. The class rise is significant but her natural ability and perfect draw give her strong claims.
Lightly-raced filly with a strong 3:1-1-0 record including a perfect 2:1-1-0 at this distance. Won impressively last start and draws perfectly in barrier 2. While stepping up in class, she's shown ability in higher grade previously and has the tactical speed to take advantage of her inside draw. Second-up today which should see her improve.
Mare with an excellent first-up record (2:1-0-1) returning from a 224-day spell. The Carbery husband/wife combination is significant, and her consistent 6:1-0-2 record suggests reliability.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Poblano | 6 | William Pike | J F Miller | 59kg | $2.30 |
| 2nd | 1 | Monte Tremezzo | 4 | Chanel Cooper | D L Morton | 58kg | $12.00 |
| 3rd | 6 | The Nun | 1 | Shaun O'Donnell | Ms J Erkelens | 58kg | $3.60 |
| 4th | 3 | Ocean Goddess | 7 | Patrick Carbery | Jessica Carbery | 59kg | $6.50 |
| 5th | 2 | Diamonds'n'rubies | 8 | Holly Watson | Mitchell Pateman | 59kg | $8.50 |
| 6th | 7 | Quick Cookie | 11 | Victoria Corver | Ryan Hill | 57.5kg | $21.00 |
| 7th | 4 | Offshore | 3 | Troy Turner | C H Webster | 59kg | $31.00 |
| 8th | 11 | Gokana | 9 | Madi Derrick | Ms J Mitchell | 55kg | $201.00 |
| 9th | 10 | Hot Like Chili | 10 | Jason Whiting | G C Ballantyne | 55.5kg | $201.00 |
| Scr | 8 | She's Hot | 2 | Clint Johnston-Porter | D L Morton | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Stylin' | 5 | Lucy F Fiore | P J Fernie | 56.5kg |
Progressive 3yo filly coming off a strong last-start win over 2000m at Pinjarra. Her racing pattern suits the likely moderate-fast tempo, and she's on an upward trajectory with strong recent form. The step up to 2200m looks ideal for her continued development.
Consistent mare with excellent recent form, winning two of her last three starts. Should be able to take up a forward position in the run which suits the track. The step up to 2200m is the query, but her racing pattern and recent form suggest she'll handle it.
Mare in career-best form with back-to-back wins over 2000m. The light weight (53kg) is a significant advantage for a staying contest.
Consistent mare coming off a strong second-place finish over 2000m at Pinjarra. Well-drawn in barrier 4 and gets the services of Steven Parnham. Her midfield racing pattern should suit the likely moderate-fast tempo.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Flinders Lane | 2 | William Pike | Josh Brown | 57kg | $5.00 |
| 2nd | 8 | Modelistic | 4 | Steven Parnham | N D Parnham | 55.5kg | $8.50 |
| 3rd | 4 | Pony Up | 12 | Lisa Staples | P H Jordan | 56.5kg | $4.60 |
| 4th | 10 | Knockoneback | 10 | Jason Whiting | A W Maley | 54.5kg | $15.00 |
| 5th | 13 | Tak Goes Boom | 3 | Amy Jo Hayes | Ms S L Miller | 54kg | $151.00 |
| 6th | 7 | Reel Serenity | 6 | Shaun O'Donnell | Ms J Erkelens | 56kg | $6.50 |
| 7th | 6 | Let Sparks Fly | 11 | Holly Nottle | Sky Ballinger | 53kg | $5.00 |
| 8th | 1 | Why Me | 9 | Cassey Martinan | Brandon Fiore | 57kg | $16.00 |
| 9th | 5 | Electric Bec | 7 | Natika Riordan | Brock Lewthwaite | 53kg | $26.00 |
| 10th | 11 | Asarka | 1 | Ava Catarino | B P Graham | 51kg | $101.00 |
| 11th | 12 | Lead By Example | 8 | Lucy F Fiore | Jeremy Easthope | 54kg | $11.00 |
| 12th | 9 | Aces To Win | 5 | Chanel Cooper | J P Taylor | 53kg | $17.00 |
| Scr | 2 | Armino | 13 | Aaron Mitchell | 58kg |
Progressive mare who has found her form with consecutive wins, including a dominant performance last start at Pinjarra. The class rise is offset by her lightweight and strong finishing burst. Perfectly drawn in barrier 3 to get the right run.
Mare with excellent credentials including a win from her only start at this track and distance. Perfectly drawn in barrier 1 to utilize her tactical speed, though will need to improve on her last start 6th at Ascot. The class rise is a concern but her record suggests she's up to it.
Mare who has mostly competed in higher class races and comes into this second-up after a strong fresh run at Geraldton (2nd). The combination with experienced jockey Clint Johnston-Porter is a positive, though she'll need to overcome her lack of experience at both track and distance.
Has experience at this track with a win and a third from 12 starts. The wide barrier is a concern, but the fast tempo should allow him to find cover and finish strongly.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Lillian | 5 | Clint Johnston-Porter | Michael Grantham | 58kg | $4.80 |
| 2nd | 1 | Golden Kathleen | 6 | Natika Riordan | Ms D Riordan | 57.5kg | $6.50 |
| 3rd | 8 | Five Down | 9 | Chanel Cooper | Luke Fernie | 54.5kg | $11.00 |
| 4th | 2 | Black For Cash | 7 | Brandon Louis | Ms J Erkelens | 59.5kg | $9.00 |
| 5th | 6 | More Heroic | 2 | Jefferson Tsang | Michael Grantham | 55kg | $61.00 |
| 6th | 10 | His Eminence | 10 | Kristy Bennett | P R Bamford | 55.5kg | $201.00 |
| 7th | 7 | My Harv | 1 | Jordan Turner | C H Webster | 58kg | $5.50 |
| 8th | 11 | Who Saz Yes | 8 | Jason Whiting | Ms D Riordan | 55.5kg | $14.00 |
| 9th | 12 | Norma Stars | 12 | Jessica Valas | Tina Glasson | 54kg | $201.00 |
| 10th | 4 | Azabelle | 3 | Holly Nottle | F R Kersley | 55kg | $3.60 |
| 11th | 9 | Trespassing | 4 | Patrick Carbery | Sue Olive | 56.5kg | $10.00 |
| 12th | 3 | Masatora | 11 | Ava Catarino | D R Pateman | 55.5kg | $201.00 |
His second-up pattern (3:1-0-1) suggests improvement from his last start 4th. Drawing barrier 2 is ideal at Ascot for this distance, and his overall record of 11:3-0-5 shows reliability. The Troy Turner/J P Taylor combination is in good form, and the horse should get an ideal run from the draw.
On Patrol comes into this second-up after a solid 2nd place finish at Ascot over this distance. His second-up record (5:1-2-0) suggests further improvement, and he has a good record at this distance (10:2-3-0). While he hasn't won at Ascot in 20 attempts, he has placed 5 times including his last start. Chanel Cooper retains the ride, which is a positive, and from barrier 6 he should get a good run in transit.
His last start 2nd at Pinjarra indicates he's in good form, and the drop in class should suit. Troy Turner stays aboard, which is a positive. The barrier is slightly awkward, but with his tactical speed, he should be able to find a good position.
Second-up today from a spell with a good first-up run (5th), he should improve further. Drawing barrier 4 is ideal for Ascot, and Steven Parnham is a positive jockey booking. While his overall record is modest, his recent form suggests he's ready to peak, making him an attractive value proposition.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | Let's Talk | 2 | Laqdar Ramoly | J P Taylor | 58kg | $3.30 |
| 2nd | 12 | King Hit | 4 | Steven Parnham | T M Andrews | 56.5kg | $11.00 |
| 3rd | 2 | Platinum Shot | 1 | Holly Nottle | D & B Pearce | 56.5kg | $6.50 |
| 4th | 6 | On Patrol | 6 | Chanel Cooper | S & J Casey | 56.5kg | $4.80 |
| 5th | 1 | Ain't No Other Man | 11 | Natika Riordan | S & J Casey | 58kg | $6.50 |
| 6th | 14 | Katona | 5 | Shaun O'Donnell | R G Turrell Jnr | 54kg | $101.00 |
| 7th | 9 | Village Girl | 8 | Natasha Faithfull | Takahide Ikenushi | 58kg | $21.00 |
| 8th | 3 | Brave Venture | 7 | Jordan Turner | B P Graham | 59kg | $101.00 |
| 9th | 11 | So Nataya | 9 | Joey Azzopardi | Luke Fernie | 57kg | $21.00 |
| 10th | 13 | Red Rebel | 12 | Jefferson Tsang | D R Pateman | 51.5kg | $61.00 |
| 11th | 4 | Universal Playboy | 3 | Simone Altieri | Anthony Barton | 59kg | $5.50 |
| 12th | 7 | Bin Shalaa | 14 | Mollie Clark | Anthony Barton | 58kg | $101.00 |
| Scr | 5 | Leniency | 10 | Troy Turner | C H Webster | 58.5kg | |
| Scr | 10 | History Won't Care | 13 | William Pike | J F Miller | 57.5kg |
Before the races, not after
Our top three picks and a value pick for every race, with assessed prices, speed maps and the analysis behind them. Free for 7 days.