Punt like a Pro, without the know!
New South Wales · Friday 16 January 2026
Our top pick won 2 of 8 races at Ballina. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
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Shredded brings the strongest form credentials with three second placings from four starts. The Dunn/Mallyon combination is solid, and his racing pattern should suit Ballina's layout. Clearly the most reliable proposition in this field.
Beearetee has been knocking on the door with consecutive second placings, including a strong performance on a Heavy 10 track last start. His ability to handle wet conditions is a significant advantage with rain forecast. While the wide barrier is a concern, his forward racing style should allow him to overcome this. The weight is the main negative, but his consistency makes him a genuine chance.
The Dunn stable has engaged quality jockey Damien Thornton, suggesting some confidence. The addition of blinkers first-up is a positive gear change, and the favorable barrier draw should allow for a good position in running.
All three career starts have been at Ballina, providing valuable course experience.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Shredded | 8 | Andrew Mallyon | M J Dunn | 57.5kg | $1.24 |
| 2nd | 3 | Grafting | 3 | Damien Thornton | M J Dunn | 57.5kg | $6.50 |
| 3rd | 2 | Beearetee | 9 | Luke Rolls | Shane Everson | 59kg | $5.50 |
| 4th | 8 | Finding Elle | 4 | Anthony Allen | John Higgins | 57kg | $41.00 |
| 5th | 4 | Hooley | 1 | Tahlia Fenlon | S B Lee | 57.5kg | $41.00 |
| 6th | 5 | Luck Of The Draw | 5 | Brooke Stower | S B Lee | 57.5kg | $91.00 |
| 7th | 1 | Arabian Legacy | 6 | Brandon Lerena | S J Bennett | 59kg | $101.00 |
| 8th | 7 | Denise's Dane | 7 | Amelia Heinrich | C J O'Reilly | 54kg | $151.00 |
| Scr | 9 | Didie's Meadow | 2 | Jett Newman | M J Dunn | 54kg |
His 36% win rate stands out, and he's proven on soft tracks with 3 wins from 8 starts. Tahlia Fenlon has a good record on this horse (2 wins from 9 rides), and the 56kg weight is favorable. Though stepping up in class, his raw ability and first-up prowess make him the standout.
She's dropping in class and has a solid record at Ballina (2 placings from 4 starts). Her consistent form pattern (8324333431) shows reliability, and she draws well in barrier 4. While her win strike rate is modest at 18%, her place rate of 38% demonstrates consistency. Jett Newman is in good recent form with 3 wins from his last 20 rides.
His excellent record at the distance (5 wins, 5 seconds, 5 thirds from 22 starts) is a major positive, and he's racing in a consistent pattern (213298x3512). Luke Rolls has won on this horse before (1 from 5 rides). While rising in class is a concern, his consistency and distance suitability make him a genuine contender.
Her high track condition suitability is a major plus for today's conditions.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Tiger Tie | 8 | Tahlia Fenlon | Chris & Corey Munce | 56kg | $1.26 |
| 2nd | 3 | Lady Wardell | 4 | Jett Newman | S B Lee | 57kg | $6.00 |
| 3rd | 4 | Decisive Lass | 5 | Yvette Lewis | G N Nielsen | 57kg | $15.00 |
| 4th | 1 | Skywolf | 3 | Brooke Stower | Peter G Sinclair | 62kg | $31.00 |
| 5th | 2 | Dis Is Heaven | 6 | Luke Rolls | Colt Prosser | 59kg | $9.00 |
| Scr | 6 | Outweighed | 7 | Anthony Allen | Ms P Barron | 55.5kg | |
| Scr | 7 | Eagle Hawk Star | 1 | Jordan Lee | 55kg | ||
| Scr | 8 | Sarsen | 2 | Amy Graham | Ms M Brosnan | 53.5kg |
Despite the wide barrier, his tactical speed should allow him to overcome it. The weight advantage and upward form trajectory make him the standout selection despite the class rise.
Recent maiden winner at this track who drops significantly in class after competing in much stronger races. Well-weighted and has the benefit of track experience. The class drop is significant and makes her a genuine threat.
Returns from a spell with a slight class drop which should help. His barrier is disadvantageous in a race with likely fast tempo.
While facing a significant class rise, her record at the distance is solid and she should be suited by the likely fast tempo.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Tophet | 2 | Andrew Mallyon | M J Dunn | 59.5kg | $1.95 |
| 2nd | 4 | Agent Max | 10 | Luke Rolls | Gaye Ball | 58kg | $3.80 |
| 3rd | 5 | Monaco Flyer | 4 | Anthony Allen | J D Shelton | 57kg | $11.00 |
| 4th | 8 | Beebee | 6 | Jett Newman | T M Whittington | 53.5kg | $71.00 |
| 5th | 6 | Australasia | 7 | Damien Thornton | Daniel Bowen | 55kg | $4.80 |
| 6th | 7 | Ultimate Say | 5 | Brooke Stower | Samantha McGuren | 55kg | $51.00 |
| 7th | 1 | Coco Dreaming | 8 | Brandon Lerena | Sally Taylor | 60kg | $12.00 |
| 8th | 2 | Intense Steel | 9 | Jon Grisedale | Ms C Rode | 59.5kg | $51.00 |
| 9th | 9 | Clan D'oro | 1 | Noriyuki Masuda | Ms V McLennan | 55kg | $101.00 |
| 10th | 10 | Hare Street | 3 | Jason Taylor | L J Clapham | 55kg | $201.00 |
Lightly-raced Wootton Bassett gelding with significant upside. Produced a solid first-up effort when 3rd at Scone over 1300m on a soft track, then wasn't disgraced when 4th at Randwick last start. The step up to 1590m looks ideal for his development, and barrier 2 gives him tactical options at this track. Daniel Moor is a significant jockey upgrade, and the second-up pattern suggests further improvement.
Consistent mare who has been knocking on the door with a close 2nd last start over 1550m at Murwillumbah. The barrier draw suits her racing pattern, and she gets weight relief as a mare. Jett Newman knows her well, and she appears ready to break through at this level.
Lightly-raced Too Darn Hot gelding who showed promise on debut when 3rd at Beaumont over 1200m. The application of blinkers for the first time is a positive gear change, and the step up in distance should suit his racing style. Barrier 10 is the main concern at this track, but Ben Thompson is a quality jockey who should give him every chance.
Lightly-raced Cosmic Force filly who showed ability when 2nd at Gold Coast two starts back. The step up to 1590m looks suitable for her racing pattern, and she should appreciate the soft track conditions.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Chief Of Staff | 11 | Andrew Mallyon | M J Dunn | 59kg | $7.50 |
| 2nd | 8 | Tacitly | 2 | Daniel Moor | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 57.5kg | $1.35 |
| 3rd | 3 | He Is The Kiss | 3 | Karl Zechner | Allan Chau | 59kg | $81.00 |
| 4th | 12 | Vostokova | 4 | Damien Thornton | Marcus Wilson | 55.5kg | $26.00 |
| 5th | 9 | Puligny | 6 | Jett Newman | M J Dunn | 55.5kg | $14.00 |
| 6th | 1 | Andros | 9 | Yvette Lewis | P G Randall | 59kg | $61.00 |
| 7th | 6 | Firey Truth | 10 | Ben E Thompson | K A Lees | 57.5kg | $7.50 |
| 8th | 11 | Grey Belief | 1 | Luke Rolls | T P Croft | 55.5kg | $51.00 |
| 9th | 4 | Sowilo Rodina | 5 | Danny Peisley | Jan Pritchard | 59kg | $201.00 |
| 10th | 10 | Bassett's Choice | 7 | Brandon Lerena | C J Waller | 55.5kg | $14.00 |
| 11th | 5 | Zousoul | 8 | Boris Thornton | J W Healy | 59kg | $201.00 |
| Scr | 7 | Narukami | 6 | Natalie McCall | 57.5kg |
Ceretti comes from the strong Tony Gollan stable and brings solid form with two third placings from three starts. Second-up pattern indicates improvement, and Ben Thompson is riding in good form.
Drumshanbo brings the strongest form credentials with two second placings from two starts on synthetic surfaces. First-up record shows he can perform fresh, and the Michael Freedman stable is in good form. The 1000m trip suits his racing pattern.
Tribbiani represents excellent value coming off a strong second placing at Lismore just 12 days ago. The inside barrier (3) is advantageous at Ballina for this distance, and his recent form suggests he's found his level in Australian racing.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 11 | The Rookie | 5 | Yvette Lewis | G N Nielsen | 55.5kg | $5.50 |
| 2nd | 12 | Enterprise Khan | 1 | Brandon Lerena | B A Gentle | 55kg | $7.50 |
| 3rd | 7 | Conformity | 7 | Daniel Moor | T J Gollan | 55.5kg | $3.20 |
| 4th | 5 | Tribbiani | 3 | Matthew Palmer | Allan Chau | 56.5kg | $3.20 |
| 5th | 8 | Drahomira | 4 | Daniel Bowen | 55.5kg | $31.00 | |
| 6th | 2 | Absolutelysmashing | 10 | Danny Peisley | D A McColm | 57.5kg | $4.20 |
| 7th | 4 | Bee Sun | 6 | Brooke Stower | N H Boyle | 57kg | $101.00 |
| 8th | 14 | Privet | 2 | Amy Graham | Stephanie Sixtus | 53.5kg | $151.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Drumshanbo | 11 | Boris Thornton | Michael Freedman | 58.5kg | |
| Scr | 3 | Dragon Link | 9 | Damien Thornton | Matthew Hoysted | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 6 | Ceretti | 8 | Ben E Thompson | T J Gollan | 56kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Jolly Japes | 11 | Natalie McCall | 55.5kg | ||
| Scr | 10 | Sol Filia | 14 | S B Lee | 55.5kg | ||
| Scr | 13 | God Only Knows | 11 | T & C McEvoy | 55kg |
Her upward form trajectory suggests she's ready for this class rise, and she gets in with just 55.5kg. Tahlia Fenlon (25% recent strike rate) is a strong booking, and the mare should handle the likely moderate-fast tempo. Represents the best winning chance.
Consistent mare with an excellent place record (7 from 20) who should appreciate the step up to 1900m based on recent performances. Gets a perfect draw in barrier 2 which is crucial at Ballina, and the booking of Daniel Moor (20% recent strike rate) is significant. While she finds it hard to win, her consistency and tactical speed make her a major place chance.
Experienced stayer dropping significantly in class after competing in stronger metropolitan races. Gets an ideal barrier 3 draw which is crucial at Ballina, and the booking of Damien Thornton is a positive. While his recent form has been mixed, the class drop combined with a suitable distance makes him a genuine contender. Should settle midfield and be running on strongly.
The 37-day freshen-up is a slight query, but his recent performances suggest he's ready to win. Luke Rolls has a solid 19% strike rate with trainer S B Lee.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 9 | Jenni Moreese | 2 | Daniel Moor | Corey & Kylie Geran | 56.5kg | $3.40 |
| 2nd | 1 | Tietar | 12 | Jett Newman | M J Dunn | 60kg | $4.80 |
| 3rd | 3 | Aldeenaary | 3 | Damien Thornton | Allan Chau | 60kg | $5.50 |
| 4th | 5 | Five Rings | 9 | Brandon Lerena | Fleur Henley | 59kg | $9.00 |
| 5th | 8 | Vermeer | 6 | Luke Rolls | S B Lee | 58kg | $12.00 |
| 6th | 10 | Champagne Rouge | 10 | Tahlia Fenlon | Chris & Corey Munce | 55.5kg | $3.40 |
| 7th | 2 | Ashim | 8 | Jon Grisedale | B D Bellamy | 60.5kg | $101.00 |
| 8th | 11 | Wexford Miss | 1 | Karl Zechner | Michael Morrison | 55kg | $21.00 |
| Scr | 4 | Mindspace | 5 | Sally Taylor | 60kg | ||
| Scr | 6 | Canadian Express | 7 | Michael Morrison | 58kg | ||
| Scr | 7 | Monarch Express | 11 | Jordan Lee | 58kg | ||
| Scr | 12 | Down Under Stunnah | 13 | Michael Morrison | 55kg | ||
| Scr | 13 | Global | 4 | Matthew Palmer | S B Laming | 55kg |
Progressive gelding showing excellent recent form with a last-start win at Gold Coast. The step up to 1590m should suit based on his strong finishing efforts, and he maps to get a good position midfield with cover. Represents genuine winning value.
Has been racing in strong form with a 3rd placing last start over 1400m. Well-drawn in barrier 6 which should allow him to settle in a forward position. Has proven ability on soft tracks and the step up to 1590m looks suitable based on his strong finishing efforts.
Progressive gelding with a strong win rate of 27% and excellent record at similar distances (1-1-1 from 4 starts). Has been racing consistently with a 4th last start at Randwick over 1600m. Barrier 13 is a slight concern but has the tactical speed to overcome it. Has shown ability on soft tracks and should handle conditions.
Has been racing in good form with a 3rd placing last start at Lismore over 1410m. Has a strong record at similar distances (2-1-1 from 5 starts) and should handle the step up to 1590m. Barrier 1 could be tricky but offers options.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Hurstville Zagreb | 13 | Damien Thornton | John O'Shea & Tom Charlton | 58kg | $3.50 |
| 2nd | 1 | Edited By | 8 | Boris Thornton | Michael Freedman | 62kg | $8.00 |
| 3rd | 12 | Rock Hard Love | 12 | Luke Rolls | Gary Doughty | 54kg | $8.00 |
| 4th | 3 | Perfect Play | 17 | Daniel Moor | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 59.5kg | $12.00 |
| 5th | 6 | Hadouken | 5 | Danny Peisley | Peter Robl | 57.5kg | $31.00 |
| 6th | 2 | Zoology | 9 | Rob Thorburn | P & W Hulbert | 60.5kg | $31.00 |
| 7th | 11 | Fat Fingers | 7 | Karl Zechner | Allan Chau | 54kg | $31.00 |
| 8th | 4 | Tribeca Star | 6 | Andrew Mallyon | M J Dunn | 58.5kg | $2.30 |
| 9th | 9 | Bean Foggy | 10 | Jett Newman | D J Graham | 52.5kg | $51.00 |
| 9th | 13 | Change The Date | 3 | Jon Grisedale | B D Bellamy | 54kg | $41.00 |
| 11th | 8 | Pure Deal | 11 | Noriyuki Masuda | B D Bellamy | 54kg | $201.00 |
| 12th | 7 | Auzstar | 14 | Brooke Stower | M P Quinn | 57kg | $151.00 |
| 10 | Cape Crusader | 18 | Anthony Allen | Tony & Maddysen Sears | 54kg | ||
| Scr | 14 | Itza Charmdeel | 15 | Scott Sheargold | Ms M Brosnan | 54kg | |
| Scr | 15 | Drialle | 4 | Amelia Heinrich | Renita Beaton | 51kg | |
| Scr | 16 | Dark Chill | 1 | Donna Grisedale | 54kg | ||
| Scr | 17 | Royal Charge | 2 | Ms N Hemmings | 54kg | ||
| Scr | 18 | Got Yourself A Gun | 16 | Phil Bobic | 54kg |
His soft track win is a positive given the forecast, and he should get an ideal run from barrier 2. While his recent form has tapered off and he's untested at 1400m, the class relief could see him bounce back strongly.
Inquisitor brings the strongest recent form, winning over this track and distance just 7 days ago. His excellent record at 1400m (5: 2-1-0) is compelling, and he's dropping slightly in class. While his soft track record is a concern, his tactical versatility and proven ability to handle this circuit make him the standout selection despite the weight.
While her soft track record is a concern, her tactical speed from barrier 3 should allow her to find a good position.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 7 | The Pool Boy | 2 | Brandon Lerena | Tony & Maddysen Sears | 55.5kg | $3.20 |
| 2nd | 8 | Valouri | 10 | Andrew Mallyon | M J Dunn | 55kg | $4.20 |
| 3rd | 2 | The Torque Xpress | 4 | Jett Newman | M J Dunn | 56.5kg | $2.20 |
| 4th | 10 | Thunderous | 1 | Damien Thornton | Marcus Wilson | 55kg | $8.00 |
| 5th | 11 | Alabama Girl | 8 | Shane Everson | 55kg | $61.00 | |
| 6th | 4 | Oval Office | 7 | Luke Rolls | J A Gilmore | 56kg | $21.00 |
| Scr | 1 | The Gambling Greek | 5 | Tony & Maddysen Sears | 63kg | ||
| Scr | 3 | Inquisitor | 5 | R H Dart | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 5 | Vacillation | 9 | Scott Sheargold | Ms M Brosnan | 56kg | |
| Scr | 6 | Blakemore Avenue | 3 | Daniel Moor | J W Healy | 55.5kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Rare Moon | 6 | Karl Zechner | Corey & Kylie Geran | 55kg | |
| Scr | 12 | Prometio Mas | 3 | Ruby Chatterton | 55kg |
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