Punt like a Pro, without the know!
Queensland · Friday 16 January 2026
Our top pick won 3 of 9 races at Townsville. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
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Despite the lack of form data, Gone Country has several positives including a favorable barrier draw for Townsville's 1000m chute, a successful trainer-jockey combination (22% win rate), and a jockey in excellent recent form (25% strike rate). The inside barrier advantage at this track and distance is significant, particularly with the expected fast tempo.
Scarlena brings proven soft track form with a placing from one start on similar going. The Holt/Holt trainer-jockey combination has a solid 19% strike rate, and Aidan Holt performs well at this track (13%). Barrier 6 is less ideal for Townsville's 1000m.
Tambo's Sister's primary advantage is the prime barrier 1 draw, which is particularly valuable at Townsville's 1000m start with its downhill run. Jockey Jackson Murphy has a reasonable record at this track (10% strike rate). The inside barrier bias at Townsville gives this runner a significant positional advantage, especially with the expected fast tempo.
First-up from a spell with a gear change (bubble cheeker off), she could show improvement. Barrier 5 gives options at Townsville's 1000m start.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Gone Country | 4 | Adam Sewell | Georgie Holt | 59kg | $2.60 |
| 2nd | 2 | Scarlena | 6 | Aidan Holt | Georgie Holt | 59kg | $1.95 |
| 3rd | 5 | Tiger Rocket | 2 | Lacey Morrison | Jade Doolan | 58kg | $20.00 |
| 4th | 4 | Mersey Lass | 5 | Wanderson D'Avila | William Kenning | 58.5kg | $9.00 |
| 5th | 6 | Anders Kiss | 3 | Ashvin Goindasamy | Lachie Manzelmann | 57.5kg | $8.50 |
| Scr | 3 | Tambo's Sister | 1 | Jackson Murphy | Georgie Holt | 59kg |
Our Turn Now brings the strongest credentials with an excellent track/distance record of 3: 2-1-0. Has proven soft track ability (10: 1-5-0) and should get an ideal midfield position from barrier 4. The slight class rise is offset by his strong Townsville form.
Release Le Missile comes off a last-start win at this track and distance in similar conditions. His form is trending upward with a win and placing in his last two starts. Has a solid record on soft tracks (12: 3-1-4) and at this track/distance (3: 1-0-1). Ryan Wiggins knows the track well (18% win rate) and should position him handily from barrier 7.
Has been consistently placing with three seconds from his last five starts. Proven performer on soft tracks (16: 4-0-0) and the return of blinkers could sharpen him up. The inside barrier is advantageous, though the top weight (61kg) is a concern.
The advantageous barrier 3 should allow him to secure a good position, and his weight (55.5kg) is favorable.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 7 | Joe's Giggle | 6 | Jackson Murphy | Ms J Hassett | 54kg | $15.00 |
| 2nd | 4 | Our Turn Now | 4 | Ashley Butler | J T Wigginton | 60kg | $2.60 |
| 3rd | 6 | Prince Akeem | 3 | Ivo Fry | Graham R Hughes | 55.5kg | $7.50 |
| 4th | 2 | Moktaffy | 2 | Fiona Sandkuhl | Mark Cochrane | 59.5kg | $7.00 |
| 5th | 5 | Release Le Missile | 7 | Ryan Wiggins | D K Amos | 59kg | $2.80 |
| 6th | 1 | The Driller | 5 | Tilly McCarroll | Lachie Manzelmann | 59.5kg | $17.00 |
| 7th | 3 | Sir Rocket | 1 | Aidan Holt | Lachie Manzelmann | 61kg | $15.00 |
Smokin Reels showed significant ability on debut when finishing second at this track and distance. The son of Snitzel is drawn perfectly in barrier 3 to utilize his tactical speed in a race where the inside barriers are advantaged. With the likely fast tempo, his on-pace style should be suited, and Jackson Murphy (15% recent strike rate) takes the ride. The tongue tie goes on for the first time which may help him finish off stronger.
She's A Sweet Star comes into this second-up after an encouraging runner-up finish at Townsville over 1300m. The Star Turn filly has been remarkably consistent with 3 placings from 5 starts and has shown she can handle soft going. While the wide barrier is a concern, her strong finishing ability could be valuable if the anticipated fast tempo materializes. Her second-up record suggests further improvement, and she appears to be building toward a breakthrough win.
The Shamus Award gelding has drawn well in barrier 4 and retains the services of Ryan Wiggins who boasts a solid 18% strike rate at this track. While he's yet to break through from three starts, his recent form suggests he's ready to peak, though the 58.5kg impost is a concern in what shapes as a genuinely run race.
The Dissident mare has shown ability on soft tracks and boasts a strong fresh record with 2 placings from 4 first-up starts. While the wide barrier is a concern, the anticipated fast tempo should allow her to find cover and finish strongly. Sean Cormack (17% track strike rate) is a positive jockey booking, and the removal of blinkers may help her settle better in the early stages.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 11 | She's A Sweet Star | 11 | Ashvin Goindasamy | Terry McGovern | 55kg | $5.50 |
| 2nd | 1 | Niven | 4 | Ryan Wiggins | S Massingham | 58.5kg | $3.10 |
| 3rd | 8 | Rock On Angel | 5 | Fiona Sandkuhl | Georgie Holt | 54.5kg | $7.00 |
| 4th | 5 | Mr Sugar Daddy | 6 | Micheal Mc Donald | Gareth Smith | 57kg | $17.00 |
| 5th | 4 | Miss The Music | 2 | Lacey Morrison | T Button | 57kg | $17.00 |
| 6th | 9 | Volare | 10 | Graham Kliese | Troy Clive | 56.5kg | $31.00 |
| 7th | 3 | Take A Dive | 1 | Ivo Fry | J P Caught | 58.5kg | $101.00 |
| 8th | 7 | Middle Child | 9 | Sean Cormack | S J Royes | 56.5kg | $11.00 |
| 9th | 6 | Calamaris | 8 | Tasha Chambers | Troy Clive | 56.5kg | $151.00 |
| 10th | 2 | Smokin Reels | 3 | Jackson Murphy | R J Miller | 58.5kg | $3.10 |
| 11th | 10 | Confiserie | 7 | Wanderson D'Avila | D K Amos | 55kg | $151.00 |
The gelding is showing clear improvement with each run and gets the services of in-form jockey Aidan Holt (20% recent strike rate). Despite barrier 11, the fast tempo should allow him to find a position and finish strongly.
As a 3YO filly, she gets a significant weight advantage (55kg) and is clearly improving with each run.
March Madness brings excellent course experience with 4 placings from 16 starts at Townsville and a strong record at this distance (8: 0-3-1). Coming off a good 2nd placing at this track over 1400m, he drops back in distance and class which should suit.
She's improving with each run and gets in with just 56.5kg from a good barrier.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 10 | Wired For Fun | 6 | Ivo Fry | Ms L McCormack | 56.5kg | $6.50 |
| 2nd | 3 | March Madness | 9 | Wanderson D'Avila | Michael Geaney | 58.5kg | $6.50 |
| 3rd | 5 | Storm Capital | 11 | Aidan Holt | Georgie Holt | 58.5kg | $2.60 |
| 4th | 1 | Here's Mason | 7 | Ryan Wiggins | S Massingham | 58.5kg | $4.60 |
| 5th | 11 | Minnie Vegas | 5 | Lacey Morrison | Trevor & Peter Rowe | 55kg | $5.00 |
| 6th | 6 | The General Talks | 10 | Amanda Thomson | Bonnie Thomson | 58.5kg | $18.00 |
| 7th | 9 | Missin' De Quo | 4 | Nathan Thomas | Kayla Russell | 56.5kg | $151.00 |
| 8th | 8 | Miss Comaneci | 3 | Adam Sewell | Lachie Manzelmann | 56.5kg | $21.00 |
| 9th | 12 | Van Der Woodsen | 2 | Rachel Shred | Troy Clive | 55kg | $101.00 |
| 10th | 7 | Just For Love | 1 | Tasha Chambers | Terry McGovern | 56.5kg | $101.00 |
| Scr | 2 | Kadiatcha Man | 11 | J P Caught | 58.5kg | ||
| Scr | 4 | Shadyvale Al | 8 | Jason Babarovich | Melissa Bieri | 58.5kg |
Gets in with just 53.5kg, has proven soft track credentials (1-1-3 from 8 starts), and is dropping back in class. The step up to the mile is the query, but her racing pattern suggests she'll handle it.
Four-year-old gelding dropping significantly in class after a close third in Class 3 company just 8 days ago. Ashley Butler knows the horse and the track well. The wide barrier is offset by his tactical versatility and proven ability to handle soft tracks.
Six-year-old gelding with outstanding credentials at this track and distance (4-2-1 from 8 starts). Drops significantly in class and has strong soft track form (4-4-2 from 20 starts). The wide barrier and topweight are negatives, but Ryan Wiggins is a positive jockey booking. Recent form is solid with a close 3rd last start over this course carrying 60.5kg.
Gets in with just 54.5kg and has a favorable barrier (5). The step up to the mile is a query but his racing pattern suggests he'll handle it.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 14 | Chance | 5 | Wanderson D'Avila | D K Amos | 54.5kg | $8.50 |
| 2nd | 7 | Belmont Park | 6 | Sean Cormack | Terry McGovern | 59kg | $9.00 |
| 3rd | 4 | It's Been A Trek | 15 | Adam Sewell | Ms J Ryan | 60kg | $9.00 |
| 4th | 1 | Mooloolaba | 14 | Ryan Wiggins | Georgie Holt | 63kg | $5.00 |
| 5th | 11 | Not Worth It | 2 | Jackson Murphy | J P Caught | 56kg | $26.00 |
| 6th | 12 | Khamis | 10 | Tasha Chambers | Troy Clive | 55.5kg | $31.00 |
| 7th | 13 | Valubious | 9 | Fiona Sandkuhl | Georgie Holt | 53.5kg | $6.00 |
| 8th | 10 | Mishani Perfection | 7 | Nathan Thomas | Kayla Russell | 56.5kg | $81.00 |
| 9th | 3 | Tosinsky | 8 | Chris Whiteley | Stephen Bush | 61kg | $21.00 |
| 10th | 6 | Southaven | 11 | Ashley Butler | J T Wigginton | 59.5kg | $5.00 |
| 11th | 9 | Brand New | 1 | Lacey Morrison | Trevor & Peter Rowe | 57.5kg | $11.00 |
| 12th | 2 | Better Breakout | 12 | Aidan Holt | Ms J Hassett | 61kg | $9.50 |
| 13th | 8 | Napa Valley | 13 | Graham Kliese | Stephen Bush | 59kg | $151.00 |
| Scr | 5 | Ultimate | 7 | Georgie Holt | 60kg | ||
| Scr | 15 | Star Chance | 3 | Ashvin Goindasamy | Lachie Manzelmann | 54kg | |
| Scr | 16 | Take A Dive | 4 | J P Caught | 54kg |
Russian Summer brings solid recent form including a close 2nd last start over 1250m. He has a strong record at this distance (8: 2-3-0) and has proven versatile across different tracks. The jockey has had success on this horse previously (1 win from 4 rides), and the barrier draw is favorable. While he has limited experience at Townsville, his adaptability suggests he should handle the track well.
Khumbila brings strong metropolitan form to this provincial race, having competed successfully in higher grade races. The wide barrier is a significant concern, but his class and ability to settle midfield should help overcome this disadvantage. His experience in stronger company is a major plus.
His track record at Townsville is excellent (5: 1-2-2) and he performs well second-up (4: 1-1-0). The inside barrier is ideal for this track, and his consistent form including a close 3rd last start suggests he's ready to fire. The weight is a concern but his class should overcome it.
He's dropping significantly in class from Open company races and showed good form with a close 3rd last start. The wide barrier is a concern, but the class drop should more than compensate.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 9 | Russian Summer | 4 | Lacey Morrison | S J Royes | 57kg | $3.80 |
| 2nd | 10 | Melo Melo Kava | 7 | Adam Sewell | Tracy Simmons | 56kg | $7.50 |
| 3rd | 6 | Major Look | 8 | Jackson Murphy | Jennifer Hatfield | 58.5kg | $12.00 |
| 4th | 13 | Sheza Chiquitita | 10 | Nathan Thomas | Trevor & Peter Rowe | 54kg | $13.00 |
| 5th | 14 | Super Twenty Three | 12 | Ryan Wiggins | S Massingham | 56kg | $7.50 |
| 6th | 3 | Trapeze Pleasure | 14 | Amanda Thomson | Ms S Royes | 59.5kg | $61.00 |
| 7th | 15 | Brave Intent | 15 | Ivo Fry | Ms J Ryan | 54kg | $17.00 |
| 8th | 8 | Big Demeanor | 6 | Ashvin Goindasamy | T Button | 57kg | $10.00 |
| 9th | 17 | Craicaro | 3 | Tasha Chambers | Peter Cullen | 54kg | $91.00 |
| 10th | 4 | Khumbila | 16 | Sean Cormack | William Kenning | 59kg | $5.00 |
| 11th | 12 | Hot Torque Invegas | 5 | Fiona Sandkuhl | Lachie Manzelmann | 53kg | $15.00 |
| 12th | 5 | Tymon | 13 | Chris Whiteley | Matthew McGuire | 59kg | $21.00 |
| 13th | 7 | Flashbang | 2 | Wanderson D'Avila | D K Amos | 58kg | $20.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Nolan | 1 | Ashley Butler | S J Royes | 62.5kg | |
| Scr | 2 | Chartwell | 9 | Aidan Holt | Rhein Sewell | 62kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Kobayastar | 14 | Matthew McGuire | 55.5kg | ||
| Scr | 16 | Hell Of A Bentley | 11 | Leslie Gordy | 54kg |
Tambo's Justice brings the strongest credentials with a perfect second-up record and exceptional track statistics (6 wins from 10 starts). His soft track form is excellent (3 wins from 4 starts) and he's proven at this track/distance combination (3 wins from 4 attempts).
His track record is excellent with 4 wins from 6 starts at Townsville and 3 wins from 4 attempts at this track/distance. Has proven soft track ability with 4 wins from 10 starts on soft going. Ivo Fry maintains the ride with a strong record on this horse (3 wins from 5 rides).
Sweet Kisses brings strong recent form with a win and second from her last two starts. Her soft track record is excellent with 6 wins from 12 starts, and she has a strong record at this track and distance (4 wins from 6 starts). The 54kg weight is advantageous, though the class rise presents a challenge.
His recent form has been consistent with a win, 4th and 2nd from his last three starts. Ryan Wiggins has a strong record on this horse with 2 wins from 4 rides. While his soft track record is somewhat inconsistent, he has shown ability in these conditions. The class rise is a concern, but his recent performances suggest he's in career-best form.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Northern Pride | 8 | Aidan Holt | T Button | 63.5kg | $10.00 |
| 2nd | 6 | Tambo's Justice | 5 | Jackson Murphy | Georgie Holt | 55kg | $2.50 |
| 3rd | 5 | Tycoon Beau | 4 | Ryan Wiggins | S Massingham | 56kg | $9.50 |
| 4th | 10 | From This Moment | 1 | Wanderson D'Avila | Michael Geaney | 54kg | $17.00 |
| 5th | 7 | Burraneer Buoy | 9 | Ivo Fry | Graham R Hughes | 54kg | $4.60 |
| 6th | 4 | Sweet Kisses | 3 | Fiona Sandkuhl | Georgie Holt | 54kg | $4.80 |
| 7th | 3 | Ella Te Ama | 7 | Chris Meehan | Trevor & Peter Rowe | 56kg | $31.00 |
| 8th | 11 | Reggie's Boy | 2 | Ashvin Goindasamy | Leslie Gordy | 54kg | $91.00 |
| 9th | 8 | King's Halo | 10 | Sean Cormack | S Massingham | 54kg | $13.00 |
| 10th | 2 | Hopeful | 6 | Lacey Morrison | Graham R Hughes | 63kg | $101.00 |
| Scr | 9 | Moktaffy | 10 | Mark Cochrane | 54kg |
With a strong Townsville record (16:3-2-5) and excellent soft track form (10:3-2-2), she's well-placed dropping significantly in class. The barrier is workable and Chris Whiteley (25% strike rate at track) is a positive jockey booking.
His recent form is strong with a win and second placing in his last two starts. Sean Cormack (17% strike rate at track) is a positive booking. The main concerns are his soft track record (no wins from 14 attempts) and the 61kg impost.
Impressionism brings strong credentials first-up from a spell with an excellent fresh record (3:1-0-0). Aidan Holt maintains the ride after winning on him last start. The main concerns are his first appearance at Townsville and limited experience at 1400m. Despite the class rise, his raw ability and first-up prowess make him a genuine chance.
His record at Townsville is solid (10:1-1-2) and he's proven on soft tracks (5:1-0-2). The favorable barrier 5 should allow him to settle midfield in a race with good tempo.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Keep On Running | 9 | Sean Cormack | Terry McGovern | 61kg | $2.90 |
| 2nd | 5 | Buffet Buster | 12 | Amanda Thomson | A R Bailey | 60kg | $11.00 |
| 3rd | 13 | Kobayastar | 8 | Chris Whiteley | Matthew McGuire | 56.5kg | $5.00 |
| 4th | 2 | Impressionism | 1 | Aidan Holt | William Kenning | 61kg | $8.50 |
| 5th | 6 | Whirlwind | 11 | Fiona Sandkuhl | Matthew McGuire | 57kg | $8.00 |
| 6th | 7 | Cluedo | 4 | Chris Meehan | Trevor & Peter Rowe | 58.5kg | $20.00 |
| 7th | 14 | Winning Saga | 3 | Graham Kliese | Belynda Kliese | 56.5kg | $61.00 |
| 8th | 12 | La Mano | 7 | Ivo Fry | Ms J Ryan | 57kg | $9.50 |
| 9th | 11 | Chaparral Chase | 6 | Jackson Murphy | Joshua Manzelmann | 57.5kg | $31.00 |
| 10th | 15 | Ultimate | 5 | Tasha Chambers | Georgie Holt | 56.5kg | $8.00 |
| 11th | 4 | Room For Squares | 10 | Jason Babarovich | Jason Babarovich | 60.5kg | $41.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Brasco | 2 | Tilly McCarroll | Lachie Manzelmann | 58kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Big Demeanor | 13 | T Button | 58kg | ||
| Scr | 9 | Joe's Giggle | 16 | Ms J Hassett | 58kg | ||
| Scr | 10 | Better Breakout | 8 | Ms J Hassett | 57.5kg | ||
| Scr | 16 | Southaven | 12 | J T Wigginton | 56kg | ||
| Scr | 17 | Not Worth It | 6 | J P Caught | 54kg |
Four-year-old mare with excellent credentials at this track and distance (3-1-2 from 10 starts). Has won 5 from 27 overall with strong soft track form. Second-up today with a proven pattern of improvement and drops back from stronger company. Barrier 11 is the main concern but has the class to overcome it.
Five-year-old gelding showing progressive form with a last-start win at this track over 1000m. Has won 2 from 12 overall with a solid record at this track and distance (1-0-1 from 3 starts). Drawn perfectly in barrier 2 which should give tactical options. Proven on soft ground and has the in-form Aidan Holt aboard who won on this horse last time they combined. The 34-day freshen-up is the main query.
Four-year-old gelding dropping significantly in class after a solid 3rd placing just 10 days ago. Has excellent soft track credentials (1-1-2 from 7 starts) and consistent recent form. The wide barrier is concerning but has shown tactical versatility previously. Chris Whiteley takes the ride with a strong 25% strike rate at this track.
Has been racing consistently with a 4th placing last start at this track over this distance. Drawn perfectly in barrier 1 which should give every chance. While only winning 2 from 24 overall, has placed 6 times including 2 placings from 10 starts on soft tracks.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Time To Prophet | 11 | Fiona Sandkuhl | Georgie Holt | 60kg | $4.60 |
| 2nd | 10 | Hell Of A Bentley | 18 | Chris Whiteley | Leslie Gordy | 58kg | $4.60 |
| 3rd | 1 | Ilzoomya | 9 | Micheal Mc Donald | Ms S Royes | 63.5kg | $26.00 |
| 4th | 6 | Threebrothers | 19 | Rachel Shred | A R Bailey | 59kg | $26.00 |
| 5th | 9 | Bubbles'n'froth | 6 | Adam Sewell | William Kenning | 58kg | $8.50 |
| 6th | 12 | Power Puff | 16 | Amanda Thomson | A R Bailey | 58kg | $31.00 |
| 7th | 4 | Coppabella Road | 2 | Aidan Holt | S J Royes | 59.5kg | $3.40 |
| 8th | 5 | Substance | 17 | Lacey Morrison | Bodine Bailey | 59kg | $18.00 |
| 9th | 7 | Rare And Reliable | 5 | Chris Meehan | Trevor & Peter Rowe | 58.5kg | $41.00 |
| 10th | 11 | Mr Damage | 13 | Tasha Chambers | Troy Clive | 58kg | $51.00 |
| 11th | 2 | Kahaylaan | 10 | Jackson Murphy | Joshua Manzelmann | 62kg | $41.00 |
| 12th | 13 | Pontius | 4 | Ryan Wiggins | S J Royes | 57.5kg | $7.00 |
| 13th | 8 | Savvy Thinker | 7 | Jason Babarovich | G W Dickson | 58.5kg | $151.00 |
| Scr | 14 | Stateswoman | 12 | Nathan Thomas | Kayla Russell | 55.5kg | |
| Scr | 15 | Spineless | 14 | Ivo Fry | Stephen Bush | 55.5kg | |
| Scr | 16 | Theregos | 1 | Graham Kliese | Belynda Kliese | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 17 | Gold Sluice | 8 | Ashvin Goindasamy | Graham R Hughes | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 18 | Egzakly | 3 | Kayla Russell | 54.5kg | ||
| Scr | 19 | Vee Eight Power | 15 | Belynda Kliese | 54kg |
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