Punt like a Pro, without the know!
Western Australia · Saturday 17 January 2026
Our top pick won 3 of 7 races at Esperance. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
top pick wonanother tip wonno tip won
Guard The Mullah brings the strongest form references, dropping significantly in class from metropolitan racing. First-up from a spell but should get a perfect run from barrier 8 in a race with very fast predicted tempo. The class drop is the decisive factor.
Vervain brings solid form with 2 placings from 3 starts and gets the services of Lisa Staples who has a strong record with this horse. The addition of blinkers first time could be the catalyst for improvement, and his consistent form in similar company suggests he'll be competitive. First-up from a spell but has shown ability to perform fresh.
I Had A Dream brings the strongest track credentials with 7 placings from 10 starts at Esperance. The inside draw is perfect for his running style, though he'll need to overcome his tendency to find one better. Consistent placegetter who should be in the finish again.
Pancho's Place represents value as a lightly-raced 3YO showing clear improvement with each run. His form line of 3-5-4 indicates he's on an upward trajectory, and the low weight of 53.5kg is a significant advantage. The predicted very fast tempo should suit his running style, allowing him to finish strongly.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Guard The Mullah | 8 | Kyra Yuill | Josh Brown | 56.5kg | $3.90 |
| 2nd | 2 | God's Wrath | 9 | Brayden Gaerth | Ms H Harding | 58kg | $41.00 |
| 3rd | 7 | Pancho's Place | 10 | Jefferson Tsang | Ms H Harding | 53.5kg | $9.00 |
| 4th | 1 | I Had A Dream | 1 | Natika Riordan | R F Brown | 56kg | $4.20 |
| 5th | 5 | Three Ay Em | 3 | Madi Derrick | Jamie Morgan | 58kg | $7.50 |
| 6th | 9 | Glimmerinthedust | 4 | Chris Nicoll | Colin Haddon | 56.5kg | $41.00 |
| 7th | 10 | Queen Of Chaos | 5 | Ava Catarino | P D Tapper | 54kg | $26.00 |
| 8th | 3 | Vervain | 7 | Lisa Staples | Carey Martin | 58kg | $3.00 |
| 9th | 8 | Social Aspect | 6 | Wayne Wheatley | Ms H Harding | 56.5kg | $21.00 |
| 10th | 11 | Nutbush City | 2 | Bailey Webster | Carey Martin | 53kg | $41.00 |
| 11th | 4 | Our Desperado | 11 | Rocky Cheung | Ms H Harding | 56kg | $61.00 |
Golden Opera brings the strongest form credentials, dropping significantly from metropolitan racing to a country maiden. While she disappointed last start, her second-up record is excellent and the class drop is substantial. Clearly the one to beat.
Secret Intent returns from a spell with a solid first-up record (3:0-1-1) and consistent placing ability (6 placings from 12 starts). She's dropping in class from metropolitan maidens and has shown ability on good tracks.
Desert Madame returns from a spell with the benefit of a significant class drop. While her first-up record isn't inspiring, her second-up performances suggest she has ability. The class relief makes her a genuine chance in this field.
Carrying just 53kg and with a jockey in good form, she's well-positioned to improve. The long straight at Esperance should suit her finishing style, making her an excellent value proposition.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 11 | Golden Opera | 7 | Chloe Azzopardi | Campbell McCallum | 54.5kg | $3.20 |
| 2nd | 5 | Written Sin | 2 | Rosie Mahony | P D Tapper | 56kg | $10.00 |
| 3rd | 6 | Desert Madame | 10 | Chris Nicoll | Melda Daniels | 56kg | $12.00 |
| 4th | 10 | Arctic Fox | 6 | Elisha Whittington | Joanna Offen | 56kg | $10.00 |
| 5th | 1 | Import | 5 | Wayne Wheatley | Nicholas Thomas | 56.5kg | $10.00 |
| 6th | 12 | Pure Hearted | 12 | Lisa Staples | R F Brown | 54.5kg | $14.00 |
| 7th | 7 | One Ginger Fox | 15 | Jefferson Tsang | Ms H Harding | 53kg | $31.00 |
| 8th | 9 | Midsummer Romance | 11 | Kyra Yuill | R F Brown | 56kg | $10.00 |
| 9th | 2 | Secret Intent | 9 | Rocky Cheung | Ms H Harding | 54kg | $7.50 |
| 10th | 3 | Inkaantoon | 8 | Bailey Webster | P D Tapper | 53kg | $15.00 |
| 11th | 8 | Throw Me A Kiss | 14 | Ava Catarino | P D Tapper | 54kg | $41.00 |
| 12th | 4 | Shine And Burn | 1 | Madi Derrick | Ms H Harding | 56kg | $9.50 |
| Scr | 13 | Snow Gem | 3 | Rebecca Eeles | 58kg | ||
| Scr | 14 | Cobar Sky | 4 | Ms H Harding | 58kg | ||
| Scr | 15 | Iff You're Ready | 13 | Joanna Offen | 56kg |
Her racing pattern suits the likely fast tempo, where she can settle midfield and finish strongly. Though rising in class, her recent performances suggest she's ready to handle the step up, and her second-up record (5: 0-1-1) adds confidence.
The drop in class is significant and should offset the top weight. His track record is encouraging, and while he hasn't won at this distance, he has placed. The likely fast tempo should suit his racing pattern, allowing him to settle forward and use his proven finishing strength.
The 57kg weight is favorable, and her good track record (5: 1-1-1) suits today's conditions. While rising in class is a concern, her upside potential and racing pattern make her a genuine contender.
The lightweight (54kg) is a significant advantage, and his second-up record (4: 1-0-0) suggests improvement. While barrier 13 is a concern, the long run to the first turn at Esperance should mitigate this disadvantage.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Meat Pie Artie | 8 | Chris Nicoll | Troy Mahood | 60kg | $3.90 |
| 2nd | 4 | Favaios | 3 | Brayden Gaerth | Ms H Harding | 58.5kg | $17.00 |
| 3rd | 6 | Harlequin Prancer | 9 | Chloe Azzopardi | Campbell McCallum | 57.5kg | $3.30 |
| 4th | 8 | Dainty Rose | 7 | Kyra Yuill | R F Brown | 57kg | $12.00 |
| 5th | 3 | Biondo | 2 | Wayne Wheatley | Campbell McCallum | 58.5kg | $9.00 |
| 6th | 5 | Rum 'n' Ginger | 12 | Elisha Whittington | Joanna Offen | 58kg | $15.00 |
| 7th | 2 | Stepchild | 11 | Lisa Staples | Brett Drury | 59kg | $12.00 |
| 8th | 11 | Mistress Of Excess | 10 | Ava Catarino | Brett Drury | 53.5kg | $26.00 |
| 9th | 9 | Vain Universe | 14 | Rocky Cheung | P D Tapper | 55kg | $26.00 |
| 10th | 7 | Couldabeenahandbag | 1 | Rosie Mahony | P D Tapper | 57kg | $21.00 |
| 11th | 12 | Ruling Dame | 6 | Natika Riordan | P D Tapper | 53kg | $7.00 |
| 12th | 10 | Brulante | 5 | Bailey Webster | P D Tapper | 53.5kg | $61.00 |
| Scr | 13 | Charcoal Chaos | 16 | Joanna Offen | 54kg | ||
| Scr | 14 | Blitzem Babe | 15 | Robert Payton | 54kg | ||
| Scr | 15 | Safe Rappa | 4 | Ms H Harding | 54.5kg | ||
| Scr | 16 | Shinboner | 13 | Colin Haddon | 54kg |
Wife Says Yes brings strong form credentials dropping back in class after a solid 6th last start. Her previous run was an excellent 2nd, beaten less than a length over this distance. Has placed in 2 of 3 starts at this track and should appreciate the long straight at Esperance.
While facing a significant class rise, his consistent form suggests he's ready to handle the step up. Jockey Ava Catarino has a strong 25% strike rate with trainer David Page. Should settle on pace from barrier 6 and has shown he can handle the track conditions. The moderate-fast tempo should suit his running style.
Kirrily comes in as a last-start maiden winner stepping up significantly in class. Has a strong record at this track (4: 1-0-1) and maintains the services of Lisa Staples who rode her to victory last start. The improving form trend is encouraging, though the class rise presents a challenge.
She brings consistent recent form including a solid 5th last start. The significant weight advantage (53kg) is crucial over 2000m, and she's drawn the inside barrier which should allow her to save ground throughout. Jockey Natika Riordan has a strong 25% strike rate at this track.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Titan Rising | 6 | Ava Catarino | David Page | 57.5kg | $3.20 |
| 2nd | 8 | Wife Says Yes | 9 | Chloe Azzopardi | Campbell McCallum | 56kg | $2.50 |
| 3rd | 5 | Kirrily | 7 | Lisa Staples | Carey Martin | 58kg | $18.00 |
| 4th | 3 | Reign In The Cash | 10 | Wayne Wheatley | David Page | 59kg | $10.00 |
| 5th | 9 | Hughbert | 4 | Jefferson Tsang | Ms H Harding | 52.5kg | $16.00 |
| 6th | 11 | Moriah | 1 | Natika Riordan | Brett Drury | 53kg | $7.00 |
| 7th | 7 | She'satrooper | 8 | Madi Derrick | Carey Martin | 56kg | $31.00 |
| 8th | 10 | Always Awesome | 3 | Elisha Whittington | Joanna Offen | 55kg | $71.00 |
| 9th | 1 | Hobelar | 5 | Tiana Murray | Campbell McCallum | 56kg | $16.00 |
| 10th | 6 | Jet Planes | 11 | Rocky Cheung | P D Tapper | 55kg | $61.00 |
| 11th | 4 | Alotta Fighting | 2 | Rosie Mahony | P D Tapper | 58kg | $26.00 |
Progressive gelding showing excellent form with consecutive wins including last start over this distance. Has a perfect record at Esperance and boasts a strong jockey/trainer combination with Wheatley (21% at track).
Madi Derrick has a great record on this horse (2 wins from 9 rides) and the mare has performed consistently at this track. While untested at the mile, her strong finishing burst and the likely fast tempo should suit her racing pattern. The class rise is offset by her current form trajectory.
Gelding with excellent credentials coming off a last-start win over this track and distance. Boasts an impressive record at Esperance (2 wins from 3 starts) and has proven ability at the mile (1-2-1 from 5 starts).
The inside draw, light weight, and likely fast tempo should suit her racing pattern.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Zadows Landing | 8 | Wayne Wheatley | David Page | 58kg | $2.50 |
| 2nd | 5 | Razmas | 10 | Chris Nicoll | Campbell McCallum | 58kg | $8.50 |
| 3rd | 7 | Secricity | 11 | Madi Derrick | Carey Martin | 57.5kg | $5.50 |
| 4th | 9 | Small Town Ruby | 1 | Elisha Whittington | Joanna Offen | 55.5kg | $9.00 |
| 5th | 11 | Heavenbent | 2 | Ava Catarino | David Page | 53kg | $11.00 |
| 6th | 4 | More Likely | 12 | Rosie Mahony | T D Tasker | 58kg | $9.00 |
| 7th | 12 | Lacie Ace | 7 | Jefferson Tsang | Ms H Harding | 52kg | $15.00 |
| 8th | 8 | Dublin Red | 3 | Rocky Cheung | P D Tapper | 55kg | $41.00 |
| 9th | 3 | Snipperando | 6 | Brayden Gaerth | Ms H Harding | 58.5kg | $21.00 |
| 10th | 10 | Everlasting Spirit | 9 | Natika Riordan | Ms H Harding | 53kg | $26.00 |
| 11th | 2 | Passion For War | 13 | Chloe Azzopardi | Rebecca Eeles | 59.5kg | $201.00 |
| 12th | 13 | Oakwood | 5 | Bailey Webster | Robert Payton | 52kg | $201.00 |
| 13th | 1 | West Coast Warrior | 4 | Lisa Staples | G J Burger | 60kg | $19.00 |
Has proven ability at Esperance (1 win from 4 starts) and should get an ideal midfield position from barrier 13. The 1200m suits (1 win, 2 placings from 8 starts) and his second-up record is excellent (2 wins from 4 attempts). Clearly the horse to beat.
Tropical Sun brings strong recent form with a last-start second at this track and distance. While her win strike rate is modest (9%), she's a consistent placegetter (27%) who should get every chance from the inside gate. The slight class drop helps and she's well weighted at 54kg.
Diego Dynamite brings solid recent form with three placings from his last four starts. While yet to win at Esperance, he has placed twice from four attempts and performs well at this distance (2 wins, 1 placing from 12 starts). The class rise is a concern, but his lightweight and improving pattern offset this.
While his recent form appears moderate, he ran third two starts back and should appreciate the likely fast tempo. His first-up record (2 wins from 7 starts) suggests he can run well fresh, making him an appealing longshot.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | Midnight Rush | 4 | Ava Catarino | David Page | 54.5kg | $4.60 |
| 2nd | 9 | Tropical Sun | 1 | Rocky Cheung | Ms H Harding | 54kg | $16.00 |
| 3rd | 10 | Buster's Girl | 2 | Chloe Azzopardi | Campbell McCallum | 55kg | $4.40 |
| 4th | 4 | Oregon Hiker | 13 | Natika Riordan | Colin Haddon | 58.5kg | $4.80 |
| 5th | 7 | Mountain Ash | 3 | Rosie Mahony | P D Tapper | 58.5kg | $26.00 |
| 6th | 12 | Northern Ivy | 10 | Bailey Webster | P D Tapper | 52kg | $31.00 |
| 7th | 2 | Paddy's Flyin' | 7 | Tiana Murray | Ms F Scott | 57kg | $15.00 |
| 8th | 5 | Rupert's Empire | 9 | Jefferson Tsang | Ms H Harding | 57.5kg | $18.00 |
| 9th | 6 | Elite Fighter | 8 | Kyra Yuill | Josh Brown | 59.5kg | $12.00 |
| 10th | 11 | Diego Dynamite | 11 | Madi Derrick | Carey Martin | 55kg | $6.00 |
| 11th | 13 | Jericho's Echo | 12 | Elisha Whittington | Joanna Offen | 54kg | $51.00 |
| 12th | 3 | Niccolite | 6 | Wayne Wheatley | Brett Drury | 60.5kg | $31.00 |
| 13th | 1 | Bellini Miss | 5 | Brayden Gaerth | Ms H Harding | 62.5kg | $31.00 |
Her track record is impressive with 3 wins from 6 starts at Esperance, including a win at this distance. The mare has shown consistent improvement and gets in with just 54kg. Ava Catarino is riding well with 3 wins from her last 20 rides and has a strong 22% strike rate at this track.
Dothraki brings strong recent form including a win two starts back and an excellent second in this class last start. He has a proven record at Esperance with 2 wins from 5 starts and performs well at this distance. Bailey Webster is riding in good form with 3 wins from his last 20 rides. The gelding's versatile running style should allow him to adapt to the expected fast tempo.
However, he's first up from a spell (0-0-4 record when fresh) and is rising significantly in class with no experience at this track. Jefferson Tsang is struggling for winners recently but has a 6% strike rate at this track.
He's now second-up where he has a win previously, and draws perfectly in barrier 1. Wayne Wheatley is riding in excellent form with 4 wins from his last 20 rides and a strong 21% strike rate at this track. The significant class rise is the main concern.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 10 | Dothraki | 8 | Bailey Webster | David Page | 52.5kg | $3.80 |
| 2nd | 13 | Mr Talentino | 5 | Chloe Azzopardi | Campbell McCallum | 54kg | $12.00 |
| 3rd | 8 | Dadirra | 10 | Ava Catarino | Carey Martin | 54kg | $3.50 |
| 4th | 12 | Magic Will Reign | 4 | Madi Derrick | T D Tasker | 54kg | $91.00 |
| 5th | 5 | The Jester's Son | 7 | Jefferson Tsang | Ms H Harding | 54.5kg | $3.60 |
| 5th | 6 | Vevinsky | 3 | Natika Riordan | Ms F Scott | 55kg | $21.00 |
| 7th | 3 | Celebrity Prince | 1 | Wayne Wheatley | Ms H Harding | 59kg | $41.00 |
| 8th | 2 | Uncompromised | 9 | Brayden Gaerth | Ms H Harding | 60kg | $31.00 |
| 9th | 11 | Kallaroo | 2 | Lisa Staples | R F Brown | 54kg | $21.00 |
| 10th | 4 | I Am Spartacus | 11 | Elisha Whittington | Joanna Offen | 58kg | $41.00 |
| 11th | 7 | Crunchy Nut | 13 | Rocky Cheung | Ms H Harding | 54.5kg | $15.00 |
| 12th | 1 | Zadar Rock | 12 | Chris Nicoll | Michelle Hagley | 61kg | $51.00 |
| 13th | 9 | Debonnaire | 14 | Tiana Murray | Ms F Scott | 51.5kg | $21.00 |
| 14th | 14 | Talk Softly | 6 | Rosie Mahony | Robert Payton | 54kg | $81.00 |
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.
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