Punt like a Pro, without the know!
Tasmania · Sunday 18 January 2026
Our top pick won 2 of 8 races at Hobart. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
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Has placed in 2 of 5 starts and is dropping significantly in class. The fast tempo should suit her closing style, and Darmanin is a quality jockey who knows this track well. Barrier concerns are offset by her tactical versatility.
The light weight and favorable barrier draw (3) should allow her to settle midfield and finish strongly in a race likely to be run at a genuine tempo.
Has shown ability at this track and distance with a placing from two attempts. The significant class drop is a major positive, though the wide barrier is a concern. Sam Kennedy knows the horse well and should be able to position him to take advantage of the likely fast tempo.
The application of blinkers for the first time is a significant gear change that often produces dramatic improvement. From barrier 1, he should get an economical run, and the Byrne Burke/Miller combination has a strong 27% strike rate. While his debut was modest, many horses from this stable improve significantly with racing experience.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 13 | Magnolia Sky | 3 | Lauren Burke | J K Blacker | 52kg | $4.00 |
| 2nd | 3 | Alfarino | 1 | Erica Byrne Burke | Imogen Miller | 57kg | $12.00 |
| 3rd | 7 | Upheaval | 2 | David Pires | J K Blacker | 57kg | $21.00 |
| 4th | 11 | Geegees Mercedes | 13 | Anthony Darmanin | S Gandy | 55kg | $5.50 |
| 5th | 15 | Thermal Miss | 9 | Jabez Johnstone | Sarah Cotton | 52kg | $19.00 |
| 6th | 10 | Accusaient | 8 | Lauryn Bingley | J L Keys | 53kg | $20.00 |
| 7th | 4 | Lawrenny Boys | 12 | Sam Kennedy | J L Keys | 54kg | $3.50 |
| 8th | 1 | Cardiosphere | 7 | Kirra-Lee Lane | Sigrid Carr | 55.5kg | $16.00 |
| 9th | 8 | Miss Delphi | 14 | Lizzie Annells | J L Keys | 56.5kg | $201.00 |
| 10th | 14 | Stratovision | 5 | Shayleigh Ingelse | Bradley Franklin | 52kg | $31.00 |
| 11th | 2 | Outbush | 10 | Craig Newitt | J F Luttrell | 58.5kg | $8.50 |
| 12th | 5 | Silver Grange | 11 | Christopher Pang | Angela Brakey | 54kg | $31.00 |
| 13th | 17 | Sedna | 6 | T W Evans | 56.5kg | $71.00 | |
| 14th | 9 | Sunrise At Kirra | 15 | Kasi Boxall | Ms R Hall | 56.5kg | $31.00 |
| 15th | 16 | Zuvela | 4 | Chloe Wells | G J McCulloch | 55kg | $201.00 |
| Scr | 6 | Strato Ken | 7 | Ms L Gaffney | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 12 | Highland Crystal | 15 | Kasi Boxall | Ms R Hall | 55kg |
Progressive 3YO who has shown consistent improvement, finishing 2nd last start over 1400m at this track. Craig Newitt (40% recent strike rate) is a significant jockey booking. Should get a suitable pace setup with the likely fast tempo benefiting his running style.
Has recorded 4 third placings from 10 starts and appears ready for the step up to 1600m. Recent form is solid with a 3rd at Longford two starts back. Should appreciate the likely fast tempo and has proven ability on soft tracks.
Consistent 3YO gelding who has placed twice from four starts including a 3rd over the mile. The addition of winkers for the first time could sharpen him up, and Codi Jordan knows the horse well. Should be competitive in this grade.
The booking of in-form jockey Erica Byrne Burke (25% recent strike rate) is significant. The wide barrier is a concern but the likely fast tempo should help her run-on style.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Alpine Honey | 13 | Mehmet Ulucinar | J F Luttrell | 58.5kg | $20.00 |
| 2nd | 7 | Northern Child | 7 | Codi Jordan | S Gandy | 57kg | $7.00 |
| 3rd | 8 | Savage River | 10 | Craig Newitt | J L Keys | 57kg | $3.80 |
| 4th | 9 | Seditious Award | 5 | Chloe Wells | P H Luttrell | 54.5kg | $7.50 |
| 5th | 15 | Infringement | 11 | J L Keys | 58.5kg | $11.00 | |
| 6th | 10 | White Star Suzie | 12 | Troy Baker | Sigrid Carr | 56.5kg | $4.80 |
| 7th | 3 | Gold Tianna | 9 | David Pires | R Seymour | 58.5kg | $9.50 |
| 8th | 6 | Deeper Water | 2 | Anthony Darmanin | S Gandy | 57kg | $14.00 |
| 9th | 5 | No Surprises | 1 | Christopher Pang | Stephen Lockhart | 55.5kg | $61.00 |
| 10th | 16 | Miss Mabel | 4 | Lizzie Annells | Patrick Dargan | 55kg | $201.00 |
| 11th | 17 | Dad Said Yes | 8 | J K Blacker | 58.5kg | $101.00 | |
| 12th | 11 | Da Silver Flash | 14 | Erica Byrne Burke | S Gandy | 55kg | $8.50 |
| 13th | 2 | Dark Night | 3 | Lauryn Bingley | J K Blacker | 56.5kg | $91.00 |
| 14th | 13 | Littlemissallsorts | 16 | Jabez Johnstone | R Seymour | 52kg | $31.00 |
| Scr | 4 | Lord Hear Us | 15 | Bulent Muhcu | Jessie Bazan | 58.5kg | |
| Scr | 12 | Little El | 17 | Ms L Gaffney | 55kg | ||
| Scr | 14 | Miss Ess | 6 | Sam Kennedy | J L Keys | 52kg |
Coal River brings winning form into this race, having won last start at Devonport over 1350m. While stepping up to 1400m for the first time, his racing pattern suggests the distance will suit. The booking of Craig Newitt (40% recent strike rate) is significant. Should get a forward position from barrier 7.
The Trine has excellent credentials at this track (5: 1-1-1) and specifically at this track and distance (2: 1-0-0). His recent form includes a win over 1400m at Hobart in December followed by a solid 4th last start. The inside barrier is advantageous given the track bias, and he's proven on soft tracks (6: 2-0-2). The class rise is the main concern, but he's well-weighted and should get an ideal run from the inside gate.
Navarre River brings excellent credentials with a strong record at both track (7: 1-1-2) and distance (4: 1-1-1). His recent form is compelling with a close 2nd last start at Hobart over 1200m in similar conditions. The Byrne Burke/Miller combination boasts a strong 27% strike rate, and the horse has shown consistent form throughout his preparation. Well-suited by the likely fast tempo and should get an ideal midfield position.
Sam Kennedy is a positive jockey booking with a 12% strike rate for the stable. The mare should get an ideal midfield position from barrier 4 and will be suited by the likely fast tempo. Her soft track record (11: 2-3-1) adds further confidence.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | The Trine | 1 | S Gandy | 55kg | $4.20 | |
| 2nd | 2 | Coal River | 7 | Craig Newitt | Angela Brakey | 57kg | $2.70 |
| 3rd | 8 | Queen Of Malwa | 6 | Jabez Johnstone | J L Keys | 54kg | $3.40 |
| 4th | 4 | Steele My Sunshine | 3 | J F Luttrell | 55kg | $14.00 | |
| 5th | 7 | Global Awareness | 4 | Sam Kennedy | J L Keys | 54kg | $6.00 |
| 6th | 1 | Rubble 'n' Fudd | 8 | Lauren Burke | J K Blacker | 59kg | $15.00 |
| Scr | 3 | Navarre River | 5 | Erica Byrne Burke | Imogen Miller | 55kg | |
| Scr | 6 | Gazza's Spirit | 2 | J F Luttrell | 54kg |
Sanniya brings exceptional credentials with 4 wins from 5 starts and perfect second-up record (2 from 2). Her recent synthetic track win was dominant, and she's proven adaptable across conditions. Craig Newitt's 40% recent strike rate adds further confidence.
Press For Boom returns second-up after winning impressively first-up at this track and distance. Her perfect soft track record (5 from 5) is a major asset given conditions, and she's proven herself at Hobart with 4 wins from 6 starts.
Zany Girl returns from a spell with an impeccable Hobart record (4 from 4) and strong first-up statistics (2 from 2). Her Melbourne spring campaign provided valuable Group-level experience, though her form tapered off. Anthony Darmanin knows her well, and her strong soft track record (3 from 4) suits today's conditions. The fast tempo should allow her to finish strongly from back in the field.
Popilita represents excellent value after stringing together consecutive wins in lower grade. The wide barrier is a concern, but Jabez Johnstone (who won on her last start) should position her midfield where she can capitalize on the fast tempo.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Sanniya | 5 | Craig Newitt | Barry Campbell | 58kg | $1.28 |
| 2nd | 3 | Press For Boom | 3 | Erica Byrne Burke | J K Blacker | 58kg | $7.50 |
| 3rd | 6 | Zany Girl | 4 | Anthony Darmanin | S Gandy | 57kg | $4.80 |
| 4th | 4 | Zewinna | 1 | Lauren Burke | J K Blacker | 57.5kg | $91.00 |
| 5th | 5 | Popilita | 6 | Jabez Johnstone | G J McCulloch | 57.5kg | $21.00 |
| 6th | 2 | Perola | 2 | Bulent Muhcu | J K Blacker | 58kg | $41.00 |
The significant class drop to BM60 is key, having competed well in much stronger races. The wide draw is offset by his tactical versatility.
Tassie Power is an improving 4YO who finished a close 3rd last start in BM60 grade at Launceston over this distance. His record at Hobart (7: 0-0-4) shows consistency without breaking through for a win. The good barrier draw and in-form jockey Erica Byrne Burke (25% strike rate from last 20 rides) are positives.
Bayside brings solid recent form, finishing 3rd last start at Devonport over 1350m. While unproven at the mile, his racing pattern suggests he'll handle the step up in distance. The combination with Lauryn Bingley (30% strike rate from last 20 rides) is a significant positive, having won on this horse previously. The wide draw is a concern, but his midfield racing style should allow him to find cover in a race with likely fast tempo.
The main query is his modest win strike rate.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Tassie Power | 4 | Erica Byrne Burke | S Gandy | 58kg | $8.00 |
| 2nd | 9 | South Georgia | 1 | Christopher Pang | T W Evans | 53.5kg | $3.90 |
| 3rd | 10 | Valiant Khan | 3 | Chloe Wells | P H Luttrell | 53.5kg | $11.00 |
| 4th | 4 | Gingerson | 2 | Anthony Darmanin | J F Luttrell | 58.5kg | $7.00 |
| 5th | 5 | Montezulu | 5 | Lauren Burke | J K Blacker | 55kg | $5.00 |
| 6th | 1 | Rubbleonthedouble | 9 | Sam Kennedy | J L Keys | 59kg | $2.90 |
| 7th | 8 | Steel Mist | 6 | Lizzie Annells | J F Luttrell | 57.5kg | $41.00 |
| 8th | 11 | Miss Niagara | 8 | Codi Jordan | R Seymour | 54kg | $81.00 |
| 9th | 2 | Always A Winner | 7 | Kirra-Lee Lane | Yassy Nishitani | 58.5kg | $41.00 |
| Scr | 3 | Bayside | 10 | Lauryn Bingley | Barry Campbell | 58.5kg | |
| Scr | 7 | Blooming Edge | 3 | Ms L Gaffney | 57.5kg |
First-up from a spell but has won fresh previously. Gets in with just 54kg and has Craig Newitt aboard who's riding at 40% winners recently. The fast tempo should suit her midfield running style, and she appears to have considerable upside compared to most rivals.
Consistent performer with an excellent record of 4 wins from 8 starts including 2 from 5 at this track. The wide barrier and topweight are concerns, especially with the predicted fast tempo, but her class and consistency make her a major player.
Unbeaten gelding who has won both career starts on synthetic surfaces. Second-up today with natural improvement expected. Has a good barrier, weight advantage, and in-form jockey aboard.
Consistent performer with an excellent place record who comes off a last-start win. The fast tempo is a concern if he leads, but he's shown versatility in his running style previously.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Swift Force | 5 | Craig Newitt | J L Keys | 54kg | $2.50 |
| 2nd | 2 | Prince Of Khatun | 6 | Christopher Pang | Adam Trinder | 58kg | $5.00 |
| 3rd | 1 | Geegees Missile | 7 | Anthony Darmanin | S Gandy | 58kg | $3.20 |
| 4th | 7 | Agadoo | 3 | Codi Jordan | Aiden Nunn | 54kg | $41.00 |
| 5th | 3 | Ozonica | 4 | Erica Byrne Burke | Adam Trinder | 56.5kg | $4.20 |
| 6th | 6 | The Pirate Queen | 1 | Sam Kennedy | T W Evans | 54kg | $81.00 |
| 7th | 4 | The Little Bay | 2 | Stan Tsaikos | T W Evans | 54.5kg | $31.00 |
Ziryab brings strong staying credentials with a proven ability to perform at this level. His recent form includes a close second in a Listed race over 2400m and he's shown tactical versatility. While first time at Hobart, his racing pattern should suit the track and the moderate-fast tempo will play to his strengths. Clearly the one to beat.
Asva enters in peak form with back-to-back wins including a strong victory at Devonport just 11 days ago. Has a strong record at Hobart and will appreciate the inside draw. The step up to 2200m is a query but his racing pattern suggests he'll handle it. The class rise is significant but his recent form warrants respect.
Bank Maur brings strong class credentials having competed successfully in metropolitan company. The step up to 2200m is a query but he should appreciate the moderate-fast tempo. Craig Newitt's excellent recent form (8 wins from last 20 rides) is a significant positive.
Blonde Star offers excellent value with a strong record at Hobart and a proven partnership with jockey Erica Byrne Burke. While stepping up significantly in class and distance, she's drawn perfectly and gets weight relief from the males.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Bank Maur | 4 | Craig Newitt | Richard Laming | 59kg | $3.40 |
| 2nd | 3 | Asva | 2 | Codi Jordan | G J Stevenson | 59kg | $8.00 |
| 3rd | 2 | Wineglass Bay | 5 | Jabez Johnstone | J K Blacker | 59kg | $13.00 |
| 4th | 4 | Kaliuwaa Falls | 8 | Bulent Muhcu | Imogen Miller | 59kg | $19.00 |
| 5th | 11 | Blonde Star | 3 | Erica Byrne Burke | Imogen Miller | 57kg | $9.00 |
| 6th | 6 | Distrustful Award | 6 | Chloe Wells | P H Luttrell | 59kg | $31.00 |
| 7th | 8 | Golden Prophet | 7 | Christopher Pang | Adam Trinder | 59kg | $61.00 |
| 8th | 5 | Ziryab | 9 | Robert Whearty | C Maher | 59kg | $2.00 |
| 8th | 7 | Ashfall | 1 | Anthony Darmanin | Ashley Meaburn | 59kg | $31.00 |
| 10th | 10 | Just A Needs | 11 | Troy Baker | J F Luttrell | 57kg | $151.00 |
| 11th | 9 | Miles 'n' Miles | 10 | David Pires | Patrick Dargan | 59kg | $151.00 |
Southern Auroras brings solid form credentials with a win and placing from her last three starts. Second-up today after a good third placing last start, she's well-positioned from barrier 3 to take advantage of the likely fast tempo. Her trainer/jockey combination is working well, and she appears to be a progressive mare still on the up.
Geegeeschaser brings improving form into this race, coming off a close second placing just 11 days ago. With the minimum weight of 51kg and the inside barrier, she's perfectly positioned to take advantage of the likely fast tempo.
While barrier 11 presents some challenges, his closing speed should allow him to overcome the wide draw. The booking of in-form jockey Erica Byrne Burke (25% recent strike rate) is a significant positive, and his overall form trajectory is pointing upward.
The fast tempo should suit her closing style, making her an attractive each-way proposition.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | First Line | 6 | Craig Newitt | J L Keys | 55kg | $18.00 |
| 2nd | 10 | Geegeeschaser | 1 | Jabez Johnstone | Amanda Jones | 51kg | $3.00 |
| 3rd | 5 | Southern Auroras | 3 | Codi Jordan | S Gandy | 56kg | $2.70 |
| 4th | 4 | Geegees Legacy | 11 | Erica Byrne Burke | S Gandy | 56kg | $12.00 |
| 5th | 11 | Lady Fern | 9 | Lauren Burke | J K Blacker | 51kg | $61.00 |
| 6th | 3 | Artillery Fire | 5 | Troy Baker | Sigrid Carr | 56kg | $14.00 |
| 7th | 7 | Geegee Strawberry | 12 | Kasi Boxall | S Gandy | 54kg | $26.00 |
| 8th | 9 | Swinging It | 10 | Chloe Wells | Brendan McShane | 52kg | $20.00 |
| 9th | 12 | Angel Sphere | 7 | Bulent Muhcu | J F Luttrell | 54kg | $19.00 |
| 10th | 1 | Rawabi | 8 | David Pires | Jessie Bazan | 58kg | $8.50 |
| 11th | 2 | April's Dance | 2 | Anthony Darmanin | Ms R Hall | 56kg | $19.00 |
| Scr | 8 | Rare Oro | 13 | J F Luttrell | 54kg | ||
| Scr | 13 | Capabelle | 4 | Lizzie Annells | Patrick Dargan | 54kg |
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