Punt like a Pro, without the know!
Victoria · Wednesday 21 January 2026
Our top pick won 2 of 8 races at Sandown Hillside. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
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The filly should improve second-up and gets the services of Linda Meech who has a solid 17% strike rate at this track. The fast tempo should suit her running style, and she appears to have more upside than most in this field.
Jockey Celine Gaudray has a solid 17% strike rate at this track and combines well with the stable (13% strike rate). While the barrier is slightly disadvantageous, the jockey's recent form (10% strike rate from last 20 rides) suggests she's in good touch. The lack of race experience is the main concern.
The advantageous barrier 1 draw should allow her to save ground and potentially improve significantly second-up. Beau Mertens knows this track well with a 10% strike rate here.
Fast 'n' Inzaine showed improvement in her two career starts on synthetic surfaces, placing third second-up. Now first-up from a spell, she's likely to have been prepared specifically for this assignment. The fast tempo should suit her running style, and her barrier 6 draw is reasonable.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 7 | Fast 'n' Inzaine | 6 | Robert Whearty | C Maher | 56kg | $9.50 |
| 2nd | 5 | Arlington Row | 9 | Michael Dee | T Busuttin & N Young | 56kg | $5.50 |
| 3rd | 4 | Raining Fire | 8 | Celine Gaudray | Pat Carey & Harris Walker | 57.5kg | $2.90 |
| 4th | 8 | Heidi Dancer | 7 | Linda Meech | D Meagher | 56kg | $2.70 |
| 5th | 1 | Arwyn | 5 | Dylan Dunn | R W Harrison | 59.5kg | $71.00 |
| 6th | 2 | Mywifeisnothere | 3 | Bailey Kinninmont | Simone Walker | 56.5kg | $13.00 |
| 7th | 9 | Peninsula Rose | 1 | Beau Mertens | Clayton Douglas | 56kg | $16.00 |
| 8th | 6 | Empress Angel | 10 | Jake Noonan | Rory Hunter | 56kg | $20.00 |
| 9th | 10 | Midnight Loot | 4 | Remi Tremsal | Peter Ioannou | 59.5kg | $201.00 |
| Scr | 3 | San Pueblo | 2 | Melea Castle | Marcus Fahler | 59.5kg |
Frose brings the strongest recent form into this race with a win at Werribee just 9 days ago. With 8 wins from 37 starts at this distance, she's a proven 1000m specialist who should get a perfect run from barrier 4. Zoe Waller knows this mare well with 8 previous rides including a recent win.
Zoubelle is a lightly-raced mare showing steady improvement with each run. While she only has one career win, she's been consistent with two placings from seven starts. The booking of in-form jockey Celine Gaudray is significant, and from barrier 6 she should get a nice trailing position in the run.
Harmonett returns from a spell with solid recent form, having won 2 of her last 3 starts. Her record at the 1000m distance is good with 2 wins from 6 attempts, and she performs well on good tracks with 3 wins from 9 starts. The main concern is her first-up record (0 from 3), but she's drawn well in barrier 5 and gets weight relief with Dakotah Keane's claim.
The experienced 8-year-old mare has drawn perfectly in barrier 1 and should get an economical run throughout. While her recent form has been somewhat inconsistent, she has 11 career wins and performs well on good tracks with 9 wins from 46 starts.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Harmonett | 5 | Dakotah Keane | Vincent Hall | 60kg | $4.60 |
| 2nd | 5 | Talladega Girl | 2 | Damian Lane | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 58.5kg | $3.00 |
| 3rd | 6 | Zoubelle | 6 | Celine Gaudray | J R Welsh | 58.5kg | $5.50 |
| 4th | 4 | Playlist | 3 | Jordan Childs | G M Begg | 59.5kg | $4.00 |
| 5th | 2 | Frose | 4 | Zoe Waller | Jamie Barry | 58.5kg | $8.00 |
| 6th | 3 | Francine | 1 | Tom Madden | Aaron Purcell | 59.5kg | $12.00 |
Coming back from open company races at Flemington to a maiden is a significant class drop. The inside barrier draw is ideal, and the addition of blinkers for the first time should sharpen her up. Luke Nolen is riding in good form with 20% strike rate from his last 20 rides.
The gelding has experience at similar distances and draws well in barrier 3. Jake Noonan knows this horse well with 8 previous rides. Coming back from open company races represents a significant class drop that should see him competitive.
Zamparini Spirit has a strong place record with 4 seconds from 12 starts. Michael Dee is a quality jockey who can extract the best from him.
Her two placings have both been at 2000m+ distances, suggesting the step up to 1500m will suit as she builds toward her preferred trip. Ryan Houston knows the mare well with 4 previous rides, and the Zahra stable has been in good form. The quick backup (1 day) is unusual but could be a deliberate strategy.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 9 | Mystery 'n' Drama | 1 | Luke Nolen | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 56kg | $1.35 |
| 2nd | 3 | Jimmy Beans | 9 | Jamie Mott | A & S Freedman | 58kg | $6.00 |
| 3rd | 2 | Zamparini Spirit | 4 | Michael Dee | Clayton Douglas | 59.5kg | $14.00 |
| 4th | 5 | Punic War | 3 | Jake Noonan | S J Richards | 58kg | $18.00 |
| 5th | 1 | City Wok | 8 | Hannah Edgley | R J Blacker | 57.5kg | $20.00 |
| 6th | 6 | Gottaluvsport | 5 | Teodore Nugent | M M Laurie | 57.5kg | $101.00 |
| 7th | 4 | Pierrobid | 2 | Jordan Childs | S J Richards | 58kg | $11.00 |
| Scr | 7 | Mayeki | 6 | Ryan Houston | Simon Zahra | 56kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Evening Tycoon | 7 | Patrick Moloney | M M Laurie | 56kg | |
| Scr | 10 | Peace Seeker | 10 | Zoe Waller | C Maher | 53kg |
Has placed at this track and distance previously, and importantly has a strong second-up record. Resuming from a spell but drawn perfectly in barrier 4 with experienced jockey Luke Nolen aboard. Expect significant improvement second-up.
Drawn perfectly in barrier 3 and the addition of a tongue tie suggests improvement is expected. Debut run was poor but stable wouldn't persist without ability.
Has placed in 2 of 3 career starts showing consistency, and gets the services of Craig Newitt who is in excellent form (35% win rate from last 20 rides).
Sassidora has the perfect barrier draw (1) and gets the services of quality jockey Michael Dee. From the Busuttin & Young stable who excel with young horses. Placed at only start on a soft track and returns with ear muffs (pre-race only) which should help settle. First-up from a lengthy spell but stable likely to have her ready.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Get Honor | 5 | Damian Lane | M W Walker | 57kg | $3.60 |
| 2nd | 1 | All Too Single | 6 | Craig Newitt | G Eurell | 57kg | $18.00 |
| 3rd | 6 | Irreverent | 4 | Luke Nolen | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 57kg | $2.90 |
| 4th | 12 | Zephyr Song | 7 | Jordan Childs | G Waterhouse & A Bott | 57kg | $16.00 |
| 5th | 9 | Sattva | 3 | Jamie Mott | A & S Freedman | 57kg | $4.40 |
| 6th | 10 | Wild Roses Grow | 8 | Lachlan King | Jason Warren | 57kg | $61.00 |
| 7th | 2 | Divine Bellini | 10 | Celine Gaudray | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 57kg | $15.00 |
| 8th | 8 | Sassidora | 1 | Michael Dee | T Busuttin & N Young | 57kg | $7.00 |
| Scr | 4 | Girl Scout | 12 | Zac Spain | Shane Nichols & Hayden Black | 57kg | |
| Scr | 5 | Glisk | 9 | Luke Cartwright | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 55.5kg | |
| Scr | 7 | Red Rabbit | 13 | Sarah Field | V L Malady | 54kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Xuxa Kiss | 2 | Ethan Brown | C I Brown | 57kg | |
| Scr | 13 | Kiwi Harmony | 11 | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 57kg |
Brandjam drops significantly in class after racing in stronger company. His overall record of 2 wins and 2 placings from 11 starts is solid, and he performs well on good tracks (2 wins from 7 starts). The booking of Damian Lane is a positive sign, and he should appreciate the fast tempo. His recent form has been moderate but the class drop is significant.
His overall record of 2 wins and 3 placings from 10 starts is solid, and he performs well on good tracks (2 wins from 5 starts). The Maher stable is in good form, and he should appreciate the fast tempo.
His exceptional first-up record (3 wins from 4 attempts) is a significant advantage, and he should appreciate the likely fast tempo. Jamie Mott is a quality jockey who knows the track well. The 1300m is slightly up in trip but should suit his racing pattern.
The advantageous barrier draw (2) is significant with inside barriers favored, and the Moody/Coleman stable is in good form. The fast tempo should suit her racing pattern, though she is rising significantly in class.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Alero | 4 | Robert Whearty | C Maher | 59kg | $2.90 |
| 2nd | 7 | Brandjam | 5 | Damian Lane | Glen Thompson | 58kg | $3.40 |
| 3rd | 6 | Double Pi | 2 | Emily Pozman | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 56.5kg | $3.00 |
| 4th | 8 | Rattle'n'roll | 8 | Teodore Nugent | M, W & J Hawkes | 57.5kg | $12.00 |
| 5th | 2 | Superset | 3 | Hannah Edgley | Shawn Mathrick | 57.5kg | $21.00 |
| 6th | 1 | Masked Marauder | 7 | Linda Meech | Tom Dabernig | 60kg | $10.00 |
| Scr | 3 | Viasain | 6 | Jamie Mott | John McArdle | 59.5kg | |
| Scr | 5 | Volatile | 1 | Luke Cartwright | Ms L Tolson & Ms L Proctor | 57.5kg |
The Damian Lane booking is significant, and this lightly-raced gelding should be able to use his tactical speed from barrier 5 to settle in a prominent position. His win two starts back on soft ground suggests track conditions won't be an issue.
With a record of 7:2-1-1 overall and previous Sandown experience (placed here before), she brings solid credentials. Teodore Nugent (25% recent strike rate) is a positive jockey booking. Her versatile racing pattern allows options from barrier 4, though she may settle midfield in what looks to be a fast-tempo race.
Tennessee Song brings a perfect record of 2 wins from 2 starts, most recently scoring at Mornington 20 days ago. Linda Meech retains the ride after their last success together. The class rise is the main query, but she appears to have plenty of upside as a lightly-raced filly.
The significant class drop is a major positive, and Jamie Mott (25% recent strike rate) is a strong jockey booking. While he carries top weight and is drawn wide, the long Sandown straight should suit his finishing style, and the expected fast tempo will play to his strengths.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Crocodile | 1 | Ben Allen | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 59kg | $11.00 |
| 2nd | 7 | Torsheen | 4 | Teodore Nugent | Shane Nichols & Hayden Black | 59kg | $8.00 |
| 3rd | 9 | Stormbender | 9 | Michael Dee | Archie Alexander | 57kg | $10.00 |
| 4th | 1 | Victory Tune | 8 | Jamie Mott | R D Griffiths | 60kg | $11.00 |
| 5th | 2 | Royal Rendezvous | 5 | Damian Lane | M W Walker | 59.5kg | $1.50 |
| 6th | 3 | Tennessee Song | 6 | Linda Meech | Tom Dabernig | 59.5kg | $12.00 |
| 7th | 4 | Triple Salute | 3 | Will Gordon | G Waterhouse & A Bott | 59.5kg | $26.00 |
| Scr | 6 | Nordic Strike | 2 | Ethan Brown | C Maher | 59kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Chills 'n' Thrills | 7 | Celine Gaudray | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 57kg |
The inside barrier draw is advantageous at Sandown-Hillside and Beau Mertens has experience at this track. Progressive profile suggests further improvement and should handle the step up in class.
The slight class drop is advantageous and Damian Lane is a significant jockey booking. The wide barrier is mitigated by the long run to the first turn at Sandown-Hillside, and the mare should get a nice midfield position in a moderately fast-paced race.
Has placed at this distance previously and should appreciate the long Sandown-Hillside straight. Luke Nolen knows the track well and the mare should settle midfield with a genuine tempo to run into. Class rise is offset by weight relief.
The mare is on an improving form trajectory and should handle the step up in distance based on her racing pattern. Lachlan King maintains the ride after their recent success.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Powerful Torque | 3 | Jake Noonan | David & Coral Feek | 58kg | $21.00 |
| 2nd | 8 | Squander | 1 | Tom Madden | Aaron Purcell | 57.5kg | $10.00 |
| 3rd | 9 | Olney | 2 | Beau Mertens | G Eurell | 57kg | $6.00 |
| 4th | 1 | Super Mirage | 6 | Jamie Mott | Gavin Bedggood | 60kg | $3.60 |
| 5th | 2 | Sinhalese | 7 | Caitlin Hollowood | T Busuttin & N Young | 56kg | $13.00 |
| 6th | 4 | Flash Of Dallas | 8 | Lachlan King | Dominic Sutton | 58kg | $8.00 |
| 7th | 10 | Winter Grace | 4 | Bailey Kinninmont | P Foster | 53kg | $20.00 |
| 8th | 5 | Our Paramour | 10 | Damian Lane | M W Walker | 58kg | $3.60 |
| 9th | 7 | Purler Patch | 11 | Zac Spain | K & K Keys | 58kg | $11.00 |
| Scr | 3 | Draw Attention | 5 | Luke Nolen | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 58kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Asternishing | 9 | Teodore Nugent | Rachael Cunningham | 55kg |
Her form is rock-solid with three consecutive placings against similar company, and she's shown versatility across different distances. The long Sandown straight will suit her finishing style, especially with the likely fast tempo. Progressive mare who appears ready to win.
Savamoon brings excellent credentials with a strong record at the distance (2-1-1 from 5 starts). His recent form is consistent with a win two starts back followed by a solid 4th at Cranbourne. Has tactical versatility to settle midfield from a good draw and should appreciate the long Sandown straight. Performs well on good tracks and has the class to be right in the finish.
His recent form is consistent with three placings from his last five starts. The drop in weight to 57.5kg is advantageous, and he gets the services of in-form jockey Ethan Brown. The wide barrier is a concern but should be mitigated by the likely fast tempo.
His overall record is strong with 6 wins and 8 placings from 28 starts, including success at this distance. While the top weight is a concern, he's proven capable of carrying weight and should appreciate the long Sandown straight. The likely fast tempo will suit his get-back racing style.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 7 | Vivacissimo | 10 | Ben Allen | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 58kg | $2.90 |
| 2nd | 3 | Savamoon | 4 | Emily Pozman | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 58kg | $2.70 |
| 3rd | 6 | Dual Award | 3 | Jamie Mott | Clayton Douglas | 58kg | $21.00 |
| 4th | 8 | The Negotiator | 11 | Ethan Brown | C I Brown | 57.5kg | $6.00 |
| 5th | 4 | Savvie Blanc | 5 | Dylan Dunn | E J Bourke | 59.5kg | $9.00 |
| 6th | 9 | Capital Grace | 2 | Damian Lane | E & D Browne | 57kg | $20.00 |
| 7th | 10 | King Ben | 6 | Luke Cartwright | M J Mehegan | 53kg | $101.00 |
| 8th | 1 | Montjeuify | 7 | Tayla Cameron | Matthew Cumani | 59kg | $10.00 |
| Scr | 2 | Didn't Miss Many | 8 | Michael Dee | Archie Alexander | 61kg | |
| Scr | 5 | Norwoods | 9 | Jake Noonan | Rachael Cunningham | 58.5kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Ugly Nicos | 1 | Amy Herrmann | Ms A Bence | 54kg |
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