Punt like a Pro, without the know!
Victoria · Thursday 22 January 2026
Our top pick won 4 of 8 races at Cranbourne. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
top pick wonanother tip wonno tip won
Phineas brings solid form with a 3rd placing two starts back at Sale. The addition of blinkers first time is a significant gear change that should help him focus better. Drawn perfectly in barrier 1 with the rail out 6m, he should get an economical run. Ben Melham is a quality jockey who placed on him last start, and the step up to 1600m looks suitable based on his racing pattern.
While he's drawn wide, he has tactical speed to overcome it and should be able to get into a forward position. Has been consistent without winning and looks ready to break through at this distance.
Lowestoft brings a consistent profile with 2 seconds and 2 thirds from 5 starts. Her last start 2nd at Sale over 1400m suggests she's ready for the step up to the mile. Luke Nolen is in good form with 4 wins from his last 20 rides.
The booking of Damian Lane is significant, as he rarely rides at Cranbourne (only 5 previous rides) and has a solid 15% strike rate from his last 20 rides.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Phineas | 1 | Ben Melham | C W McDonald | 59.5kg | $2.30 |
| 2nd | 1 | Animal | 9 | Luke Cartwright | Ms N Burke | 58kg | $4.40 |
| 3rd | 8 | Lowestoft | 7 | Luke Nolen | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 57.5kg | $5.00 |
| 4th | 5 | Blood Brother | 4 | Thomas Stockdale | M Price & M Kent Jnr | 58kg | $31.00 |
| 5th | 4 | Vadar | 2 | Koby Jennings | Aaron Laing | 59.5kg | $19.00 |
| 6th | 6 | Precambrian | 5 | Damian Lane | M W Walker | 58kg | $3.90 |
| 7th | 2 | Delphian | 3 | Bailey Kinninmont | Luke Oliver | 56.5kg | $151.00 |
| 8th | 9 | Palentine Princess | 6 | Chelsea Taylor | C J Davis | 57.5kg | $151.00 |
| Scr | 7 | Snobbery | 8 | Beau Mertens | T Busuttin & N Young | 58kg |
Nordic Strike comes off an impressive maiden win at Stony Creek and should improve second-up from a spell. The Maher stable is in good form, and the booking of Ethan Brown (4 from 6 at Cranbourne) is significant. The significant class rise is the main concern, but his win last start was dominant and suggests he has more to offer. Barrier 7 is slightly awkward but manageable.
Eco Force brings consistent form with a win, a second and a third from five starts. The engagement of Jye McNeil is positive, and she's well drawn in barrier 5. The lack of experience at this track and distance is the main concern, but her overall profile suggests she'll be competitive.
Tower Bridge brings the strongest form credentials with a win and a second from his last two starts. The slight class rise is offset by his consistency and the engagement of top jockey Damian Lane. Well drawn in barrier 3 to take advantage of Cranbourne's layout.
Teodore Nugent is in good recent form with a 25% win rate.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Nordic Strike | 7 | Ethan Brown | C Maher | 58.5kg | $1.90 |
| 2nd | 5 | Eco Force | 5 | Jye McNeil | G M Begg | 56.5kg | $2.35 |
| 3rd | 3 | The Arrow | 4 | Teodore Nugent | M, W & J Hawkes | 58.5kg | $7.50 |
| 4th | 6 | Rockette Roulette | 1 | Sarah Field | C J Davis | 52kg | $101.00 |
| 5th | 7 | Aussieaussieaussie | 6 | Sage Duric | R N Mathews | 52kg | $61.00 |
| 6th | 4 | Chills 'n' Thrills | 2 | Celine Gaudray | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 56.5kg | $13.00 |
| 7th | 8 | Red Paree | 8 | Samantha Noble | S G Noble | 55kg | $151.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Tower Bridge | 3 | Damian Lane | M W Walker | 59kg |
Topmost brings the strongest and most consistent form to this race with 8 placings from 9 starts. His Cranbourne record is excellent with 5 placings from 5 starts including 2 placings at this distance. Last start 3rd at Cranbourne was solid and Jamie Mott (who has placed on him 3 times) returns to the saddle. Clearly the most reliable runner in the field.
Lisa Lass brings excellent credentials with 3 seconds from 4 starts, including a perfect 3 from 3 placing at this distance. First-up from a spell but has placed when fresh previously. Gets in well at the weights as a mare and has Tom Madden aboard who has placed on her before. Main query is adapting to this track and potentially firmer conditions than she's seen previously.
The jockey/trainer combination has a strong 17% win rate from 54 rides. Drawn well in barrier 3 and the application of multiple gear items (nose roll, stallion chain, tongue tie) suggests connections are leaving nothing to chance.
From gate 1, he should take up the running in a race with moderate tempo, giving him every chance to control proceedings. His last start 4th at Warrnambool was his best performance to date, and with race fitness on his side, he could prove hard to run down at Cranbourne where leaders often perform well.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | Topmost | 4 | Jamie Mott | Julius Sandhu | 59.5kg | $1.75 |
| 2nd | 9 | Lisa Lass | 5 | Tom Madden | Aaron Purcell | 57.5kg | $5.00 |
| 3rd | 6 | Rich King | 3 | Jake Noonan | M M Laurie | 59.5kg | $8.00 |
| 4th | 1 | Bolshie | 9 | Bailey Kinninmont | P Gorman | 56.5kg | $51.00 |
| 5th | 7 | Sensational Ruler | 8 | Ben Melham | Richard Laming | 59.5kg | $8.50 |
| 6th | 10 | The Secret | 6 | Jackie Beriman | Ms N Burke | 57.5kg | $10.00 |
| 7th | 5 | Kilfearagh | 2 | Patrick Moloney | R D Griffiths | 59.5kg | $15.00 |
| 8th | 3 | Dun Dozen | 7 | Teodore Nugent | Christine Sexton | 59.5kg | $101.00 |
| 9th | 11 | Tinseltown | 10 | Craig Newitt | Angus Townley | 57.5kg | $101.00 |
| Scr | 2 | City Wok | 1 | Logan McNeil | R J Blacker | 59.5kg | |
| Scr | 4 | Flying Berouka | 6 | Brett Scott | 59.5kg |
The mare is dropping significantly in class after competing successfully in stronger company. Craig Newitt has a strong record on this horse (33% strike rate) and is in excellent form himself (35% recent strike rate). The weight is a concern but offset by her class edge.
Attain brings strong track credentials with 2 wins from 6 starts at Cranbourne. Jamie Mott is riding in excellent form with a 25% strike rate from his last 20 rides. The gelding's last start was disappointing, but his overall consistency and track record make him a major player.
Warrior Within is the progressive runner in the field with consecutive wins and significant upside as a lightly-raced 4YO. Jake Noonan is riding in good form and should give him every chance.
His recent form appears moderate on paper, but he's been racing in higher grade. The drop in class combined with his raw ability makes him an appealing value proposition, especially with a quick backup suggesting fitness.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Warrior Within | 1 | Jake Noonan | Julius Sandhu | 59.5kg | $8.00 |
| 2nd | 6 | Attain | 3 | Jamie Mott | Gavin Bedggood | 59kg | $2.35 |
| 3rd | 3 | In Her Stride | 2 | Craig Newitt | J P Salanitri | 61kg | $3.70 |
| 4th | 1 | Blakmax | 7 | Hannah Edgley | Shawn Mathrick | 61kg | $31.00 |
| 5th | 8 | New York Scandal | 8 | Nadia Daniels | Aaron Laing | 52kg | $18.00 |
| 6th | 7 | Caleana | 5 | Thomas Stockdale | M Price & M Kent Jnr | 57kg | $3.40 |
| Scr | 2 | Masterful | 4 | Sage Duric | E Jusufovic | 59kg | |
| Scr | 4 | Riproar | 6 | Luke Cartwright | Reece Goodwin | 59.5kg |
Blankfield brings the strongest form credentials with three consecutive placings, including a close 2nd last start at Pakenham over 1400m. Has experience at Cranbourne with a 2nd and 3rd from two starts at the track. The gear change to visors could sharpen him up, and Jye McNeil sticks with him. Consistent performer who should be right in the finish again.
Has track experience with a 3rd at Cranbourne and should improve second-up from a spell. Thomas Stockdale is riding well and the moderate-fast tempo should suit his running style.
Rough Enuff made an eye-catching debut when finishing a close 3rd at Pakenham (1200m), showing natural ability despite racing wide from barrier 12. The step up to 1400m looks ideal for this Rich Enuff gelding, and he draws perfectly in barrier 4 with in-form jockey Jamie Melham (5 wins from last 20 rides). Expecting natural improvement second-up with that experience under his belt.
The step up to 1400m looks ideal based on his running style, and Harry Coffey is a capable jockey who rides well for the stable.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Nostro Roccia | 1 | Craig Newitt | T Busuttin & N Young | 58kg | $12.00 |
| 2nd | 4 | Kaye Jay | 9 | Jamie Mott | Clayton Douglas | 58kg | $9.50 |
| 3rd | 1 | Blankfield | 8 | Jye McNeil | Alexander Rae | 58kg | $3.60 |
| 4th | 2 | Costa Paros | 7 | Harry Coffey | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 58kg | $7.00 |
| 5th | 6 | Pafitis | 3 | Thomas Stockdale | C Maher | 58kg | $3.10 |
| 6th | 3 | Fastobid | 10 | Beau Mertens | G Eurell | 58kg | $11.00 |
| 7th | 8 | Shrewdness | 6 | Luke Nolen | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 58kg | $61.00 |
| 8th | 9 | Sobine | 5 | Ben Allen | L & T Corstens & W Larkin | 58kg | $13.00 |
| 9th | 10 | Allyouwanadoisrock | 2 | Patrick Moloney | M M Laurie | 56kg | $9.00 |
| Scr | 7 | Rough Enuff | 4 | Jamie Melham | Ms C Alderson | 58kg |
The filly has placed in 2 of her 3 starts and appears to be improving with each run. Well-drawn in barrier 3 with a top jockey aboard, she should get an ideal run in midfield and finish strongly in what looks to be a fast-tempo race.
The perfect barrier draw should allow for an economical run, and the booking of Celine Gaudray (who has a solid 10% strike rate at this track) is a positive.
Another Hayes-trained debutant, Brutal Command comes with the advantage of barrier 10, which aligns with the track bias favoring middle barriers. The application of ear muffs (pre-race only) and lugging bit first-up suggests the stable has prepared this runner specifically for race day conditions. Harry Coffey is riding in good form and has a solid relationship with the Hayes stable.
The significant class drop from previous metropolitan company is a major positive, and she's well-drawn in barrier 5. With a fast tempo likely, her pattern of finishing off races should be suited.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | Kippis | 3 | Jamie Melham | C Maher | 56kg | $1.50 |
| 2nd | 2 | Black Coal | 7 | Jamie Mott | Gavin Bedggood | 59.5kg | $12.00 |
| 3rd | 7 | Share The Stars | 5 | Tom Madden | W Morrissey | 57.5kg | $6.50 |
| 4th | 9 | Mahrajan | 1 | Celine Gaudray | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 56kg | $3.80 |
| 5th | 6 | Reelness | 4 | Jackie Beriman | Paul Worthington | 57.5kg | $71.00 |
| 6th | 1 | Among The Trees | 2 | Teodore Nugent | Christine Sexton | 59.5kg | $101.00 |
| 7th | 4 | Coronation Turbo | 9 | Dylan Dunn | Brett Scott | 58kg | $31.00 |
| 8th | 5 | I Am Strong | 8 | Chelsea Taylor | C J Davis | 57.5kg | $201.00 |
| Scr | 3 | Brutal Command | 10 | Harry Coffey | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 58kg | |
| Scr | 10 | Xuxa Kiss | 6 | C I Brown | 56kg |
The inside draw is challenging with the predicted fast tempo, but his tactical versatility should allow him to find cover and finish strongly.
His barrier draw is ideal for the expected fast tempo, and his record at the distance (2 wins from 8 starts) is solid. Harry Coffey is a capable jockey who should give him every chance.
Montjuic Magic brings strong recent form with a last-start 2nd at this track and a win prior. Her record at Cranbourne (2 placings from 2 starts) is excellent, and her overall place strike rate (50%) demonstrates consistency. Logan McNeil knows her well and should position her to advantage despite the wide draw.
She has a solid record at Cranbourne and is second-up today where she has a win from 4 attempts.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Tookay Pete | 3 | Emily Pozman | Melissa Page | 58kg | $6.00 |
| 2nd | 6 | Hotspur Reale | 2 | Jackie Beriman | Brian McGrath | 57.5kg | $3.60 |
| 3rd | 1 | Lim's Teide | 7 | Nadia Daniels | D Meagher | 57kg | $10.00 |
| 4th | 4 | Night Flash | 4 | Harry Coffey | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 58kg | $4.20 |
| 5th | 5 | Before The War | 8 | Teodore Nugent | J E & C Ledger | 57.5kg | $12.00 |
| 6th | 3 | Dapper Don | 1 | Chelsea Taylor | Ms H Burns | 59kg | $10.00 |
| 7th | 10 | Squazeemoto | 6 | Sage Duric | Dennis Julius | 52kg | $101.00 |
| 8th | 7 | Montjuic Magic | 9 | Logan McNeil | R D Griffiths | 57.5kg | $5.50 |
| 9th | 8 | Aquilion Girl | 5 | Paul Gatt | Craig Anderson | 55kg | $20.00 |
| 10th | 9 | Dream Statement | 10 | Samantha Noble | S G Noble | 55kg | $201.00 |
Crossoverkid brings strong place credentials with 4 seconds and 3 thirds from 13 starts. His first-up record (1 second, 1 third from 3 starts) suggests he can perform fresh, and he's drawn perfectly in barrier 5. Last preparation ended with a solid 2nd at Seymour over 1600m, and Ben Allen (15% at this track) takes the ride. The main query is his low win strike rate, but his consistency makes him the standout.
Her partnership with Alana Kelly has been productive with 2 wins from 11 rides. Recent form is solid with a 3rd at Sandown over 1400m two weeks ago. The main query is stepping up to 1600m for the first time, but her strong finishing efforts suggest she'll handle it. Barrier 1 is ideal.
His record at 1600m is strong with 1 win and 1 second from 4 starts. Tom Madden has won on him before and they've drawn well in barrier 4. The class rise is the main concern, but his current form suggests he can be competitive.
Vaafee represents excellent value after finishing 2nd last start over this distance at Stawell. Jake Noonan is a capable rider at Cranbourne (7% strike rate).
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Djockovic | 9 | Thomas Stockdale | Simon Zahra | 58kg | $14.00 |
| 2nd | 8 | All Torque | 11 | Craig Newitt | J D Sadler | 57kg | $18.00 |
| 3rd | 6 | Shrewsbury Road | 2 | Teodore Nugent | Simon Zahra | 57.5kg | $6.50 |
| 4th | 3 | Crossoverkid | 5 | Ben Allen | Andrew Payne | 58kg | $3.00 |
| 5th | 9 | Vaafee | 8 | Jake Noonan | David & Coral Feek | 57kg | $12.00 |
| 6th | 10 | Lane Changer | 6 | Celine Gaudray | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 56.5kg | $17.00 |
| 7th | 7 | The Daily Planet | 4 | Tom Madden | Aaron Purcell | 57.5kg | $9.00 |
| 8th | 1 | Ahab | 7 | Sarah Field | Ann-Jeanette Tindale | 56kg | $17.00 |
| 9th | 2 | Gymkhana | 10 | Hayley Spitse | Angus Townley | 55kg | $26.00 |
| 10th | 5 | Girls Night | 1 | Alana Kelly | Daniel Kelly | 57.5kg | $4.20 |
| 11th | 11 | Palace Winter | 3 | Sage Duric | R N Mathews | 53kg | $41.00 |
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