Punt like a Pro, without the know!
New Zealand · Friday 23 January 2026
Our top pick won 6 of 8 races at Matamata. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
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Tonia's Dragon brings strong wet track credentials with a solid record on soft going (1-0-3 from 6 starts). While her form has been declining, the class drop should help her chances. Hayley Hassman has a solid record with the trainer (14% strike rate) and the mare has shown ability at this distance previously.
Kananaskis brings solid credentials with an improving form trend. While unproven at this exact distance, she has performed well at similar trips and has a good second-up record. Matthew Cameron is a quality jockey who knows how to win at this track. The mare has shown versatility in her racing pattern which should help overcome the wide barrier. Her class edge compensates for the top weight.
Mille Grazie brings strong credentials dropping back from higher grade racing. Her close 2nd last start at Te Aroha over this distance reads well, and she's been competitive in stronger company including Listed races. The moderate tempo should suit her racing pattern, and barrier 4 gives options. Rory Hutchings is riding in excellent form (20% strike rate) and has a good record at this track.
Call Me A Cab represents excellent value as a lightly-raced improver with just two career starts. The significant weight advantage (53.5kg) will help offset the class rise, and Elen Nicholas is a capable rider.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Tonia's Dragon | 10 | Hayley Hassman | Ms P Gerard | 56kg | $2.80 |
| 2nd | 1 | Kananaskis | 9 | Matthew Cameron | S R Autridge | 59kg | $4.60 |
| 3rd | 5 | Camacho | 2 | Tayla Mitchell | Ms D C Kennedy | 56.5kg | $7.50 |
| 4th | 6 | Koro's Princess | 8 | Niranjan S Parmar | G K Opie | 56.5kg | $11.00 |
| 5th | 9 | Call Me A Cab | 11 | Elen Nicholas | T R Powell | 53.5kg | $4.20 |
| 6th | 7 | Kaimai Warrior | 1 | Jasmine Fawcett | G J Old | 55.5kg | $10.00 |
| Scr | 2 | Mille Grazie | 4 | Rory Hutchings | Samantha Logan | 59kg | |
| Scr | 4 | Trouvaille | 3 | Joe Doyle | S & K Alexander | 58.5kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Beau Ondago | 7 | Courtney Barnes | J Williams | 55kg | |
| Scr | 10 | Chloebee | 5 | Lynsey Satherley | Debbie Sweeney | 54kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Just Like This | 6 | Masahiro Hashizume | Hanna Orting & Sophia Nolan | 54kg |
Justin Case showed ability on debut with a close second at Pukekohe over 1100m. Returns from a 76-day freshen up with Sam Weatherley aboard, who has a solid record at this track. Likely to take up a forward position from barrier 5 and should handle the soft track based on breeding. The most credentialed runner in this maiden field.
State Of Valour resumes from a 107-day spell after a distant 5th on debut in Open company. The significant class drop to Maiden grade is a major positive, and the inside draw should allow him to secure a good position. By Sword Of State, suggesting he should handle the soft track. Trainer-jockey combination boasts a solid 18% strike rate from 22 rides.
Bramito is the unknown quantity in this field but warrants respect with Craig Grylls aboard. The jockey has a solid 17% strike rate at Matamata and is in good form with 3 wins from his last 20 rides. The jockey-trainer combination boasts a 33% strike rate, albeit from a small sample. Well-drawn in barrier 3 to secure a good position in running.
Cool In Command was well-beaten last start but gets the services of star jockey Opie Bosson who's riding at 25% for his last 20 rides. Second-up today and should improve significantly on that run. Has experience on heavy ground which could prove valuable on today's soft track.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Justin Case | 5 | Sam Weatherley | K I Shailer | 57.5kg | $1.60 |
| 2nd | 4 | State Of Valour | 1 | Tayla Mitchell | C K Ormsby | 56.5kg | $5.10 |
| 3rd | 5 | Bramito | 3 | Craig Grylls | P S Richards | 57.5kg | $6.40 |
| 4th | 2 | Cool In Command | 4 | Opie Bosson | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 57.5kg | $4.40 |
| Scr | 3 | Navy Lad | 2 | Vinnie Colgan | D J Miller | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 6 | Sword Of Peace | 6 | Masahiro Hashizume | K A Pertab | 55.5kg |
Her consistency is impressive with 5 placings from 7 starts, including excellent form at this track. The step back to maiden company after competing at stakes level gives her a significant class edge.
Unodostrescuatro brings solid credentials with a narrow second last start over 1800m. His consistency is evident with 4 placings from 8 starts, and he handles soft tracks well. While yet to break through for a win, his experience and proven ability to run well at similar distances make him a genuine contender in this field.
Savina drops significantly in class after competing in Group 2 company. While she finished behind Born To Be Royal last start, she has shown ability with placings in maiden company. The favorable barrier draw and booking of in-form jockey Matthew Cartwright (who has an impressive 43% strike rate at this track) enhance her chances.
Retro showed promise last start with a solid 4th over 2000m and appears to be improving with each run as she steps up in distance. The booking of in-form jockey Wiremu Pinn (25% recent strike rate) is significant, and she should appreciate the moderate tempo expected.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 11 | Born To Be Royal | 10 | Craig Grylls | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 55kg | $1.60 |
| 2nd | 14 | Summer In London | 12 | Hayley Hassman | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 52kg | $10.10 |
| 3rd | 6 | Marcus Attillus | 6 | Samantha Collett | C K Ormsby | 57kg | $12.20 |
| 4th | 13 | Retro | 13 | Wiremu Pinn | Darryn & Briar Weatherley | 55kg | $7.00 |
| 5th | 2 | Erase | 14 | Lynsey Satherley | S Ralph | 58.5kg | $41.20 |
| 6th | 10 | Kaz Caz | 5 | George Rooke | Ms P Gerard | 56.5kg | $12.90 |
| 7th | 7 | Superbus | 1 | Darren Danis | D B Hollinshead | 57kg | $47.30 |
| 8th | 4 | The Kingsman | 9 | Sam McNab | S T Wenn | 55.5kg | $82.80 |
| 9th | 9 | Loopy Farooki | 7 | Masahiro Hashizume | P S Richards | 56.5kg | $17.60 |
| 10th | 3 | Hazmat | 8 | Corentin Berge | Ms K Fawcett | 58.5kg | $12.60 |
| Scr | 1 | Unodostrescuatro | 11 | Tayla Mitchell | C K Ormsby | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 5 | King Of The Jungle | 3 | Joe Doyle | Ms D Logan | 57kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Acalypha | 2 | Vinnie Colgan | G Richardson & R Norvall | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 12 | Savina | 4 | Matthew Cartwright | S B Marsh | 55kg |
Intoxicated brings the strongest recent form into this race with a solid 2nd placing two starts back and a respectable 6th last week. Has shown versatility in racing patterns and handles soft conditions well. While the wide draw is a concern, the spacious Matamata track should mitigate this disadvantage. The 7-day backup suggests fitness won't be an issue.
Tarzador has been racing consistently with a strong 2nd placing two starts back and a respectable 6th last start. Has proven ability on soft tracks and at similar distances. The middle barrier should allow for a positive position in running. Ryan Elliot is due for a change of luck and this mare represents a solid each-way chance in a race that suits her pattern.
Kuroko brings strong distance credentials with a perfect record of 1 win and 1 second from 2 starts at 2000m. While recent form has been moderate, the step up to this distance should suit. Samantha Collett has a good record on this horse (1 win from 3 rides) and the good barrier draw should allow for a positive position in running. The weight is a concern but class can prevail.
Her recent 3rd placing two starts back showed she's in good form, and the good barrier draw should allow for an economical run. While her win record is modest, she consistently runs well at this distance and the spacious Matamata track should suit her racing pattern.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Perspective | 3 | Sam McNab | Darryn & Briar Weatherley | 56.5kg | $5.20 |
| 2nd | 12 | Vistown | 10 | George Rooke | J W Bell | 57.5kg | $8.90 |
| 3rd | 7 | Intoxicated | 12 | Joe Doyle | S B Marsh | 59kg | $3.00 |
| 4th | 11 | Tarzador | 9 | Ryan Elliot | Team Rogerson | 57.5kg | $5.30 |
| 5th | 10 | Zacabasso | 11 | Craig Grylls | G Richardson & R Norvall | 58kg | $7.10 |
| 6th | 14 | Mood Painter | 13 | Rihaan Goyaram | Ms P Gerard | 52.5kg | $8.50 |
| 7th | 13 | Orange River | 2 | Jasmine Fawcett | Team Rogerson | 56kg | $9.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Happy Venture | 4 | Hayley Hassman | C E Goss | 57kg | |
| Scr | 2 | Jack Crabb | 8 | Masahiro Hashizume | S & E Clotworthy | 60kg | |
| Scr | 3 | Kuroko | 5 | Samantha Collett | Maxim & Samantha Van Lierde | 60kg | |
| Scr | 4 | Hot Line Bling | 1 | Jack Taplin | S Ritchie & C Murray | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 6 | Subiaco | 6 | Matthew Cameron | Peter & Shaun Mckay | 59.5kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Barcelona | 7 | Corentin Berge | Ms M Falconer | 58kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Vespacian | 10 | A J Dravitzki | 58kg |
Arctic Jewel brings the strongest recent form credentials with placings in two of her three career starts. Her last run saw her finish a close 4th, beaten less than a length at this track and distance. Craig Grylls maintains the ride and has a solid 17% strike rate at Matamata. Well-drawn in barrier 9 and from the powerful Walker/Bergerson stable, she looks primed to break through.
Sister Cynane brings strong credentials with 4 placings from 6 starts including 3 seconds. She resumed with a solid 3rd last start and should improve second-up. Has proven soft track ability with 3 placings from 4 starts on soft going. The significant class drop is a major positive, having raced in stronger company previously. Wide barrier is the main concern but has the ability to overcome it.
Flyhalf has shown ability in both career starts with a 2nd and 3rd placing. She handles soft tracks well with both placings coming on soft going. Samantha Collett is in good form with 4 wins from her last 20 rides. The wide barrier is a significant concern, but Matamata's layout can accommodate wide runners better than most tracks. Progressive 3YO filly who should continue to improve.
She's been knocking on the door with a 2nd and 3rd in recent starts and has proven ability on soft tracks with 2 placings from 3 starts on soft going. Sam Weatherley is a quality jockey who knows the horse well. Her recent form has been consistent and progressive, and she's drawn to get a good run from barrier 11.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 13 | Convinced | 10 | Corentin Berge | K I Shailer | 55kg | $6.90 |
| 2nd | 10 | Flyhalf | 15 | Samantha Collett | C W Cole | 55kg | $2.70 |
| 3rd | 7 | Sister Cynane | 13 | Joe Doyle | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 56.5kg | $3.70 |
| 4th | 8 | Nasha Mala | 12 | Hayley Hassman | Darryn & Briar Weatherley | 53.5kg | $18.80 |
| 5th | 9 | Arctic Jewel | 9 | Craig Grylls | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 55kg | $3.70 |
| 6th | 4 | Scutalong | 18 | Niranjan S Parmar | Peter & Shaun Mckay | 57kg | $18.30 |
| 7th | 17 | Shes So Flash | 6 | P & J Brosnan | 55kg | $44.30 | |
| 8th | 16 | Macka | 7 | Mark Irwin | 58.5kg | $50.50 | |
| Scr | 1 | Stay Frosty | 16 | Jasmine Fawcett | G Richardson & R Norvall | 58.5kg | |
| Scr | 2 | Tiago | 5 | Courtney Barnes | P A Stevens | 58.5kg | |
| Scr | 3 | He's Divine | 4 | Tayla Mitchell | Tarissa Macdonald | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 5 | Le Jacques Cartier | 8 | Opie Bosson | Danny Walker & Arron Tata | 57kg | |
| Scr | 6 | Silky Shuba | 11 | Sam Weatherley | S B Marsh | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Dorothea | 14 | George Rooke | Ms P Gerard | 55kg | |
| Scr | 12 | Proud Capitalist | 3 | Elen Nicholas | S B Marsh | 54kg | |
| Scr | 14 | Lovegrove | 17 | Ms P Gerard | 55kg | ||
| Scr | 15 | Astrum | 2 | Masahiro Hashizume | K & B Kelso | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 18 | Overtaking | 1 | Wiremu Pinn | K A Pertab | 55kg | |
| Scr | 19 | Guipago | 1 | M H Brosnan | 58.5kg |
Savvy Donna brings the strongest form credentials, having competed admirably in Group company before dropping back to maiden grade. Her heavy track record (0-1-1 from 2) suggests she'll handle the conditions, and she's placed at this track previously. The significant class drop makes her the clear standout, and Hashizume is in good form with 4 wins from his last 20 rides.
This well-bred Savabeel filly from the powerful Walker/Bergerson stable should improve significantly second-up and with the step up to 1600m. Jockey Vinnie Colgan has a strong 24% strike rate with this stable, and the filly's breeding suggests she'll handle the conditions. Looks a genuine threat.
Captain Stan brings solid credentials with 5 placings from 9 starts and has performed well on soft tracks (0-2-0 from 3). He's drawn well in barrier 4 and has placed twice at this track previously. While he's yet to break through for a win and carries top weight, his consistency and experience make him a strong place chance in this field.
She's drawn well in barrier 3 and gets the services of in-form jockey Samantha Collett who's riding at a 20% strike rate.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | Savvy Donna | 9 | Masahiro Hashizume | R K Fleming | 55kg | $1.40 |
| 2nd | 1 | Captain Stan | 4 | Matthew Cameron | S R Autridge | 58.5kg | $7.50 |
| 3rd | 10 | Uptown | 7 | Vinnie Colgan | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 55kg | $8.00 |
| 4th | 6 | Madame Kiwi | 3 | Samantha Collett | Debbie Sweeney | 56.5kg | $16.90 |
| 5th | 2 | Up With Ace | 8 | Matthew Cartwright | B H King | 58.5kg | $13.50 |
| 6th | 5 | Apex | 5 | Corentin Berge | Ms C Cameron | 56.5kg | $23.60 |
| 7th | 4 | Richter Scale | 2 | George Rooke | Ms P Gerard | 57kg | $25.50 |
| 8th | 7 | Whip De Do | 1 | Tayla Mitchell | Mark Irwin | 55.5kg | $77.00 |
| 9th | 11 | Our Bold Lady | 10 | Lynsey Satherley | G Richardson & R Norvall | 55kg | $65.40 |
| Scr | 3 | Manifestation | 6 | Sam McNab | J W Bell | 55.5kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Djibouti | 9 | Wiremu Pinn | K A Pertab | 55kg |
Three-year-old colt showing significant improvement with a strong 2nd last start on soft going. Gets the services of in-form jockey Opie Bosson (25% recent strike rate) and drops significantly in class from earlier racing. Has shown adaptability to soft tracks which will be crucial here, and his recent form suggests he's ready to break through.
Lightly-raced three-year-old filly with promising form in her only two starts, including a 3rd on good ground followed by a 4th on soft. Gets the services of Craig Grylls who has a strong 21% strike rate with the O'Sullivan/Scott stable. While still seeking her first win, she's shown enough ability to be competitive here and should handle the conditions.
Four-year-old gelding showing consistent form with a last-start 2nd at Tauranga. Has performed well on soft tracks with 1 placing from 2 attempts. Draws well in barrier 5 which should allow him to take up a forward position. The top weight is a concern, but his recent form suggests he's ready to be competitive in this field.
Three-year-old filly from the Andrew Forsman stable showing gradual improvement with a 5th last start. Gets in with just 54kg and draws favorably in barrier 6. While yet to place in her career, she's been racing consistently and the step up to 1600m could suit her racing pattern.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Cease And Desist | 9 | Opie Bosson | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 57kg | $3.80 |
| 2nd | 10 | Clara Bow | 7 | Craig Grylls | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 55kg | $2.50 |
| 3rd | 6 | Artamos | 3 | Jasmine Fawcett | G Richardson & R Norvall | 56.5kg | $18.80 |
| 4th | 7 | Diva Kingdom | 10 | Corentin Berge | Ms D Andersen | 56.5kg | $38.60 |
| 4th | 11 | Moonbeams | 6 | Elen Nicholas | Andrew Forsman | 54kg | $6.30 |
| 6th | 5 | Alikat | 4 | Joe Doyle | S B Marsh | 56.5kg | $22.50 |
| 7th | 1 | Whatthemansaw | 5 | Lynsey Satherley | Debbie Sweeney | 58.5kg | $6.10 |
| 8th | 4 | Wild Thing | 8 | Rihaan Goyaram | T R Powell | 54.5kg | $11.30 |
| Scr | 3 | Broughton | 1 | Sam Weatherley | F T Ritchie | 57kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Surprise Inside | 2 | George Rooke | R James & R Wellwood | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Venucci | 9 | Samantha Collett | K A Pertab | 56.5kg |
His soft track record is solid with a win from five starts, and he gets the services of Matthew Cartwright who boasts an impressive 43% strike rate at Matamata. While unproven at the mile, his racing pattern suggests it should suit, and the significant class drop makes him a major player.
One True King is a lightly-raced improver from the powerful Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson stable who brings winning form from his last preparation. The booking of star jockey Opie Bosson is significant, and while first-up from a spell, his first-up record includes a placing. The class rise is a concern, but he appears to have the raw ability to measure up, and his tactical versatility should help overcome the wide draw.
Classic Champagne brings the strongest recent form into this race, having won impressively last start over 1500m on a Soft 6 track. She's proven on wet tracks with a win from two soft track starts and has a perfect second-up record. While stepping up in class, she's a progressive mare who appears to have significant upside and should handle the mile distance based on her strong finishing effort last start.
She's proven in wet conditions with an excellent heavy track record (1-2-1 from 5 starts) and has shown consistent improvement throughout her career.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Geneva | 2 | Matthew Cartwright | Ms K A Hoskin | 57.5kg | $2.10 |
| 2nd | 11 | One True King | 12 | Opie Bosson | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 57kg | $5.60 |
| 3rd | 7 | Bassoroc | 13 | George Rooke | S B Marsh | 57kg | $13.50 |
| 4th | 12 | Crown Princess | 7 | Hayley Hassman | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 53.5kg | $3.40 |
| 5th | 13 | Sadhbh | 4 | Rihaan Goyaram | Ms P Gerard | 54.5kg | $9.70 |
| 6th | 16 | Kirrawee | 9 | C K Ormsby | 56kg | $18.70 | |
| 7th | 15 | Spring Queen | 6 | Jack Taplin | S B Marsh | 51.5kg | $38.20 |
| Scr | 1 | Jurisprudence | 11 | Samantha Collett | Danny Walker & Arron Tata | 59kg | |
| Scr | 2 | Halo's Fire | 14 | Ryan Elliot | M G Forbes | 58.5kg | |
| Scr | 3 | Arundel Castle | 8 | Sam McNab | Darryn & Briar Weatherley | 55.5kg | |
| Scr | 4 | Ever Charm | 1 | Rory Hutchings | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 58.5kg | |
| Scr | 5 | Cheap Sav | 3 | Tayla Mitchell | Tarissa Macdonald | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Classic Champagne | 10 | Joe Doyle | Ms S P Mynott | 57kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Victorious Warrior | 13 | Matthew Cameron | D R Wiles | 57kg | |
| Scr | 10 | Los Santos | 5 | Craig Grylls | Peter & Shaun Mckay | 57kg | |
| Scr | 14 | Fat Cat | 8 | Andrew Forsman | 56.5kg |
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