Punt like a Pro, without the know!
New Zealand · Saturday 24 January 2026
Our top pick won 2 of 6 races at Ellerslie. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
top pick wonanother tip wonno tip won
High-class mare with exceptional credentials including multiple Group 1 wins. Her 3 from 3 record at Ellerslie is compelling, including 2 wins at this distance. First-up since December but has won fresh before. Drawn to get a good position and likely to be prominent throughout. Clear class edge over this field.
Consistent mare with strong recent form including a last-start Group 3 win. Has an excellent record at the distance with 3 wins from 7 starts. Well drawn in barrier 2 which should allow her to take up a forward position. Craig Grylls has a good record with the trainer (21% strike rate). Main query is her preference for softer tracks.
Progressive mare coming off an impressive win at Ellerslie over 1400m. Has a good record at the track with 1 win and 1 placing from 5 starts. Strong record at the distance with 2 wins from 3 starts. Kelly Myers is riding in excellent form with 4 wins from her last 20 rides. Should appreciate the likely strong tempo.
Progressive mare who won impressively last start at Ellerslie over 1200m. Has a strong record at the track with 2 wins from 4 starts. Perfectly drawn in barrier 1 and gets the services of Angela Jones who is in red-hot form with 6 wins from her last 20 rides.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 10 | Moschino | 7 | Logan Bates | Ms M Falconer | 54kg | $11.30 |
| 2nd | 3 | Imprevu | 3 | Tayla Mitchell | Ms J Dalley | 54kg | |
| 3rd | 2 | Mary Shan | 2 | Craig Grylls | Andrew Forsman | 57kg | |
| 4th | 5 | Moving Melody | 4 | Damian Lane | B Wallace & G Cooksley | 55kg | |
| 1 | Provence | 8 | George Rooke | S B Marsh | 59kg | ||
| 4 | Frostfair | 11 | Warren Kennedy | L R Noble | 55kg | ||
| 6 | Bak Da Angel | 6 | Matthew Cameron | D B Hollinshead | 55kg | ||
| Scr | 7 | Tristar | 9 | Ben E Thompson | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 55kg | |
| 8 | Romilly | 10 | Kelly Myers | G Richardson & R Norvall | 55kg | ||
| 9 | Power Of Three | 1 | Angela Jones | C W Cole | 55kg | ||
| 11 | Amazonia | 5 | Masahiro Hashizume | J W Bell | 55kg |
Progressive Savabeel filly who won impressively at Ellerslie before placing third in Group 1 company last start. Has drawn perfectly in barrier 3 and secures the services of elite jockey Craig Williams. Her fresh record is solid and she's shown tactical versatility in her limited starts. The Walker/Bergerson stable excels with horses resuming from spells.
Promising Hello Youmzain filly who remains unbeaten after two starts, including a strong win at Ellerslie last time out. Has shown tactical versatility and handles varying track conditions. The Walker/Bergerson stable is in excellent form and this filly appears to have considerable upside. The wide barrier is the main concern.
Consistent filly who has been competing admirably in strong company, including a recent fifth in Group 1 grade. Has placed in 6 of her last 11 starts and drops back in class here. The engagement of Damian Lane is significant, and she has a proven record at Ellerslie. Versatile regarding track conditions and should be finishing strongly.
Talented Snitzel filly with an excellent record of 2 wins and 2 placings from 4 starts. Has a perfect 2 from 2 placing record at Ellerslie and performs well when fresh. Placed second in Group 3 company last start and has drawn perfectly in barrier 2.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 13 | Belle Cheval | 3 | Craig Williams | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 55kg | $4.80 |
| 2nd | 5 | Bulgari | 5 | Sam Weatherley | Darryn & Briar Weatherley | 57kg | |
| 3rd | 10 | Drops Of God | 13 | Ben E Thompson | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 56kg | |
| 4th | 15 | Places To Be | 11 | Kelly Van Dyk | 55kg | ||
| 1 | To Bravery Born | 1 | Rory Hutchings | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 58.5kg | ||
| 2 | King's English | 9 | Opie Bosson | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 58kg | ||
| 3 | Landlock | 12 | Vinnie Colgan | C W Cole | 57kg | ||
| 4 | L'aigle Noir | 6 | Craig Grylls | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 57kg | ||
| 6 | Zorero | 14 | Kelly Myers | Guy Lowry & Leah Zydenbos | 57kg | ||
| 7 | To Cap It All | 8 | Damian Lane | S B Marsh | 56kg | ||
| Scr | 8 | In Haste | 2 | Logan Bates | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 56kg | |
| 9 | Cream Tart | 15 | Angela Jones | A W Pike | 56kg | ||
| Scr | 11 | Lubeck | 4 | Wiremu Pinn | S B Marsh | 56kg | |
| 12 | Lucy In The Sky | 7 | Warren Kennedy | A W Pike | 56kg | ||
| 14 | Confesara | 16 | George Rooke | R James & R Wellwood | 55kg | ||
| 16 | Cosmopolitan | 10 | G Richardson & R Norvall | 55kg |
Hinekaha brings exceptional credentials with 5 wins from 9 starts including a last-start Group 2 victory over this distance. Her Ellerslie record is strong (1-1-1 from 5) and she has a perfect record at the mile. The combination with Craig Grylls is excellent (3 wins from 5 rides) and she's drawn perfectly in barrier 4. While the 42-day freshen is a query, she's proven first-up previously and has the class to overcome it.
While stepping up significantly in class, her consistency (6 top-2 finishes from 7 starts) and the booking of Craig Williams are significant positives. The main query is her first time at Ellerslie.
She's A Dealer brings a strong record of 4 wins from 8 starts including an excellent record at Ellerslie (2-0-0 from 3). Her last start 4th in Group 2 company shows she's not out of place at this level. She's versatile in her racing pattern and proven on all surfaces. George Rooke knows her well and she should get a good run from barrier 6. The class rise is the main query but her Ellerslie form is compelling.
He's been consistently performing in Group company and gets the services of elite jockey Opie Bosson who boasts a 22% strike rate at Ellerslie. While he hasn't won at Ellerslie from 5 attempts, he has placed twice at the track and distance and should get the perfect run from barrier 9.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Tuxedo | 9 | Opie Bosson | S Ritchie & C Murray | 57.5kg | $8.50 |
| 2nd | 9 | Hinekaha | 4 | Craig Grylls | Andrew Forsman | 55.5kg | |
| 3rd | 15 | Knobelas | 10 | Craig Williams | M Price & M Kent Jnr | 55.5kg | |
| 4th | 11 | She's A Dealer | 6 | George Rooke | R James & R Wellwood | 55.5kg | |
| 1 | Midnight Edition | 8 | Matthew Cameron | B S Wallbank | 57.5kg | ||
| 3 | Checkmate | 5 | Damian Lane | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 57.5kg | ||
| 4 | Dealt With | 13 | Rory Hutchings | R James & R Wellwood | 57.5kg | ||
| 5 | Super Photon | 15 | Sam Weatherley | S B Marsh | 57.5kg | ||
| 6 | Yaldi | 2 | Matthew Cartwright | Andrew Forsman | 57.5kg | ||
| 7 | Golden Wings | 11 | Bruno Queiroz | Hanna Orting & Sophia Nolan | 57.5kg | ||
| 8 | Inside Out | 3 | Kelly Myers | Darryn & Briar Weatherley | 57.5kg | ||
| 10 | Vegas Queen | 7 | Masahiro Hashizume | K I Rae | 55.5kg | ||
| 12 | Smart Love | 1 | Joe Doyle | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 55.5kg | ||
| 13 | Moxie | 16 | Logan Bates | K G Harrison | 55.5kg | ||
| 14 | Silver Wedding | 14 | Angela Jones | C Maher | 55.5kg | ||
| 16 | Sneak Peek | 12 | Ben E Thompson | S B Marsh | 55.5kg |
Kinnaird brings the strongest credentials with an unbeaten record including a Group 2 win at this track. The Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson-trained colt has tactical speed to utilize barrier 1 and has proven adaptable across track conditions.
De Armas brings an unbeaten record including a Listed race win at Pukekohe. The J W Benner-trained filly has shown versatility winning on both Good and Heavy tracks. First-up specialist with a perfect 1-from-1 record when fresh. Kelly Myers (20% recent strike rate) maintains the ride after their previous success together. The 63-day break is the main query.
Her versatility across track conditions is a plus, and she maintains a perfect partnership with jockey Ben Thompson.
Dashing Dixie made an impressive debut winning at Te Rapa over 1100m, suggesting significant upside potential. The O'Sullivan & Scott-trained filly gets in well at the weights and has had an ideal 42-day freshen-up. While jockey Joe Doyle is yet to win for these connections, his 15% strike rate at Ellerslie is encouraging.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 9 | Dream Roca | 9 | Ben E Thompson | L F Birchley | 55kg | $4.10 |
| 2nd | 6 | Magill | 6 | Wiremu Pinn | Guy Lowry & Leah Zydenbos | 57kg | |
| 3rd | 7 | Torture | 7 | Damian Lane | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 55kg | |
| 4th | 8 | De Armas | 8 | Kelly Myers | J W Benner | 55kg | |
| 1 | Kinnaird | 1 | Opie Bosson | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 57kg | ||
| 2 | Out Of The Blue | 2 | Craig Williams | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 57kg | ||
| 3 | Butler Cabin | 3 | Bruno Queiroz | J W Benner | 57kg | ||
| 4 | Midnight Dart | 4 | George Rooke | Ms L Latta | 57kg | ||
| 5 | Ka Ron | 5 | Masahiro Hashizume | S A Sharrock | 57kg | ||
| 10 | Dashing Dixie | 10 | Joe Doyle | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 55kg | ||
| 11 | Stromlinien | 11 | Craig Grylls | Andrew Forsman | 55kg | ||
| 12 | Vanzadee | 12 | Angela Jones | L F Birchley | 55kg | ||
| 13 | Zaharias | 13 | Rory Hutchings | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 55kg | ||
| 14 | She's No Saint | 14 | Logan Bates | Ms M L Bradley | 55kg | ||
| Scr | 15 | State The Obvious | 15 | G Richardson & R Norvall | 55kg | ||
| Scr | 16 | Singletary | 16 | Andrew Campbell | 57kg |
Unbeaten filly with exceptional credentials including a dominant Group 1 win over 1600m at Riccarton. Has won all three starts at Ellerslie including a Group 2 last start. Matthew Cartwright maintains the ride with a perfect 3-from-3 record on this runner. Gets weight relief as a filly and has proven adaptable to different track conditions. The clear standout.
High-class filly who won impressively last start in Group 2 company at Trentham. Has excellent Ellerslie form with a win and a second from two starts. Craig Williams takes the ride which is a significant jockey booking. First attempt at the mile is the query, but her strong finishing efforts suggest she'll handle it. Main danger to the favorite.
Genuine Group performer with excellent credentials at both the track and distance. Finished second last start in Group 2 company at Ellerslie over the mile and also placed in the Group 1 NZ 1000 Guineas. Has a strong record at Ellerslie with 6 starts producing 1 win, 2 seconds and 1 third. Excellent each-way proposition.
Talented gelding with an excellent record at Ellerslie (2 wins, 1 third from 3 starts). Finished second to Romanoff in the Group 1 NZ 2000 Guineas over a mile, suggesting he'll handle the distance. George Rooke knows the horse well with 1 win from 4 rides. Drawn to get the perfect run from barrier 2.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | Well Written | 8 | Matthew Cartwright | S B Marsh | 55kg | $1.20 |
| 2nd | 3 | He Who Dares | 3 | Opie Bosson | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 57kg | |
| 3rd | 9 | La Dorada | 9 | Craig Williams | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 55kg | |
| 4th | 11 | War Princess | 11 | Ben E Thompson | Peter & Trent Didham | 55kg | |
| 1 | Romanoff | 1 | Bruno Queiroz | Ms P Gerard | 57kg | ||
| 2 | Affirmative Action | 2 | George Rooke | Ms P Gerard | 57kg | ||
| 4 | Argo | 4 | Damian Lane | A W Pike | 57kg | ||
| 5 | Sweet Ice | 5 | Warren Kennedy | D G Greene | 57kg | ||
| 6 | Now Not Never | 6 | Rory Hutchings | Ms P Gerard | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 7 | Fat Cat | 7 | Joe Doyle | Andrew Forsman | 57kg | |
| 10 | Lollapalooza | 10 | Vinnie Colgan | G Richardson & R Norvall | 55kg | ||
| 12 | Miss Ziggy | 12 | Kylie Williams | Andrew Carston | 55kg | ||
| 13 | Chilling Out | 13 | Craig Grylls | Andrew Forsman | 55kg | ||
| 14 | Fleeting Star | 14 | Angela Jones | G Richardson & R Norvall | 55kg |
Progressive galloper with an exceptional record of 5 wins from 8 starts who has been dominant at Ellerslie with 4 wins from 6 starts. Comes in second-up after an impressive win at this track 23 days ago. Has drawn perfectly in barrier 3 with Hashizume (who has a 21% strike rate at this track) retaining the ride. The significant class rise is offset by his perfect record at the track and distance.
High-class mare with an exceptional record of 6 wins from 11 starts including strong performances at Group level. Excellent first-up record (2 wins from 3 attempts) and has won twice from three starts at Ellerslie. Gets in well at the weights with 54kg and has drawn ideally in barrier 5. Craig Williams is a significant jockey booking. Main query is whether she's fully wound up first-up in a high-pressure Group 1.
Consistent Group performer with strong credentials dropping back in class. The engagement of Opie Bosson (22% strike rate at track) is significant. Main concerns are the lack of previous experience at Ellerslie and potential to be caught wide from barrier 8 in a fast-tempo race.
Consistent and reliable sprinter in career-best form with three consecutive wins. Has an excellent first-up record with 3 wins from 8 attempts and boasts a strong distance record (7 wins from 18 starts). Logan Bates has a perfect 3 from 3 record on this horse.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Jigsaw | 10 | Logan Bates | Ms C Alderson | 57kg | $7.90 |
| 2nd | 1 | Arkansaw Kid | 8 | Opie Bosson | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 58kg | |
| 3rd | 11 | Sweynesday | 3 | Masahiro Hashizume | R James & R Wellwood | 55kg | |
| 4th | 7 | Tardelli | 1 | Ben E Thompson | S B Marsh | 55kg | |
| 2 | Crocetti | 9 | Warren Kennedy | Danny Walker & Arron Tata | 58kg | ||
| 4 | Sterling Express | 2 | Matthew Cameron | M H Brosnan | 57kg | ||
| 5 | Platinum Attack | 7 | Craig Grylls | Ms L Latta | 55.5kg | ||
| 6 | Sacred Satono | 4 | Rory Hutchings | B Wallace & G Cooksley | 55kg | ||
| 8 | Master Fay | 11 | Tayla Mitchell | C K Ormsby | 55kg | ||
| 9 | Espionage | 6 | Damian Lane | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 55kg | ||
| 10 | Reward Smile | 12 | Kelly Myers | Ms J K Mahoney | 55kg | ||
| 12 | Alabama Lass | 5 | Craig Williams | K & B Kelso | 54kg | ||
| 13 | Ardalio | 13 | Matthew Cartwright | S B Marsh | 54kg |
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