Punt like a Pro, without the know!
New Zealand · Saturday 24 January 2026
Our top pick won 2 of 8 races at New Plymouth Raceway. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
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Madison made an impressive debut when second at this track and distance in November, showing natural ability. The Stephen Sharrock-trained filly has been freshened since that run and gets the services of in-form jockey Samantha Collett. While unproven on heavy going, her tactical speed should allow her to overcome the barrier and the stable is adept at preparing horses for this track.
Ryders Legacy has shown steady improvement, finishing 3rd last start at this track on heavy going. The Sam Sharrock-trained gelding has a solid record on heavy tracks with 1 placing from 1 start and should appreciate the 1400m journey again. Well-drawn in barrier 7 with Sam McNab aboard, he looks ready to take another step forward and should be right in the finish.
Star Onehundred showed ability when placing second at this track last start over 1200m. The filly has proven wet track credentials with a placing on heavy going and should appreciate the step up to 1400m. Second-up from a spell and with a light weight of 54kg, she has the tactical speed to overcome the wide barrier. Elen Nicholas knows the track well and can position her to advantage.
Inthemickoftime offers value second-up from a spell after a solid 4th placing last start. The Time Test gelding gets significant class relief here and draws the inside barrier which is crucial at New Plymouth. While yet to place in three starts, he's shown steady improvement and should appreciate the 1400m journey. Hayley Hassman is riding in good form and can give this horse every chance from the perfect draw.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Ryders Legacy | 7 | Sam McNab | S A Sharrock | 54kg | $2.80 |
| 2nd | 11 | Madison | 12 | Samantha Collett | S A Sharrock | 55kg | |
| 3rd | 14 | Undertheboardwalk | 4 | Toni Davies | Robbie Patterson | 53kg | |
| 4th | 10 | Star Onehundred | 13 | Elen Nicholas | Ms S Rainford | 54kg | |
| 1 | Inthemickoftime | 1 | Hayley Hassman | A J Dravitzki | 55.5kg | ||
| Scr | 2 | Whomadewho | 15 | Trudy & Vaughan Keegan | 58.5kg | ||
| 4 | Theonewekept | 10 | Jonathan Riddell | Ben & Ryan Foote | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 5 | Bellish Boy | 2 | Corentin Berge | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 57kg | |
| 6 | Elegant Elle | 6 | Lynsey Satherley | A C Baker | 56.5kg | ||
| Scr | 7 | Pinky Pie | 14 | Courtney Barnes | S B Marsh | 56.5kg | |
| 8 | Aimee's Jem | 16 | Madan Singh | Trudy & Vaughan Keegan | 56.5kg | ||
| 9 | Feel The Noise | 3 | Chris Dell | Ms J Millar | 56.5kg | ||
| Scr | 12 | Pine Leaf | 16 | Andrew Forsman | 55kg | ||
| Scr | 13 | G'day Goldie | 9 | Rihaan Goyaram | Andrew Forsman | 53kg | |
| 15 | Try Again Friday | 5 | Amber Riddell | J Lavelle & S Rennie | 57.5kg | ||
| 16 | Major Houlihan | 8 | Jim Chung | G H Sharrock | 53kg | ||
| Scr | 17 | Eazmil | 11 | C R Isdale | 55kg | ||
| Scr | 18 | Sock It To Me | 14 | Maxim & Samantha Van Lierde | 58.5kg |
The engagement of Jonathan Riddell (15% recent strike rate) is a strong pointer, and the likely on-pace position suits New Plymouth's tight turning track.
Lightly-raced filly who has already shown ability on heavy going with a placing. Gets in with just 52.5kg from a good draw and has Sam McNab aboard who's riding in good form (15% recent strike rate). The barrier draw should allow her to settle in a forward position which is crucial at this track.
While drawn wide in barrier 8, he has the early speed to overcome this and should be able to take up a forward position. Unproven on heavy tracks but his soft track placing suggests he may handle the conditions.
Filly dropping dramatically in class from a Group 2 race where she was outclassed. The booking of in-form jockey Samantha Collett (20% recent strike rate) is significant, and she's the only runner with experience at this distance. While beaten a long way last start, the class drop should see dramatic improvement.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | King Of The Air | 1 | Jonathan Riddell | S B Marsh | 57.5kg | $3.10 |
| 2nd | 4 | In The Vineyard | 2 | Sam McNab | A W Pike | 52.5kg | |
| 3rd | 1 | Handstand | 8 | Elen Nicholas | C R Isdale | 56.5kg | |
| 4th | 5 | Pinafore | 4 | Amber Riddell | Ms L Latta | 54.5kg | |
| Scr | 3 | Cool In Command | 7 | Corentin Berge | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 6 | Powhiri | 3 | Courtney Barnes | Samantha Logan | 55.5kg | |
| Scr | 7 | Delicate Truth | 5 | Madan Singh | G R Vile | 55.5kg | |
| 8 | Uninvited | 6 | Samantha Collett | Hollie Wynyard | 55.5kg |
Progressive 4YO with an excellent heavy track record (2 wins from 3 starts) who should appreciate the drop back in class after a disappointing Group 3 run. Has tactical versatility to be positioned forward in a race that should suit on-pace runners. Gets in well at the weights and has shown ability to handle wet tracks convincingly.
Consistent mare with excellent recent form including a close second last start. Has a strong record at this distance (1-1-2 from 4) and has won at this track previously. Gets in light with 52kg but faces a significant class rise and has no heavy track form to reference. Versatile racing pattern should allow her to find a position.
Quality mare with a perfect second-up record (2 from 2) and excellent track statistics (2-0-1 from 3). Has been competing well in good company with 8 top-3 finishes in her last 11 starts. The main concern is her lack of heavy track form, but her consistency and class suggest she can handle the conditions.
Quality mare dropping significantly in class after competing in Group races. Has won at this track previously and performs well on soft tracks (2-3-0 from 8). The inside draw is perfect for this tight track, and while her first-up record is modest, she has the class to overcome that.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Ma Te Wa | 5 | Courtney Barnes | Robbie Patterson | 54.5kg | $1.60 |
| 2nd | 1 | Our Jumala | 3 | Jim Chung | Robbie Patterson | 58kg | |
| 3rd | 5 | Sindee | 8 | Sam McNab | S A Sharrock | 52kg | |
| 4th | 8 | Charmer | 2 | Amber Riddell | Ben & Ryan Foote | 53kg | |
| Scr | 2 | Mercurial | 6 | Jonathan Riddell | S B Marsh | 59.5kg | |
| Scr | 3 | Loch In Ora | 7 | Samantha Collett | S A Sharrock | 57kg | |
| Scr | 4 | Cosentino | 4 | Rohan Mudhoo | Kevin & Stephen Gray | 56kg | |
| Scr | 7 | Archaic Smile | 1 | Hollie Wynyard | 54kg |
Belle Tribute brings excellent credentials with a strong record at the mile (3-0-1 from 4 starts) and proven heavy track ability (1-0-1 from 2 starts). Her recent form is rock solid with a win in heavy conditions last start and 7 top-3 finishes in her last 11 outings. While the wide barrier is a concern, her tactical versatility should allow her to overcome this. The mare has performed well at this track previously (1-0-2 from 6 starts) and appears well-placed despite the class rise.
Freebelle brings strong wet track credentials with an excellent heavy track record (2-1-0 from 5 starts) and has performed well at the mile (2-0-0 from 4 starts). Her recent form has been consistent with 4 top-4 finishes in her last 5 starts. She has a favorable barrier draw and has won at this track previously. While she's rising in class, her wet track prowess and tactical versatility make her a genuine contender in these conditions.
Steal My Thunder brings strong credentials with a perfect record at this track and distance (1-0-0 from 1 start) and proven heavy track ability (2-1-2 from 13 starts). While first-up from a spell, she has a good fresh record (0-0-2 from 3 starts) and has been consistent with 9 top-3 finishes in her last 18 starts. The favorable barrier draw offsets the top weight concern, making her a genuine place chance in these conditions.
Tiny Diamond offers value with a strong record at this track (1-2-1 from 8 starts) including success at this track and distance (1-1-0 from 2 starts). While unproven on heavy tracks, he's dropping significantly in class and has been a consistent performer with 8 top-3 finishes in his last 14 starts.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Bay Express | 4 | Jim Chung | Robbie Patterson | 55.5kg | $8.80 |
| 2nd | 3 | Desert Mystic | 9 | Erin M Leighton | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 58kg | |
| 3rd | 2 | Belle Tribute | 12 | Sam McNab | S A Sharrock | 55.5kg | |
| 4th | 7 | Freebelle | 5 | Lynsey Satherley | Robbie Patterson | 56.5kg | |
| 1 | Steal My Thunder | 2 | Ryan Elliot | Bill Thurlow And Sam O'malley | 59kg | ||
| Scr | 4 | That's Gold | 11 | Samantha Collett | C J Wood | 57.5kg | |
| 6 | Overrated | 3 | Corentin Berge | M B Garrett | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 8 | French Doll | 3 | Hayley Hassman | M P Breslin | 53.5kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Cleese | 1 | Amber Riddell | J W Bell | 55.5kg | |
| Scr | 10 | Tiny Diamond | 6 | Toni Davies | Ms J Millar | 53kg | |
| 11 | Penurious | 7 | Courtney Barnes | S B Marsh | 54.5kg | ||
| Scr | 12 | Amyer Star | 13 | Elen Nicholas | Andrew Forsman | 53kg | |
| 13 | Rising Wind | 10 | Rihaan Goyaram | P P Mirabelli | 52kg | ||
| Scr | 14 | Blue Rata Boldness | 8 | Madan Singh | Trudy & Vaughan Keegan | 54kg |
Clew Bay brings the right profile for these conditions with a heavy track win to her name and consistent recent form. The perfect inside draw at this tight, leader-favoring track is crucial, and she gets in with a manageable weight. Samantha Collett is in excellent form (20% strike rate) and should give her every chance from the rail. The 2000m is new territory but her racing pattern suggests she'll handle it.
French Thinker brings the perfect recent form, winning her last start on a heavy track over this exact distance at this track. She's a progressive mare who has shown significant improvement with each run, placing in 3 of her 5 career starts. The barrier draw is favorable for this track, and Sam McNab should be able to position her ideally. The class rise is the main query, but her raw ability and suitability to conditions offset this concern.
Ayteem brings solid credentials with a win at this track and consistent recent form including a 2nd placing last start over 2200m. The class drop is significant and should help offset the top weight he carries. Chris Dell knows this horse well with 3 previous rides and has experience at this track. The barrier is workable, and while his heavy track form isn't outstanding, he has enough positives to be competitive in this field.
Cotton Roca represents excellent value given her strong credentials. She's a track winner with consistent recent form including a close 2nd last start. The wide barrier is the main concern at this tight track, but her tactical versatility should allow her to overcome this. Her record suggests she'll handle the 2000m, and Erin Leighton is riding well.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Ayteem | 8 | Chris Dell | Ms J Millar | 59.5kg | $4.30 |
| 2nd | 11 | Cleo's Magic | 5 | Amber Riddell | J Lavelle & S Rennie | 55kg | |
| 3rd | 8 | Brave Rebel | 16 | Hayley Hassman | G H Sharrock | 55kg | |
| 4th | 4 | Blue Rata Warea | 15 | Madan Singh | Trudy & Vaughan Keegan | 58.5kg | |
| Scr | 1 | Mustang Morgan | 3 | Jonathan Riddell | Andrew Forsman | 60kg | |
| 2 | Piercing Arrow | 13 | Ryan Elliot | J R Wheeler | 60kg | ||
| 5 | Jaeger | 17 | Courtney Barnes | Robbie Patterson | 58.5kg | ||
| Scr | 6 | Ballroom Blitz | 9 | Jim Chung | Robbie Patterson | 56kg | |
| 7 | Cotton Roca | 14 | Erin M Leighton | B D Revell | 58kg | ||
| 9 | French Thinker | 7 | Sam McNab | Kelly Van Dyk | 54kg | ||
| 10 | Clew Bay | 1 | Samantha Collett | S B Marsh | 56.5kg | ||
| Scr | 12 | Rosina | 2 | Ben & Ryan Foote | 56kg | ||
| 13 | Shockiff | 6 | Elen Nicholas | M K Oulaghan | 55kg | ||
| Scr | 14 | Vespacian | 10 | Toni Davies | A J Dravitzki | 53.5kg | |
| Scr | 15 | Kuroko | 4 | Maxim & Samantha Van Lierde | 57.5kg | ||
| Scr | 16 | Walkinthepark | 12 | G R Vile | 56kg | ||
| 17 | Alation | 9 | Ms I Kelly | 54kg | |||
| Scr | 18 | Blue Rata Boldness | 11 | Trudy & Vaughan Keegan | 56kg |
Local track specialist who won impressively last start at this course over 1400m. Has shown progressive improvement with 1 win and 1 placing from 2 career starts. Handles soft tracks well and has the tactical speed to overcome the wide barrier. The step up to 1800m is the query, but her strong finishing efforts suggest she'll handle it. Trainer Robbie Patterson knows how to prepare horses for this track.
Impressive debut winner who showed good tactical speed and determination. Unbeaten record suggests significant potential, and she maps to be one of the leaders from barrier 10. The step up to 1800m is a query but her breeding (by Ocean Park) suggests she'll handle it. Trainer-jockey combination has a strong 50% strike rate.
Has shown tactical versatility and is building an impressive record with 1 win from 2 starts. Second-up record is perfect and she maps to secure an ideal midfield position from barrier 6. The step up to 1800m looks suitable based on her strong finishing efforts, and she handles soft tracks well.
Genuine track specialist who ran a close second last start over this course and distance. Has strong form at this track with 1 second and 1 third from 2 starts. Handles soft tracks well and is showing consistent improvement. Her proven ability at the track and distance compensates for the class rise.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 14 | Acer | 8 | Erin M Leighton | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 56.5kg | $11.80 |
| 2nd | 8 | She Suits Herself | 1 | Hayley Hassman | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 56.5kg | |
| 3rd | 7 | Unbounded | 11 | Lynsey Satherley | Robbie Patterson | 56.5kg | |
| 4th | 10 | The Explosive | 2 | Chris Dell | Ms L Latta | 56.5kg | |
| 1 | Autumn Glory | 10 | Sam McNab | R James & R Wellwood | 56.5kg | ||
| 2 | Oh Maimai | 12 | Courtney Barnes | Robbie Patterson | 56.5kg | ||
| Scr | 3 | Single Red | 6 | Elen Nicholas | Andrew Forsman | 56.5kg | |
| 4 | Stella Ma Bella | 13 | Corentin Berge | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 56.5kg | ||
| Scr | 5 | Sweet Talkin Gal | 5 | Ryan Elliot | Hollie Wynyard | 56.5kg | |
| 6 | Celebrate Now | 14 | Samantha Collett | R James & R Wellwood | 56.5kg | ||
| 9 | Singe | 3 | Rihaan Goyaram | P P Mirabelli | 56.5kg | ||
| Scr | 11 | Clara Bow | 9 | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 56.5kg | ||
| 12 | Ikan | 4 | Jim Chung | Ms J A Zuppicich | 56.5kg | ||
| 13 | Kingsbrook Diva | 7 | S A Sharrock | 56.5kg |
Progressive mare who won impressively last start on Heavy 8 at Otaki. Has excellent credentials at New Plymouth with 2 wins from 4 starts including a win at this distance. Handles wet tracks well with 2 wins and 3 placings from 7 starts on soft going. Gets in light with 53kg and has Samantha Collett aboard who's riding at 20% winners. The class rise is offset by her progressive profile and weight advantage.
Consistent performer who has been racing well in stronger company, finishing third in his last three starts in Group 3 races. Has a perfect record on heavy tracks with 2 wins from 2 starts, suggesting he'll handle conditions well. Dropping in class from recent assignments which is a significant positive. Barrier 1 could be tricky if the inside deteriorates, but his adaptable racing style should help overcome this.
Consistent performer who won last start over 2000m at Taupo. Has good soft track credentials with 2 wins and 4 placings from 10 starts on soft going. Well-drawn in barrier 5 which should allow him to secure a good position mid-field. Corentin Berge is riding well with a 15% strike rate. The slight drop back in distance shouldn't be an issue as he's shown versatility in his racing pattern.
Consistent performer who rarely runs a bad race with 10 placings from 26 starts. Has excellent soft track credentials with 1 win and 6 placings from 10 starts. Has placed at New Plymouth previously and is well-drawn in barrier 2. His last two starts have resulted in close second placings, suggesting he's in good form.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Knights Realm | 2 | Elen Nicholas | C R Isdale | 55kg | $5.30 |
| 2nd | 5 | Enrico | 4 | Madan Singh | Ms I Kelly | 55kg | |
| 3rd | 9 | Bridal Train | 10 | Samantha Collett | S A Sharrock | 53kg | |
| 4th | 11 | Nancy She Wrote | 6 | Ben & Ryan Foote | 53kg | ||
| Scr | 1 | El Vencedor | 9 | Jonathan Riddell | S B Marsh | 59kg | |
| 2 | Herbert | 11 | Ryan Elliot | J R Wheeler | 56kg | ||
| Scr | 3 | What You Wish For | 5 | Corentin Berge | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 55.5kg | |
| Scr | 4 | The Odyssey | 1 | Sam McNab | Ben & Ryan Foote | 55kg | |
| 7 | Rusty Lane | 3 | Toni Davies | N J Quinn | 55kg | ||
| 8 | Semper Magico | 7 | Amber Riddell | M K Oulaghan | 55kg | ||
| 10 | Doddle | 8 | Courtney Barnes | S B Marsh | 53kg |
Komocean brings impressive credentials with a perfect record at this track and strong wet track form. Her recent first-up win was dominant, and she has an excellent second-up record. Despite the slightly awkward barrier, she has tactical versatility and the services of in-form jockey Samantha Collett. The mare has shown progressive improvement with each start and appears well-weighted for this assignment.
Hankee Alpha brings strong credentials with excellent recent form, including a close second last start at Ellerslie. She's proven on heavy tracks with a win from her only attempt and has shown tactical versatility. The mare is well-weighted and drawn favorably in barrier 7. While she hasn't raced at this track before, her adaptability suggests she should handle the tight turning circuit.
Foreverintime brings strong credentials having won at Trentham two starts back before a respectable 7th at Ellerslie. She has the advantage of barrier 1 and carries just 53.5kg with in-form jockey Sam McNab aboard. While unproven on heavy tracks, her class edge and weight advantage give her strong claims. Her Australian form adds depth to her profile, and she should be able to position well from the inside gate.
Wire Rope represents excellent value having won last start at this track over 1400m. He has proven heavy track form with a win and a third from three attempts and is drawn well in barrier 2. His consistent record of 2 wins and 3 placings from 9 starts adds further appeal.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 7 | Wire Rope | 2 | Toni Davies | Bill Thurlow And Sam O'malley | 55kg | $7.00 |
| 2nd | 10 | Beauesk | 8 | Jim Chung | Robbie Patterson | 53.5kg | |
| 3rd | 5 | Komocean | 10 | Samantha Collett | S A Sharrock | 57.5kg | |
| 4th | 3 | Tolstoy | 3 | Elen Nicholas | Ms I Kelly | 58.5kg | |
| Scr | 1 | Archaic Smile | 5 | Hollie Wynyard | 60kg | ||
| Scr | 2 | I'm All In | 9 | Jonathan Riddell | S B Marsh | 60kg | |
| Scr | 4 | Brazen Affair | 4 | Hayley Hassman | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 56kg | |
| Scr | 6 | Kosta | 11 | Erin M Leighton | M P Breslin | 57kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Foreverintime | 1 | Sam McNab | R James & R Wellwood | 53.5kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Hankee Alpha | 7 | Lynsey Satherley | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 56kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Bellarista | 6 | Courtney Barnes | S B Marsh | 55kg | |
| Scr | 12 | Charmer | 12 | Ben & Ryan Foote | 55kg | ||
| 13 | Flutterbelle | 11 | C R Isdale | 54kg |
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