Punt like a Pro, without the know!
Western Australia · Saturday 31 January 2026
Our top pick won 2 of 9 races at Ascot. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
top pick wonanother tip wonno tip won
Haida Gwaii brings exceptional credentials with a 55% win rate and perfect record at this track/distance combination when paired with Chris Parnham. The mare has proven adaptable to soft conditions and maintains consistent form. Despite the slight class rise, she appears well-placed to continue her winning ways.
Amaroo Star brings impressive credentials with 5 wins from 6 starts at Ascot and perfect record with William Pike. The gelding is in peak form with back-to-back wins and draws perfectly in barrier 3 to capitalize on the inside bias. The main concern is his unproven record on soft tracks (0 from 5), which tempers confidence slightly despite his otherwise excellent profile.
The gelding is remarkably consistent with placings in 50% of starts and has performed well at this track and distance. The advantageous barrier 4 draw should allow him to capitalize on the inside bias. While his win strike rate is lower than the top selections, his consistency and soft track credentials make him a solid place chance.
The mare drops significantly in class from recent Listed company where she was competitive. The barrier draw is slightly disadvantageous but her tactical versatility can overcome this.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Amaroo Star | 3 | William Pike | Simon Miller | 56kg | $2.60 |
| 2nd | 3 | Keep Ita Mystery | 4 | Brad Parnham | Luke Fernie | 57kg | $4.80 |
| 3rd | 4 | Haida Gwaii | 7 | Chris Parnham | M L Lane | 56.5kg | $6.00 |
| 4th | 2 | Keep Reading | 5 | Zephen Johnston-Porter | Daniel O'Connor | 54.5kg | $21.00 |
| 5th | 1 | Sinful Living | 6 | Chanel Cooper | D & B Pearce | 58kg | $17.00 |
| 6th | 6 | Tycoon Harry | 2 | Holly Nottle | J P Taylor | 53kg | $3.10 |
| 7th | 7 | Crippalenko | 1 | Patrick Carbery | Greg Beauglehole | 55.5kg | $101.00 |
Has a strong record at this distance (1-1-0 from 2 starts) and has shown versatility across track conditions. The Simon Miller-trained gelding is well-drawn in barrier 5 and gets the services of Clint Johnston-Porter who knows the horse well. Looks ready to peak third-up.
The T M Andrews-trained gelding is untested at 1100m but his racing pattern suggests the extra 100m should suit. Gets the services of William Pike who is in excellent form (25% strike rate from last 20 rides). Well drawn in barrier 2 which should allow him to take up a forward position.
The Mitchell Pateman-trained gelding should improve with that experience under his belt. Gets the services of in-form jockey Patrick Carbery who has a 20% strike rate from his last 20 rides. The drop to 1100m should suit his racing style and he drops 2kg from his debut run.
This consistent filly has never missed a place (1-1-1 from 3 starts) and has performed well at Ascot (1-0-1 from 2 starts). Drawn perfectly in barrier 1 which should allow her to utilize her early speed, and carries just 54kg. While stepping up in class, her consistency and perfect draw make her an attractive value proposition.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Twisted Steel | 5 | Clint Johnston-Porter | Simon Miller | 58kg | $3.50 |
| 2nd | 7 | The Nun | 1 | Shaun O'Donnell | Ms J Erkelens | 54kg | $9.00 |
| 3rd | 5 | Bassett Hound | 8 | Patrick Carbery | Mitchell Pateman | 56kg | $3.50 |
| 4th | 2 | Sound Of Speed | 2 | William Pike | T M Andrews | 58kg | $7.50 |
| 5th | 4 | Aberdeen Flyer | 4 | Brad Parnham | S & J Casey | 56kg | $3.90 |
| 6th | 6 | She's Hot | 6 | Steven Parnham | D L Morton | 54kg | $31.00 |
| 7th | 3 | Reconnaissance | 7 | Holly Nottle | D T McAuliffe | 53kg | $11.00 |
| 8th | 8 | Gypsy Rhyme | 3 | Laqdar Ramoly | S J Ryan | 54kg | $101.00 |
The filly gets the services of in-form jockey William Pike (25% recent strike rate) and draws perfectly in barrier 1. With the rail out 7m, this inside draw should be advantageous. The step up to 1100m looks suitable and she appears the clear standout.
Drawing barrier 5 gives her options in the run, and Holly Watson retains the ride. The 2kg weight advantage over Daryte could help close the gap, though she'll need to find significant improvement to turn the tables. Natural second-up progression is expected.
Eddietemple is an interesting debutant from the Simon Miller stable, known for producing quality juveniles. The application of blinkers first-up suggests readiness, and barrier 3 gives options in the run. While lacking race experience, the stable-jockey combination (10% strike rate) is positive.
Drawing barrier 2 is significant with the rail out 7m, and inside barriers have been advantaged recently. While unraced, the stable rarely sends out unprepared juveniles.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 13 | Maria Lucia | 11 | Holly Nottle | S & J Casey | 52kg | $11.00 |
| 2nd | 1 | Daryte | 1 | William Pike | T M Andrews | 57kg | $1.45 |
| 3rd | 14 | Yamanex | 7 | Steven Parnham | Josh Brown | 55kg | $31.00 |
| 4th | 9 | Achy Breaky | 12 | Chris Parnham | N D Parnham | 55kg | $26.00 |
| 5th | 8 | Perfume Princess | 9 | Clint Johnston-Porter | Simon Miller | 55kg | $17.00 |
| 6th | 2 | Properata | 10 | Brad Parnham | D & B Pearce | 57kg | $16.00 |
| 7th | 7 | Farnova | 4 | Holly Watson | Mitchell Pateman | 55kg | $8.50 |
| 8th | 11 | Here The Boom | 2 | Laqdar Ramoly | N D Parnham | 55kg | $13.00 |
| 9th | 5 | Beyond A Doubt | 5 | Shaun O'Donnell | Michelle Hagley | 57kg | $81.00 |
| 10th | 10 | Dixie Doo | 13 | Keshaw Dhurun | S & J Casey | 55kg | $151.00 |
| 11th | 12 | In Good Nicc | 3 | Joey Azzopardi | Luke Fernie | 55kg | $81.00 |
| 12th | 3 | Texan Dream | 8 | Chanel Cooper | Luke Fernie | 55kg | $101.00 |
| 13th | 4 | My Mate Max | 6 | Zephen Johnston-Porter | Daniel O'Connor | 54kg | $151.00 |
| Scr | 6 | Eddietemple | 3 | Lucy F Fiore | Simon Miller | 57kg |
Fancy Red brings exceptional consistency (5-3-2 from 11 starts) and is perfectly positioned from barrier 1 for William Pike to utilize her tactical speed. Second-up today after a strong runner-up finish at this track/distance, she's shown versatility across conditions and distances.
With a strong record at Ascot (3-3-5 from 22 starts) and dropping in class, he's well-positioned to go back-to-back. Chanel Cooper maintains the ride after their last-start success, and the horse's tactical speed should allow him to overcome the slightly wider draw in a race that should suit his running style.
Supernatural drops significantly in class after a disappointing 5th last start. Her overall record (5-2-2 from 16 starts) and track record (2-2-0 from 5 starts) are impressive, and the addition of blinkers for the first time could sharpen her focus. Drawing barrier 3 should allow her to utilize her early speed, and while Holly Nottle hasn't ridden her before, the jockey's recent form (20% strike rate) suggests she can get the best from this mare.
Urquharts Bluff brings a progressive profile with back-to-back wins and a strong overall record (3-2-1 from 9 starts). Despite the significant class rise, his advantageous barrier 2 draw and proven ability on good tracks (3-2-0 from 6 starts) make him an appealing value proposition.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Sonoftheboss | 6 | Chanel Cooper | J P Taylor | 58.5kg | $5.00 |
| 2nd | 6 | Horcrux | 4 | Clint Johnston-Porter | Simon Miller | 56kg | $3.40 |
| 3rd | 7 | Urquharts Bluff | 2 | Lisa Staples | P H Jordan | 55kg | $10.00 |
| 4th | 3 | Fancy Red | 1 | William Pike | A G Durrant | 58.5kg | $3.00 |
| 5th | 8 | King Hit | 5 | Steven Parnham | T M Andrews | 54kg | $21.00 |
| 6th | 4 | Playing Rio | 7 | Jason Whiting | P B Hunter | 57.5kg | $31.00 |
| 7th | 2 | Supernatural | 3 | Holly Nottle | A G Durrant | 56.5kg | $5.50 |
| Scr | 5 | Snow Prince | 8 | Zephen Johnston-Porter | S & J Casey | 54kg |
His versatile racing style allows him to settle midfield from the good draw, ideal in this fast-tempo race. Second-up record shows improvement and his win three starts back at Bunbury (1400m) demonstrates his class. The Chris Parnham/Pearce combination is firing with 21% strike rate.
On Patrol brings strong recent form with a close 2nd last start and gets the services of William Pike. His tactical speed should allow him to overcome the wide draw and be prominent in the early stages.
The Simon Miller/Johnston-Porter combination has a strong 17% strike rate, and from barrier 3, he should get an ideal run in midfield. His 3rd placing last start at Pinjarra suggests he's ready to peak third-up and the step up in distance looks suitable.
The fast tempo should suit his running style, and Brandon Louis knows the horse well with a win from their 7 rides together.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Touretto | 9 | Troy Turner | P J Daly | 57.5kg | $10.00 |
| 2nd | 2 | On Patrol | 8 | William Pike | S & J Casey | 58.5kg | $3.80 |
| 3rd | 8 | Superfluous | 3 | Clint Johnston-Porter | Simon Miller | 56kg | $7.50 |
| 4th | 3 | Rally The Troops | 2 | Chris Parnham | D & B Pearce | 58.5kg | $2.70 |
| 5th | 7 | Rapid Rock | 6 | Brandon Louis | B M Kay | 56kg | $6.00 |
| 6th | 1 | Decision Maker | 5 | Brad Parnham | N D Parnham | 59kg | $13.00 |
| 7th | 9 | Zorbrist | 4 | Steven Parnham | N D Parnham | 55.5kg | $21.00 |
| 8th | 4 | Irish Rockstar | 7 | Holly Nottle | Ms D Riordan | 55kg | $19.00 |
| 9th | 5 | Gambler's Gold | 1 | Zephen Johnston-Porter | D R Pateman | 54.5kg | $101.00 |
While facing Ascot and 1500m for the first time, her tactical versatility and progressive profile suggest she can overcome the wide draw. Her 30% win rate and 60% place rate demonstrate consistent quality, and Lucy Fiore has already won on her this preparation.
Forever Dreaming brings strong recent form with a close second last start over 1800m. While her win strike rate is modest at 8%, her consistency (27% place rate) and proven ability at metropolitan level make her a genuine contender. Troy Turner knows her well with 1 win from 13 rides.
Being second-up from a spell (1 win from 4 second-up starts) is a significant positive, and his form trajectory is clearly improving. While the wide barrier is a concern, his racing pattern suggests he can overcome it, and Laqdar Ramoly's continued association is a plus.
Her Ascot record (1-4-0 from 12 starts) and distance record (0-2-1 from 5 starts) show she's well-suited to conditions. The class drop from her last start is significant, and while Z. Johnston-Porter is riding her for the first time, his 8% strike rate at Ascot is respectable.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Forever Dreaming | 3 | Troy Turner | Colin Webster Jnr | 57kg | $4.00 |
| 2nd | 6 | Mangifera | 12 | Lucy F Fiore | Robert Gulberti | 55.5kg | $4.20 |
| 3rd | 11 | Marines Cry | 8 | Chanel Cooper | Ryan Hill | 52kg | $41.00 |
| 4th | 1 | Defending | 1 | Holly Nottle | D & B Pearce | 57kg | $2.90 |
| 5th | 7 | Show The Way | 11 | Laqdar Ramoly | N D Parnham | 55.5kg | $8.00 |
| 6th | 9 | Ginger And Tonic | 2 | Lisa Staples | P H Jordan | 54kg | $26.00 |
| 7th | 12 | Royal Gap | 7 | Steven Parnham | A W Maley | 54kg | $41.00 |
| 8th | 2 | Alaskan | 5 | Chris Parnham | N D Parnham | 58kg | $12.00 |
| 9th | 10 | Jazalot | 10 | Holly Watson | N D Dellar | 54kg | $26.00 |
| 10th | 8 | Snip Of Gossip | 9 | Keshaw Dhurun | Fenella Martin | 54.5kg | $51.00 |
| 11th | 5 | Civvy Street | 4 | Jade Mc Naught | S & J Casey | 56.5kg | $51.00 |
| Scr | 3 | Lova Session | 6 | Zephen Johnston-Porter | P R Bamford | 55kg |
Famous Dain comes off a strong win just 6 days ago and has a solid record at the mile. William Pike stays aboard (2 wins from 7 rides) and this progressive 5yo still has upside. The class rise is significant, but his overall profile suggests he's ready for it. The quick backup is a slight concern, but his fitness is assured and his mile record (1-1-2 from 7) indicates he'll handle the distance well.
River Rubicon drops significantly in class after a strong second last start. His experience as a 7yo should help navigate what looks to be a tactical race.
While stepping up to 1600m for the first time, his versatile racing pattern and ability to settle midfield should help him handle the likely fast tempo. The O'Donnell/Durrant combination is 1 from 1, and his record at Ascot (2-2-2 from 13) suggests he'll handle the track well.
This improving mare has strong recent form including a win three starts back. The good barrier draw (2) will allow her to secure a tactical position, and Clint Johnston-Porter (who has a 50% strike rate on this horse) returns to the saddle.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 7 | Battle Commander | 6 | Lisa Staples | P H Jordan | 55kg | $3.00 |
| 2nd | 2 | River Rubicon | 7 | Shaun Mc Gruddy | S J Wolfe | 59kg | $10.00 |
| 3rd | 8 | Snazzler | 5 | Holly Watson | J N Pateman | 55kg | $14.00 |
| 4th | 5 | Famous Dain | 8 | William Pike | D & B Pearce | 56.5kg | $1.85 |
| 5th | 1 | Bruce Almighty | 4 | Chris Parnham | N D Parnham | 60kg | $10.00 |
| 6th | 4 | Fear The Wind | 1 | Brad Parnham | D & B Pearce | 58kg | $20.00 |
| Scr | 3 | Silver Eye | 3 | Shaun O'Donnell | A G Durrant | 58.5kg | |
| Scr | 6 | Noteworthy | 2 | Clint Johnston-Porter | Michael Grantham | 55.5kg |
Progressive 4YO gelding with an impressive 40% win rate who brings strong form credentials despite stepping up in class. Has won 2 from 4 at the mile and handles Ascot well with 2 wins from 4 starts at the track. Recent form is rock-solid with a win two starts back and a respectable 4th last time. Chris Parnham's booking is significant given his 25% recent strike rate.
Talented 4YO mare dropping significantly in class after a solid 6th in BM72+ company. Won impressively two starts back and boasts an excellent 3 from 8 record at Ascot. The first-time blinkers application is a significant gear change that could sharpen her up. While unproven at the mile, her racing pattern suggests the distance should suit, and the class drop is a major positive.
Has been racing in excellent form with a 5th and 2nd in his last two outings. Patrick Carbery maintains the ride and is riding at a strong 20% strike rate. While stepping up in class, his versatile racing pattern should suit the likely fast tempo, and he appears ready to peak third-up from a spell.
Has been racing consistently with a 7-3-4 pattern in his last three starts and has proven himself at this class level previously.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Redback Flyer | 5 | Chris Parnham | M L Lane | 57.5kg | $3.80 |
| 2nd | 3 | Cashel Palace | 2 | Lucy F Fiore | D L Morton | 59kg | $4.40 |
| 3rd | 9 | Five Down | 8 | Chanel Cooper | Luke Fernie | 52kg | $21.00 |
| 4th | 2 | Desennea | 1 | Shaun O'Donnell | Dylan Bairstow | 60kg | $31.00 |
| 5th | 1 | Fat Roy Slim | 6 | William Pike | J F Miller | 60.5kg | $12.00 |
| 6th | 4 | Ginger Green | 7 | Zephen Johnston-Porter | Steele Casey | 56kg | $15.00 |
| 7th | 7 | Dennis Choux | 4 | Patrick Carbery | D R Harrison | 57kg | $5.00 |
| 8th | 5 | Deamber | 9 | Holly Nottle | Ms S Bakranich | 55kg | $4.00 |
| 9th | 8 | Amamus | 3 | Steven Parnham | S J Miller | 55kg | $19.00 |
Lightly-raced 3YO with perfect record from two starts who returns from a spell with significant upside. Gets in with just 56kg from an ideal barrier 3 draw and has the services of William Pike who's riding at 25% winners from his last 20 rides.
Has a solid record at the distance (2-0-0 from 7 starts) and should be suited by the likely fast tempo. Holly Nottle (20% strike rate from last 20 rides) is a significant jockey booking and the horse appears to be in career-best form.
Gets the significant advantage of barrier 1 and has Chris Parnham aboard who's riding at 25% winners from his last 20 rides. The trainer/jockey combination is also strong with a 24% strike rate.
4YO mare with excellent place record (7 placings from 17 starts) who finished a close second at this track and class last start. The gear change (blinkers off, winkers on) looks positive for a horse that tends to find one better. Has a strong record on good tracks (2-6-2 from 11 starts) and should be suited by the likely fast tempo.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Avoidance | 5 | Holly Nottle | S J Wolfe | 56.5kg | $19.00 |
| 2nd | 11 | Blue Can Talk | 7 | Lucy F Fiore | N D Dellar | 54kg | $101.00 |
| 3rd | 5 | Earth God | 4 | Shaun Mc Gruddy | C & M Gangemi | 58kg | $5.50 |
| 4th | 9 | Too Darn Stormy | 3 | William Pike | D L Morton | 56kg | $2.15 |
| 5th | 1 | De Grandhomme | 2 | Zephen Johnston-Porter | A G Durrant | 58kg | $8.50 |
| 6th | 7 | Justabittapress | 1 | Chris Parnham | M L Lane | 57.5kg | $9.00 |
| 7th | 8 | Mardusa | 9 | Clint Johnston-Porter | Simon Miller | 57kg | $5.50 |
| 8th | 4 | Chop Suey | 6 | Shaun O'Donnell | Ms J Erkelens | 58kg | $31.00 |
| 9th | 10 | Rise To Glory | 11 | Patrick Carbery | Sue Olive | 55kg | $18.00 |
| 10th | 2 | Border Control | 10 | Laqdar Ramoly | Timothy Pike | 60.5kg | $101.00 |
| Scr | 6 | Lucky I Am | 8 | Chanel Cooper | J P Taylor | 56kg |
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