Punt like a Pro, without the know!
New Zealand · Saturday 14 February 2026
Our top pick won 2 of 9 races at Matamata. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
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The engagement of elite jockey Opie Bosson signals stable confidence, and the horse has proven ability at 1400m with consistent placings. Despite the wide draw, the class and recent winning form make this the standout selection.
Our Lurrina won impressively last start at this very track and boasts a perfect record on soft going. The significant class drop from Open company to maiden level, combined with strong connections and track familiarity, makes this a compelling second choice despite the distance query.
The perfect soft track record and natural ability shown on debut make this filly a strong chance, though the jockey's poor track record is a concern.
The mare has strong soft track credentials and proven 1400m ability.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 11 | Bolli Belle | 2 | Hayley Hassman | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 54kg | $3.70 |
| 2nd | 12 | Our Lurrina | 4 | Matthew Cartwright | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 56kg | $3.70 |
| 3rd | 3 | Think I Got Cha | 6 | Elen Nicholas | Ms K D Nicholson | 57.5kg | $22.90 |
| 4th | 2 | Super Legocy | 7 | Opie Bosson | S B Marsh | 58.5kg | $4.30 |
| 5th | 7 | Atkins | 8 | Craig Grylls | C W Cole | 56.5kg | $4.10 |
| 6th | 8 | Gallinda | 9 | Matthew Cameron | T W Mitchell | 56.5kg | $24.40 |
| 7th | 5 | Oceania Flame | 3 | Sienna Brown | L Te Keeti | 53kg | $77.60 |
| 8th | 4 | Roar Of The Jungle | 5 | Rory Hutchings | K A Pertab | 57kg | $13.70 |
| 9th | 10 | Nordic Raider | 1 | Lynsey Satherley | L Te Keeti | 56.5kg | $81.50 |
| Scr | 1 | I'll Be Home Soon | 5 | Samantha Collett | P W Lock | 58.5kg | |
| Scr | 6 | Shookmeallnightlon | 9 | Sam McNab | D J Miller | 54kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Clear Conscience | 6 | Masahiro Hashizume | Ms P Gerard | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 13 | Glacial Storm | 7 | Barbara Kennedy | 56kg |
Scolera presents as the most reliable winning chance with a perfect record on soft tracks (1 win from 1 start) and excellent recent form including 3 top-3 finishes in her last 4 starts. Her proven ability at 1200m (1 win, 1 place from 2 starts) and advantageous barrier 1 position make her well-suited to control the race from the front.
High Emotion brings exceptional recent form with 6 top-3 finishes from her last 7 starts and a solid soft track record (5:1-1-2). The Marsh/Cartwright combination strikes at 22%, and despite the wide barrier, her consistent finishing ability makes her a strong each-way proposition in this class rise.
Chatelle Rose offers excellent value with a perfect 1200m record (1 win, 1 place, 1 third from 5 starts) and is dropping significantly in class. Her recent form shows 3 top-3 finishes in 5 starts, and barrier 4 provides tactical options despite concerns about soft track suitability.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Scolera | 1 | Samantha Collett | J C Collett | 58kg | $2.10 |
| 2nd | 8 | Chatelle Rose | 2 | Joe Doyle | F & L Cornege | 57kg | $7.40 |
| 3rd | 2 | General Menari | 3 | Rory Hutchings | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 59kg | $4.60 |
| 4th | 7 | High Emotion | 7 | Matthew Cartwright | S B Marsh | 57.5kg | $4.50 |
| 5th | 1 | Midori Glory | 4 | Ryan Elliot | T W Mitchell | 59.5kg | $19.30 |
| 6th | 9 | Whats The One Code | 5 | Tony Allan | Ms D Venn | 57kg | $40.70 |
| 7th | 11 | Glacial Storm | 6 | Masahiro Hashizume | Barbara Kennedy | 56kg | $13.90 |
| Scr | 3 | Chicago Jack | 11 | Sam McNab | S D Cole | 56kg | |
| Scr | 4 | Opaea Joe | 8 | Sienna Brown | G K Opie | 55kg | |
| Scr | 5 | Play It Again Sam | 2 | Elen Nicholas | Barbara Kennedy | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 10 | Alacritous | 3 | Craig Grylls | S B Marsh | 56.5kg |
Despite a disappointing last start, Kinnaird's Group 2 victory and soft track win rate make him a serious threat. The class drop suggests connections are seeking an easier target, and Bosson's booking indicates stable confidence. His best form gives him a clear class edge over most rivals.
Harvey Wallbanger presents the most reliable winning chance with a perfect place record and proven soft track ability. His Group 2 second behind Kinnaird and recent Group 3 narrow second show he's competitive at this level. The consistent margins and soft track form make him the standout selection despite the modest win rate.
Incandescent's perfect soft track record and Group 2 placing provide solid credentials despite limited experience. The freshen-up and inside barrier are positives, but the jockey's poor track record and significant class rise present concerns.
Justin Case offers value based on his recent Matamata win and improving trajectory. The lack of soft track experience is concerning, but his heavy track win shows wet weather ability.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Justin Case | 4 | Samantha Collett | K I Shailer | 57kg | $4.20 |
| 2nd | 3 | Out Of The Blue | 3 | Craig Grylls | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 57kg | $5.40 |
| 3rd | 6 | King Of The Air | 1 | Matthew Cartwright | S B Marsh | 57kg | $5.90 |
| 4th | 1 | Kinnaird | 2 | Opie Bosson | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 57kg | $1.60 |
| Scr | 2 | Harvey Wallbanger | 3 | Rory Hutchings | A W Pike | 57kg | |
| Scr | 4 | Incandescent | 1 | Masahiro Hashizume | R James & R Wellwood | 57kg | |
| Scr | 7 | State Of Valour | 4 | Ryan Elliot | C K Ormsby | 57kg |
Roctave presents as the most logical winner based on recent form and class progression. The 4yo gelding has proven soft track ability with 2 wins from 6 starts on the surface, and his upward trajectory suggests he can handle the class rise despite carrying top weight.
His soft track record (3 wins from 9 starts) and proven ability at 2000m make him a genuine threat if he can return to his Trentham winning form. The wide barrier is a concern but his tactical speed should allow him to find a position.
Her soft track form is adequate and the light weight of 54.5kg is a significant advantage. The class rise is the main concern but her recent trajectory suggests she's capable of competing at this level.
His recent form shows consistent placing efforts and he's proven at Matamata with a previous win.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Titled | 3 | Sam McNab | Ms L E Elliot | 54.5kg | $16.50 |
| 2nd | 7 | Overrated | 1 | Toni Davies | M B Garrett | 54.5kg | $18.50 |
| 3rd | 10 | Tide And Time | 12 | Kelly Myers | K I Rae | 55.5kg | $33.90 |
| 4th | 3 | Embezzler | 5 | Rory Hutchings | P & J Brosnan | 58kg | $41.20 |
| 5th | 9 | Innocent Victim | 8 | Rihaan Goyaram | S D Cole | 54kg | $23.20 |
| 6th | 12 | The Trendsetter | 10 | Samantha Collett | S B Marsh | 54.5kg | $4.50 |
| 7th | 6 | Cleese | 2 | Bruno Queiroz | J W Bell | 56.5kg | $42.90 |
| 8th | 4 | Crackercol | 9 | Joe Doyle | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 57.5kg | $4.10 |
| 9th | 13 | Sonoran | 7 | Corentin Berge | V A Prendergast | 54kg | $7.60 |
| 10th | 2 | Roctave | 6 | Craig Grylls | S B Marsh | 59.5kg | $4.40 |
| 11th | 8 | Dubai Gold | 4 | Masahiro Hashizume | Ms P Gerard | 56kg | $9.40 |
| 12th | 11 | My Maebelline Girl | 11 | Lynsey Satherley | Ms K A Little | 55kg | $32.90 |
| Scr | 1 | Giacomo | 11 | Hayley Hassman | Peter & Shaun Mckay | 58.5kg |
The standout form horse with a perfect record including a Group 2 win last start. The Bosson booking signals serious intent despite the wide draw.
Impressive debut winner who showed genuine ability when winning on soft going at Ellerslie. The Frankel breeding is a major plus for wet conditions, and the 50-day break should have her cherry-ripe. Grylls knows her well and the barrier suits. Strong each-way chance.
In excellent form with a Group 3 win last start and perfect on soft tracks. The class drop is significant and her early speed could be crucial in a moderate tempo. Barrier 2 requires tactical decisions but she's proven she can handle pressure.
The heavy track win proves wet track ability and the inside barrier is perfect for getting a forward position. The significant class drop from Group 3 to Open company could see marked improvement.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Lara Antipova | 6 | Opie Bosson | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 56.5kg | $1.20 |
| 2nd | 6 | Te Encuentro | 4 | Craig Grylls | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 56.5kg | $5.20 |
| 3rd | 4 | Hawea | 5 | Rory Hutchings | G Richardson & R Norvall | 56.5kg | $14.40 |
| 4th | 5 | State The Obvious | 1 | Rihaan Goyaram | G Richardson & R Norvall | 56.5kg | $11.90 |
| 5th | 8 | Bella Bonita | 2 | Lynsey Satherley | Ms L M Laing | 56.5kg | $54.50 |
| 6th | 7 | Sugar Lump | 3 | Kelly Myers | M B Garrett | 56.5kg | $25.60 |
| Scr | 2 | Liguria | 2 | Samantha Collett | L R Noble | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 3 | Dashing Dixie | 3 | Joe Doyle | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 56.5kg |
Lux Libertas arrives in peak form after a Group 2 victory and shows strong affinity for soft tracks. The mare's second-up record is solid and she handles the distance well. Top weight is a concern but her class edge and current form make her a serious threat.
Captured By Love brings proven class with Group wins and drops significantly in grade. Her first-up record is solid and the Bosson booking adds confidence. However, her soft track form is concerning with limited success on rain-affected ground.
Belle Cheval brings the strongest current form with a perfect record including a Group 3 win last start. The 3-year-old filly has shown consistent ability across all four starts and gets significant weight relief. Her soft track form (1 win from 2 starts) suits today's conditions perfectly.
Smart Love represents excellent value with three consecutive wins and a 44% strike rate.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | My Lips Are Sealed | 5 | Rory Hutchings | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 56kg | $20.60 |
| 2nd | 4 | Our Jumala | 4 | Matthew Cameron | Robbie Patterson | 56kg | $13.20 |
| 3rd | 3 | Mary Shan | 8 | Craig Grylls | Andrew Forsman | 56kg | $3.90 |
| 4th | 1 | Lux Libertas | 7 | Bruno Queiroz | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 57kg | $7.00 |
| 5th | 9 | Romilly | 2 | Kelly Myers | G Richardson & R Norvall | 55kg | $6.20 |
| 6th | 8 | Smart Love | 3 | Joe Doyle | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 55kg | $3.40 |
| 7th | 10 | Florin | 6 | Elen Nicholas | M D Wallace | 55kg | $41.10 |
| 8th | 11 | Ploy | 1 | Ryan Elliot | C W Cole | 55kg | $5.20 |
| Scr | 2 | Captured By Love | 2 | Opie Bosson | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 5 | Ardalio | 12 | Matthew Cartwright | S B Marsh | 56kg | |
| Scr | 7 | Imprevu | 11 | Hayley Hassman | Ms J Dalley | 55kg | |
| Scr | 12 | Mid Ocean | 13 | Samantha Collett | B H King | 55kg | |
| Scr | 13 | Belle Cheval | 9 | Masahiro Hashizume | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 54.5kg |
Basel Warrior presents as the most logical winner based on recent winning form, proven soft track ability, and ideal race positioning. His last start Wanganui victory demonstrated class and determination, while his 50% soft track strike rate provides confidence in today's conditions. The step up in distance appears suitable given his staying pedigree, and the low weight with tactical barrier draw creates optimal winning conditions.
Archaic Smile brings strong credentials as a last start winner with proven soft track ability and class credentials from Group company.
Vegas Queen offers strong each-way value with two recent wins and proven soft track credentials. Her Group 2 victory demonstrates genuine class, while the perfect jockey/horse combination provides confidence. Despite a poor last start, her overall form pattern suggests she can bounce back in this suitable race setup.
His proven ability on soft tracks combined with the significant class drop creates a strong overlay opportunity, despite the challenging wide barrier draw that may deter some punters.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Enrico | 6 | Madan Singh | Ms I Kelly | 53.5kg | $23.10 |
| 2nd | 11 | Leroy Brown | 7 | Hayley Hassman | S Ralph | 53kg | $12.30 |
| 3rd | 10 | Frank The Tank | 11 | Matthew Cartwright | Bill Thurlow And Sam O'malley | 53kg | $22.80 |
| 4th | 7 | Archaic Smile | 12 | Craig Grylls | Hollie Wynyard | 53kg | $8.00 |
| 5th | 4 | Chattahoochee | 14 | Joe Doyle | Ms L Anderson | 54kg | $44.60 |
| 6th | 14 | Wire Rope | 13 | Toni Davies | Bill Thurlow And Sam O'malley | 53kg | $21.70 |
| 7th | 9 | Basel Warrior | 1 | Samantha Collett | J C Collett | 53kg | $4.60 |
| 8th | 8 | Herbert | 9 | Matthew Cameron | J R Wheeler | 53kg | $23.00 |
| 9th | 13 | Bak Da Angel | 4 | Darren Danis | D B Hollinshead | 53kg | $28.90 |
| 10th | 1 | Navigator | 5 | Ryan Elliot | C W Cole | 59kg | $5.20 |
| 11th | 2 | Khafre | 2 | Kelly Myers | R R Manning | 56.5kg | $29.10 |
| 12th | 3 | Knights Realm | 3 | Elen Nicholas | C R Isdale | 54.5kg | $7.50 |
| 13th | 6 | Vegas Queen | 8 | Masahiro Hashizume | K I Rae | 53kg | $9.10 |
| 14th | 12 | Moschino | 10 | Corentin Berge | Ms M Falconer | 53kg | $15.30 |
| Scr | 15 | Romilly | 1 | G Richardson & R Norvall | 53kg | ||
| Scr | 16 | Anderson Bridge | 18 | Bruno Queiroz | Kevin & Stephen Gray | 53kg | |
| Scr | 17 | Big Wave | 8 | Ms C Mckee | 53kg | ||
| Scr | 18 | Wingman | 12 | R J Bergerson | 53kg | ||
| Scr | 19 | Summerston | 20 | Debbie Sweeney | 53kg | ||
| Scr | 20 | Vieni Su | 11 | Barbara Kennedy | 53kg |
Consistent performer with an outstanding record at Matamata including a Listed win at this track and distance. His soft track form is strong and recent Listed placing confirms current ability. The wide barrier is the main concern, but his track affinity and proven distance capability make him a solid each-way chance.
Progressive 4-year-old mare with exceptional recent form including Group 1 placing in Australia. Her 44% win rate and four wins from last six starts demonstrate genuine ability.
His recent Group 2 third confirms current form, and the drop to 53kg is ideal.
Consistent galloper with strong recent Group 3 form and an excellent place record. His recent Te Rapa second and Tauranga win show current ability, while the suitable weight and reasonable barrier provide a good platform.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Diamond Jak | 1 | Rory Hutchings | M H Brosnan | 56.5kg | $6.40 |
| 2nd | 3 | He's A Doozy | 3 | Kelly Myers | Ms L Latta | 54.5kg | $4.90 |
| 3rd | 12 | Doddle | 4 | Courtney Barnes | S B Marsh | 53kg | $13.90 |
| 4th | 10 | Fly My Wey | 6 | Elen Nicholas | M H Brosnan | 53kg | $8.00 |
| 5th | 6 | Gigi | 5 | Matthew Cartwright | J C Pender | 53.5kg | $2.30 |
| 6th | 13 | Sassy Lass | 2 | Lynsey Satherley | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 53kg | $4.70 |
| Scr | 1 | Wolfgang | 7 | Joe Doyle | Peter & Shaun Mckay | 59kg | |
| Scr | 4 | Sagunto | 6 | Samantha Collett | Peter & Shaun Mckay | 54.5kg | |
| Scr | 5 | What You Wish For | 13 | Corentin Berge | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 54kg | |
| Scr | 7 | Checkmate | 12 | Craig Grylls | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 53kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Bridal Train | 3 | Matthew Cameron | S A Sharrock | 53kg | |
| Scr | 9 | She's A Dealer | 4 | Masahiro Hashizume | R James & R Wellwood | 53kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Pericles | 2 | Bruno Queiroz | Ms P Gerard | 53kg |
Zantabulous presents as the most reliable winning chance with a last-start victory at Te Aroha and an outstanding record on rain-affected tracks (4 wins from 14 starts on soft/heavy). The booking of Opie Bosson signals stable confidence, and her heavy track record of 2 wins from 5 starts is superior to most rivals. The 42-day gap is manageable given her consistent racing pattern.
Peerless showed excellent form when a narrow second at Ellerslie last start and has proven soft track ability with a win and placing from 6 starts. The 4-year-old is progressing through the grades nicely and the barrier draw provides tactical flexibility. Craig Grylls has a solid record at Matamata (17% strike rate).
On The Town showed marked improvement with a close third at Ellerslie last start and benefits from the strong Cartwright/Marsh combination. The 4-year-old is lightly raced and improving, though the class rise and soft track conditions present challenges. The weight allocation and distance suit.
The light weight and improving trajectory of this 4-year-old mare provide upside, though the distance and class rise present risks.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Peerless | 4 | Craig Grylls | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 57kg | $2.80 |
| 2nd | 4 | Zantabulous | 2 | Opie Bosson | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 57.5kg | $3.90 |
| 3rd | 2 | Desert Mystic | 1 | Liam Kauri | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 57kg | $7.10 |
| 4th | 10 | Vieni Su | 5 | Masahiro Hashizume | Barbara Kennedy | 54kg | $8.90 |
| 5th | 1 | Savoir Faire | 3 | Hayley Hassman | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 58kg | $4.80 |
| 6th | 5 | Up The Anti | 6 | Joe Doyle | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 57.5kg | $8.20 |
| Scr | 3 | Wingman | 8 | R J Bergerson | 58.5kg | ||
| Scr | 7 | Altari | 7 | Rory Hutchings | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 8 | On The Town | 3 | Matthew Cartwright | S B Marsh | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Larius Lacus | 5 | Matthew Cameron | Ms D Logan | 54.5kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Unwritten | 9 | Samantha Collett | Ms D Logan | 54kg |
Before the races, not after
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