Punt like a Pro, without the know!
Victoria · Friday 20 February 2026
Our top pick won 2 of 7 races at Cranbourne. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
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Itsukushima presents as the most reliable winning chance having scored a narrow victory at this exact track and distance last start. His excellent course record (2 wins from 4 starts at Cranbourne) combined with consistent recent form showing 5 placings from his last 6 starts makes him the standout selection despite carrying top weight.
The 9-year-old has shown he can compete at this level and with Jake Noonan's strong recent form, he offers significant overlay potential despite some fitness and track experience concerns.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Phineas | 4 | Ben Melham | C W McDonald | 58kg | $2.35 |
| 2nd | 6 | Super Solar | 1 | Ryan Houston | Reece Goodwin | 56.5kg | $13.00 |
| 3rd | 1 | Itsukushima | 6 | Jackson Radley | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 60kg | $2.10 |
| 4th | 3 | Austrata | 2 | Jake Noonan | Reece Goodwin | 59kg | $11.00 |
| 5th | 2 | Blakmax | 5 | Zac Spain | Shawn Mathrick | 61.5kg | $10.00 |
| Scr | 4 | Sotomayor | 3 | Brad Rawiller | M M Laurie | 58.5kg |
Laa De Sha presents the strongest winning chance based on recent form and track suitability. His narrow second at Sale last start followed a dominant Cranbourne win over this distance. The Hayes stable booking Jackson Radley suggests confidence despite their limited combination success.
Highland Harley brings strong local knowledge with an excellent Cranbourne record and recent close second. The Craig Williams booking is a significant positive, indicating stable confidence in the class rise. His distance record is solid and the minimum weight provides a genuine advantage in this competitive field.
Gold Medallist's exceptional strike rate and perfect second-up record make her a serious threat despite the class rise. The mare has won on all track conditions and carries the minimum weight. Her disappointing last start can be forgiven as a fitness run, and the Moody/Coleman stable typically has horses ready second up.
His disappointing first-up run can be forgiven as a fitness trial, and his strong second-up record (1:1-1-0) suggests significant improvement.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Laa De Sha | 4 | Jackson Radley | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 58.5kg | $2.20 |
| 2nd | 6 | Highland Harley | 2 | Craig Williams | E Jusufovic | 55.5kg | $3.30 |
| 3rd | 1 | Celsius Star | 5 | Bailey Kinninmont | Shawn Mathrick | 59.5kg | $8.50 |
| 4th | 4 | Capper Thirtynine | 1 | Rhys Mc Leod | Nick Ryan | 58kg | $4.40 |
| 5th | 3 | Lim's Bighorn | 6 | Jake Noonan | D Meagher | 59kg | $13.00 |
| Scr | 5 | Gold Medallist | 3 | Zac Spain | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 57kg |
Hayes stable debut with quality jockey booking and advantageous barrier suggests stable confidence. Gear changes indicate readiness, and the barrier draw positions well for the likely fast tempo. Despite carrying top weight, the stable's strong record with debutants and Gaudray's recent form make this the most reliable selection in a field lacking exposed form.
Craig Williams booking indicates stable confidence, and the filly showed ability at Flemington despite finishing sixth.
Another class dropper from Listed company with in-form jockey Ben Melham aboard. The tongue tie first time and strong trainer/jockey combination suggest improvement expected.
Complete unknown but the Warren stable booking Zac Spain suggests some ability. The wide barrier suits if needing cover early, and Warren's stable form with Spain provides some confidence for an each-way chance in an open race.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 10 | Simply Steffi | 9 | Ben Melham | C W McDonald | 57kg | $2.70 |
| 2nd | 5 | Handee | 10 | Zac Spain | Jason Warren | 57kg | $6.00 |
| 3rd | 8 | Pain Au Chocolat | 5 | Jake Noonan | C Maher | 57kg | $16.00 |
| 4th | 1 | Dirty Harry | 3 | Celine Gaudray | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 59kg | $3.40 |
| 5th | 4 | Flash Of Class | 7 | Craig Williams | M W Walker | 57kg | $4.20 |
| 6th | 7 | Neonova | 2 | Patrick Moloney | John McArdle | 57kg | $41.00 |
| 7th | 3 | Dance The Boogie | 6 | Jackson Radley | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 55kg | $26.00 |
| 2 | Cool Victory | 4 | Amy Herrmann | M & L Cerchi | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 6 | Lady Rizu | 8 | Logan Bates | C Maher | 57kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Shy Miss | 1 | Emily Pozman | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 55kg |
The 6yo gelding has proven 1000m credentials with 6 wins at the distance and a solid record at Cranbourne. The class drop is substantial and should see him competitive despite the 60kg impost.
The 6yo gelding is a proven 1000m specialist dropping significantly in class from Listed company. His first-up statistics (3 wins from 6 starts) are compelling, though the 250-day break and 64kg impost present challenges. The barrier 2 draw should ensure a forward position.
The 4yo mare has an excellent partnership with Zac Spain and proven form at Cranbourne. Her 1000m record is solid and the class drop from Listed company should see her competitive, though the barrier draw and 26-day gap present minor concerns.
Sparring offers value second-up with Craig Williams after an encouraging 2nd at this track last start. The significant class drop and quality jockey booking suggest he's well placed, though form inconsistency and the weight impost create some doubt.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Philosopher | 3 | Sam Kennedy | E Jusufovic | 60kg | $3.20 |
| 2nd | 4 | Always Enuff | 5 | Zac Spain | Shane Nichols & Hayden Black | 58kg | $3.80 |
| 3rd | 5 | Tookay Pete | 6 | Emily Pozman | Melissa Page | 54.5kg | $10.00 |
| 4th | 6 | Frose | 1 | Zoe Waller | Jamie Barry | 52kg | $61.00 |
| 5th | 3 | Sparring | 4 | Craig Williams | R T Stubbs | 59kg | $4.20 |
| 6th | 1 | Katsu | 2 | Jackson Radley | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 64kg | $3.80 |
The significant class drop from Group 3 company to BM64 is a major positive, and despite the poor last start, her previous form shows she can handle this level comfortably. The barrier draw suits her racing pattern perfectly.
Her class credentials are solid, having won at higher levels, and the weight drop helps. The main concern is the wide barrier in what shapes as a very fast tempo race.
Snapshot brings an unbeaten record and strong first-up credentials to this assignment. The Duffy/Weeding combination is proven, and she's shown ability to win fresh.
The gear change and class drop provide hope for improvement, making him an attractive each-way proposition.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Blethyn | 3 | Jake Noonan | M M Laurie | 59kg | $4.20 |
| 2nd | 5 | Frostnip | 7 | Logan Bates | M Price & M Kent Jnr | 58.5kg | $3.90 |
| 3rd | 6 | Night Flash | 2 | Celine Gaudray | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 58.5kg | $15.00 |
| 4th | 3 | Discreet Point | 1 | Rhys Mc Leod | Niki O'Shea | 59kg | $11.00 |
| 5th | 4 | Snapshot | 6 | Jake Duffy | Craig Weeding | 59kg | $4.20 |
| 6th | 7 | Titahi Bay | 5 | Craig Williams | M W Walker | 56kg | $8.50 |
| 7th | 1 | No Limitation | 4 | Jackson Radley | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 58kg | $5.00 |
Indian Jewel presents excellent value after a strong runner-up performance last start.
Her strong distance record and forward racing pattern suit the track layout, making her a solid each-way proposition despite the class rise.
Champagne Jenni represents value with Craig Williams taking the ride first up. Despite the long spell, her class and the elite jockey booking suggest stable confidence. The inside barrier and gear changes indicate preparation for improvement.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Champagne Jenni | 2 | Craig Williams | Lucy Yeomans | 58kg | $4.00 |
| 2nd | 2 | Cat Noir | 6 | Teodore Nugent | Jamie Edwards | 60kg | $7.50 |
| 3rd | 1 | Stage 'n' Screen | 8 | Jackson Radley | M W Walker | 60kg | $1.95 |
| 4th | 6 | Indian Jewel | 3 | Logan Bates | M Price & M Kent Jnr | 57.5kg | $5.00 |
| 5th | 8 | Every Little Thing | 5 | Patrick Moloney | David & Coral Feek | 55kg | $26.00 |
| 6th | 3 | Charming Deel | 1 | Nadia Daniels | R D Griffiths | 55.5kg | $21.00 |
| Scr | 5 | Rapid Cheval | 7 | Ben Melham | S B Laming | 58kg | |
| Scr | 7 | Trinity's D'oro | 4 | Jackie Beriman | Brian McGrath | 56kg |
Powerful Torque presents as the most logical winner having scored impressively at this track and distance last start. The wide draw is a concern but his tactical speed should overcome it.
His recent form is solid without being spectacular, but the class rise is significant. The barrier draw suits and he should get a good run in transit.
Thinking Gold bounced back to form with a narrow win last start and the good barrier draw should see him prominent early. The class rise is a query but his distance record suggests he can handle the step up in a race that may lack genuine pace.
The gear change with concussion plates could provide improvement, and his recent form suggests he's going well. The class rise is manageable and he maps well from the draw.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | The Western Front | 10 | Craig Williams | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 59.5kg | $3.00 |
| 2nd | 2 | All So Clear | 5 | Jackson Radley | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 58kg | $4.20 |
| 3rd | 8 | Powerful Torque | 11 | Jake Noonan | David & Coral Feek | 58.5kg | $3.90 |
| 4th | 5 | Lauding | 8 | Teodore Nugent | C Maher | 59.5kg | $6.50 |
| 5th | 1 | Sing For Peace | 4 | Sam Kennedy | Patrick & Michelle Payne | 57.5kg | $26.00 |
| 6th | 7 | Warchime | 6 | Celine Gaudray | Brett Scott | 59kg | $6.00 |
| 7th | 3 | Privileged Son | 2 | Holly Durnan | Patrick & Michelle Payne | 57kg | $26.00 |
| Scr | 4 | Red Aces | 1 | Makisha Salter | R J Blacker | 57kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Thinking Gold | 3 | Zac Spain | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 10 | Flaming Moon | 9 | Craig Newitt | Edward Cummings | 55kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Convo | 7 | Jye McNeil | C Maher | 55kg |
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