Punt like a Pro, without the know!
New Zealand · Saturday 7 March 2026
Our top pick won 3 of 8 races at New Plymouth Raceway. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
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Oh Maimai stands out as the form selection with a perfect 2-from-2 record at today's distance and strong soft track credentials. Her recent dominant win at Otaki when stepping up demonstrates class-rise ability. The distance specialization and soft track form outweigh concerns about limited exposure in this Open grade debut.
Midnight Train offers strong place prospects with his improving trajectory and perfect soft track record. The recent maiden win was dominant, suggesting ability to handle class rises. However, the jump from maiden to Open grade is significant, making him better suited as a place chance.
Intention represents the class runner dropping significantly in grade after Group racing. The major concern is fitness first-up from a long spell, despite the significant class drop. The inside barrier provides hope at this tight track, but the extended break and poor first-up record create doubt.
The inside barrier is crucial at this tight track, and his soft track form is solid.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Erbys Darci | 1 | Elen Nicholas | G H Sharrock | 56kg | $12.60 |
| 2nd | 4 | Faultless | 2 | Hayley Hassman | Peter & Shaun Mckay | 55kg | $5.00 |
| 3rd | 2 | Midnight Train | 5 | Erin M Leighton | R R Manning | 57kg | $6.50 |
| 4th | 1 | Intention | 3 | Toni Davies | M P Breslin | 55kg | $7.20 |
| 5th | 5 | Oh Maimai | 4 | Jim Chung | Robbie Patterson | 55kg | $2.00 |
| 6th | 6 | Kawakawa | 6 | Rohan Mudhoo | Kevin & Stephen Gray | 55kg | $8.20 |
Basel Warrior offers solid place value with the perfect jockey-horse combination and strong soft track credentials. Recent Wanganui victory confirms current ability, while forward racing style suits New Plymouth's characteristics.
When Stars Align provides each-way appeal with excellent distance credentials and proven track suitability from previous New Plymouth placing. Recent Tauranga victory confirms current form, while strong soft track performance suits conditions.
Strong soft track credentials and good barrier position create tactical advantages. While lacking a 1200m win, the consistent placing record and improving trajectory suggest each-way potential in this Open grade contest.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Basel Warrior | 6 | Jasmine Fawcett | J C Collett | 59kg | $2.80 |
| 2nd | 6 | When Stars Align | 5 | Hayley Hassman | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 54.5kg | $2.10 |
| 3rd | 1 | Idyllic | 4 | Rohan Mudhoo | Kevin & Stephen Gray | 60kg | $8.80 |
| 4th | 5 | Riverplate | 3 | Elen Nicholas | Andrew Campbell | 55.5kg | $5.80 |
| 5th | 4 | Gohugo | 2 | Floor Moerman | Guy Lowry & Leah Zydenbos | 53.5kg | $10.30 |
| Scr | 2 | Cleat | 1 | Ms D Guy | 60kg |
Consistent mare showing strong recent form with multiple placings on soft tracks. Her proven wet track ability and advantageous barrier position make her a genuine winning chance. The light weight and consistent finishing pattern suggest she's ready to break through for her maiden victory.
Three-year-old gelding who ran an encouraging third on debut over 1400m on soft going. The strong finishing effort and proven wet track ability suggest he can improve second-up, though the distance drop may not ideally suit his stamina-oriented profile from the Swiss Ace sire line.
Three-year-old gelding who impressed on debut with a narrow second placing on identical soft track conditions. Light weight and improving fitness second-up provide strong winning credentials.
Five-year-old gelding showing improved form with two recent placings on soft tracks. Fresh legs after a spell could be the key to breaking through, despite historically poor first-up statistics.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | Fleur De Blues | 4 | Hayley Hassman | Ms D M Harris | 54.5kg | $2.70 |
| 2nd | 6 | Bokushi | 7 | Kavish Chowdhoory | Robbie Patterson | 58kg | $5.50 |
| 3rd | 9 | Kit Zakat | 5 | Alan Lai | T R Hina | 54.5kg | $43.30 |
| 4th | 3 | No More Pennies | 3 | Mereana Hudson | P W Lock | 58.5kg | $7.20 |
| 5th | 7 | Excellence Patch | 2 | Elen Nicholas | S C Phelan | 57kg | $9.40 |
| 6th | 2 | The Black Prince | 6 | Courtney Barnes | S A Sharrock | 58.5kg | $6.90 |
| 7th | 11 | Rosina Veloce | 11 | Floor Moerman | Robbie Patterson | 53kg | $13.70 |
| 8th | 1 | Elpedro | 1 | Liam Kauri | P D Pascoe | 56.5kg | $18.50 |
| 9th | 10 | Nodoubtaboutit | 8 | Ms T Bliss | 56.5kg | $36.20 | |
| 10th | 4 | Fair Enough | 9 | Amber Riddell | Josh King & Maija Vance | 57.5kg | $12.40 |
| Scr | 5 | Roc All Night | 10 | Jim Chung | Robbie Patterson | 57kg |
King Jakkal represents the most reliable winning chance based on consistent form and recent improvement. His third at Hawera last start was encouraging, showing he's finding his best form. The barrier draw suits his forward racing style on this tight track, and his proven experience at New Plymouth gives him a significant edge over less exposed rivals in this maiden field.
Chica De Oro represents the classic debutant threat from New Zealand's premier stable. Walker's record with first-starters combined with the significant 4.5kg weight advantage over topweight makes her a serious threat.
Tsunami Sue offers strong each-way value with her proven suitability at New Plymouth evidenced by her third placing here two starts back. Despite a poor last start, her track experience and good barrier draw position her well. The step back to her preferred venue could see her bounce back to her New Plymouth form.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | King Jakkal | 7 | Mereana Hudson | S A Sharrock | 58kg | $4.30 |
| 2nd | 10 | Chica De Oro | 10 | Hayley Hassman | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 54kg | $6.40 |
| 3rd | 8 | Tsunami Sue | 3 | Rohan Mudhoo | Robbie Patterson | 56kg | $6.00 |
| 4th | 1 | Saltburn | 4 | Amber Riddell | Josh King & Maija Vance | 57.5kg | $6.80 |
| 5th | 9 | Zaconic | 5 | Jim Chung | T R Hina | 55kg | $8.90 |
| 6th | 2 | Prince Valiant | 1 | Kavish Chowdhoory | T J Miller | 58.5kg | $6.80 |
| 7th | 7 | Kingsbrook Diva | 2 | Courtney Barnes | S A Sharrock | 56kg | $7.00 |
| 8th | 12 | Lumos Solem | 6 | Liam Kauri | Samantha Finnegan | 54kg | $19.60 |
| 9th | 3 | Sargent | 9 | Jasmine Fawcett | Trudy & Vaughan Keegan | 58.5kg | $29.90 |
| Scr | 5 | Catch's The Worm | 11 | Toni Davies | Maxim & Samantha Van Lierde | 56kg | |
| Scr | 6 | Ballbeena | 8 | P S Richards | 56.5kg | ||
| Scr | 11 | Eazmil | 5 | C R Isdale | 56kg |
Bruno stands out as the most logical winner having scored at this exact track and distance last start in testing heavy conditions.
His track record is outstanding with 5 placings from 6 starts, and he's demonstrated ability at this distance. While the class rise is notable, his consistent form pattern and local track knowledge make him a genuine winning chance, though the top weight and fitness concerns prevent him from being the top selection.
Brave Rebel's exceptional New Plymouth record cannot be ignored, with 5 top-3 finishes from 6 track starts demonstrating clear venue suitability. The light weight and recent Group 2 experience, despite a poor result, suggests untapped ability. As a lightly-raced 3-year-old with clear improvement potential, he represents the type that can surprise at this level when conditions align.
Horonuku represents solid value having run third at this exact track and distance last start, showing he handles the venue and trip.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | Sol De Otono | 9 | Elen Nicholas | Guy Lowry & Leah Zydenbos | 56kg | $9.70 |
| 2nd | 6 | Brave Rebel | 4 | Hayley Hassman | G H Sharrock | 56kg | $6.60 |
| 3rd | 7 | Horonuku | 6 | Jasmine Fawcett | Trudy & Vaughan Keegan | 57.5kg | $10.50 |
| 4th | 4 | Bruno | 3 | Jim Chung | Trudy & Vaughan Keegan | 57.5kg | $6.30 |
| 5th | 1 | Sir Bruce | 5 | Kavish Chowdhoory | Robbie Patterson | 60kg | $3.90 |
| 6th | 2 | Mahoe | 1 | Floor Moerman | C R Isdale | 56.5kg | $21.10 |
| 7th | 5 | Pure Bars | 8 | Corentin Berge | B K Pinny | 58.5kg | $3.50 |
| 8th | 3 | Roederer | 2 | Amber Riddell | Josh King & Maija Vance | 58.5kg | $10.30 |
| Scr | 9 | Ivy's Dancer | 7 | Liam Kauri | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 53.5kg |
Sunset Boulevard stands out as the most reliable winning chance with his perfect 4-from-4 record at 2000m. His last-start Trentham victory demonstrated fighting qualities, and the significant weight drop combined with proven soft track ability makes him ideally suited. The wide barrier is a concern at this tight track, but his distance specialization and current form trajectory override this negative.
Knights Realm brings strong credentials with his Group 3 victory at this venue last start, proving both class and track suitability. His excellent soft track statistics (1-6-1 from 10 starts) and inside barrier provide significant advantages. The class rise is concerning, but his recent black-type success and proven ability at New Plymouth make him a genuine threat.
Bozo represents excellent value despite the jockey uncertainty. Her exceptional wet track record (9-3-2 from 26 starts) and recent Group 3 success provide strong credentials.
While the class rise is substantial, her light weight and tactical barrier provide advantages.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | Freebelle | 4 | Jim Chung | Robbie Patterson | 53kg | $5.30 |
| 2nd | 4 | Knights Realm | 2 | Elen Nicholas | C R Isdale | 56.5kg | $4.00 |
| 3rd | 3 | Sunset Boulevard | 10 | Floor Moerman | K T Myers | 55.5kg | $3.00 |
| 4th | 7 | Steal My Thunder | 5 | Jasmine Fawcett | Bill Thurlow And Sam O'malley | 54kg | $9.20 |
| 5th | 6 | Belle Tribute | 8 | Kavish Chowdhoory | S A Sharrock | 54kg | $5.20 |
| 6th | 9 | Stringline | 7 | Alan Lai | Ms C Evans | 52kg | $25.70 |
| 7th | 1 | Wolfgang | 6 | Hayley Hassman | Peter & Shaun Mckay | 60kg | $10.90 |
| Scr | 2 | Bozo | 1 | K T Myers | 59kg | ||
| Scr | 5 | Bridal Train | 3 | Toni Davies | S A Sharrock | 52kg | |
| Scr | 10 | Cleese | 9 | Amber Riddell | J W Bell | 53kg |
Za Spirit stands out as the most logical winner having captured her last start at this exact venue in similar conditions. Her outstanding New Plymouth record combined with the crucial barrier 1 draw at this tight turning track provides a significant tactical advantage. The soft track conditions perfectly suit her proven wet track ability.
Beauesk brings excellent recent form having finished a narrow second at this track last start. His perfect New Plymouth record and proven ability on heavy tracks makes him ideally suited to today's conditions. The class rise is concerning but his upward trajectory suggests he can handle the step up.
Sixth Generation arrives as the last start winner with strong credentials at this distance and class level. His excellent 1400m record and recent consistency make him a genuine contender, though the lack of New Plymouth experience and poor soft track record are significant concerns.
The wide barrier presents a significant challenge at New Plymouth, but his proven wet track ability and strong trainer/jockey combination make him worth an each-way investment.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Vittorio Veneto | 7 | Mereana Hudson | P W Lock | 58.5kg | $7.30 |
| 2nd | 7 | Za Spirit | 1 | Toni Davies | T R Hina | 55kg | $7.10 |
| 3rd | 4 | Truce | 8 | Kavish Chowdhoory | S A Sharrock | 58kg | $9.30 |
| 4th | 2 | Sixth Generation | 2 | Floor Moerman | J C Collett | 55.5kg | $4.00 |
| 5th | 8 | Amira D'argento | 4 | Crystal Lindsay | Taui Johnson | 51.5kg | $15.90 |
| 6th | 1 | He's Lucid | 3 | Hayley Hassman | K T Myers | 57kg | $5.20 |
| 7th | 6 | Beauesk | 5 | Jim Chung | Robbie Patterson | 56.5kg | $6.80 |
| 8th | 5 | Belles Fate | 6 | Amber Riddell | Robbie Patterson | 56.5kg | $6.50 |
Sattriya presents compelling credentials with a perfect record at this track and distance, including a dominant last-start win. The strong Sharrock-Chowdhoory combination (67% strike rate) and forward barrier position align perfectly with New Plymouth's leader-friendly bias. While the class rise is significant, her progressive improvement and track specialization make her the standout selection.
Hakkinen brings superior class having contested Group and Listed races, now dropping significantly in grade. His first-up record shows ability fresh, and the distance suits perfectly. However, the wide barrier, poor soft track record, and extended spell create legitimate concerns at this tight, leader-biased venue.
The inside barrier provides crucial early positioning at this tight track. While the class rise and soft track inexperience are concerns, his Hong Kong experience and improving trajectory offer solid each-way appeal.
Dazz offers genuine value with his perfect soft track credentials and recent form upturn. The third placing at Otaki last start confirms current ability, while his soft track record (1 win, 1 third from 4 starts) perfectly suits today's conditions.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Roaring Bebe | 2 | Courtney Barnes | Ben & Ryan Foote | 59kg | $4.40 |
| 2nd | 1 | Hakkinen | 6 | Hayley Hassman | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 59kg | $4.20 |
| 3rd | 4 | Dazz | 7 | Rohan Mudhoo | Kevin & Stephen Gray | 58.5kg | $8.40 |
| 4th | 10 | Shining Pearl | 8 | Amber Riddell | T J Miller | 55.5kg | $16.80 |
| 5th | 2 | The Big Picture | 10 | Mereana Hudson | Bill Thurlow And Sam O'malley | 59.5kg | $15.50 |
| 6th | 9 | Stipulator | 1 | Liam Kauri | G H Sharrock | 55kg | $12.40 |
| 7th | 8 | Sattriya | 5 | Kavish Chowdhoory | S A Sharrock | 57kg | $4.00 |
| 8th | 6 | Jaeger | 9 | Jim Chung | Robbie Patterson | 57kg | $10.70 |
| 9th | 5 | Sunshine Ale | 4 | Elen Nicholas | Guy Lowry & Leah Zydenbos | 57kg | $16.10 |
| Scr | 7 | Chester Boy | 3 | Toni Davies | J R Wheeler | 55.5kg |
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