Punt like a Pro, without the know!
New Zealand · Wednesday 11 March 2026
Our top pick won 0 of 8 races at Matamata. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
top pick wonanother tip wonno tip won
Released tops form assessment with perfect 0-2 record from two recent maidens, beaten narrow margins despite wide draw last start. Andrew Forsman stable excels in maidens; Cameron booking adds intent. Barrier 4 ideal for Matamata's fair layout and moderate tempo. Stamina profile suits 2000m step-up on spacious track rewarding finishers.
Cosmic Pursuit shows strongest consistent form with recent 2nd at 1800m beaten head, prior 1600m placings. Soft track record 2:0-0-1 suits conditions. McNab/Pike combo solid at 8%. Despite wide draw, Matamata's sweeping turns fair for backers in moderate tempo.
Soft form solid; light 55kg eases soft track task. Barrier 6 perfect for midfield in moderate tempo on stamina-testing Matamata staying trip. Improving lightly-raced filly; edges value over inconsistent rivals.
Value overlay: Summer In London 2nd at track/distance on heavy, suits soft/spacious Matamata staying test. Walker stable elite; McNab booking signals intent. Barrier 2 exploits likely moderate tempo for on-pace bias potential.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Cosmic Pursuit | 12 | Sam McNab | A W Pike | 55.5kg | $5.30 |
| 2nd | 13 | La Danza | 6 | Tayla Mitchell | Darryn & Briar Weatherley | 55kg | |
| 3rd | 7 | Jake | 1 | Erin M Leighton | P & J Brosnan | 58.5kg | |
| 4th | 2 | Guipago | 11 | Joe Doyle | M H Brosnan | 58.5kg | |
| 3 | Let's Dance | 7 | Ms P Gerard | 58.5kg | |||
| Scr | 4 | King's Troop | 13 | Masahiro Hashizume | D C Lang | 58.5kg | |
| 5 | Up With Ace | 5 | B H King | 58.5kg | |||
| Scr | 6 | Dun Talkin' | 14 | S Ritchie & C Murray | 58.5kg | ||
| 8 | Released | 4 | Matthew Cameron | Andrew Forsman | 58kg | ||
| 9 | The King Of Jazz | 9 | Craig Grylls | Robbie Patterson | 58kg | ||
| 10 | Bowman | 8 | Ryan Elliot | S Ritchie & C Murray | 58kg | ||
| 11 | Da Ace | 10 | Jack Taplin | D B Hollinshead | 55kg | ||
| 12 | Thee Auld Trick | 3 | Samantha Collett | S B Marsh | 56.5kg | ||
| 14 | Summer In London | 2 | Michael Mc Nab | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 56kg |
Impressive debut runner narrowly beaten in testing heavy conditions at New Plymouth. Hashizume's experienced booking adds significant confidence to this lightly raced prospect.
Consistent filly with three placings from three starts, all in testing heavy conditions. The proven wet track form (3:0-1-2 on heavy) and distance experience make her a strong chance, though she needs to break through for her maiden win on the softer surface.
The soft track experience from debut is a positive.
The significant class drop from Open company to maiden level creates the key value angle. Showed improvement last start and the step down in grade should see further improvement. Good barrier draw aids chances despite lack of wet track experience.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Seize The Day | 7 | Opie Bosson | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 57.5kg | $1.30 |
| 2nd | 1 | Excite | 4 | Masahiro Hashizume | R James & R Wellwood | 57.5kg | |
| 3rd | 3 | Capital Express | 6 | Ryan Elliot | P Pertab | 57.5kg | |
| 4th | 6 | In The Vineyard | 3 | Joe Doyle | A W Pike | 55.5kg | |
| 4 | Let Me Be | 8 | Jasmine Fawcett | C E Goss | 57.5kg | ||
| 5 | Sir Richie | 1 | Jack Taplin | S Ralph | 54.5kg | ||
| Scr | 7 | Lumumba | 9 | Samantha Collett | C W Cole | 55.5kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Shamelia Kirk | 10 | Robbie Patterson | 55.5kg | ||
| Scr | 9 | Rose Aye Reign | 5 | Michael Mc Nab | S B Marsh | 55.5kg | |
| 10 | Speculate | 2 | Matthew Cameron | Team Rogerson | 55.5kg |
Her recent third at Te Aroha over 2200m was a strong effort, and she won her previous start at Arawa Park in similar soft conditions. The class drop to Restricted 60 is significant, and her soft track record of 2 wins from 8 starts provides confidence on today's surface.
Happy Venture brings solid credentials as a recent maiden winner with consistent form patterns. His victory at Tauranga was impressive, and he has shown ability at the 1600m distance. The Jasmine Fawcett booking is a positive given their successful combination, though the soft track conditions and class rise present challenges.
Whats The One Code offers strong statistical credentials at this track and distance combination. His 1600m record is solid with multiple placings, and he has proven soft track ability. The recent third at Matamata over this distance provides confidence, though the jockey booking and recent form trend are concerns.
Squire represents significant value as a proven wet track performer returning from a long spell. His heavy track credentials are excellent with 3 wins, and he has won at Matamata before.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Whats The One Code | 2 | Tayla Mitchell | Ms D Venn | 58kg | $4.80 |
| 2nd | 5 | Rosina | 4 | Elen Nicholas | Ben & Ryan Foote | 57kg | |
| 3rd | 9 | Orange River | 8 | Jack Taplin | Team Rogerson | 51.5kg | |
| 4th | 2 | Star Warrior | 7 | Joe Doyle | D R Wiles | 60kg | |
| 1 | Air Dancer | 1 | Sam McNab | C R Isdale | 57kg | ||
| 3 | Happy Venture | 5 | Jasmine Fawcett | C E Goss | 59kg | ||
| 6 | Squire | 3 | Craig Grylls | P & J Brosnan | 57.5kg | ||
| Scr | 7 | Good Spot | 9 | A C Forbes | 56kg | ||
| 8 | Spring Queen | 6 | Masahiro Hashizume | S B Marsh | 56kg |
Well-bred Savabeel filly showing consistent maiden form with a recent soft track placing. The 68-day gap suggests a targeted preparation, and jockey Cartwright's strong 25% strike rate at Matamata is encouraging. While the wide barrier presents challenges, her recent form and breeding profile suggest she can improve on her consistent placings.
The class drop from Open to Maiden company is significant and represents the key angle. Quality Fastnet Rock breeding and a previous placing in stronger company suggests ability above this level. However, the 127-day spell and poor recent form create fitness concerns, making this a speculative play on class relief.
The standout selection based on form analysis. Boasts a perfect soft track record with two placings from two starts, both on similar going. Last two runs show consistent improvement with close seconds, suggesting she's ready to break through. The barrier 4 draw is ideal for settling in a handy position, and the 54-day gap indicates a freshening approach rather than a lengthy spell.
The barrier 1 draw provides tactical advantages, and Super Seth breeding suggests suitability for the 1050m trip.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | My Gabriel | 7 | B H King | 57.5kg | $3.00 | |
| 2nd | 10 | Geneva Queen | 11 | Matthew Cameron | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 55.5kg | |
| 3rd | 6 | Presence Of Mind | 8 | Craig Grylls | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 55.5kg | |
| 4th | 9 | Ocean Rules | 6 | Courtney Barnes | S B Marsh | 55.5kg | |
| Scr | 1 | Armagh | 13 | Danny Walker & Arron Tata | 57.5kg | ||
| 3 | Hurricane Hartley | 5 | Jack Taplin | Ms D C Kennedy | 54.5kg | ||
| Scr | 4 | Biding My Time | 4 | Michael Mc Nab | D G Greene | 55.5kg | |
| 5 | Paper Moon | 9 | Matthew Cartwright | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 55.5kg | ||
| Scr | 7 | Proud Capitalist | 10 | S B Marsh | 55.5kg | ||
| 8 | Supremely | 1 | Masahiro Hashizume | K & B Kelso | 55.5kg | ||
| 11 | Solar Flight | 2 | Joe Doyle | P S Richards | 55.5kg | ||
| 12 | Tactic | 3 | Jasmine Fawcett | Team Rogerson | 55.5kg | ||
| Scr | 13 | Palazzo | 12 | S B Marsh | 57.5kg | ||
| Scr | 14 | Happy Traveller | 12 | R R Manning | 55.5kg | ||
| Scr | 15 | Zaffire Express | 8 | Robbie Patterson | 55.5kg |
Levakia presents as the standout selection with her exceptional soft track record and recent winning form. The 4yo mare's 73% place rate on soft going combined with her last-start victory at Pukekohe demonstrates she's peaking at the right time.
Crown Princess arrives as the last-start winner with strong upward momentum, but her poor soft track record creates significant concern.
Giacomo's outstanding track and distance record makes him a logical contender despite inconsistent recent form.
The 4yo's perfect soft track record combined with an ideal barrier draw creates opportunity, though the class rise and distance query provide legitimate concerns for conservative punters.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Giacomo | 7 | Elen Nicholas | Peter & Shaun Mckay | 56kg | $8.80 |
| 2nd | 5 | Crown Princess | 6 | Masahiro Hashizume | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 54kg | |
| 3rd | 4 | Altari | 2 | Craig Grylls | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 54kg | |
| 4th | 3 | Levakia | 3 | Jasmine Fawcett | K & B Kelso | 55.5kg | |
| 1 | Fly My Wey | 4 | Jack Taplin | M H Brosnan | 57kg | ||
| 6 | Cleese | 8 | Sam McNab | J W Bell | 51kg | ||
| 7 | My Maebelline Girl | 5 | Joe Nishizuka | Ms K A Little | 51kg | ||
| 8 | Novak | 1 | Courtney Barnes | C R Isdale | 54kg |
Sister Cynane presents excellent value having just broken maiden status with a strong win at Te Aroha. Her outstanding soft track record (1-3-2 from 6 starts) makes her ideally suited to today's conditions. The class rise is significant but her consistent placings and strong finishing style suggest she can handle the step up.
Avantaggia represents quality with her Wootton Bassett breeding and impressive maiden win. The Opie Bosson booking signals stable confidence, and their combination has been successful previously. While first up from a spell presents fitness concerns, her class and the strong stable/jockey combination make her a leading contender despite the wide draw.
High Emotion brings excellent recent consistency and proven soft track ability. Her strong finishing style is well-suited to Matamata's spacious layout, and she's shown she can handle this class level.
His perfect soft track record and the fact he's second up from spell (when horses often improve) makes him an interesting roughie chance.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Midori Glory | 6 | Ryan Elliot | T W Mitchell | 59kg | $20.10 |
| 2nd | 2 | Carsolio | 13 | Craig Grylls | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 59.5kg | |
| 3rd | 11 | Avantaggia | 12 | Opie Bosson | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 56.5kg | |
| 4th | 6 | Amazonia | 5 | Matthew Cameron | J W Bell | 58kg | |
| Scr | 1 | Sarti | 15 | Masahiro Hashizume | K & B Kelso | 60kg | |
| Scr | 3 | New Recruit | 8 | Joe Nishizuka | Ms P Gerard | 56.5kg | |
| 5 | Opaea Joe | 11 | Sienna Brown | G K Opie | 55kg | ||
| 7 | He's Platinum | 4 | Jasmine Fawcett | M L Rogers | 58kg | ||
| Scr | 8 | High Emotion | 14 | S B Marsh | 57.5kg | ||
| 9 | Super Fly | 1 | Corentin Berge | Conor & Sarah Fahy | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 10 | Viva Glam | 2 | Courtney Barnes | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 57kg | |
| 12 | Free Bird | 9 | Michael Mc Nab | D G Greene | 56.5kg | ||
| 13 | Sister Cynane | 7 | Joe Doyle | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 56.5kg | ||
| 14 | Miss Moet All | 3 | S B Marsh | 55.5kg | |||
| Scr | 15 | Did The Trick | 16 | W Hillis & R Cole | 56kg | ||
| 16 | Lady Mak | 10 | P A Coutts | 54kg |
Marzenie stands out as the most consistent performer with three placings from her last four starts, including narrow seconds at Pukekohe and Tauranga. Her soft track record and strong connections make her the logical choice despite maiden status. The filly has shown clear improvement and maps well from barrier 9 with an in-form jockey.
Fortune Cookie represents the classic debut runner with elite connections that demand respect. Opie Bosson's booking and the Walker/Bergerson stable combination suggests significant ability shown in trials.
Moonbeams offers the best value proposition having recently finished second at this very track. Her Matamata form and soft track record provide confidence, while the Andrew Forsman stable adds significant quality.
The mare has been knocking on the door and represents outstanding each-way value in this maiden field.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 11 | Rumours | 6 | Michael Mc Nab | Darryn & Briar Weatherley | 57kg | $5.20 |
| 2nd | 4 | Marzenie | 9 | Craig Grylls | G Richardson & R Norvall | 57kg | |
| 3rd | 8 | Vanitygirl | 1 | Matthew Cameron | C J Wood | 57kg | |
| 4th | 5 | Dorothea | 7 | Joe Doyle | Ms P Gerard | 57kg | |
| Scr | 1 | Kind Of Blue | 2 | Ms P Gerard | 57.5kg | ||
| 2 | Hit 'n' Run | 5 | Corentin Berge | Kelly Van Dyk | 57.5kg | ||
| 3 | Kiszkah | 10 | Courtney Barnes | L A Burton | 57.5kg | ||
| Scr | 6 | Moonbeams | 8 | Andrew Forsman | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 7 | Al Azhar | 15 | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 9 | Wanganella | 13 | Andrew Forsman | 57kg | ||
| 10 | Fortune Cookie | 14 | Opie Bosson | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 57kg | ||
| 12 | Ethereal Beauty | 12 | Lynsey Satherley | Debbie Sweeney | 57kg | ||
| 13 | Precede | 3 | Samantha Collett | Maxim & Samantha Van Lierde | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 14 | Vanilla Storm | 11 | Elen Nicholas | Andrew Forsman | 56kg | |
| Scr | 15 | G'day Goldie | 4 | Andrew Forsman | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 16 | Conscribe | 16 | Ms D Logan | 57kg |
Bosson's 15% strike rate and proven Matamata record (2 wins from 13) combined with the inside barrier draw makes this the standout selection in a weak maiden field.
Al Azhar represents the best form in the race having contested Open company. The significant class drop to maiden level, combined with a third placing two starts back, suggests she can be competitive despite recent disappointment.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Rocky Marciano | 11 | Matthew Cameron | Peter & Shaun Mckay | 58.5kg | $10.50 |
| 2nd | 11 | Al Azhar | 7 | Masahiro Hashizume | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 56kg | |
| 3rd | 10 | Moonbeams | 4 | Craig Grylls | Andrew Forsman | 56kg | |
| 4th | 4 | Scutalong | 14 | Michael Mc Nab | Peter & Shaun Mckay | 58kg | |
| Scr | 1 | Stay Frosty | 15 | Jasmine Fawcett | G Richardson & R Norvall | 58.5kg | |
| 2 | Presuming | 6 | Joe Doyle | Ms P Gerard | 58.5kg | ||
| 5 | Winwood | 3 | Opie Bosson | C J Wood | 58kg | ||
| Scr | 6 | Barnum | 16 | Ryan Elliot | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 58kg | |
| 7 | Swey On By | 2 | Corentin Berge | Danny Walker & Arron Tata | 58kg | ||
| Scr | 8 | Show Merican | 8 | Samantha Collett | Mariska Vear | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Hit 'n' Run | 1 | Kelly Van Dyk | 56.5kg | ||
| Scr | 12 | Wanganella | 12 | Andrew Forsman | 56kg | ||
| Scr | 13 | Conscribe | 10 | Ms D Logan | 56kg | ||
| 14 | G'day Goldie | 5 | Andrew Forsman | 56kg | |||
| Scr | 15 | Fortune Cookie | 9 | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 56kg | ||
| Scr | 16 | Vanilla Storm | 13 | Andrew Forsman | 56kg | ||
| Scr | 17 | Kiszkah | 15 | L A Burton | 56.5kg |
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