Punt like a Pro, without the know!
New Zealand · Sunday 22 March 2026
Our top pick won 2 of 7 races at Matamata. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
top pick wonanother tip wonno tip won
The Walker/Bergerson stable is in excellent form, and her perfect soft track record is crucial today. The inside barrier gives tactical advantage, and the Medaglia D'oro breeding suggests she'll handle the distance step-up.
Tulsa Turnaround is clearly improving with recent close placings showing genuine ability. The Richards stable has her in good order, and the effective jockey/trainer combination adds confidence. Soft track form is solid.
Despite being winless, Dujardin's class drop from Listed/Open company to maiden level is significant. The Walker/Bergerson stable is in good form, and she has shown consistent ability with close placings. Her soft track record is solid, though the wide barrier and distance step-up present challenges.
His form is improving with distance, and the Vadamos breeding suggests stamina for 2000m.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 12 | Fantastic Ideas | 7 | Matthew Cartwright | R James & R Wellwood | 56kg | $9.60 |
| 2nd | 1 | The Frenchman | 8 | Samantha Collett | Ms P Gerard | 58.5kg | $10.00 |
| 3rd | 9 | Chica De Oro | 1 | Craig Grylls | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 56kg | $5.50 |
| 4th | 6 | I'm Quinn | 3 | Jasmine Fawcett | G J Old | 58.5kg | $25.00 |
| 5th | 2 | Asal | 6 | Masahiro Hashizume | Shelley Wright | 58.5kg | $6.00 |
| 6th | 3 | Guipago | 10 | Warren Kennedy | M H Brosnan | 58.5kg | $7.10 |
| 7th | 10 | Dujardin | 4 | Michael Mc Nab | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 56kg | $5.00 |
| 8th | 7 | Broughton | 9 | Ryan Elliot | F T Ritchie | 58kg | $21.60 |
| 9th | 5 | Arkadus | 2 | Lynsey Satherley | Mrs R Masters | 58.5kg | $67.60 |
| 10th | 8 | Tulsa Turnaround | 5 | Joe Doyle | P S Richards | 56kg | $5.10 |
| Scr | 4 | Laser Beam | 11 | Erin M Leighton | C A Amrein | 58.5kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Not Usual Moana | 11 | Sam McNab | Samantha Logan | 54kg |
Miss Perna drops significantly in class after placing in stronger Open company. Her recent form shows consistency with a close second at Te Aroha and third at Pukekohe. The Walker/Bergerson-Grylls combination strikes at 19%, and she draws well in barrier 5. Despite being first up, her class edge and connections make her the standout.
Miss Janet represents the unknown quantity factor that often succeeds in maidens. McNab's booking adds credibility, and the wide draw may suit if she's a natural backmarker.
Vantage Point gets the benefit of barrier 1 and a quality jockey in Collett. In a maiden field with limited exposed form, a well-prepared debutant from the inside can often surprise.
His second placing on heavy track at Trentham shows ability in testing conditions, and the significant class drop to maiden level could see improvement. Kennedy's booking suggests stable confidence, making him a speculative value play in an open maiden.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Mayfair Street | 2 | Jasmine Fawcett | P & J Brosnan | 57.5kg | $16.40 |
| 2nd | 4 | Sir Richie | 6 | Jack Taplin | S Ralph | 54.5kg | $30.20 |
| 3rd | 8 | Miss Janet | 10 | Michael Mc Nab | S B Marsh | 55.5kg | $3.70 |
| 4th | 9 | Rose Aye Reign | 4 | Matthew Cartwright | S B Marsh | 55.5kg | $8.00 |
| 5th | 6 | Miss Perna | 5 | Craig Grylls | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 55.5kg | $4.00 |
| 6th | 7 | First Light | 8 | Hayley Hassman | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 53.5kg | $8.50 |
| 7th | 10 | Dressedfor Success | 3 | Joe Doyle | S Ritchie & C Murray | 55.5kg | $8.10 |
| 8th | 1 | Rupeni | 9 | Warren Kennedy | S B Marsh | 57.5kg | $11.10 |
| 9th | 5 | Vantage Point | 1 | Samantha Collett | C W Cole | 57.5kg | $8.30 |
| Scr | 2 | High Goal | 10 | Masahiro Hashizume | R James & R Wellwood | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Lady Supido | 7 | S Ritchie & C Murray | 55.5kg |
Rioja presents the strongest winning chance based on consistent recent form showing two placings from two starts. The Almanzor filly is second up from spell which typically sees improvement, and the Warren Kennedy booking indicates stable confidence. Her close second at Taupo last start demonstrates she's ready to break through.
Petite Rocher brings excellent recent form with two close seconds from her last three starts, including a narrow defeat at Te Aroha last start. The Grunt filly has shown she handles soft conditions and represents the powerful Walker/Bergerson stable with tactical speed to position well.
The 4-year-old mare ran a respectable time at Taupo and represents a stable in good form, making her worth a small value play.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | Rioja | 2 | Warren Kennedy | S & K Alexander | 56kg | $1.90 |
| 2nd | 7 | Petite Rocher | 6 | Hayley Hassman | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 54kg | $3.30 |
| 3rd | 5 | Wave Ruler | 1 | Erin M Leighton | R S Manning | 58kg | $33.70 |
| 4th | 12 | She Means Business | 3 | Matthew Cartwright | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 56kg | $7.90 |
| 5th | 4 | Van Damme | 4 | Ryan Elliot | Ms P Gerard | 58kg | $27.10 |
| 6th | 9 | Etupirka | 7 | Masahiro Hashizume | S R Autridge | 56kg | $21.10 |
| 7th | 2 | Que Syrah Syrah | 5 | Craig Grylls | M G Forbes | 58.5kg | $14.00 |
| 8th | 3 | Kapow | 9 | Lynsey Satherley | T Devcich | 58.5kg | $76.60 |
| 9th | 11 | Precede | 10 | Samantha Collett | Maxim & Samantha Van Lierde | 56kg | $29.40 |
| 10th | 10 | Gladiatrix | 8 | Tayla Mitchell | V A Prendergast | 55kg | $64.10 |
| Scr | 1 | Apollyon | 8 | B K Pinny | 58.5kg | ||
| Scr | 6 | Marie Antoinette | 11 | Joe Doyle | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 56.5kg |
The Pike/McNab combination has a strong 19% strike rate, and the filly has shown consistent improvement. Her recent form suggests she's ready to break through, particularly with the step up to 1600m suiting her racing pattern.
Second up from a spell typically brings improvement, and Craig Grylls has an excellent 16% strike rate at this track. The filly has been consistent on soft tracks and the step up to 1600m should suit her racing style.
Ryan Elliot's 20% recent strike rate adds confidence to this improving colt.
Naughty Grannie represents the powerful Walker/Bergerson stable making their debut. Hayley Hassman has an excellent 19% strike rate at Matamata, and the stable's strong record with first-starters provides confidence.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 11 | Frozen Fortune | 3 | Michael Mc Nab | A W Pike | 56kg | $2.20 |
| 2nd | 6 | Calmthefarm | 6 | Joe Doyle | S & K Alexander | 58kg | $12.30 |
| 3rd | 12 | Scaredoheights | 5 | Craig Grylls | Peter & Shaun Mckay | 56kg | $5.70 |
| 4th | 13 | She's The Dream | 1 | Samantha Collett | Ms S P Mynott | 56kg | $6.30 |
| 5th | 2 | Smithsonian | 2 | Jack Taplin | S Ralph | 55.5kg | $17.20 |
| 6th | 4 | Chaplin | 9 | Ryan Elliot | Ms P Gerard | 58kg | $17.40 |
| 7th | 5 | Excellence Patch | 8 | S C Phelan | 58kg | $17.70 | |
| 8th | 9 | Allaces | 4 | Lynsey Satherley | L R Gussey | 56.5kg | $69.10 |
| 9th | 14 | Naughty Grannie | 11 | Hayley Hassman | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 54kg | $10.70 |
| 10th | 3 | I'lberidingshotgun | 10 | Erin M Leighton | P & J Brosnan | 58.5kg | $77.70 |
| 11th | 8 | Lady Janice | 7 | Corentin Berge | Ms P Gerard | 56.5kg | $39.10 |
| Scr | 1 | Bak De Ace | 12 | R James & R Wellwood | 58.5kg | ||
| Scr | 7 | Teams | 11 | K A Pertab | 58kg | ||
| Scr | 10 | Djibouti | 8 | K A Pertab | 56kg | ||
| Scr | 15 | Comaneci Gold | 1 | S B Marsh | 56kg |
More Bliss showed promising debut form with a close third at Te Aroha on soft going. The 131-day break is concerning but her first-up record suggests she can perform fresh. Barrier 4 provides tactical options and the O'Sullivan/Doyle combination is reliable. Her soft track form and proven ability at this distance make her the most likely winner despite limited experience.
Arrazola showed promise on debut at this venue, running a competitive fifth in good time. The Mark Walker/Craig Grylls combination is highly effective and the Almanzor breeding suggests improvement with experience. While the wide barrier is a concern, her debut performance indicates she has the ability to be competitive in this grade.
Last Wish has shown consistent form with a narrow second placing two starts back on soft going. Her soft track record is solid and she's proven at this distance. The wide barrier and jockey's poor track record are concerns, but her form suggests she can be competitive if the pace unfolds favorably.
Her soft track form is solid with multiple placings, and she's been competitive at this level previously.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Artamos | 6 | Jasmine Fawcett | G Richardson & R Norvall | 57.5kg | $13.10 |
| 2nd | 5 | More Bliss | 4 | Joe Doyle | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 57kg | $3.70 |
| 3rd | 1 | Show Merican | 11 | Samantha Collett | Mariska Vear | 57.5kg | $9.40 |
| 4th | 8 | Bella Chica | 1 | Michael Mc Nab | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 57kg | $5.90 |
| 5th | 6 | Indian Falls | 12 | Lynsey Satherley | K W Hawtin | 57kg | $29.40 |
| 6th | 7 | Arrazola | 9 | Craig Grylls | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 57kg | $5.10 |
| 7th | 4 | Last Wish | 10 | Masahiro Hashizume | Ms L Brennan | 57kg | $7.40 |
| 8th | 11 | Tailoress | 5 | Tayla Mitchell | Darryn & Briar Weatherley | 56kg | $18.90 |
| 9th | 3 | Gadabout | 7 | Ryan Elliot | C W Cole | 57.5kg | $26.10 |
| 10th | 10 | Ring The Banker | 3 | Jack Taplin | A C Forbes | 54kg | $48.70 |
| 11th | 13 | Vizene | 2 | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 57kg | $16.60 | |
| 12th | 12 | Treasure Hunt | 8 | Hayley Hassman | Ms S P Mynott | 55kg | $34.90 |
| Scr | 9 | Hold Me Tight | 2 | K A Pertab | 57kg |
Absolutelyfabulous presents the most consistent recent form with two close seconds at this exact distance. The mare has shown she belongs at this level and the good barrier draw with an in-form jockey gives her every chance to finally break through for her maiden win.
Night Wolf brings excellent course and distance form with a recent third here. His consistent placing record and proven soft track ability make him a strong threat, though the wide barrier and maiden status are concerns in what shapes as a competitive finish.
The Dundeel filly has the breeding for this distance, but the wide barrier and fitness questions from a long spell create significant obstacles to overcome.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 13 | Typhoon Lucy | 18 | Michael Mc Nab | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 56kg | $4.90 |
| 2nd | 11 | Sweet Disposition | 2 | Courtney Barnes | S B Marsh | 58kg | $25.00 |
| 3rd | 12 | Absolutelyfabulous | 7 | Craig Grylls | G Richardson & R Norvall | 56.5kg | $3.20 |
| 4th | 6 | Night Wolf | 11 | Sam McNab | Ms K A Hoskin | 56kg | $5.70 |
| 5th | 3 | Levels Up | 8 | Corentin Berge | Ms C Cameron | 58.5kg | $11.10 |
| 6th | 4 | Rarawa Ray | 13 | Jasmine Fawcett | K I Rae | 58.5kg | $58.30 |
| 7th | 14 | Camila | 6 | Joe Doyle | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 56kg | $8.50 |
| 8th | 10 | Silver Patch | 10 | S C Phelan | 58kg | $9.60 | |
| 9th | 15 | Luv Lace | 4 | Samantha Collett | Ms S P Mynott | 56.5kg | $17.80 |
| 10th | 8 | Inkjet | 12 | Lynsey Satherley | K W Hawtin | 58kg | $54.20 |
| 11th | 5 | Zac Gary | 1 | Erin M Leighton | S Ramsay & J Ritchie | 58.5kg | $16.10 |
| Scr | 1 | Beau Miller | 9 | Jack Taplin | Ms J Dalley | 55.5kg | |
| Scr | 2 | Starclan | 14 | Ryan Elliot | C R Mccarroll | 58.5kg | |
| Scr | 7 | Fighter Ace | 16 | S R Autridge | 58kg | ||
| Scr | 9 | Satono Star | 17 | K A Pertab | 58kg | ||
| Scr | 16 | Awaken | 18 | A W Pike | 58kg | ||
| Scr | 17 | Last Wish | 15 | Ms L Brennan | 56kg | ||
| Scr | 18 | More Bliss | 5 | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 56kg | ||
| Scr | 19 | Bella Chica | 3 | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 56kg | ||
| Scr | 20 | Arrazola | 17 | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 56kg |
His soft track record of 4:0-1-0 shows competency on today's conditions, and the recent runner-up effort suggests he's finding his best form.
Her recent fourth at Pukekohe in stronger grade suggests she has the ability for this level. The Grylls/Richardson combination has a solid 17% strike rate, though the wide barrier presents a challenge.
Daring Dame appeals as a first-up specialist with a previous fresh win and strong Kennedy/Noble combination. Her soft track record shows one win from four starts, and the inside barrier provides tactical advantage. The 86-day break is a concern, but her first-up record suggests she can be competitive fresh.
While primarily a heavy track specialist, her track record here is excellent with 4:1-1-1. The long spell is concerning, but Walker/Bergerson horses often perform well fresh, making her a solid value proposition.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Mille Grazie | 1 | Sam McNab | Samantha Logan | 55.5kg | $4.80 |
| 2nd | 2 | Track Tester | 9 | Joe Doyle | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 58.5kg | $9.40 |
| 3rd | 9 | Lodi Dodi | 11 | Craig Grylls | G Richardson & R Norvall | 56kg | $6.50 |
| 4th | 1 | Hakkinen | 7 | Hayley Hassman | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 59.5kg | $2.50 |
| 5th | 10 | Miss Seth | 12 | Jasmine Fawcett | K I Rae | 56kg | $19.90 |
| 6th | 6 | Unison | 2 | Jack Taplin | Nick Kneebone | 54.5kg | $17.70 |
| 7th | 12 | Still Bangon | 3 | Lynsey Satherley | A C Forbes | 54kg | $50.50 |
| 8th | 7 | Viva Glam | 6 | Michael Mc Nab | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 57kg | $10.00 |
| 9th | 5 | Arundel Castle | 8 | Samantha Collett | Darryn & Briar Weatherley | 57.5kg | $11.10 |
| 10th | 8 | St Vincent | 5 | Erin M Leighton | P & J Brosnan | 57kg | $78.70 |
| Scr | 3 | Whats The One Code | 10 | Tayla Mitchell | Ms D Venn | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Daring Dame | 4 | Warren Kennedy | L R Noble | 55.5kg |
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