Punt like a Pro, without the know!
Australian Capital Territory · Friday 17 April 2026
Our top pick won 4 of 8 races at Canberra. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
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The standout selection based on class. Unavoidable drops from metro Class 1 racing where he ran a creditable third at Hawkesbury. His 50% strike rate and proven soft track form (2:1-0-1) gives him a significant edge over this field. The step up to 2000m appears suitable given his breeding and racing pattern. Despite the wide draw, his class advantage should prove decisive.
The tactical play with the perfect barrier draw. Knight Of Rhodes gets the ideal setup from barrier 1 with the strong Boudvillain/Smith combination. His maiden win on heavy track shows ability, and the inside draw allows him to control his own destiny in a race where position is crucial.
While Canjustify gets significant weight relief and has shown some ability, her recent form trend is concerning with three consecutive unplaced runs. The step up to 2000m is also a query for a filly yet to win a race.
Value play based on previous course and distance form. Delago Serg ran a close third at this track and distance in September, suggesting the 2000m at Canberra suits.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Unavoidable | 6 | Alysha Collett | Matthew Smith | 59kg | $2.50 |
| 2nd | 7 | Canjustify | 4 | Jay Ford | Richard Litt | 55kg | $2.25 |
| 3rd | 4 | Knight Of Rhodes | 1 | Pierre Boudvillain | Matthew Smith | 57.5kg | $5.50 |
| 4th | 5 | Edorado | 3 | Jess Taylor | Ms T Bateup | 56.5kg | $16.00 |
| 5th | 1 | Delago Serg | 2 | Dale Cole | P J Facoory | 57kg | $14.00 |
| 6th | 6 | Mr Crowning Moment | 5 | Shaun Guymer | Ms M Hopkins | 56.5kg | $61.00 |
| Scr | 2 | Farraige | 7 | D Wagstaff | 59kg |
The 62kg is a concern but class drop from previous efforts and proven soft track ability make her the standout.
Experienced campaigner dropping sharply in class after recent Canberra win. The wide barrier is problematic but his class edge and proven ability at this track make him a strong threat despite the soft conditions.
The wide barrier is a major concern but his recent form and soft track placing record suggest he can overcome the draw with luck.
Value chance with strong connections dropping in class. The gear change and class drop could spark improvement, though the distance and soft track remain question marks.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 7 | Prophet Time | 8 | Pierre Boudvillain | G P Vella | 59.5kg | $26.00 |
| 2nd | 8 | Vinari | 4 | Billy Owen | N J Olive | 59kg | $4.20 |
| 3rd | 3 | Shoreman | 11 | Jeff Penza | K Dryden & L Snowden | 61kg | $5.50 |
| 4th | 1 | Showtime Maggie | 6 | Alysha Collett | K Dryden & L Snowden | 62kg | $2.80 |
| 5th | 5 | Call Me Artie | 5 | Jack Martin | N J Osborne | 60kg | $51.00 |
| 6th | 2 | Dancing Man | 9 | Dale Cole | Mary Bray | 59.5kg | $21.00 |
| 7th | 11 | Isagura | 1 | Adrian Layt | Tash Burleigh | 56.5kg | $12.00 |
| 8th | 6 | Into The Fire | 10 | Shaun Guymer | Scott Jamieson | 59.5kg | $14.00 |
| 9th | 4 | Dame Annie | 3 | Ashley Morgan | J M Austin | 60.5kg | $7.00 |
| 10th | 9 | Aqualina's Star | 2 | Blaike Mc Dougall | G J Colvin | 57kg | $61.00 |
| 11th | 10 | Apparate | 7 | Teaghan Martin | G G Kirkup | 55kg | $21.00 |
The Collett/Austin combination has strong strike rate, and the inside barrier is crucial at position-dependent Canberra.
The neutral barrier allows tactical options, and the gear addition indicates focused preparation.
Consistent performer with strong recent form including a close second at this track. While winless, the consistent placings and track familiarity make this a solid each-way chance.
The inside barrier is crucial at Canberra, and despite being winless, the horse shows genuine ability with multiple close finishes.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 9 | Isn't She Autumn | 4 | Bjorn Baker | 55.5kg | $4.40 | |
| 2nd | 1 | Over The Limit | 5 | Olivia Chambers | Ms A Turner | 59kg | $3.80 |
| 3rd | 8 | Ocean Empress | 2 | Alysha Collett | J M Austin | 56.5kg | $3.20 |
| 4th | 7 | Sorentina | 9 | Jay Ford | Richard Litt | 57kg | $5.00 |
| 5th | 10 | Maysun | 6 | Ashley Morgan | Peter Snowden | 55.5kg | $7.00 |
| 6th | 2 | The Force Awakens | 1 | Amy Mc Lucas | C Karakatsanis | 59kg | $16.00 |
| 7th | 4 | Ransaigh Star | 10 | Rebecca Bronett Prag | S Sampson | 58.5kg | $151.00 |
| 8th | 6 | Phoenistra | 7 | Teaghan Martin | S Sampson | 55.5kg | $151.00 |
| Scr | 3 | Don't What Me | 8 | Jess Taylor | J C Coyle | 58.5kg | |
| Scr | 5 | Step Quick | 3 | Matthew Kelley | 58kg |
The significant class drop from Open to Maiden company, combined with blinkers first time and second up fitness, suggests connections expect improvement. Strong jockey/trainer combination adds confidence.
The barrier draw allows tactical flexibility, while recent performance at this track suggests suitability for local conditions.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Marchon | 5 | Braith Nock | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 58.5kg | $1.30 |
| 2nd | 7 | Strike A Pose | 6 | Adam Farragher | C Maher | 58.5kg | $12.00 |
| 3rd | 3 | Heligan | 1 | Jack Martin | Natalie Jarvis | 58.5kg | $18.00 |
| 4th | 11 | Wave Dancer | 2 | Brock Ryan | C Maher | 57kg | $10.00 |
| 5th | 2 | Tendi | 12 | Wayne Wheatley | J A Steinmetz | 59kg | $31.00 |
| 6th | 10 | The Reel Penelope | 11 | Jess Taylor | J M Austin | 57kg | $151.00 |
| 7th | 4 | Impending Charm | 4 | Pierre Boudvillain | Joseph Ible | 58.5kg | $41.00 |
| 8th | 1 | Adeel It's A Steal | 9 | Jeff Penza | Lee & Cherie Curtis | 59kg | $51.00 |
| 9th | 8 | Sunset Time | 7 | Jessica Brookes | G P Vella | 56.5kg | $12.00 |
| 10th | 6 | Star Of Medici | 8 | Jean Van Overmeire | Luke Pepper | 58.5kg | $41.00 |
| 11th | 9 | Tennessir | 10 | Shaun Guymer | Scott Jamieson | 57kg | $61.00 |
| Scr | 12 | Kindamagic | 3 | Claire Ramsbotham | Mitchell Maloney-Stone | 55kg |
The Peter Snowden-trained gelding drops significantly in class from BM64 to Class 2, having shown ability with 2 wins from 6 starts. Ashley Morgan's booking adds confidence with his 20% recent strike rate. While lacking track experience, his forward settling style suits Canberra's on-pace bias.
Common Goal brings the best form reference having won his last start at this exact track and distance in Class 2 company. The wide barrier is concerning given Canberra's inside bias, but his recent winning form and track familiarity make him a strong threat.
Interro finished a close second to Common Goal in their last encounter at this track and distance, suggesting she can reverse that form. The inside barrier and light weight are positives, though the missing jockey booking creates some uncertainty about stable intent.
The Luke Pepper/Jean Van Overmeire combination strikes at 19%, and the light weight provides an advantage.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Benamera | 2 | Quayde Krogh | Stephen O'Halloran | 60kg | $6.00 |
| 2nd | 8 | Platinum Ridge | 9 | Jean Van Overmeire | Luke Pepper | 55.5kg | $13.00 |
| 3rd | 4 | Viipuri | 5 | Ashley Morgan | Peter Snowden | 59.5kg | $2.40 |
| 4th | 6 | Pink Lamborghini | 1 | Braith Nock | G G Kirkup | 58kg | $2.10 |
| Scr | 1 | Omnic | 4 | Adam Farragher | C Maher | 60.5kg | |
| Scr | 3 | Common Goal | 8 | Shaun Guymer | Joseph Ible | 59.5kg | |
| Scr | 5 | Walk The Pier | 7 | Matthew Kelley | 59.5kg | ||
| Scr | 7 | Interro | 3 | C Maher | 55.5kg | ||
| Scr | 9 | Rippana | 6 | Luke Pepper | 55.5kg |
The Stars Align presents as the most logical winner based on recent form and suitability. His last start victory at Nowra on Heavy 8 demonstrates current fitness and ability to handle testing conditions. The gelding has proven credentials at Canberra with a win from 4 starts and is unbeaten at 1600m with 2 wins from 4 attempts.
Sir Sublime offers solid each-way value as a consistent performer who rarely runs a bad race. His record at 1600m is strong with multiple placings at this level. The addition of a tongue tie for the first time could provide the edge needed, and his inside barrier draw suits Canberra's on-pace bias. While not a standout winner, he represents reliable place prospects.
It Is To Be represents value as a horse dropping significantly in class after a solid first-up effort. His staying ability is proven, and the step back to BM55 level should suit. The inside barrier provides tactical options, though his poor record on Good tracks and at Canberra are concerns. Second-up statistics suggest improvement is likely.
Mean As offers value as an improving 3yo stepping up in class after a maiden win.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | The Stars Align | 7 | Jean Van Overmeire | Anthony Mountney | 63kg | $2.30 |
| 2nd | 9 | Sir Sublime | 3 | Brock Ryan | Ms T Bateup | 58kg | $11.00 |
| 3rd | 3 | It Is To Be | 1 | Shaun Guymer | Pat Murphy | 61.5kg | $7.00 |
| 4th | 10 | Freddy's Shock | 4 | Jeff Penza | G J Colvin | 57kg | $13.00 |
| 5th | 5 | Mean As | 9 | Adam Farragher | C Maher | 61kg | $8.00 |
| 6th | 7 | The Predictor | 2 | Ellen Hennessy | Ms J Hoy | 60.5kg | $31.00 |
| 7th | 6 | Gunfighter Road | 8 | Jack Martin | Warren Ganderton | 60.5kg | $17.00 |
| 8th | 4 | Wish You Were Here | 10 | Claire Ramsbotham | Matthew Kelley | 60kg | $5.50 |
| 9th | 2 | Golden Warrior | 6 | Dale Cole | A D Bourke | 59.5kg | $41.00 |
| 10th | 12 | Vella Icon | 12 | Pierre Boudvillain | G P Vella | 55kg | $14.00 |
| Scr | 8 | Via Varallo | 11 | Amy Mc Lucas | Ms A Turner | 58.5kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Passenger Princess | 5 | Alysha Collett | K Dryden & L Snowden | 55kg |
Hell Of A Fox presents the strongest winning chance based on recent form and track suitability. Her 2nd placing at Canberra two weeks ago demonstrates current fitness, while her perfect 1-1-0 record at this track/distance combination is compelling. Despite the class rise, her proven ability at this venue makes her the most reliable selection.
Deepwater Artist offers excellent value as the second selection with his outstanding 71% place rate and recent winning form. The lightly raced 4-year-old has won twice in his last four starts, including a 1400m victory, and his perfect soft track record provides confidence. While stepping up in class and racing at an unfamiliar track present challenges, his consistent form pattern and potential for improvement make him a strong each-way proposition.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | Hell Of A Fox | 6 | Pierre Boudvillain | Luke Pepper | 56kg | $2.60 |
| 2nd | 7 | Blow In | 9 | Claire Ramsbotham | Rob Potter | 54.5kg | $16.00 |
| 3rd | 9 | Chasing A Quid | 1 | Jess Taylor | G P Vella | 55kg | $21.00 |
| 4th | 11 | Deepwater Artist | 10 | Jeff Penza | Matthew Kelley | 55kg | $4.00 |
| 5th | 10 | Oneforian | 3 | Alysha Collett | N J Olive | 55kg | $7.00 |
| 6th | 12 | Champions League | 4 | Rebecca Bronett Prag | A D Bourke | 55kg | $26.00 |
| 7th | 4 | Burgundy Girl | 2 | Jessica Brookes | K Dryden & L Snowden | 56kg | $15.00 |
| 8th | 1 | Hot Bandit | 7 | Jean Van Overmeire | Luke Pepper | 61kg | $8.50 |
| 9th | 2 | Mosgold | 5 | Adrian Layt | Tash Burleigh | 61kg | $15.00 |
| 10th | 14 | Region Time | 11 | Quayde Krogh | G P Vella | 55kg | $151.00 |
| 11th | 3 | Astunner | 12 | Blaike Mc Dougall | Darrell Burnet | 58kg | $14.00 |
| Scr | 5 | Silent Impact | 8 | Matthew Kelley | 57.5kg | ||
| Scr | 6 | Acheson | 13 | K Dryden & L Snowden | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 13 | Eloped | 12 | G G Kirkup | 55kg |
Xspiritous comes off a solid win at Wagga and draws well to get a good position early. The mare has shown consistent form and handles the distance well. While first-up at Canberra, the recent winning form and tactical advantage from the barrier make her a strong each-way chance.
Aegipan brings strong credentials with an excellent record at Canberra and proven ability at the distance. The gelding has won twice at this track and shows consistent form patterns. Despite carrying top weight and a wide draw, the class drop and track familiarity make him a genuine winning chance.
The gelding has a perfect record at Canberra over 1000m and handles soft conditions well.
The strong jockey booking and excellent trainer/jockey combination suggest confidence despite the poor last start.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Bode Akuna | 7 | Jess Taylor | J C Coyle | 62kg | $6.50 |
| 2nd | 6 | Girls Weekend | 2 | Pierre Boudvillain | Mitchell Beer & George Carpenter | 59kg | $7.50 |
| 3rd | 10 | Very Sirius | 3 | Braith Nock | David Pfieffer | 56kg | $3.10 |
| 4th | 8 | Mctominay | 1 | Jean Van Overmeire | Luke Pepper | 58.5kg | $20.00 |
| 5th | 5 | Xspiritous | 4 | Jessica Brookes | Tash Burleigh | 58kg | $5.50 |
| 6th | 3 | Monte Cruise | 9 | Alysha Collett | R & L Price | 61kg | $12.00 |
| 7th | 4 | Beer Baron | 8 | Billy Owen | N J Osborne | 60kg | $3.60 |
| Scr | 1 | Aegipan | 6 | Dale Cole | Pat Murphy | 61kg | |
| Scr | 7 | Written By Lucy | 10 | Rob Potter | 59kg | ||
| Scr | 9 | Trooper | 5 | Shaun Guymer | Natalie Jarvis | 57kg |
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