Punt like a Pro, without the know!
Queensland · Friday 17 April 2026
Our top pick won 1 of 8 races at Mackay. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
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The mare's excellent second placing last start at Mackay over 1800m demonstrates current fitness and track suitability. Her 14 starts on soft tracks for multiple placings shows she handles the conditions well. The inside barrier provides a crucial advantage at this leader-favouring track, and her consistent form pattern suggests she can handle the slight class rise.
The significant class drop from BM65 to BM60 provides this gelding with a genuine winning opportunity. His proven ability at 2000m and reasonable soft track record combine well with the inside barrier draw. The recent third at Cairns demonstrates current fitness, though the top weight and jockey concerns are negatives to consider.
This consistent galloper brings excellent recent form including a close second at this track last start. His proven record at Mackay over 2000m provides confidence, while the strong jockey/trainer combination adds appeal. The slight class rise is a concern, but his consistent form pattern suggests he can handle the step up.
This gelding represents value based on his recent winning form and the significant class drop opportunity. While his soft track record is concerning, the light weight and inside barrier provide tactical advantages.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Cash Artist | 5 | Natalea Summers | Darryl Johnston | 57kg | $10.00 |
| 2nd | 8 | Jetpack Verdi | 7 | Tahlia Fenlon | Ms G Bell | 54kg | $4.60 |
| 3rd | 7 | Sideshow Frankie | 4 | Adam Sewell | Darryl Johnston | 54.5kg | $11.00 |
| 4th | 2 | Sir Rocket | 8 | Amie Meissner | I D Shaw | 62kg | $21.00 |
| 5th | 1 | Misterkipchoge | 2 | Samantha Pointon | Lachie Manzelmann | 63kg | $5.50 |
| 6th | 9 | Shadow Project | 1 | Chris Mc Iver | Jessica Kuhn | 54kg | $51.00 |
| Scr | 4 | Kings Castle | 6 | Wanderson D'Avila | D K Amos | 57kg | |
| 5 | Kayleen's Profit | 3 | Ryan Wiggins | Ricky Vale | 56kg | ||
| Scr | 6 | Boom Crusher | 9 | Darryl Johnston | 55.5kg |
The addition of blinkers and tongue tie suggests stable confidence, while the Vale/Apel combination has a reasonable 10% strike rate. The recent trial times are competitive for this grade.
Another debutant but with strong jockey booking in Ryan Wiggins who has 20% recent strike rate. The gear changes and barrier 3 draw suggest this runner is well-prepared for debut. The Button/Wiggins combination has a solid 14% strike rate, indicating stable confidence in this preparation.
Better value exists elsewhere in this field.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Exodas | 1 | Aidan Holt | Lachie Manzelmann | 60kg | $3.70 |
| 2nd | 6 | Arancia | 4 | Wanderson D'Avila | D K Amos | 57.5kg | $14.00 |
| 3rd | 8 | Frosty's Gotcha | 5 | Amie Meissner | Mark Barnham | 52kg | $4.00 |
| 4th | 2 | Watchfulwilderness | 6 | McKenzie Apel | Ricky Vale | 59.5kg | $3.20 |
| 5th | 7 | Lively Spirit | 3 | Ryan Wiggins | T Button | 57.5kg | $3.50 |
| Scr | 3 | Capricornus | 2 | Raul Silvera Olivera | Ricky Vale | 59kg | |
| Scr | 4 | Cryoseisms | 6 | Ricky Vale | 58.5kg | ||
| Scr | 5 | Moonya Lad | 2 | T Button | 58kg |
Despite being a maiden, Diante showed genuine ability when third at this track and distance 15 days ago. The inside barrier is crucial at Mackay where leaders dominate, and she maps to control from gate 1.
Blessed Boom represents the classic gear change angle with first-time blinkers and tongue control. The strong jockey/trainer combination and Fenlon's current form provide confidence. While the wide draw is concerning at Mackay, the gear changes suggest connections expect improvement.
The 108-day break is concerning but may have benefited this lightly-raced gelding.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 7 | Blessed Boom | 8 | Tahlia Fenlon | Tom Smith | 56kg | $6.50 |
| 2nd | 3 | Diante | 1 | McKenzie Apel | Ricky Vale | 57.5kg | $1.28 |
| 3rd | 4 | Octopolis | 7 | Ryan Wiggins | T Button | 57.5kg | $11.00 |
| 4th | 5 | Long Tall James | 6 | Adam Sewell | Lachie Manzelmann | 57kg | $51.00 |
| 5th | 6 | Whip 'n Neighneigh | 3 | Nikki Olzard | Kris Thomas | 56.5kg | $14.00 |
| 6th | 2 | Big Barry | 5 | Sean Cormack | Kris Thomas | 58.5kg | $13.00 |
| 7th | 8 | Scotch Rocket | 2 | Samantha Pointon | Jade Doolan | 52.5kg | $101.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Boomious | 4 | Aidan Holt | Georgie Holt | 59kg |
The inside barrier is crucial at leader-favouring Mackay, and his consistent placing record suggests he's ready to break through.
The wide barrier is concerning at Mackay, but his class edge and Sean Cormack's good form make him a strong threat.
Notforthemoney brings strong recent form with two thirds in his last three starts and proven ability at this track and distance.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Sumich | 11 | Sean Cormack | C G Russell | 58.5kg | $5.00 |
| 2nd | 7 | Notforthemoney | 8 | Nikki Olzard | Clinton Taylor | 56.5kg | $5.50 |
| 3rd | 6 | Madam Nazar | 7 | Chelsea Jokic | Chelsea Jokic | 57kg | $41.00 |
| 4th | 5 | Stellar Legend | 10 | Adam Sewell | Lachie Manzelmann | 57.5kg | $13.00 |
| 5th | 9 | Viper Room | 4 | Samantha Pointon | Ms O Cairns | 52.5kg | $14.00 |
| 6th | 11 | Luna Ready | 3 | Tahlia Fenlon | Tom Smith | 54kg | $11.00 |
| 7th | 3 | Soydecafflatte | 5 | Amie Meissner | Mark Barnham | 56.5kg | $41.00 |
| 8th | 2 | Proviseur | 1 | Ryan Wiggins | K N Smyth | 59.5kg | $2.00 |
| 9th | 10 | Frosty Queen | 9 | Chris Mc Iver | Lachie Manzelmann | 54kg | $151.00 |
| 10th | 1 | Tiger Jim | 6 | Raul Silvera Olivera | Kevin Miller | 60kg | $71.00 |
| 11th | 8 | Streamelot | 2 | Wanderson D'Avila | D K Amos | 55.5kg | $31.00 |
Track Tale presents as the standout selection with exceptional first-up statistics (60% win rate) and dominant soft track form (50% win rate).
His proven Mackay form and gear addition provide confidence, though the fitness question after 78 days and poor barrier position are concerns in this on-speed-favouring track setup.
His proven ability at track and distance keeps him competitive, though current form suggests he may need this run to return to peak.
Dealing's Done offers value based on exceptional track/distance statistics and last-start winning form. However, his poor soft track record (0 from 10) is a major concern on today's Soft 5 surface, making this a risky but potentially rewarding proposition if track conditions don't deteriorate further.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Obligated | 6 | Ashley Butler | L A Wright | 60.5kg | $3.50 |
| 2nd | 5 | Odegaard | 3 | Nikki Olzard | Joshua Manzelmann | 54kg | $11.00 |
| 3rd | 1 | Master Montaro | 5 | Aidan Holt | Ricky Vale | 63.5kg | $13.00 |
| 4th | 4 | Early Fusion | 2 | McKenzie Apel | Ricky Vale | 58.5kg | $4.60 |
| 5th | 2 | Track Tale | 4 | Ryan Wiggins | Ricky Vale | 62kg | $3.70 |
| 6th | 7 | Dealing's Done | 7 | Amie Meissner | W E Winters | 52kg | $4.80 |
| 7th | 8 | Rubunkar | 8 | Tahlia Fenlon | Lachie Manzelmann | 54kg | $18.00 |
| 8th | 6 | Your Too Good | 1 | Samantha Pointon | Jade Doolan | 52kg | $151.00 |
Zaya presents as the most reliable winning chance with an outstanding record at Mackay (10:2-3-2) and comes off a last-start win at this track. The mare has shown consistent improvement through her recent campaign and maps to settle in an ideal forward position. Despite the wide barrier, her proven track affinity and jockey combination provide strong confidence for another victory.
Spirit Of Mac brings strong second-up credentials and last-start winning form to this assignment. The weight rise and track inexperience are concerns, but his current form trajectory suggests he can overcome these obstacles.
The gelding has shown improvement with racing and the class drop should suit.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Zaya | 8 | Tahlia Fenlon | Ms R Binder | 57.5kg | $3.00 |
| 2nd | 4 | He's The One | 1 | Sean Cormack | S S Quigley | 56kg | $3.40 |
| 3rd | 5 | Our Missile | 4 | Adam Sewell | Lachie Manzelmann | 56kg | $6.50 |
| 4th | 8 | I'm Stellar | 7 | Emma Bell | J M Bell | 55kg | $11.00 |
| 5th | 1 | Spirit Of Mac | 6 | Ryan Wiggins | Tracy Simmons | 60kg | $4.00 |
| 6th | 9 | Ravenite | 2 | Amie Meissner | W N Pomfrett | 53kg | $14.00 |
| 7th | 12 | Flyball | 3 | Natalea Summers | Darryl Johnston | 54kg | $101.00 |
| 8th | 11 | Tenner | 5 | Chris Mc Iver | Ms L Horstman | 54kg | $101.00 |
| Scr | 2 | Determination | 11 | Aidan Holt | Ricky Vale | 59kg | |
| Scr | 6 | Office Politics | 9 | Tasha Chambers | Tracy Simmons | 55.5kg | |
| Scr | 7 | Hot Torque Invegas | 3 | Lachie Manzelmann | 55kg | ||
| Scr | 10 | Crimson Decipher | 4 | McKenzie Apel | Ricky Vale | 54kg |
Answering presents the strongest winning profile with exceptional track/distance statistics (1 win, 3 places from 7 starts) and proven soft track ability. The significant class drop from Open grade to BM60, combined with barrier 3 allowing early control at this leader-favouring track, makes this the most reliable selection despite carrying top weight.
The class drop from metro racing provides a significant edge, though the wide barrier and lack of track experience present challenges at this leader-biased venue.
The combination of significant gear changes, class drop, and proven soft track ability suggests major improvement, making this an attractive roughie despite jockey concerns.
The recent improvement combined with class drop creates an overlay opportunity, though the inside barrier presents challenges at this track where leaders don't always dominate.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Upstart Legend | 1 | Adam Sewell | Lachie Manzelmann | 59kg | $4.40 |
| 2nd | 10 | Crimson Decipher | 2 | McKenzie Apel | Ricky Vale | 54.5kg | $6.50 |
| 3rd | 1 | Answering | 3 | Sean Cormack | L A Wright | 61.5kg | $3.60 |
| 4th | 2 | Better Be Ready | 5 | Aidan Holt | Jennifer Hatfield | 61.5kg | $11.00 |
| 5th | 9 | Top Honours | 4 | Chelsea Jokic | Chelsea Jokic | 58.5kg | $21.00 |
| 6th | 4 | Kickatinalong | 8 | Nikki Olzard | Clinton Taylor | 59.5kg | $2.60 |
| 7th | 7 | Rich Divinity | 7 | Amie Meissner | W N Pomfrett | 56.5kg | $21.00 |
| Scr | 3 | Determination | 9 | Ricky Vale | 59.5kg | ||
| Scr | 6 | Outback Step | 11 | R B Williams | 58.5kg | ||
| Scr | 8 | Rum Rumble | 3 | T Button | 58.5kg | ||
| Scr | 11 | The Kobay Train | 6 | Joshua Manzelmann | 54kg |
Last start winner at this exact track and distance combination with an outstanding local record. The 9-year-old gelding thrives at Mackay (3 wins from 10 starts) and handles soft conditions well.
Consistent placegetter who ran well for third last start at this track. Draws perfectly in barrier 5 and maps to settle handy. Strong jockey booking with Sean Cormack in excellent form. While he's only won once, his consistency and track familiarity make him a strong each-way chance.
Interesting value proposition with a track win to his credit and dropping significantly in class. The Hong Kong form lines suggest ability above this level, and the good barrier draw should see him settle in a winning position.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 9 | Turn Me Royale | 12 | Ashley Butler | Ms O Cairns | 58kg | $15.00 |
| 2nd | 14 | Masali Raffa | 2 | Julieann Lancaster | 54.5kg | $3.80 | |
| 3rd | 11 | Four Leaf Wonder | 6 | Raul Silvera Olivera | Kevin Miller | 57.5kg | $5.00 |
| 4th | 1 | Gregarious | 1 | Emma Bell | B J Richardson | 62kg | $12.00 |
| 5th | 8 | Boom Crusher | 5 | Sean Cormack | Darryl Johnston | 58kg | $6.00 |
| 6th | 12 | Remlap Kava | 7 | Samantha Pointon | Lachie Manzelmann | 53.5kg | $17.00 |
| 7th | 3 | Fifty Five Mustang | 4 | Wanderson D'Avila | Mark Barnham | 59.5kg | $8.50 |
| 8th | 13 | Spirit Talker | 9 | Chris Mc Iver | Shawn Geritz | 55.5kg | $14.00 |
| 9th | 5 | Diasonic | 8 | Adam Sewell | Lachie Manzelmann | 58.5kg | $16.00 |
| 10th | 4 | Mordecai | 10 | Amie Meissner | W E Winters | 57.5kg | $8.50 |
| 11th | 10 | Dubawi's Girl | 11 | Chelsea Jokic | Joshua Manzelmann | 57.5kg | $81.00 |
| Scr | 2 | Cash Artist | 3 | Natalea Summers | Darryl Johnston | 59.5kg | |
| Scr | 6 | Kayleen's Profit | 6 | McKenzie Apel | Ricky Vale | 58.5kg | |
| Scr | 7 | Our Heart Throb | 3 | Ryan Wiggins | Tim Cook | 58.5kg |
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