Punt like a Pro, without the know!
New South Wales · Friday 1 May 2026
Our top pick won 3 of 8 races at Muswellbrook. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
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Priory Park offers the best combination of form indicators despite limited race experience. The barrier 6 draw is ideal for settling in the track's favoured 4-6 position, and his recent trial win demonstrates current fitness.
Despite poor recent form, his barrier trial win suggests current fitness. However, the wide barrier 10 draw works against Muswellbrook's inside bias, and the significant class drop raises questions about current ability.
His previous third placing at Muswellbrook demonstrates track suitability, and barrier 3 allows ideal positioning. The consistent recent form and light weight provide additional advantages despite his maiden status.
The barrier 2 draw is perfect for Muswellbrook's inside bias, and his recent trial second suggests improvement. The strong Hutchings/Freedman combination (36% strike rate) adds confidence, though debut status creates uncertainty.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Priory Park | 5 | Mitchell Bell | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 57.5kg | $3.20 |
| 2nd | 1 | Dr Hook | 7 | Braith Nock | Brett & Georgie Cavanough | 58kg | $1.60 |
| 3rd | 10 | Super Vitality | 3 | Chad Lever | T S Howlett | 56kg | $51.00 |
| 4th | 6 | Rising Fortune | 4 | Reece Jones | R P Northam | 57kg | $7.00 |
| 5th | 8 | Warshade | 2 | Rory Hutchings | Michael Freedman | 57kg | $21.00 |
| 6th | 4 | Frog Rock | 1 | Jake Pracey-Holmes | Ms J Bowen | 57kg | $91.00 |
| 7th | 5 | Hope To Fly | 6 | Anna Roper | D Lane | 57kg | $19.00 |
| Scr | 2 | Portico | 7 | Michael Freedman | 57.5kg | ||
| Scr | 7 | Snickers | 9 | Mikayla Weir | P M Perry | 57kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Final Gift | 3 | Mark Cross | 56.5kg |
Despite being first up from a long spell, Excelluna represents the strongest form credentials in this field.
Seagoe represents the second-strongest stable connection in the race with the A & S Freedman team. While the wide barrier is concerning, elite stables often have debutants ready to perform first-up.
Speed Encore benefits from another elite Freedman stable connection and Mitchell Bell's exceptional record at Muswellbrook (26% strike rate). The ideal barrier 2 draw allows for a forward position, and Bell's outstanding recent form (30% strike rate) adds confidence. The name suggests early speed which could be crucial in this race.
While her last start was disappointing, she's dropping back to her preferred distance and has shown she can compete at this level.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | Hulaland | 4 | Mikayla Weir | Ms J Bowen | 57kg | $15.00 |
| 2nd | 2 | Excelluna | 7 | Rory Hutchings | Richard & Will Freedman | 58kg | $3.80 |
| 2nd | 7 | Speed Encore | 2 | Mitchell Bell | Michael Freedman | 58kg | $6.00 |
| 4th | 1 | Changing Flame | 6 | Lee Magorrian | Denim Wynen | 58kg | $7.50 |
| 5th | 6 | Seagoe | 9 | Christian Reith | A & S Freedman | 58kg | $13.00 |
| 6th | 10 | Sparrow | 8 | Leeshelle Small | Ms J Bowen | 55.5kg | $71.00 |
| 7th | 4 | Miss Andreas | 5 | Anna Roper | Lou Mary | 58kg | $4.40 |
| 8th | 9 | Mary Bones | 3 | Jake Pracey-Holmes | Ms J Bowen | 57kg | $71.00 |
| 9th | 3 | Imagoodsort | 1 | Ben Looker | Holly Williams | 58kg | $51.00 |
| Scr | 5 | Miss Excee | 7 | William A Stanley | P M Perry | 58kg |
Her consistency with 9 placings from 17 starts and ability to perform on all track conditions makes her the most reliable winning chance despite being winless.
The addition of blinkers first time and Mitchell Bell's strong recent form (30%) provides confidence despite the wide draw and first-up assignment.
Peninhand showed improvement with a 3rd placing at this track and distance last start.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 10 | Pepperina | 9 | Mitchell Bell | Brett & Georgie Cavanough | 57kg | $5.00 |
| 2nd | 4 | Lyon | 3 | Mikayla Weir | S I Singleton | 59kg | $31.00 |
| 3rd | 3 | Hot Chocks | 7 | Reece Jones | R P Northam | 59kg | $6.00 |
| 4th | 5 | Nearest | 6 | Braith Nock | P Messara & L Gavranich | 59kg | $2.50 |
| 5th | 7 | Purple Prince | 1 | Anna Roper | J A Sylvester | 59kg | $51.00 |
| 6th | 11 | Varazze | 4 | Rory Hutchings | Joseph Burges | 57kg | $21.00 |
| 7th | 12 | Raguel | 8 | Chad Lever | T S Howlett | 56.5kg | $8.00 |
| 8th | 6 | Not So Wrong | 10 | Juliet Partridge | Holly Williams | 55kg | $19.00 |
| 9th | 2 | Bridego | 2 | Ben Looker | Joel Wilkes | 59kg | $5.50 |
| 10th | 1 | Atomic Bomber | 5 | Jake Pracey-Holmes | Carlos Antonio | 59kg | $151.00 |
| Scr | 8 | Markwell Melody | 5 | Lee Magorrian | Joseph Burges | 57kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Peninhand | 3 | Liberty Smyth | Liam Ruddy | 54kg |
Placed second at this exact track on debut, suggesting suitability. Inside barrier provides structural advantage at Muswellbrook, and gear change removing visors indicates stable confidence. First up record shows ability fresh, making this the logical selection despite extended spell.
Consistent performer with strong recent form showing two placings from two starts. Excellent soft track record suggests adaptability, though today's Good 4 surface differs. Strong jockey/trainer combination and significant class drop provide confidence. Barrier 3 allows ideal settling position in the four-to-six zone favoured at Muswellbrook.
Significant class drop to maiden level after competing in higher grades provides major advantage. Distance proven and recent trial win confirms fitness, though wide barrier and poor jockey form are concerns.
Value selection based on inside barrier advantage and recent improvement. Third placing at this track last start shows suitability, and light weight provides advantage. Inside barrier crucial at Muswellbrook for settling in optimal position.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Won'thearmecoming | 2 | Andrew Gibbons | Angela Davies | 58kg | $1.85 |
| 2nd | 9 | Love You Anyway | 5 | Ben Looker | B G Lawrence | 56kg | $13.00 |
| 3rd | 2 | Reign 'em In | 3 | Braith Nock | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 58kg | $2.80 |
| 4th | 11 | Poiema | 1 | Reece Jones | T J Wicks | 55kg | $26.00 |
| 5th | 3 | Sammy The Bull | 4 | William A Stanley | Tanya Randell | 58kg | $31.00 |
| 6th | 1 | Sant Gervasi | 6 | Rory Hutchings | Claire Lever | 59.5kg | $6.50 |
| 7th | 5 | Life's Turns | 8 | Anna Roper | Ms J Bowen | 57.5kg | $101.00 |
| 8th | 7 | Pariah Carey | 7 | Christian Reith | T E Ollerton | 57kg | $151.00 |
| Scr | 6 | Oakfield Mars | 6 | D Lane | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 8 | Sweet Rose | 7 | J M Austin | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 10 | Churpel | 6 | Ms J Bowen | 55.5kg |
Arapawa presents the strongest winning chance based on recent form and track suitability. Won impressively at this track 10 days ago and has a perfect record at Muswellbrook over 1280m. While the class rise is significant, the systematic progression through grades and proven adaptability make this the most reliable selection.
Smart Buy offers excellent value as a first-up runner with proven distance credentials. The 215-day break is concerning but trainer Northam has a solid first-up record. The class drop from previous metropolitan racing and proven 1280m form (1-3-0) provide strong foundations.
Kermitisapet presents solid each-way value as a second-up runner with proven track form. The close second at Muswellbrook last start demonstrates current fitness and track suitability. Strong second-up statistics (1-0-0) and proven wet track ability provide confidence, though the significant class rise and distance query create uncertainty.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Orsum | 10 | Leanne Boyd | Sally Torrens | 57kg | $41.00 |
| 2nd | 1 | Smart Buy | 2 | Leeshelle Small | R P Northam | 60kg | $18.00 |
| 3rd | 2 | Arapawa | 4 | Mitchell Bell | Brett & Georgie Cavanough | 61kg | $1.28 |
| 4th | 8 | Kermitisapet | 7 | Daniel A Northey | Tim McIntosh | 58kg | $18.00 |
| 5th | 7 | Ghaznavi | 5 | Rory Hutchings | Cameron Crockett | 58kg | $20.00 |
| 6th | 9 | Fireup | 3 | Reece Jones | T J Wicks | 57.5kg | $31.00 |
| 7th | 5 | Withstand | 1 | Anna Roper | Ms J Bowen | 59kg | $16.00 |
| 8th | 6 | Mischievous Molly | 8 | Andrew Gibbons | W T Wilkes | 58.5kg | $17.00 |
| 9th | 11 | Time Ruler | 6 | Jake Pracey-Holmes | Carlos Antonio | 55kg | $11.00 |
| 10th | 10 | Shine Your Light | 9 | Mikayla Weir | Cassandra Stummer | 56.5kg | $101.00 |
| Scr | 3 | Dunstall The Gun | 6 | Braith Nock | Brett & Georgie Cavanough | 60.5kg |
Ocean Chill presents the strongest winning chance with a perfect record at this track and distance. Her recent form is excellent, including a narrow second at Hawkesbury, and she maps perfectly from barrier 2.
However, her poor record on Good tracks and the 41-day gap since her last run are concerning factors that prevent her from being the top selection.
The blinkers off and good barrier help, but the long spell and class rise make her a risky proposition despite the first up placing record.
The trainer/jockey combination has a good strike rate and she's shown ability with close placings. The class rise is significant but the light weight and improving trend make her worth a small investment.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 7 | Ocean Chill | 1 | Olivia Dalton | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 55.5kg | $2.70 |
| 2nd | 9 | Antilocapra | 3 | Anna Roper | R P Northam | 57kg | $5.50 |
| 3rd | 2 | Instead | 6 | Gabrielle Johnston | W T Wilkes | 58kg | $5.50 |
| 4th | 6 | Ballinderry Sal | 5 | Reece Jones | R P Northam | 58kg | $31.00 |
| 5th | 10 | Villa Castina | 4 | Mitchell Bell | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 55.5kg | $10.00 |
| 6th | 8 | Ready And Lucky | 7 | Christian Reith | Lou Mary | 57.5kg | $10.00 |
| 7th | 1 | Bellini Spritz | 2 | Braith Nock | P Messara & L Gavranich | 61.5kg | $4.40 |
| Scr | 3 | Up To Mischief | 9 | Ben Looker | J C Deamer | 60.5kg | |
| Scr | 4 | Like Lukey | 1 | Liam Blanch | Todd Smith | 59.5kg | |
| Scr | 5 | Sports Page | 4 | Jacob Stiff | Natalie Pearce | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Rethink It | 11 | Jake Pracey-Holmes | T J Vidler | 55kg |
Unbeaten gelding with perfect 2-from-2 record steps up to BM58 after impressive maiden win. Quality connections and light weight offset barrier concerns.
Last-start BM58 winner with excellent local knowledge and wet track credentials.
Consistent mare with strong recent placings and excellent jockey/trainer combination.
Value chance if recapturing best form.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Oenology | 2 | Liberty Smyth | D J Hatch | 59.5kg | $8.50 |
| 2nd | 3 | Jason Darren | 5 | Gabrielle Johnston | John Bannister | 59kg | $3.90 |
| 3rd | 9 | Sugarfire | 8 | Mitchell Bell | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 57.5kg | $4.40 |
| 4th | 8 | Turning Circle | 7 | Andrew Gibbons | Nathan Doyle | 58.5kg | $14.00 |
| 5th | 4 | Course Of Action | 4 | Braith Nock | Brett & Georgie Cavanough | 60.5kg | $3.50 |
| 6th | 2 | Damascus Gate | 1 | Jasmine Urquhart-Warren | Carlos Antonio | 58kg | $6.50 |
| 7th | 7 | In Iso | 3 | Chad Lever | Wayne Seelin | 59kg | $71.00 |
| 8th | 10 | Corpsman | 6 | Jenny Duggan | J A Sylvester | 55.5kg | $71.00 |
| 9th | 5 | Harry's Boy | 9 | Reece Jones | R P Northam | 60kg | $15.00 |
| 10th | 12 | Satin Dragon | 10 | Leeshelle Small | L K Roberts | 53.5kg | $151.00 |
| Scr | 6 | Ken'ker | 10 | D Wagstaff | 60kg | ||
| Scr | 11 | Time Ruler | 4 | Jake Pracey-Holmes | Carlos Antonio | 55kg |
Won at Muswellbrook over 1000m in June 2025, demonstrating suitability for today's conditions. First-up record of 1 win from 3 starts provides confidence despite 212-day break.
Bullion Hunter offers strong claims with proven Muswellbrook success and improving form trajectory. Won at this track/distance in Class 1 company and ran strong second in recent BM66 at Scone. The class rise is concerning but track familiarity and good condition suitability provide confidence. Wide barrier poses tactical challenges.
Solar Blast brings recent winning form and tactical advantages through barrier 2. Won BM58 at Scone in February and placed third at Armidale last start. The inside barrier allows settling in the favoured 4-6 position at Muswellbrook. Limited 1000m exposure is a concern but recent form suggests readiness for this level.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Bullion Hunter | 7 | Reece Jones | R P Northam | 58.5kg | $3.20 |
| 2nd | 1 | Not Written Off | 5 | Jasmine Urquhart-Warren | Cameron Crockett | 58.5kg | $3.30 |
| 3rd | 12 | Sapphire Kiss | 1 | Anna Roper | Wayne Seelin | 56kg | $15.00 |
| 4th | 10 | Iknowyou | 3 | Braith Nock | Brett & Georgie Cavanough | 56.5kg | $8.00 |
| 5th | 11 | Third Base | 6 | Leeshelle Small | S J Gleeson | 55kg | $5.50 |
| 6th | 5 | Solar Blast | 2 | Ben Looker | C R Clegg | 59.5kg | $9.00 |
| 7th | 2 | Harbour Gold | 4 | Mitchell Bell | Brett & Georgie Cavanough | 62kg | $15.00 |
| 8th | 3 | Scotland | 8 | Leanne Boyd | Ms K Owen | 59kg | $61.00 |
| 9th | 8 | Brutal Elegance | 9 | Mikayla Weir | R P Northam | 57kg | $26.00 |
| Scr | 4 | Singing Star | 12 | D Lane | 59.5kg | ||
| Scr | 7 | Canamble | 3 | Liberty Smyth | D Lane | 55kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Bent As Hell | 6 | R E Ollerton | 56.5kg | ||
| Scr | 13 | Catchy Tunes | 9 | G McFarlane | 55kg |
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