Punt like a Pro, without the know!
South Australia · Friday 22 May 2026
Our top pick won 4 of 9 races at Mt Gambier. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
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Hot Strut boasts the strongest wet-track credentials in the field with a 40% place rate on soft. Her second-up record is reliable, and her recent 3rd in a BM64 suggests she can handle the class rise. With Rochelle Milnes retaining the ride and a perfect jockey-horse history, she appeals most as the winner despite the wide draw and Mt Gambier debut.
Free Beer loves Mt Gambier, winning both starts here over 1200m. He is effective fresh and draws perfectly to lead or sit close. The major concern is his poor record on soft ground (0 placings from 3 starts), despite winning on heavy. If he handles the sting out of the ground, he is a huge threat.
Aquaholic is a course specialist who found the heavy going ideal when winning here last June.
Comic Hero has the raw speed to dictate from barrier 2 and the track bias at Mt Gambier favours leaders. His recent third on soft suggests he is returning to form.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Comic Hero | 2 | Cian Macredmond | Ms M Cunningham | 59kg | $8.50 |
| 2nd | 7 | Aquaholic | 6 | Kayla Crowther | R J Wilson | 54kg | $4.60 |
| 3rd | 5 | Hot Strut | 5 | Rochelle Milnes | R Daniel & T Stanbury | 56.5kg | $3.80 |
| 4th | 4 | Cork Harbour | 3 | Brooke King | D C Saxon | 55.5kg | $4.80 |
| 5th | 3 | Free Beer | 1 | Alysha Warren | Justin Pickering | 57kg | $6.00 |
| 6th | 6 | World Action | 7 | Tom Madden | Aaron Purcell | 54kg | $7.50 |
| 7th | 1 | Cawdor | 4 | Jack Hill | Shane Jackson | 59kg | $10.00 |
Gazelle is the most solid form runner in this weak maiden, having placed in 4 of 5 starts including a 2nd and 3rd at this track. She returns from a spell with two sharp trials (1st and 2nd) and gets in light with 53.5kg. The wide barrier is a concern but she has shown tactical speed.
She draws ideally in barrier 1 and represents the powerful McEvoy stable. She is a clear threat but offers no value.
Eraja has been consistent this campaign, finishing 2nd at Sunshine Coast on Soft6 and 4th at Kilcoy over 1200m. He possesses a soft track record (3:0-1-0) and draws favourably in barrier 4. He is a place chance but not a strong win candidate.
Second-up, she can improve sharply.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 10 | Gazelle | 10 | Alysha Warren | Gary Boyce | 53.5kg | $3.40 |
| 2nd | 2 | Eraja | 4 | Jacob Opperman | R J Wilson | 58kg | $5.50 |
| 3rd | 12 | Del Lirenza | 1 | Will Price | T & C McEvoy | 53.5kg | $2.10 |
| 4th | 9 | Serilo | 12 | Rochelle Milnes | J R Searle | 56kg | $12.00 |
| 5th | 4 | Black Hex | 11 | Valentin Le Boeuf | Tammy Birnie | 57.5kg | $31.00 |
| 6th | 7 | Blues Jazz | 8 | Harry Grace | J G Brooks | 56kg | $12.00 |
| 7th | 14 | Northern Gold | 5 | Melissa Julius | James McNamara | 58kg | $51.00 |
| 8th | 1 | Big Luck | 13 | Kate Walters | Wayne Walters | 58kg | $51.00 |
| 9th | 3 | Hasta La Dubai | 9 | Campbell Rawiller | Ms S Murphy | 58kg | $91.00 |
| 10th | 15 | Where's Ben | 3 | Kaye Edwards | 58kg | $101.00 | |
| 11th | 16 | I Am Express | 6 | Kaye Edwards | 56kg | $101.00 | |
| Scr | 5 | Platino | 15 | Michael Hickmott | 57.5kg | ||
| Scr | 6 | Unoyaself | 14 | Cian Macredmond | W Morrissey | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Mon Papillon | 14 | J F Kenny | 56kg | ||
| Scr | 11 | Kayla Kruzen | 2 | Kayla Crowther | M J Seyers | 55.5kg | |
| Scr | 13 | Dioscuri | 7 | Andrew Bobbin | 57.5kg |
Giddy Up Bankcheck looks the most progressive runner in this field. He ran a close second on a soft track last start, indicating a sharp fitness level and suitability to today's conditions. The 1550m trip should be within range given past performances over 1600m. The main negatives are a wide draw and a jockey in average form, but the horse's form suggests he is the one to beat.
Mandarin has shown she can handle soft going with two runner-up efforts on the surface, and barrier 2 provides a great opportunity to settle handy. However, her last run was disappointing, and jockey Christine Puls has struggled for winners recently. If she returns to her earlier form, she looms as a serious each-way chance.
Miss Delightful is a lightly raced mare resuming second up, likely to strip fitter after a midfield first-up run. Jockey Tom Madden brings winning form, and her best efforts suggest she can feature.
Piklemegranmother caught the eye with a second placing on a soft track at Mt Gambier last preparation. Barrier 1 today offers a prime position, and the winkers going on may help her settle or finish better.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Giddy Up Bankcheck | 11 | Andrew Stead | Craig Stewart | 57.5kg | $4.00 |
| 2nd | 14 | Piklemegranmother | 1 | Harry Grace | Ms B O'Loughlin | 55.5kg | $6.50 |
| 3rd | 7 | Libby Ann | 3 | Kate Walters | Wayne Walters | 56kg | $4.60 |
| 4th | 5 | Taajwar | 14 | Teagan Voorham | D C Saxon | 57.5kg | $9.00 |
| 5th | 3 | Infer | 13 | Valentin Le Boeuf | Tammy Birnie | 58kg | $7.00 |
| 6th | 10 | Miss Delightful | 7 | Tom Madden | Aaron Purcell | 56kg | $8.50 |
| 7th | 15 | Rock On Foxy | 4 | S R Fisher | 56kg | $101.00 | |
| 8th | 11 | Our Little Cracker | 6 | Melissa Julius | Nell Carter | 56kg | $41.00 |
| 9th | 8 | Mandarin | 2 | Christine Puls | Shae Norton | 56kg | $15.00 |
| 10th | 2 | Hasta La Rusty | 15 | Campbell Rawiller | Ms S Murphy | 58kg | $31.00 |
| 11th | 9 | Mehirakool | 12 | Dylan Caboche | James & Lisa Dodgson | 56kg | $14.00 |
| 12th | 13 | Madam Madja | 8 | Will Price | S & J Jaensch | 55.5kg | $61.00 |
| 13th | 12 | Pierro's Reward | 5 | Shuichi Terachi | L J Cadzow | 56kg | $151.00 |
| 14th | 1 | Bluey's Beer Glass | 10 | Stacey Metcalfe | Ms S Murphy | 58kg | $101.00 |
| Scr | 6 | Cup Day Baby | 9 | Jacob Opperman | Michelle Payne | 56kg |
Geffina is the most compelling form runner. She won a strong BM70 at Warrnambool last start, finishing strongly on heavy ground. The 1550m is a slight unknown but she has run well over 1600m. Soft track is a minor query as she hasn't won on it, but her heavy form suggests she handles wet tracks.
The addition of blinkers for the first time could bring back her best. The class rise is a concern but she has proven ability at BM62 level.
Four Outlaws disappointed first up but has a strong second-up record and loves Mt Gambier. He won two in a row at this track last preparation on soft ground. The 1550m is sharp, but he has won over 1610m. The class jump is significant, but his best form would be competitive in this Open race.
Salsbury Hill is a consistent local performer who often runs well at Mt Gambier without winning. She placed twice over this track and distance previously. She gets in with a light weight and is suited by the Soft track.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Geffina | 4 | Tom Madden | Aaron Purcell | 55.5kg | $5.00 |
| 2nd | 5 | Four Outlaws | 2 | Jacob Opperman | M A O'Leary | 56kg | $21.00 |
| 3rd | 3 | The Narrator | 1 | Jack Hill | Shane Jackson | 57kg | $2.20 |
| 4th | 9 | Salsbury Hill | 7 | Kate Walters | Wayne Walters | 54kg | $7.50 |
| 5th | 2 | Atomic Gold | 6 | Melissa Julius | Joanne Mugavin | 58kg | $13.00 |
| 6th | 4 | Emerald Reward | 8 | Stacey Metcalfe | B D Carraill | 56kg | $16.00 |
| 7th | 7 | Simply Outrageous | 3 | Kayla Crowther | T & C McEvoy | 55kg | $4.40 |
| 8th | 8 | Wild Chap | 5 | Will Price | Ms M Cunningham | 54.5kg | $31.00 |
| Scr | 1 | One Long Day | 6 | Cian Macredmond | Ms M Cunningham | 60kg |
She previously placed 2nd at Mt Gambier on soft, suggesting this track and condition suit. From barrier 6 with a light weight and Alysha Warren's 3kg claim, she maps to settle midfield and finish strongly.
He steps down in class but faces a wide barrier and top weight, which are significant negatives on the Mt Gambier circuit. While his soft track statistics are solid, the likely fast tempo and wide draw may leave him vulnerable late.
Melissa Kate is a veteran mare with an outstanding record at Mt Gambier and on soft ground. She has been poor in two runs back from a spell, but the addition of a tongue tie may spark improvement. From a good barrier (5) and with a light weight, she can settle on pace and is well-suited to the track.
Melissa Kate is a veteran mare with an outstanding record at Mt Gambier and on soft ground. She has been poor in two runs back from a spell, but the addition of a tongue tie may spark improvement. From a good barrier (5) and with a light weight, she can settle on pace and is well-suited to the track.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Hard Leaf | 14 | Harry Grace | Stephen Theodore | 60kg | $2.45 |
| 2nd | 13 | Melissa Kate | 5 | Kate Walters | Wayne Walters | 54.5kg | $12.00 |
| 3rd | 8 | On The Map | 8 | Shuichi Terachi | L J Cadzow | 57kg | $31.00 |
| 4th | 3 | Bruzani | 1 | Jack Hill | P A Chow | 58.5kg | $10.00 |
| 5th | 6 | Tundra | 9 | Cian Macredmond | Joanne Mugavin | 58kg | $18.00 |
| 6th | 4 | Ruscello | 11 | Tom Madden | Aaron Purcell | 58kg | $12.00 |
| 7th | 12 | Mr Ferrari | 13 | Stacey Metcalfe | Scott Irlam | 55kg | $21.00 |
| 8th | 10 | Dora Aurora | 6 | Alysha Warren | Justin Pickering | 54.5kg | $5.50 |
| 9th | 2 | Black Bugatti | 3 | Campbell Rawiller | L A Creek | 58.5kg | $31.00 |
| 10th | 11 | Hasta La Amnesty | 2 | Dylan Caboche | Ms S Murphy | 56kg | $151.00 |
| 11th | 14 | Alekhine's Gun | 4 | Christine Puls | Shae Norton | 54kg | $101.00 |
| 12th | 7 | Squagaga | 15 | Valentin Le Boeuf | Rodney Foster | 57.5kg | $16.00 |
| 13th | 5 | Suenami Rose | 10 | Brooke King | Libby Halliday | 56.5kg | $41.00 |
| 14th | 9 | Sunset Prayer | 7 | Teagan Voorham | D C Saxon | 57kg | $9.50 |
| Scr | 15 | Robe Raider | 12 | Sarah Robbins | Carly Cook | 54kg |
Supreme Thunder is the most reliable horse in the race. He's consistently placed in similar company, drops slightly in class, and maps perfectly from barrier 8 to lead or sit just off. His Mt Gambier record is strong, and the moderate-fast tempo should suit his on-pace pattern. While he doesn't win often, his consistency and fitness give him the highest winning chance in a race where many rivals have clear negatives.
Mandara Sun is showing upward form trajectory, finishing 2nd last start when stepping out over 1200m at Bordertown. The rise to 1400m should be strongly beneficial given her dam side stamina and past success over 1744m. She gets in with a light weight (57.5kg) and a reasonable draw (7) to settle midfield. While her overall win rate is low, her recent improvement and the class drop make her a serious threat to Supreme Thunder.
However, he has a major negative: jockey Rochelle Milnes has 0 wins from 27 rides with trainer J R Searle. The wide barrier (11) may require him to use more energy early to lead, which could blunt his finishing burst.
See De Night is a track specialist with two wins and multiple placings at Mt Gambier, including a victory over 1400m. His recent form looks poor on paper, but he wasn't beaten far in a few starts and has been racing in slightly stronger company. The addition of winkers for the first time could help him travel more keenly and hold a better position.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Supreme Thunder | 8 | Jacob Opperman | Jamie Opperman | 60kg | $5.50 |
| 2nd | 3 | Toes In First | 13 | Kayla Crowther | D I Dodson | 59.5kg | $8.00 |
| 3rd | 8 | Johnny Cigar | 5 | Dylan Caboche | Ms S Murphy | 57kg | $31.00 |
| 4th | 6 | Nevra Queen | 1 | Sarah Robbins | Cameron Thompson | 57.5kg | $31.00 |
| 5th | 4 | Black Cherry | 12 | Will Price | Andrew Bobbin | 57.5kg | $12.00 |
| 6th | 10 | See De Night | 10 | Stacey Metcalfe | Ms B O'Loughlin | 56.5kg | $8.50 |
| 7th | 15 | Our Ellie Rose | 6 | Wayne Walters | 54kg | $61.00 | |
| 8th | 12 | Hubristic | 3 | Melissa Julius | S & J Jaensch | 54.5kg | $7.50 |
| 9th | 2 | Private Jet | 11 | Rochelle Milnes | J R Searle | 59.5kg | $5.00 |
| 10th | 9 | Alittlebitapolly | 4 | Christine Puls | Yasmin Black | 56.5kg | $61.00 |
| 11th | 11 | Les Vosges | 14 | Kate Walters | K M Elford | 56kg | $11.00 |
| 12th | 5 | Mandara Sun | 7 | Teagan Voorham | James & Lisa Dodgson | 57.5kg | $9.50 |
| 13th | 7 | Zoular | 2 | Tom Madden | R J Wilson | 57.5kg | $14.00 |
| 14th | 13 | Wild Vitality | 9 | Valentin Le Boeuf | Rodney Foster | 54.5kg | $41.00 |
| Scr | 14 | Dangerous Secret | 15 | Shuichi Terachi | Bob & Kane Post | 54kg |
Shaddap comes off a solid 3rd in a BM58 at Wellington and drops back from tougher assignments in NSW. Alysha Warren’s 2kg claim and recent form add value. From a good barrier he should settle midfield and present a strong finishing effort.
Thunderanlightning is a consistent veteran who drops right back to BM58 grade after competing in BM64/78 company. Barrier 1 is ideal for this front-running type, especially on a Soft 6 where he has placed. Recent form includes a 2nd at Warrnambool and a 4th at Terang in better races. The biggest concern is the jockey's poor recent strike rate, but the map and class drop give him strong place claims.
Quik Rhapid ran one of his better races last time out, finishing 3rd in a BM64 at Naracoorte. He returns to his home track where he has a win and two placings, and his soft track record is strong.
She showed good form prior, winning a BM56 at Horsham and placing at Penola. The huge class drop back to BM58 is a key positive.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Naralinga | 14 | Kayla Crowther | D I Dodson | 60.5kg | $3.40 |
| 2nd | 13 | Disco Talk | 10 | Rochelle Milnes | D I Dodson | 56.5kg | $12.00 |
| 3rd | 4 | Shaddap | 7 | Alysha Warren | Gary Boyce | 58kg | $8.50 |
| 4th | 9 | Tallapoosa | 6 | Jack Hill | P A Chow | 58.5kg | $4.80 |
| 5th | 11 | Noubentekh | 4 | Kate Walters | Wayne Walters | 57.5kg | $13.00 |
| 6th | 1 | Dark Harmony | 13 | Tom Madden | Aaron Purcell | 61kg | $11.00 |
| 7th | 12 | Long Lost Friend | 3 | Will Price | M J O'Donnell | 57kg | $8.00 |
| 8th | 6 | Thunderanlightning | 1 | Luke Williams | K M Elford | 59kg | $11.00 |
| 9th | 5 | Drumlargen | 2 | Andrew Stead | Craig Stewart | 59.5kg | $21.00 |
| 10th | 7 | Liberty Rae | 5 | Campbell Rawiller | Cameron Thompson | 58.5kg | $9.50 |
| Scr | 3 | Quik Rhapid | 9 | Melissa Julius | Jamie Opperman | 60kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Stargust | 8 | Dylan Caboche | Joanne Mugavin | 58.5kg | |
| Scr | 10 | Ville De Lumiere | 12 | Cian Macredmond | T & C McEvoy | 58kg | |
| Scr | 14 | Victory Queen | 11 | Teagan Voorham | Sarah Rutten | 54kg |
He maps well from barrier 9 and should be strong late. Despite no track experience, his class and speed give him the edge here.
Van Roy knows how to win at Mt Gambier, having scored over 2062m here in January. He comes off a strong 2nd in an Open at Warrnambool and drops to a light 54kg. He should settle midfield and produce a strong finish. Good each-way value.
Any Luck comes off a stunning Listed win at Warrnambool but must carry 60kg today. Her track record at Mt Gambier is strong and she handles soft ground. The weight is a query but she is a genuine chance if she handles the impost.
Royal Mile ran a decent 4th here over 2050m in a BM74 last start and gets in with 54kg. His form is mixed but he has the ability to be competitive at this level.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 7 | Royal Mile | 8 | Kayla Crowther | J R Searle | 54kg | $8.00 |
| 2nd | 4 | Astradeel | 7 | Rochelle Milnes | Adam Chambers | 54.5kg | $3.20 |
| 3rd | 2 | Test The Law | 9 | Jacob Opperman | M J Seyers | 58kg | $3.60 |
| 4th | 6 | Lodbrok | 3 | Will Price | Andrew Bobbin | 54kg | $20.00 |
| 5th | 1 | Any Luck | 2 | Kate Walters | Wayne Walters | 60kg | $5.50 |
| 6th | 5 | Van Roy | 11 | Tom Madden | Aaron Purcell | 54kg | $5.50 |
| 7th | 8 | Dual Fuel | 1 | Harry Grace | Shayne & Chelsea Cahill | 54kg | $18.00 |
| 8th | 11 | Kelly Ann | 6 | Christine Puls | Wayne Walters | 54kg | $61.00 |
| Scr | 3 | Maracourt | 5 | Teagan Voorham | Michael Hickmott | 56kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Adjudicate | 4 | Brooke King | Mitchell Freedman | 52.5kg | |
| Scr | 10 | Wondering Spirit | 10 | T G Eurell | 54kg |
Lisa Lass brings strong recent form including a gritty 3rd in BM70 company on Heavy10. She drops in class to Rest60, is second-up, and Tom Madden is riding in career-best form.
Royal Inference resumed with an impressive win at Ararat and now second-up with a good barrier. He is proven on soft ground and can lead this field.
Scenic Host is a reliable course performer with a win over this track and trip. She ran well for 2nd last start and should appreciate the Soft ground. While her win rate is low, her consistency makes her a solid place chance.
Fast 'n' Forward is a veteran track specialist who has won 4 times over this exact course and distance. She's been well beaten lately but drops to bottom weight and could bounce back if pace suits.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 9 | Scenic Host | 8 | Jacob Opperman | Vanessa Hutchinson | 57.5kg | $5.50 |
| 2nd | 6 | Rhinestone Rory | 10 | Campbell Rawiller | James & Lisa Dodgson | 58.5kg | $11.00 |
| 3rd | 10 | Eyes To Me | 13 | Will Price | Aaron Purcell | 56.5kg | $21.00 |
| 4th | 1 | Royal Inference | 1 | Melissa Julius | P A Chow | 60kg | $7.00 |
| 5th | 5 | Lisa Lass | 11 | Tom Madden | Aaron Purcell | 58.5kg | $2.45 |
| 6th | 16 | Fast 'n' Forward | 3 | Wayne Walters | 54kg | $41.00 | |
| 7th | 14 | Donam | 7 | Shuichi Terachi | M J O'Connor | 55.5kg | $101.00 |
| 8th | 2 | Aggressive | 4 | Stacey Metcalfe | Aaron Purcell | 59.5kg | $16.00 |
| 9th | 3 | Dunreal | 2 | Harry Grace | M J Seyers | 59.5kg | $7.00 |
| 10th | 13 | Elsie Girl | 12 | Dylan Caboche | Ms B O'Loughlin | 56kg | $31.00 |
| 11th | 17 | Last Dream | 15 | Wayne Walters | 54kg | $101.00 | |
| 12th | 11 | Alblazer | 6 | Kayla Crowther | B D Carraill | 56kg | $14.00 |
| 13th | 4 | Turn It Up Tommy | 5 | Luke Williams | P J Young | 59kg | $101.00 |
| Scr | 7 | Timeonlees | 16 | Rochelle Milnes | T & C McEvoy | 58kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Cosmic | 14 | Jack Hill | Shane Jackson | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 12 | Ambushed | 17 | Andrew Stead | Craig Stewart | 56kg | |
| Scr | 15 | Deficit | 9 | Teagan Voorham | D C Saxon | 54.5kg |
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