Punt like a Pro, without the know!
New Zealand · Saturday 23 May 2026
Our top pick won 2 of 8 races at New Plymouth Raceway. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
top pick wonanother tip wonno tip won
His Group 2 second at Trentham over 1600m is the class reference for this field, and his consistency (5 placings from last 6) is unmatched. Drawn ideally to race handy, he sets the standard if handling the firm surface.
The only filly in the race boasts a strong Group 3 placing at 1600m and a course‐win. She receives a handy weight pull and draws well in barrier 5. Must bounce back from an average last run and prove herself on a firm surface, but her class and weight advantage make her the main danger.
Last‑start maiden winner at this trip presents a tough challenge stepping into Open company. Place chance at best.
Promising gelding who won his maiden with authority. Draws perfectly and may enjoy a soft run just off the pace.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Skattebo | 1 | Chris Dell | Ms J Millar | 57kg | $6.70 |
| 2nd | 1 | Midnight Train | 3 | Kelly Myers | R R Manning | 57kg | $2.10 |
| 3rd | 5 | Capaci | 5 | Jack Taplin | Robbie Patterson | 53kg | $5.60 |
| 4th | 2 | Fair Game | 6 | Bruno Queiroz | J W Benner | 57kg | $7.30 |
| 5th | 6 | Ikan | 4 | Leah Hemi | Ms J A Zuppicich | 55kg | $20.50 |
| 6th | 3 | Lucky Dice | 2 | Elen Nicholas | Kelly Van Dyk | 57kg | $4.50 |
In-form gelding with strong track and distance credentials. Last-start maiden win was impressive, and his placings in Rest. 60 suggest he handles this level. Drawn to sit midfield and finish off strongly.
Solid mare who performs on firm tracks. Her two wins have come on good going, and she gets those conditions today. From barrier 2, she can sit behind the speed and launch late.
Speedy 3yo who should find the front from barrier 1 and control the race. The step up in trip is a question but his breeding and recent win suggest he can handle it. Value if he gets a soft lead.
Lightly-raced mare dropping sharply in class. Her Group runs were beyond her but back to BM65 with 54kg is ideal.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 7 | Fulla Grace | 8 | Toni Davies | S A Sharrock | 54kg | $13.50 |
| 2nd | 6 | Alaskan | 4 | Jack Taplin | C R Mccarroll | 54kg | $7.30 |
| 3rd | 5 | Novak | 3 | Kelly Myers | G A & D G Rogerson & Clint Isdale | 57.5kg | $7.90 |
| 4th | 1 | Talentoso | 5 | Chris Dell | Shaun Fannin & Hazel Fannin | 59.5kg | $3.50 |
| 5th | 4 | Platinum Tyche | 2 | Bruno Queiroz | Ms L Latta | 57.5kg | $6.20 |
| 6th | 3 | Del Inquent | 6 | Leah Hemi | A W Pike | 58.5kg | $3.10 |
| 7th | 10 | Orleans Belle | 9 | Mereana Hudson | Ms S Gordon | 54kg | $23.80 |
| 8th | 8 | Takes Time | 7 | Jim Chung | Ms S Rainford | 55kg | $26.10 |
| Scr | 2 | Lucky Dice | 1 | Elen Nicholas | Kelly Van Dyk | 59kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Cleo''s Magic | 10 | J Lavelle & S Rennie | 55kg |
Lightly raced mare steps to Open but field lacks depth. Draws ideally for a midfield sit and should prove hard to hold out if the moderate tempo allows her to finish. Main query is class rise and unproven connections at this level.
Honest gelding rarely far away, placed behind similar rivals last time. Undulating circuit suits his grinding style but wide draw is a negative.
Best performance on good was a close second at Wanganui, and he maps to get a charmed run from barrier 6. If the race is run at a genuine clip he can be motoring late.
Extreme outsider who is a heavy-track specialist and has one career start on good for a win. He is first-up from a long spell, top weight, and has a dreadful record at 2000m.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Ortem Legacy | 5 | Kelly Myers | Conor & Sarah Fahy | 54kg | $3.30 |
| 2nd | 7 | Ayteem | 1 | Chris Dell | Ms J Millar | 54kg | $1.80 |
| 3rd | 3 | Notabadspillane | 2 | Elen Nicholas | S C Phelan | 58.5kg | $10.90 |
| 4th | 8 | Pick Of The Litter | 7 | Mereana Hudson | P W Lock | 54kg | $20.50 |
| 5th | 4 | Kick On | 8 | Toni Davies | K T Myers | 55.5kg | $11.40 |
| 6th | 5 | Comedy | 6 | Amber Riddell | H E Wilson | 55.5kg | $15.30 |
| 7th | 2 | Happy Star | 4 | Sarah O''Malley | K T Myers | 59kg | $37.00 |
| 8th | 9 | Cleo''s Magic | 3 | Jim Chung | J Lavelle & S Rennie | 53kg | $34.50 |
| Scr | 1 | Rusty Lane | 7 | Floor Moerman | N J Quinn | 58kg |
Consistent gelding who maps perfectly for the tight New Plymouth circuit. Led or sat on pace in most starts and should get a soft lead from gate four. His narrow second at this track last campaign and recent close-up effort make him the horse to beat. Strong win chance.
Improving mare with strong place claims. The inside gate is a major asset on this tight circuit; she can sit just off the speed and finish off. Narrowly beaten last start and is well-weighted. High probability of hitting the frame.
Promising type who has run well in both outings over 1400m. The inside draw and positive riding style suit New Plymouth.
She has already placed behind Bokushi and was narrowly beaten on heavy. Each-way value.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Prince Of Diamonds | 3 | Chris Dell | Ms J Millar | 58.5kg | $4.30 |
| 2nd | 2 | Bokushi | 4 | Jack Taplin | Robbie Patterson | 56.5kg | $2.80 |
| 3rd | 10 | Bridie | 8 | Kelly Myers | S A Sharrock | 56.5kg | $7.30 |
| 4th | 7 | Piko Biscuit | 5 | Erin M Leighton | Robbie Patterson | 58.5kg | $18.40 |
| 5th | 9 | Shadow Ruler | 1 | Toni Davies | Ms J Millar | 54.5kg | $4.70 |
| 6th | 6 | Jasper | 2 | Hyeontaek Oh | T R Hina | 54.5kg | $11.90 |
| 7th | 11 | Ow Celereese | 12 | Amber Riddell | R S Buchanan | 55.5kg | $63.60 |
| 8th | 12 | Andjustlikethat | 6 | Sarah O''Malley | F W Mitchell | 56.5kg | $90.80 |
| 9th | 14 | The Masked Bandit | 9 | Bruno Queiroz | J R Wheeler | 55.5kg | $18.00 |
| 10th | 13 | Straight Drive | 7 | Elen Nicholas | J R Wheeler | 55.5kg | $29.70 |
| Scr | 1 | Tor Ment Tor | 13 | Mereana Hudson | B D Revell | 58.5kg | |
| Scr | 4 | Facilitate | 2 | Ms K D Nicholson | 58.5kg | ||
| Scr | 5 | Heavy Is The Crown | 11 | C J Henderson | 58.5kg | ||
| Scr | 8 | Kit Zakat | 10 | Leah Hemi | T R Hina | 56.5kg |
Komocean resumes after a break with an impeccable first-up record and strong New Plymouth form. From barrier 2 she maps to lead or sit handy, and her class edge makes her the horse to beat. The only concern is the inexperienced jockey, but the horse's talent should prevail.
Shacktime brings strong current form, with a win and multiple placings at this trip. She's race-fit and should settle midfield before running on. A solid place chance.
Amazonia returned to winning form last start at Arawa Park and has previously run third in a similar race at this venue. From barrier 4 she gets a soft run. The jockey booking is a negative, but the horse's recent improvement can see her place again.
Fancypants carries a featherweight and draws perfectly. His recent runs have been solid, and he's proven at 1200m. The good track is the query, but he placed on it once and the conditions might not be a major disadvantage.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Prioress | 1 | Bruno Queiroz | Ms S Gordon | 57.5kg | $11.00 |
| 2nd | 5 | Im Bartholomew | 6 | Mereana Hudson | A J Dravitzki | 56.5kg | $20.50 |
| 3rd | 2 | Komocean | 2 | Floor Moerman | S A Sharrock | 55.5kg | $2.70 |
| 4th | 11 | Fancypants | 3 | Jack Taplin | B D Revell | 52.5kg | $7.00 |
| 5th | 7 | Beauesk | 9 | Jim Chung | Robbie Patterson | 55kg | $11.90 |
| 6th | 10 | Charm Zafarm | 10 | Leah Hemi | T R Hina | 55.5kg | $17.10 |
| 7th | 1 | Liquid Les | 8 | Toni Davies | C D Williamson | 59.5kg | $36.30 |
| 8th | 6 | Shacktime | 7 | Kelly Myers | S A Sharrock | 56kg | $9.50 |
| 9th | 4 | Pepeha | 5 | Erin M Leighton | M P Breslin | 57kg | $21.00 |
| 10th | 9 | Catherinenz | 11 | Amber Riddell | T W Cole | 54.5kg | $24.50 |
| 11th | 8 | Amazonia | 4 | Elen Nicholas | J W Bell | 55.5kg | $5.70 |
Cotton Roca brings the strongest recent form in the race, having finished 2nd in a BM75 over 1650m ahead of Metaverse. She has a win at 1600m and a solid record on good ground. The main concern is her backmarker pattern on a track that typically suits forward runners, but a moderate‑fast tempo can bring her into contention late.
She handles good tracks and draws favourably, but the lack of a distance win and advancing age are minor negatives. She presents as a solid top‑three contender without being a standout winner.
On The Town gets a significant drop in weight and a handy barrier draw. He has run well in similar company on a good surface, but his 0‑win distance record is a concern. With an inexperienced rider, he may find one or two better in the finish, but he is a place chance.
Cheval De Foudre has the best current form through the BM75 grade, finishing 2nd and 3rd in his last two runs at the trip. If he can find cover from the wide gate, he is a genuine each‑way value.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 10 | Metaverse | 7 | Bruno Queiroz | Ms C Evans | 55kg | $3.50 |
| 2nd | 1 | Cheval De Foudre | 10 | Chris Dell | M K Oulaghan | 60.5kg | $4.30 |
| 3rd | 9 | Cotton Roca | 8 | Kelly Myers | B D Revell | 55kg | $6.90 |
| 4th | 2 | Sevenayes | 1 | Erin M Leighton | M P Breslin | 60kg | $8.70 |
| 5th | 3 | On The Town | 6 | Floor Moerman | S B Marsh | 55.5kg | $5.50 |
| 6th | 8 | Celtic Echo | 12 | Leah Hemi | Ms J A Zuppicich | 55.5kg | $24.50 |
| 7th | 12 | Stella Success | 9 | Amber Riddell | J Lavelle & S Rennie | 53.5kg | $21.80 |
| 8th | 11 | Dresse'' Par Joli | 5 | Toni Davies | S A Sharrock | 52.5kg | $12.90 |
| 9th | 5 | Dee Vee Pee | 3 | Sarah O''Malley | S A Sharrock | 56.5kg | $14.10 |
| Scr | 4 | Ayteem | 2 | Ms J Millar | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 6 | Principled | 4 | Elen Nicholas | P S Richards | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 7 | Jaeger | 11 | Jack Taplin | Robbie Patterson | 54kg | |
| Scr | 13 | French Thinker | 12 | Kelly Van Dyk | 54kg |
Belle Tribute comes into this in top form, having placed in Open company last start and winning two previous starts on good ground. With a light weight and a cosy inside draw, she is well positioned to overcome a likely settling position midfield or back. Her record on good going and at this track makes her the standout selection.
Sindee is a proven performer at this level and boasts a strong overall record. The wide gate is a major concern on a tight track that favours inside draws and on-pace positions. If she can overcome the barrier with a tactical ride, she will be very hard to beat. Settles midfield and likely to need a clear run.
Our Jumala is a track specialist who will appreciate the return to New Plymouth and the drop back to Open grade. While her record on good going is moderate, her class, inside draw, and anticipated forward settling position give her a strong chance. She needs to handle the firm surface.
His overall record at New Plymouth and on good ground suggests he is capable of a form reversal. Worth an each-way ticket.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Belle Tribute | 5 | Toni Davies | S A Sharrock | 53kg | $3.30 |
| 2nd | 2 | Our Jumala | 2 | Jack Taplin | Robbie Patterson | 56.5kg | $5.60 |
| 3rd | 9 | Wheelitin | 8 | Mereana Hudson | A M Clement | 54kg | $43.20 |
| 4th | 4 | Sindee | 10 | Kelly Myers | S A Sharrock | 56.5kg | $3.10 |
| 5th | 5 | Tobias | 7 | Hyeontaek Oh | A J Dravitzki | 52kg | $11.80 |
| 6th | 8 | Rua Rocks | 1 | Jim Chung | C J Henderson | 53kg | $30.20 |
| 7th | 1 | Chajaba | 4 | Floor Moerman | Ms T Egan | 58kg | $11.80 |
| 8th | 3 | What A Charma | 3 | Elen Nicholas | Mark Irwin | 57.5kg | $30.80 |
| 9th | 7 | Bay Express | 9 | Bruno Queiroz | Robbie Patterson | 54kg | $8.70 |
| 10th | 10 | Madame Moet | 6 | Amber Riddell | Ms P M Mason | 53kg | $39.30 |
Shameless Boy brings a critical advantage as a course-and-distance winner, the only runner in the field with that credential. He is second-up today, often a peak performance timing for him, and drops 2.5kg from his resuming run.
Pee Bee Girl is a promising filly who won her maiden convincingly and has an appealing profile. However, she takes on tougher company and a new track with a backmarker pattern, which tempers confidence.
Justice For All has the key credential of a track and distance win and shapes to get every chance from an inside barrier. She is second-up and should improve sharply from an underwhelming return on a heavy track.
Bellezor is a 1400m specialist who has already won at this track and distance. She typically improves sharply second-up, and her class drop gives her a chance to rebound.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Chester Boy | 13 | Toni Davies | J R Wheeler | 56.5kg | $6.50 |
| 2nd | 13 | Justice For All | 2 | Chris Dell | A W Pike | 56kg | $11.80 |
| 3rd | 5 | Shameless Boy | 8 | Jack Taplin | T W Cole | 56.5kg | $10.90 |
| 4th | 14 | Highly Anticipated | 12 | Sarah O''Malley | S L Cameron | 55.5kg | $33.80 |
| 5th | 15 | La Parisienne | 10 | Amber Riddell | S L Cameron | 53kg | $38.10 |
| 6th | 10 | Bellezor | 15 | Elen Nicholas | P S Richards | 57kg | $14.60 |
| 7th | 6 | Super Wraith | 7 | Floor Moerman | R R Manning | 56.5kg | $19.80 |
| 8th | 11 | Dojakata | 11 | Jim Chung | T R Hina | 56kg | $33.00 |
| 9th | 1 | Domain Ace | 4 | Bruno Queiroz | G A & D G Rogerson & Clint Isdale | 60kg | $2.50 |
| 10th | 12 | Pee Bee Girl | 5 | Kelly Myers | Bill Thurlow And Sam O''malley | 57kg | $8.10 |
| 11th | 8 | Summer Breeze | 9 | Leah Hemi | T R Hina | 58kg | $18.30 |
| 12th | 9 | Crafty Colin | 14 | Erin M Leighton | R S Buchanan | 58kg | $40.40 |
| 13th | 7 | Willoughby White | 6 | Rohan Mudhoo | C J Bothwell | 58.5kg | $78.30 |
| 14th | 4 | Elpedro | 1 | Mereana Hudson | P D Pascoe | 58.5kg | $22.40 |
| Scr | 2 | Badgeringdawitness | 15 | P W Lock | 59kg | ||
| Scr | 16 | He''s Platinum | 3 | M L Rogers | 55.5kg |
Before the races, not after
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