Punt like a Pro, without the know!
New Zealand · Sunday 24 May 2026
Our top pick won 2 of 8 races at Te Rapa. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
top pick wonanother tip wonno tip won
Tutin Cans presents the strongest winning chance based on recent hurdle form and proven soft track ability. The gelding finished a solid third at Te Aroha in maiden hurdle company last start and has shown consistent form in recent outings. His soft track record of 3 wins from 15 starts provides confidence on today's Soft 5 surface. Despite the 35-day gap and lack of course experience, his form profile suggests he's the most reliable option.
Island Hop brings proven winning ability and class to this maiden hurdle field. The 9-year-old gelding has 7 career wins and showed his best when winning at Riccarton on Heavy 9 in November. His soft track record provides confidence, and the inside barrier should allow him to settle prominently. However, the lack of hurdle experience is a significant concern, and recent form has been disappointing. The class drop from BM75 level gives him a chance, but the hurdle debut creates uncertainty about his jumping ability.
Doctor Iris has been consistently placed in maiden hurdle company with three second placings, showing he can compete at this level. His heavy track record is strong, though the Soft 5 surface is less ideal. The Wiles family combination provides confidence, and previous course experience at Te Rapa over this distance is valuable. However, his overall win rate is concerning, and recent flat form has been poor. The step up to 68kg may also prove challenging for a horse that has struggled to win.
Renegade Fighter represents speculative value as a proven jumper dropping back from steeplechasing to hurdles. His steeplechase win at Te Aroha demonstrates retained jumping ability, and his extensive Te Rapa experience could prove valuable. The heavy track record is strong, though soft conditions are less ideal.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Doctor Iris | 4 | Kylan Wiles | D R Wiles | 68kg | $7.70 |
| 2nd | 6 | Island Hop | 1 | Emily Farr | K T Myers | 68kg | $2.60 |
| 3rd | 3 | Renegade Fighter | 2 | Hamish Mc Neill | S L Cameron | 68kg | $20.10 |
| 4th | 2 | Tutin Cans | 6 | Lemmy Douglas | J J Rayner | 68kg | $2.70 |
| 5th | 5 | I''lberidingshotgun | 3 | Brandon Holliday | P & J Brosnan | 68kg | $5.20 |
| 6th | 4 | Gamble | 5 | Joshua Parker | D R Wiles | 68kg | $14.00 |
Squire stands out with a perfect record at this track and distance, having won both previous attempts here including a dominant victory in April. His heavy track form is excellent and the weight drop to 67kg suits. Despite the jockey change, his proven ability at the specific conditions makes him the standout selection.
Pacheco brings strong credentials with an excellent Te Rapa record and is dropping significantly in class from Listed company. His wet track form is solid and the consistent recent placings suggest he's in good order. The class drop should see him competitive despite the distance query.
Roc Up Ralph has proven hurdle ability with two wins and maps well from the inside barrier. His heavy track form is strong and he's dropping in class. The inside draw gives him tactical options in what should be a moderate tempo, making him a solid each-way chance.
The strong Douglas/Spencer combination and solid Te Rapa record provide confidence.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Squire | 8 | Jordan Hart | P & J Brosnan | 67kg | $3.40 |
| 2nd | 6 | Roc Up Ralph | 1 | Hamish Mc Neill | S & E Clotworthy | 65kg | $10.30 |
| 3rd | 5 | Pacheco | 7 | Jay Kozaczek | S C Phelan | 65kg | $2.10 |
| 4th | 1 | Lord Spencer | 4 | Lemmy Douglas | J J Rayner | 69kg | $9.00 |
| 5th | 3 | Mont Ventoux | 6 | Joshua Parker | R P Liefting | 66.5kg | $21.90 |
| 6th | 4 | Invisible Spirit | 3 | Will Featherstone | K T Myers | 65kg | $12.90 |
| 7th | 7 | Uhtred | 5 | Corey Wiles | S L Cameron | 65kg | $57.00 |
| 8th | 8 | Leitrim Lad | 2 | Emily Farr | E P Green | 65kg | $11.80 |
The Spaniard stands out with exceptional recent form, recording three top-3 finishes in his last four starts with tight margins. His soft track record (4:0-2-1) is ideal for today's Good 4 conditions, and the significant class drop from previous runs provides a clear advantage. Despite being winless, his consistent close finishes suggest he's ready to break through.
Moretothinkabout showed significant improvement last start with a narrow 2nd at 2100m, suggesting the step up in distance suits. The inside barrier is crucial at Te Rapa, and his So You Think breeding indicates strong staying ability. The class drop and distance suitability make him a genuine winning chance.
Denver brings proven staying credentials with multiple placings at 2100m+ including close seconds. While winless, his consistency at staying distances makes him a solid each-way chance.
I'm Quinn offers value based on his recent 2nd placing at 2100m, showing clear distance suitability. His form trend is improving, and McNab's 13% strike rate at Te Rapa adds confidence.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Moretothinkabout | 1 | Warren Kennedy | S B Marsh | 58.5kg | $2.50 |
| 2nd | 11 | Denver | 3 | Wiremu Pinn | Ms D Guy | 58.5kg | $9.80 |
| 3rd | 2 | I''m Quinn | 9 | Michael Mc Nab | G J Old | 58.5kg | $5.40 |
| 4th | 10 | Balvenie | 11 | Matthew Cartwright | S Ritchie & C Murray | 58.5kg | $44.10 |
| 5th | 4 | Modelo | 7 | Samantha Collett | C J Wood | 58.5kg | $13.20 |
| 6th | 1 | The Spaniard | 8 | Masahiro Hashizume | R James & R Wellwood | 58.5kg | $3.40 |
| 7th | 9 | Arkadus | 4 | Ashlee Strawbridge | Mrs R Masters | 55.5kg | $41.50 |
| 8th | 13 | Diva Kingdom | 5 | Elen Nicholas | Ms D Andersen | 56.5kg | $65.60 |
| 9th | 12 | Ten To Two | 2 | Tayla Mitchell | Tarissa Macdonald | 57.5kg | $55.70 |
| 10th | 6 | Sweysmart | 12 | Matthew Cameron | T W Cole | 58.5kg | $20.10 |
| 11th | 15 | Zee Heights | 10 | Hyeontaek Oh | G A & D G Rogerson & Clint Isdale | 54.5kg | $61.30 |
| Scr | 3 | Turfquake | 7 | S Ritchie & C Murray | 58.5kg | ||
| Scr | 7 | He''s Divine | 13 | Erin M Leighton | Tarissa Macdonald | 58.5kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Romantic Patch | 6 | Ethan Jones | Ms M Falconer | 58.5kg | |
| Scr | 14 | Koneko | 9 | Sam McNab | T W Cole | 54.5kg |
Whiskey Tango stands out with an exceptional record at Te Rapa (2 wins from 4 starts) and specifically at this 3900m distance (2 wins from 3 starts). His second-up record shows improvement potential, and his steeplechasing credentials are solid. The recent Australian campaign, while mixed, shows he retains ability. The quick backup suggests connections are confident in his fitness.
Justice brings recent winning form and proven steeplechasing ability. His heavy track record is strong, and he's shown he can handle the jumping discipline with three wins.
Jakama Krystal has the best specific course and distance record in the field, winning her only previous start at Te Rapa over 3900m. Her recent steeplechase win shows she retains jumping ability, and her heavy track record is solid. The class drop is concerning but may reflect realistic placement rather than lack of ability.
Call Me Jack offers value based on his strong Te Rapa record and recent close second at this exact distance. His steeplechasing credentials are solid, and the heavy track suits.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | West Coast | 7 | Joshua Parker | M K Oulaghan | 72kg | $5.70 |
| 2nd | 7 | Whiskey Tango | 6 | Brandon Holliday | Bill Thurlow And Sam O''malley | 65kg | $5.80 |
| 3rd | 2 | Jakama Krystal | 1 | Jordan Hart | P & J Brosnan | 65kg | $3.70 |
| 4th | 5 | Smug | 2 | Michael Roustoby | C J Wood | 65kg | $14.00 |
| 5th | 3 | Prince Turbo | 4 | Will Featherstone | K T Myers | 65kg | $12.30 |
| 4 | Call Me Jack | 8 | Corey Wiles | K T Myers | 65kg | ||
| 6 | Justice | 5 | Kylan Wiles | D R Wiles | 65kg | ||
| 8 | Torque Time | 3 | Hamish Mc Neill | J L Rathbone | 65kg | ||
| Scr | 9 | Sound Of Silence | 1 | D J Blackie | 65kg |
The gelding's perfect heavy track record (2:2-0-0) and last-start BM75 victory provide strong confidence despite the class rise concerns.
French Thinker offers excellent value having won last start at this exact track and distance. The mare's second up positioning and proven ability on Good 4 tracks make her a strong threat despite the class rise.
Amira D'argento brings proven course and distance form with a previous win at Te Rapa over 1600m. Her consistent recent placings and heavy track ability provide solid each-way appeal despite good track concerns.
The mare's good track suitability and proven connections make her a worthwhile roughy despite the class concerns.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Bonnard | 4 | Amber Riddell | S L Crawford | 57.5kg | $3.20 |
| 2nd | 5 | Transaction | 2 | Samantha Collett | Ms K A Hoskin | 54kg | $4.70 |
| 3rd | 3 | Amira D''argento | 5 | Joe Nishizuka | Taui Johnson | 55kg | $4.00 |
| 4th | 7 | French Thinker | 3 | Elen Nicholas | Kelly Van Dyk | 54kg | $9.90 |
| 5th | 4 | Sweet But Psycho | 1 | Masahiro Hashizume | L O''sullivan & A Scott | 54kg | $6.30 |
| 6th | 1 | Bourbon Proof | 7 | Warren Kennedy | S B Marsh | 59.5kg | $9.60 |
| 7th | 6 | Victorious Warrior | 6 | Matthew Cameron | D R Wiles | 54kg | $18.00 |
Standout form horse with exceptional consistency, recording 5 top-3 finishes from last 6 starts including three narrow seconds.
Well-credentialed debut runner from successful stable with strong jockey booking. Barrier 1 provides tactical advantage at Te Rapa where first-half positioning is crucial.
Good barrier draw and jockey booking indicate serious winning intent, though lack of form data creates uncertainty in competitive maiden.
Consistent place-getter offering value for minor placings. Good track record at Te Rapa and recent close third suggests competitive chance despite wide draw.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 9 | Aurora Belle | 5 | Michael Mc Nab | Conor & Sarah Fahy | 57.5kg | $4.40 |
| 2nd | 6 | Noble Cabello | 13 | Corentin Berge | B H King | 57.5kg | $32.20 |
| 3rd | 10 | Muteki | 1 | Matthew Cartwright | S B Marsh | 57.5kg | $11.00 |
| 4th | 1 | Marzenie | 6 | Wiremu Pinn | G Richardson & R Norvall | 57.5kg | $2.30 |
| 5th | 12 | Pact | 9 | Warren Kennedy | Ms D Logan | 57.5kg | $11.70 |
| 6th | 3 | Kind Of Blue | 12 | Joe Nishizuka | Ms P Gerard | 54.5kg | $15.10 |
| 7th | 8 | Smashing Sister | 8 | Tayla Mitchell | S L Cameron | 56.5kg | $53.00 |
| 8th | 7 | Whatz Done Is Done | 14 | Erin M Leighton | W Hillis & R Cole | 57.5kg | $45.00 |
| 9th | 13 | Pallenis | 10 | Matthew Cameron | T W Cole | 57.5kg | $111.30 |
| 10th | 5 | Miss Kipling | 15 | Elen Nicholas | M & K Murdoch | 57.5kg | $29.20 |
| 11th | 11 | Osaka Girl | 7 | Masahiro Hashizume | Ms D Jeffcoat | 57.5kg | $45.00 |
| 12th | 15 | Stranger Times | 4 | Amber Riddell | S & E Clotworthy | 56.5kg | $14.60 |
| 13th | 4 | Honor The Name | 2 | Sam McNab | Hollie Wynyard | 55.5kg | $11.30 |
| Scr | 2 | Impressive Belle | 3 | Samantha Collett | G A & D G Rogerson & Clint Isdale | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 14 | The Giggler | 16 | R James & R Wellwood | 57.5kg | ||
| Scr | 16 | Buccino | 12 | G Richardson & R Norvall | 57.5kg | ||
| Scr | 17 | Au Fait | 11 | Ms S P Mynott | 57.5kg |
Most consistent performer in the field with excellent place record and proven soft track ability. Barrier 1 is crucial at Te Rapa where inside draws and first-half positioning are key. Recent third at Ellerslie over this distance shows she's ready to peak.
Improving filly who ran a much better third last start at Pukekohe. The step up to 1500m suits and barrier 5 allows tactical options. Strong trainer/jockey combination adds confidence despite maiden status.
Lightly raced gelding dropping significantly in class with strong jockey booking. The long spell and trainer change suggests a fresh approach. Kennedy's Te Rapa record and the class drop provide appeal despite limited exposure.
Honest performer who has shown ability with two placings. Second up pattern and soft track form add appeal despite the missing jockey concern.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 13 | The Ritz | 6 | Sam McNab | L O''sullivan & A Scott | 54.5kg | $6.20 |
| 2nd | 9 | Tiga | 13 | Samantha Collett | T F Leahy | 58.5kg | $13.30 |
| 3rd | 2 | Beat Of The Sun | 11 | Warren Kennedy | Ms D Logan | 58.5kg | $7.10 |
| 4th | 11 | Laura | 5 | Masahiro Hashizume | L O''sullivan & A Scott | 56.5kg | $6.60 |
| 5th | 16 | Reliability | 9 | T W Cole | 56.5kg | $38.20 | |
| 6th | 10 | Show Merican | 1 | Jack Taplin | Mariska Vear | 54.5kg | $5.80 |
| 7th | 4 | Paper Romance | 4 | Tayla Mitchell | Aimee Black | 57.5kg | $6.40 |
| 8th | 6 | Tartan Shocka | 2 | Amber Riddell | Kevin & Annette Hinton | 57.5kg | $9.30 |
| 9th | 19 | Thehorsecalleddave | 10 | S & E Clotworthy | 58.5kg | $24.50 | |
| 10th | 7 | Departure | 8 | Matthew Cartwright | Ms D Logan | 58.5kg | $8.10 |
| 11th | 8 | Spacely | 7 | Donovan Cooper | Ms J K Mahoney | 57.5kg | $26.90 |
| Scr | 1 | Neffu | 15 | Elen Nicholas | Ms L Anderson | 58.5kg | |
| Scr | 3 | Beau Ondago | 16 | Sienna Brown | J Williams | 54.5kg | |
| Scr | 5 | Dark Duke | 14 | R James & R Wellwood | 58.5kg | ||
| Scr | 12 | Miss Silhouette | 16 | Jasmine Fawcett | G J Old | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 14 | Caprese | 17 | Corentin Berge | A W Pike | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 15 | Wedding Belle | 12 | R James & R Wellwood | 56.5kg | ||
| Scr | 17 | Academy | 3 | M & K Murdoch | 58.5kg | ||
| Scr | 18 | Outrageous | 15 | M & K Murdoch | 56.5kg | ||
| Scr | 20 | Facilitate | 3 | Ms K D Nicholson | 58.5kg |
Tale Of The Gypsy stands out as the most logical winner. She won at this track and distance in January, beating BM65 company by 2 lengths. The significant class drop from Group/Listed races to BM65 is a major positive, and her close second last start shows she's in good form. Her proven versatility across track conditions and strong distance record make her the standout selection despite the wide barrier.
She's Untouchable gets the perfect barrier draw and has the tactical advantage to settle in the first half of the field, which suits Te Rapa's racing pattern. The McNab/Marsh combination is reliable, and her close third last start shows current form. The class drop and inside barrier make her a strong each-way chance.
Cosmopolitan gets the rail barrier which is crucial at Te Rapa for settling in the first half. Samantha Collett's strong track record and the filly's recent third placing suggest she's in good form. The class positioning and barrier draw make her a solid each-way chance in this competitive field.
Whistler represents value as a recent maiden winner stepping up in class. His last start victory was impressive, and being second up from spell suits many horses.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Cosmopolitan | 1 | Samantha Collett | G Richardson & R Norvall | 57kg | $4.60 |
| 2nd | 10 | Notabadbergs | 4 | Warren Kennedy | S & E Clotworthy | 55kg | $22.10 |
| 3rd | 11 | Illuminated Miss | 2 | Joe Nishizuka | Ms K Mcquade | 51.5kg | $26.80 |
| 4th | 6 | She''s Untouchable | 3 | Michael Mc Nab | S B Marsh | 57kg | $5.00 |
| 5th | 7 | Iridescent | 6 | Tayla Mitchell | Ms M L Bradley | 55kg | $5.70 |
| 6th | 4 | Don''s Legacy | 9 | Ashlee Strawbridge | D J Nunn | 54.5kg | $25.50 |
| 7th | 8 | Permissive | 10 | Amber Riddell | M & K Murdoch | 54kg | $19.30 |
| 8th | 9 | We Found Love | 5 | Ms L Brennan | 55kg | $9.40 | |
| 9th | 3 | Tale Of The Gypsy | 8 | Masahiro Hashizume | S B Marsh | 57.5kg | $4.00 |
| 10th | 2 | Horrie | 7 | Elen Nicholas | M & K Murdoch | 58kg | $14.10 |
| Scr | 1 | Whistler | 11 | Matthew Cartwright | L O''sullivan & A Scott | 59kg |
Before the races, not after
Our top three picks and a value pick for every race, with assessed prices, speed maps and the analysis behind them. Free for 7 days.