Punt like a Pro, without the know!
New Zealand · Wednesday 27 May 2026
Our top pick won 4 of 8 races at Riccarton Park Synthetic. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
top pick wonanother tip wonno tip won
His last-start win at this exact track and distance in BM75 company, combined with his excellent synthetic track record and significant class drop from Listed level racing, makes him the most likely winner. The wide barrier is a concern but his proven ability on this surface outweighs the negatives.
Queen Of Naples offers strong each-way value with her exceptional synthetic track record and proven ability at this venue. Her close third last start and light weight provide solid foundations, though the inside barrier and class rise present some concerns for outright victory.
Purple Prose brings winning momentum and perfect course/distance statistics but faces a significant class test. His synthetic track ability and recent form progression suggest he can handle the step up, making him a solid place chance despite the grade rise.
The lack of synthetic experience is concerning, but her class and light weight make her a worthwhile value play if she handles the surface change.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Bella Luce | 7 | Kendra Bakker | L M Robinson | 56.5kg | $10.80 |
| 2nd | 5 | Ballistic Miss | 4 | Anna Furlong | 55.5kg | $5.40 | |
| 3rd | 3 | Purple Prose | 5 | Bruno Queiroz | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 57kg | $3.30 |
| 4th | 4 | Delmonico | 6 | Krishna Mudhoo | Andrew Carston | 56.5kg | $11.30 |
| 5th | 1 | Dimaggio | 8 | N R Mitchell | 61kg | $5.50 | |
| 6th | 6 | Queen Of Naples | 2 | Floor Moerman | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 53kg | $4.40 |
| 7th | 7 | Speed Dial | 1 | Leah Hemi | R E Didham | 54kg | $15.70 |
| 8th | 8 | Eight Lucky Prawns | 3 | Bridget Grylls | Kevin Mcauley | 54kg | $17.90 |
The gelding has proven synthetic track ability and shows consistent effort with narrow margins. Despite the wide draw, his class and form edge make him the standout.
Queen Courtney showed significant improvement last start, finishing a close 2nd at this track. The 3YO filly benefits from a good barrier and weight concessions. Her upward trajectory and proven synthetic ability make her a strong each-way chance.
Rekindle offers value with consistent recent form including close 5th placings. The mare benefits from a good barrier and weight advantage.
Power Of Two represents excellent value dropping significantly in class from Hong Kong. The gelding showed improvement last start and benefits from a strong jockey booking.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Student Of War | 12 | M & M Pitman | 58.5kg | $1.80 | |
| 2nd | 2 | Fah Rong | 14 | Tina Comignaghi | Ms P Robson | 58.5kg | $8.50 |
| 3rd | 10 | Queen Courtney | 2 | Brian Court & Jesse O''flaherty | 56.5kg | $13.80 | |
| 4th | 13 | Delight | 3 | Anna Furlong | 56.5kg | $15.40 | |
| 5th | 11 | Rekindle | 9 | N R Mitchell | 56.5kg | $8.80 | |
| 6th | 5 | Batiras | 11 | K J Hampton | 58.5kg | $91.50 | |
| 7th | 4 | Tussar | 6 | Floor Moerman | Lisa Young | 56.5kg | $18.30 |
| 8th | 9 | Power Of Two | 10 | Leah Hemi | R E Didham | 58.5kg | $23.90 |
| 9th | 3 | Baggio | 5 | Brandon May | Andrew Carston | 58.5kg | $18.00 |
| 10th | 8 | Malevo | 4 | M & M Pitman | 58.5kg | $30.90 | |
| 11th | 6 | Connor Lee | 13 | N R Mitchell | 58.5kg | $31.40 | |
| 12th | 7 | Impulsive Heart | 1 | N R Mitchell | 58.5kg | $51.70 | |
| 13th | 12 | Blue Lines | 7 | Ashlee Strawbridge | Ms K Barringer | 53.5kg | $163.00 |
| 14th | 14 | San Reno | 8 | J & K Parsons | 55.5kg | $26.10 | |
| Scr | 15 | Gavel Kat | 15 | Mereana Hudson | Kenny Moore | 56.5kg |
Boss 'n' Highheels gets the nod based on her excellent barrier draw, class credentials, and recent form. The slight class drop and lighter weight of 54.5kg enhances her chances significantly.
Vivacious has the best credentials for this race with proven form at the track and distance. Her synthetic track record is strong, and she's shown she can win at this level. The wide barrier and top weight are concerns, but her class and track experience make her a serious threat.
Thats Charming is the improver in the field with his excellent recent 2nd at this track. The wide barrier is a concern, but his recent form suggests he's ready to step up in class.
Hasstobefast represents value as a second-up runner with a good first-up effort. Her synthetic track record is strong, and the class drop provides an opportunity.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Boss ''n'' Highheels | 3 | Ms T Rae | 54.5kg | $2.00 | |
| 2nd | 2 | Charbano | 6 | M & M Pitman | 59kg | $19.60 | |
| 3rd | 8 | Thats Charming | 8 | Andrew Carston | 54kg | $14.30 | |
| 4th | 1 | Vivacious | 7 | Bruno Queiroz | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 59kg | $4.40 |
| 5th | 5 | Enterprise Gem | 1 | M & M Pitman | 54.5kg | $17.60 | |
| 6th | 7 | Giannis | 2 | Mereana Hudson | Ms L Prendergast | 54kg | $12.50 |
| 7th | 3 | Hasstobefast | 5 | N R Mitchell | 55.5kg | $5.60 | |
| 8th | 6 | Agile | 4 | Kendra Bakker | J Land | 52kg | $27.80 |
Paper Moon presents the strongest winning chance based on recent form showing clear improvement. Her close second at Riccarton Park in fast time demonstrates she's ready to break through, and the quality stable/jockey combination adds confidence despite the wide draw.
Russian Blues offers solid each-way value with proven synthetic track ability and recent close placings. The good barrier and in-form jockey combination provides tactical advantages, though breakthrough win remains elusive.
Lindy May brings consistent form and strong placing ability to this contest. Her recent close second and soft track record provide confidence, though the maiden tag and top weight present challenges.
Ayumi presents value as a first up specialist dropping significantly in class.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Paper Moon | 11 | Bruno Queiroz | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 57.5kg | $2.90 |
| 2nd | 2 | Our Sallyann | 10 | M & M Pitman | 57.5kg | $32.00 | |
| 3rd | 5 | Russian Blues | 6 | Kendra Bakker | L M Robinson | 55.5kg | $5.30 |
| 4th | 7 | Risk Mitigation | 9 | Leah Hemi | Krystal Williams | 57.5kg | $27.30 |
| 5th | 4 | Ayumi | 1 | Amber Riddell | D M Walsh | 56.5kg | $2.80 |
| 6th | 10 | Gavel Kat | 5 | Kenny Moore | 57.5kg | $102.30 | |
| 7th | 8 | Royal Assent | 12 | Elen Nicholas | Lisa Young | 57.5kg | $38.20 |
| 8th | 1 | Lindy May | 3 | N R Mitchell | 57.5kg | $15.10 | |
| 9th | 11 | Imperial Queen | 8 | Brian Court & Jesse O''flaherty | 57.5kg | $43.90 | |
| 10th | 13 | Smart Quota | 7 | Tina Comignaghi | L M Robinson | 57.5kg | $14.10 |
| 11th | 6 | Kyboshe | 2 | Ms S Faulkner | 57.5kg | $28.10 | |
| 12th | 14 | Vin''swey | 13 | N R Mitchell | 57.5kg | $135.70 | |
| Scr | 9 | Taimate Warrior | 4 | Sima Mxothwa | Andrew Carston | 54.5kg | |
| Scr | 12 | Poshroc | 12 | Ms T Hickey | 57.5kg |
Her Listed race placing at Riccarton shows genuine class, and the M&M Pitman stable has her primed for this step up. The barrier draw suits her tactical speed perfectly.
Her record at Riccarton Synthetic is strong with multiple placings, and she's proven second up from a spell. The class rise is significant but her recent form suggests she can handle it.
Experienced mare dropping significantly in class after competing in BM65 company. Her synthetic track record is solid and she showed good form with a recent second at Woodville. The class drop should see her competitive despite the disappointing last start.
Consistent mare with an excellent distance record who ran a strong second at this track last start. The significant weight drop to 53kg with Sima Mxothwa's claim provides a major advantage, and her synthetic form suggests she can handle the surface.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 10 | Wren | 11 | N R Mitchell | 56.5kg | $8.90 | |
| 2nd | 11 | Freedom Reins | 3 | Sima Mxothwa | Andrew Carston | 53kg | $8.90 |
| 3rd | 8 | New Beginning | 5 | Mereana Hudson | J C Blackadder | 57kg | $6.40 |
| 4th | 3 | Voguish | 4 | M & M Pitman | 58kg | $4.50 | |
| 5th | 2 | Correction | 7 | Brian Court & Jesse O''flaherty | 59.5kg | $11.00 | |
| 6th | 1 | Miraqua | 9 | Leah Hemi | D B Frye | 60kg | $10.60 |
| 7th | 12 | Honoka | 12 | J & K Parsons | 55.5kg | $26.00 | |
| 8th | 7 | Adios Vamonos | 10 | Alan Lai | M P Mccann | 55kg | $14.50 |
| 9th | 4 | Tears Of Victory | 6 | Tina Comignaghi | Steven Woodsford | 57.5kg | $6.90 |
| 10th | 6 | Trouvaille | 13 | Bruno Queiroz | Alan Browne | 57.5kg | $12.10 |
| 11th | 9 | First Eminent | 8 | Bridget Grylls | Amber Hoffman | 56.5kg | $22.90 |
| 12th | 5 | El Fuego | 2 | Krishna Mudhoo | M L Price | 57.5kg | $59.00 |
| 13th | 13 | Wild Secrets | 1 | Ainsley Mcleod | 54kg | $100.90 |
Lightly-raced 3yo gelding with strong upside potential. Ran excellent second last start on this synthetic surface and drops to minimum weight.
Consistent performer who has found his level in this grade. Recent thirds at Riccarton Park show he belongs at this level, and the slight class drop combined with synthetic track experience makes him a solid each-way chance.
Track specialist with outstanding course and distance credentials. The synthetic surface suits perfectly and she's dropping in class. Age is a concern but her track record suggests she can still be competitive at this level.
Lightly-raced mare with potential for improvement second up.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | Iron Maiden | 6 | Kendra Bakker | L M Robinson | 55kg | $6.50 |
| 2nd | 7 | Epilogue | 8 | J & K Parsons | 57kg | $11.70 | |
| 3rd | 10 | Warrior Boy | 9 | Sima Mxothwa | Andrew Carston | 53kg | $10.30 |
| 4th | 1 | Retrostar | 10 | Tina Comignaghi | Steven Woodsford | 60kg | $3.70 |
| 5th | 3 | Don Pauly | 2 | Ms T Rae | 59.5kg | $4.10 | |
| 6th | 6 | Bellutta | 1 | Roushan Khan | M P Mccann | 57.5kg | $33.20 |
| 7th | 11 | Da Vinci Girl | 4 | M & M Pitman | 55.5kg | $12.50 | |
| 8th | 9 | Lady Georgiana | 3 | Bruno Queiroz | Kevin Mcauley | 56kg | $11.10 |
| 9th | 2 | Cutout | 7 | J & K Parsons | 59.5kg | $62.30 | |
| 10th | 4 | Shooting Stride | 11 | Donovan Cooper | L Callaway | 57.5kg | $9.20 |
| 11th | 12 | Runninwiththedevil | 5 | Ainsley Mcleod | 55kg | $48.80 | |
| Scr | 5 | Strong | 1 | H B Tapper | 58kg |
The mare has proven soft track ability and handles staying distances well. While stepping up in class, her recent trajectory suggests she's ready for this level.
Well-placed dropping in class with proven credentials at this distance and track surface. The significant class drop from BM75 racing provides a key advantage despite some recent inconsistency.
Progressive young mare dropping in class with improving form. The inside barrier and class drop provide advantages, though the step up to 2200m is a query for this improving type.
Represents solid value based on recent strong 2200m form.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 7 | Roca Mile | 4 | Floor Moerman | R E Didham | 55kg | $7.50 |
| 2nd | 8 | Sarissa | 1 | Leah Hemi | N Wigley & K Milnes | 56kg | $9.60 |
| 3rd | 3 | Vendabelle | 6 | Anna Furlong | 58.5kg | $2.40 | |
| 4th | 2 | Avoriaz | 8 | Donovan Cooper | L M Robinson | 57.5kg | $6.60 |
| 5th | 1 | El Ultimo | 12 | J & K Parsons | 59kg | $15.90 | |
| 6th | 12 | No Trumps | 2 | Mereana Hudson | Kenny Moore | 54kg | $34.90 |
| 7th | 10 | Strong | 5 | Rahul Beeharry | H B Tapper | 56kg | $19.50 |
| 8th | 4 | Sincere | 7 | Sima Mxothwa | Andrew Carston | 54.5kg | $9.70 |
| 9th | 9 | Hey Mickey | 3 | J & K Parsons | 56kg | $13.10 | |
| 10th | 5 | Revision | 10 | N R Mitchell | 57kg | $27.20 | |
| 11th | 11 | Pirates ''n'' Gold | 9 | Billy Jacobson | C L Spittles | 54.5kg | $46.00 |
| Scr | 6 | Light Of Plutus | 11 | Krishna Mudhoo | L Callaway | 57kg |
Pax Mundi presents the strongest winning chance with a significant class drop from BM75 to BM65. Her distance record of 1-2-0 from 13 starts at 1400m is solid, and she has synthetic track experience with a win from 6 starts. The inside barrier allows tactical flexibility, and despite some concerns about track conditions, the class relief should prove decisive.
Novelette showed promise with a strong third at this track last start and won her maiden convincingly. The Bruno Queiroz/Walker & Bergerson combination is proven, and she appears to be improving through the grades. However, the lack of synthetic experience and class rise present challenges.
Celtic Bling boasts an excellent record at this track and distance (1-1-0 from 3 starts) and strong synthetic form overall. Her consistency in recent starts and venue familiarity are major positives, though the class rise and wide barrier present obstacles to overcome.
Powerofpersuasion offers value as a first-up specialist dropping significantly in class. Her record fresh (1-0-1 from 2 starts) and wet track form are encouraging, though the long break and lack of synthetic experience create uncertainty. The class drop makes her a worthwhile value play.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Pax Mundi | 1 | Ms T Rae | 58kg | $3.80 | |
| 2nd | 14 | Red Label | 8 | Kendra Bakker | L M Robinson | 53.5kg | $25.30 |
| 3rd | 3 | Powerofpersuasion | 13 | Ms T Rae | 58kg | $8.90 | |
| 4th | 12 | Grouse | 4 | Ashlee Strawbridge | L R Beckett | 53.5kg | $23.90 |
| 5th | 1 | Cape Horn | 7 | M & M Pitman | 58.5kg | $25.20 | |
| 6th | 13 | Elegant Explosive | 3 | J & K Parsons | 56kg | $15.50 | |
| 7th | 15 | Mystic Ocean | 16 | M & M Pitman | 54kg | $17.50 | |
| 8th | 4 | Red Star Soot | 12 | Floor Moerman | L G Didham | 56kg | $16.10 |
| 9th | 5 | Willit | 10 | Amber Riddell | J C Blackadder | 57kg | $14.80 |
| 10th | 7 | Novelette | 2 | Bruno Queiroz | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 57.5kg | $5.00 |
| 11th | 10 | Leinster | 5 | Bridget Grylls | J C Blackadder | 57.5kg | $11.20 |
| 12th | 6 | Celtic Bling | 14 | Elen Nicholas | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 57.5kg | $12.30 |
| Scr | 8 | Electric Zou | 15 | Billy Jacobson | Lisa Young | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Jack Attack | 6 | R D Holmes | 57.5kg | ||
| 11 | Gattina | 11 | Terry Moseley | M P Mccann | 56.5kg | ||
| Scr | 16 | Life Of Riley | 17 | Ms T Rae | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 17 | Wild Secrets | 9 | Ainsley Mcleod | 54kg | ||
| Scr | 18 | Runninwiththedevil | 6 | Ainsley Mcleod | 54kg |
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