Punt like a Pro, without the know!
New Zealand · Saturday 30 May 2026
Our top pick won 3 of 8 races at Te Rapa. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
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Not Usual Moana presents the strongest winning chance based on recent form progression. Two placings in last three starts including a close third over this distance at Pukekohe demonstrates current fitness and suitability. The 4kg weight advantage and favourable barrier position provide tactical benefits that outweigh jockey concerns.
Madame Kleptomane's narrow second at Ellerslie over 1500m represents strong form for this level. The consistent pattern of competitive finishes and proven soft track ability make her a genuine winning chance despite maiden status.
Kenwood House brings solid maiden form with three recent placings and proven wet track ability. The inside barrier suits Te Rapa's bias and Grylls is riding in excellent form, making this a competitive chance despite maiden status.
The Warren Kennedy booking and good barrier position suggest stable confidence in improvement.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | Not Usual Moana | 6 | Sam McNab | Samantha Logan | 53.5kg | $10.10 |
| 2nd | 7 | The Darzi | 15 | Erin M Leighton | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 57.5kg | $11.20 |
| 3rd | 2 | Da Ace | 10 | Jasmine Fawcett | D B Hollinshead | 57.5kg | $8.20 |
| 4th | 1 | Kenwood House | 1 | Craig Grylls | S B Marsh | 57.5kg | $5.10 |
| 4th | 10 | Madame Kleptomane | 5 | Hayley Hassman | S C Phelan | 53.5kg | $8.00 |
| 6th | 13 | Rock Catcher | 4 | Warren Kennedy | Ben & Ryan Foote | 55.5kg | $12.40 |
| 7th | 3 | Just Jock | 2 | Elen Nicholas | S C Phelan | 57.5kg | $7.90 |
| 8th | 15 | Trouble Maker | 3 | Masahiro Hashizume | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 55.5kg | $15.10 |
| 9th | 6 | Sacred Sin | 7 | N P Bishara | 57.5kg | $98.20 | |
| 10th | 12 | Pine Leaf | 13 | Rihaan Goyaram | Andrew Forsman | 53.5kg | $14.30 |
| 11th | 9 | Go Joanna | 12 | Tayla Mitchell | N P Bishara | 54.5kg | $11.40 |
| 12th | 5 | Richter Scale | 11 | Samantha Collett | Ms P Gerard | 57.5kg | $35.70 |
| 13th | 14 | Au Fait | 14 | Corentin Berge | Ms S P Mynott | 55.5kg | $25.00 |
| 14th | 4 | Wishmaker | 8 | Matthew Cartwright | K A Pertab | 57.5kg | $20.50 |
| Scr | 11 | Hold Me Tight | 9 | A Lawson-Carroll | K A Pertab | 54.5kg |
Gin And Bare It showed genuine ability on debut, finishing a close second at Matamata. The barrier 3 draw and minimum weight provide significant advantages at Te Rapa where handy runners excel. Despite limited experience, the debut performance suggests she has the class to win this maiden.
Silky Shuba brings the best form credentials with recent placings including a second at this track and distance. Craig Grylls is in excellent form and knows how to get the best from this mare. The wide draw is manageable given her tactical speed.
The Tivaci gelding should appreciate the step up in distance and maps well from barrier 4. However, the jockey booking raises some concerns about stable confidence.
The O'Sullivan/Scott stable has been in good form and Hashizume rides well for the connections.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Lumbridge Castle | 8 | Masahiro Hashizume | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 58.5kg | $2.60 |
| 2nd | 11 | Gin And Bare It | 3 | Joe Nishizuka | Ms K Fawcett | 53.5kg | $6.00 |
| 3rd | 5 | Our Lykoi | 4 | A Lawson-Carroll | Sophia Nolan & Hanna Orting | 57.5kg | $6.10 |
| 4th | 1 | Merchant Banker | 1 | Hayley Hassman | G H Sharrock | 56.5kg | $14.10 |
| 5th | 12 | Autumn Heights | 2 | Jasmine Fawcett | M H Brosnan | 56.5kg | $22.40 |
| 6th | 4 | Cowboy | 6 | Bridget Grylls | Josh King & Maija Vance | 58.5kg | $23.10 |
| 7th | 10 | Silky Shuba | 11 | Craig Grylls | S B Marsh | 56.5kg | $4.50 |
| 8th | 8 | Compulsion | 14 | Elen Nicholas | P P Mirabelli | 58.5kg | $72.80 |
| 9th | 14 | The Giggler | 7 | Matthew Cartwright | R James & R Wellwood | 56.5kg | $12.60 |
| Scr | 2 | Odds And Ends | 1 | T W Cole | 58.5kg | ||
| Scr | 3 | Capote | 12 | B S Gillovic | 58.5kg | ||
| Scr | 7 | Winner Patch | 13 | S C Phelan | 58.5kg | ||
| Scr | 9 | Flyhalf | 14 | T W Cole | 56.5kg | ||
| Scr | 13 | Catwalk Queen | 5 | Corentin Berge | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 15 | Tassels | 9 | C R Mccarroll | 56.5kg | ||
| Scr | 16 | Assassina | 15 | S B Marsh | 56.5kg | ||
| Scr | 17 | Dunamis | 10 | S & E Clotworthy | 58.5kg |
His recent Te Rapa victory and consistent form pattern suggest he's peaking at the right time. The stable has him primed for this step up, and while the Good track is a concern, his overall trajectory and proven ability at this venue make him the standout.
Lubeck represents the main danger with the class drop working in her favour. Her Te Rapa record is excellent and the barrier draw suits perfectly for a forward position. While the Good track is a query, the significant class relief and proven track form make her a strong each-way proposition.
Ruby Rush brings proven class and a strong first-up record to this assignment. Her Good track form is solid and the stable has her ready for this return.
Armagh represents speculative value as a recent maiden winner stepping up dramatically in class. Kennedy's booking and excellent track record provide confidence, and the horse showed ability in Australian form.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | General Menari | 9 | Masahiro Hashizume | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 58kg | $2.10 |
| 2nd | 6 | Lubeck | 4 | Tayla Mitchell | S B Marsh | 55kg | $3.30 |
| 3rd | 7 | Miss Moet All | 1 | Elen Nicholas | S B Marsh | 55kg | $13.10 |
| 4th | 5 | Ruby Rush | 3 | Craig Grylls | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 56kg | $7.90 |
| 5th | 2 | Armagh | 8 | Warren Kennedy | Danny Walker & Arron Tata | 57kg | $7.70 |
| 6th | 8 | Presence Of Mind | 6 | Hayley Hassman | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 53kg | $24.40 |
| 7th | 9 | Proud Capitalist | 5 | Matthew Cartwright | S B Marsh | 55kg | $21.10 |
| Scr | 3 | Purosangue | 2 | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 4 | Lady Iris | 7 | Samantha Collett | S B Marsh | 56.5kg |
The significant class drop from BM75 to BM65 is a major positive, combined with an ideal barrier 2 draw that aligns perfectly with Te Rapa's inside bias. His staying credentials are solid with 4 top-3 finishes in his last 10 starts, and the step up to 2200m should suit his racing pattern.
The class drop and light weight of 53.5kg are significant positives, while her barrier 3 draw provides good tactical options. Her consistent placing record (5 top-3 in last 10) suggests she can be competitive, though her overall winning strike rate remains a concern.
Morning Cocoa brings solid recent form with a close 2nd at Ellerslie, and her heavy track credentials are excellent. The Warren Kennedy booking adds stable intent, and her consistent placing record suggests she can be competitive. However, the significant distance rise and class increase present challenges for a mare with limited winning experience.
As a lightly-raced 3YO, he has scope for improvement, and the Craig Grylls booking is positive given the jockey's excellent recent form.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Heza Sharp One | 2 | Matthew Cartwright | G A & D G Rogerson & Clint Isdale | 59kg | $5.10 |
| 2nd | 1 | Bradley | 5 | Sam McNab | T W Cole | 58kg | $4.40 |
| 3rd | 11 | Rosina | 3 | Rihaan Goyaram | Ben & Ryan Foote | 53.5kg | $6.50 |
| 4th | 7 | Prisca | 8 | Sienna Brown | Ms C Cameron | 53.5kg | $18.80 |
| 5th | 10 | Jamaican Boy | 1 | A Lawson-Carroll | S L Crawford | 55.5kg | $20.00 |
| 6th | 6 | Morning Cocoa | 7 | Warren Kennedy | Andrew Forsman | 57.5kg | $3.80 |
| 7th | 5 | Beetlegeuse | 11 | Corentin Berge | Ms S P Mynott | 58kg | $9.60 |
| 8th | 8 | He's Classic | 10 | Elen Nicholas | B Wallace & G Cooksley | 57.5kg | $15.90 |
| 9th | 2 | Relentless | 4 | Craig Grylls | S Ritchie & C Murray | 59.5kg | $12.40 |
| Scr | 4 | Sweet But Psycho | 6 | Masahiro Hashizume | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 58kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Rio Grande | 9 | Samantha Collett | Andrew Forsman | 57.5kg |
Little Bit Of Love presents as the standout selection with an exceptional record at Te Rapa (3 wins from 4 starts) and perfect suitability for today's conditions. His last start victory at this exact track and distance in heavy conditions, combined with his strong second-up record, makes him the logical choice despite the wide draw.
Super Photon offers value dropping back from Group company with a strong record at this track and distance. The Cartwright/Marsh combination is reliable, and his recent Te Rapa third suggests he's finding form. The class drop should see improvement.
Agera brings the highest class to this field with Group and Listed wins last preparation. The inside barrier is crucial for his front-running style, and his soft track form is strong. However, the long spell and class rise from recent performances present concerns.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 7 | Bright Stripes | 4 | Hayley Hassman | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 52kg | $8.50 |
| 2nd | 4 | Uderzo | 2 | Warren Kennedy | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 54kg | $4.30 |
| 3rd | 2 | Little Bit Of Love | 8 | Masahiro Hashizume | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 56kg | $4.00 |
| 4th | 6 | Super Photon | 6 | Matthew Cartwright | S B Marsh | 54kg | $6.70 |
| 5th | 9 | Dramatic Miss | 5 | Jasmine Fawcett | S B Marsh | 54kg | $7.00 |
| 6th | 8 | Butterfield | 3 | Sienna Brown | P J Mccarten | 50kg | $13.60 |
| 7th | 3 | Imprevu | 9 | Tayla Mitchell | Ms J Dalley | 54kg | $8.40 |
| 8th | 5 | Rareza | 7 | Samantha Collett | T W Cole | 54kg | $8.90 |
| Scr | 1 | Agera | 1 | Sam McNab | A W Pike | 60kg |
The Guy Lowry/Leah Zydenbos stable has an excellent record with young horses, and Samantha Collett's booking adds confidence. While the class rise is significant, his debut performance suggests he has the ability to compete at this level.
His form has been improving and he's proven competitive at this track and distance. The wide barrier is concerning but Craig Grylls is riding with confidence and the horse has shown he can overcome positional challenges.
Getaway has a perfect record on heavy tracks and is dropping significantly in class after competing in Open company. The good barrier draw should allow tactical positioning, and her maiden win shows genuine ability. However, the Good 4 track is an unknown and she's still lightly raced.
To The Max brings Listed race experience and has been running consistently in similar grade. His connections are proven and he's shown he can compete at this level.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 11 | Lyin' Eyes | 3 | Sienna Brown | C J Wood | 52kg | $17.50 |
| 2nd | 8 | Getaway | 2 | Masahiro Hashizume | K A Pertab | 57kg | $6.30 |
| 3rd | 4 | Starclan | 11 | Sam McNab | C R Mccarroll | 57kg | $8.20 |
| 4th | 9 | Bamboozle | 1 | Hayley Hassman | Maxim & Samantha Van Lierde | 55kg | $30.60 |
| 5th | 13 | Amusement | 4 | Tayla Mitchell | Darryn & Briar Weatherley | 54.5kg | $5.60 |
| 6th | 3 | Ever Charm | 16 | Craig Grylls | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 59kg | $6.50 |
| 7th | 1 | Mineshaft | 5 | Joe Nishizuka | Ms P Gerard | 56.5kg | $18.60 |
| 8th | 16 | With Grace | 10 | Corentin Berge | Ms K A Hoskin | 55kg | $55.30 |
| 9th | 12 | Zolzaya | 6 | Ethan Jones | Ms K A Hoskin | 56kg | $95.30 |
| 10th | 10 | Midori Burly | 13 | Jasmine Fawcett | T W Mitchell | 56.5kg | $10.90 |
| 11th | 2 | Charlunga | 7 | Samantha Collett | Guy Lowry & Leah Zydenbos | 59kg | $15.50 |
| 12th | 5 | To The Max | 9 | Matthew Cartwright | R James & R Wellwood | 59kg | $5.40 |
| 13th | 14 | Vadanova | 8 | S & E Clotworthy | 55.5kg | $21.60 | |
| 14th | 6 | Charlemagne | 12 | A Lawson-Carroll | M & K Murdoch | 57.5kg | $61.30 |
| Scr | 7 | Andiamo | 15 | S B Marsh | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 15 | He's Platinum | 14 | M L Rogers | 55.5kg |
The Super Seth filly maps to settle in the first half of the field from her wide draw, which aligns perfectly with Te Rapa's winning pattern. Craig Grylls' strong recent form and proven combination with trainer Brennan adds confidence. While stepping up significantly in class, her dominant last-start performance and track familiarity make her the standout selection.
Kia Kaha brings an impressive first-up record and strong form on good tracks. The Super Seth mare has been competitive at BM65 level with multiple close placings, including a narrow second at Te Rapa in January. Matthew Cartwright's strong recent form and proven combination with trainer Marsh provides confidence. Her barrier draw allows tactical positioning in the first half of the field, crucial at Te Rapa.
The Per Incanto gelding has only raced on heavy tracks but his progressive form suggests adaptability. While the wide barrier and class rise present challenges, his winning momentum and proven ability to handle pressure make him a genuine threat if he can secure a forward position early.
Lady Impending offers excellent value with her perfect second-up record and ideal barrier draw. The Impending mare won at BM65 level previously and maps perfectly to settle handy from barrier 2. While her last start was disappointing, her proven class and strong stable form suggest she can bounce back.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Kia Kaha | 8 | Matthew Cartwright | S B Marsh | 58kg | $7.00 |
| 2nd | 1 | Nicconi County | 3 | Hayley Hassman | J & R Vance | 57.5kg | $8.80 |
| 3rd | 8 | Poppa Dennis | 5 | Jasmine Fawcett | M L Rogers | 57.5kg | $34.20 |
| 4th | 9 | Topsy Turvy | 12 | Craig Grylls | Ms L Brennan | 57kg | $2.70 |
| 5th | 11 | Santita | 10 | A Lawson-Carroll | B Wallace & G Cooksley | 55kg | $33.80 |
| 6th | 5 | Digger | 13 | Ashlee Strawbridge | D B Hollinshead | 55.5kg | $41.80 |
| 7th | 10 | Atlanta Gold | 9 | Elen Nicholas | A J Morley | 56kg | $10.70 |
| 8th | 4 | Whistler | 7 | Masahiro Hashizume | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 59kg | $11.80 |
| 9th | 14 | Don't Look Ethel | 4 | Joe Nishizuka | S Ralph | 51kg | $44.80 |
| 10th | 12 | Red Pearl | 1 | Corentin Berge | Darryn & Briar Weatherley | 55.5kg | $16.20 |
| 11th | 13 | Super Dailo | 6 | Ethan Jones | Ceton Pool | 55kg | $93.50 |
| 12th | 3 | Purosangue | 11 | Sam McNab | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 57kg | $4.60 |
| Scr | 2 | Opressor | 15 | Danny Walker & Arron Tata | 59kg | ||
| Scr | 7 | Lady Impending | 2 | Tayla Mitchell | S B Marsh | 57kg | |
| Scr | 15 | Notabadbergs | 14 | S & E Clotworthy | 56kg |
First-up specialist with perfect record fresh and strong soft track form. The class rise is significant but her recent BM65 win and excellent trainer/jockey combination provide confidence. Maps to settle in the ideal 3rd-6th position despite wide draw.
Barrier one provides tactical advantage at Te Rapa where inside draws can control the race. Recent form is strong and the jockey/horse combination is proven. Track condition preference is concerning but the positional advantage outweighs this.
The significant class drop from Group 2 racing provides a key edge, and the strong trainer/jockey combination adds confidence. Maps ideally to settle in the sweet spot despite track condition concerns.
Recent form suggests this mare is ready to break through with a strong second at BM75 level last start.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 12 | Moneypenny | 8 | A Lawson-Carroll | Barbara Kennedy | 53.5kg | $23.50 |
| 2nd | 7 | Erin Go Bragh | 5 | Matthew Cartwright | S B Marsh | 56.5kg | $6.30 |
| 3rd | 10 | Vieni Su | 14 | Warren Kennedy | Barbara Kennedy | 55kg | $22.10 |
| 4th | 5 | Testwin | 2 | Elen Nicholas | Guy Lowry & Leah Zydenbos | 57.5kg | $17.60 |
| 5th | 14 | Prudentia | 1 | Masahiro Hashizume | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 54kg | $8.20 |
| 6th | 6 | Ribkraka | 13 | Erin M Leighton | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 57kg | $38.20 |
| 7th | 1 | Reptak | 4 | Sam McNab | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 57kg | $15.70 |
| 8th | 9 | Scolera | 12 | Samantha Collett | J C Collett | 55.5kg | $2.80 |
| 9th | 11 | Live On Air | 11 | Joe Nishizuka | Ms D Guy | 51.5kg | $16.70 |
| 10th | 16 | Lady Impending | 9 | S B Marsh | 54kg | $27.10 | |
| 11th | 13 | Chateau Vallee | 10 | Jasmine Fawcett | Ms D J Coutts | 54kg | $37.20 |
| 12th | 8 | Midori Glory | 7 | Ethan Jones | T W Mitchell | 56kg | $14.50 |
| 13th | 4 | She's All That | 15 | Craig Grylls | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 57.5kg | $7.50 |
| Scr | 2 | Butterfield | 12 | P J Mccarten | 58.5kg | ||
| Scr | 3 | Jethro Tull | 6 | B S Gillovic | 58kg | ||
| Scr | 15 | Dramatic Miss | 3 | Tayla Mitchell | S B Marsh | 55kg |
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