Ballina tips and results

Our price $3.50 · SP $4.60 · Jett Newman

Sun Topaze clearly represents the best blend of current form, track condition suitability, and value. His last-start Heavy 10 win at Coffs Harbour was dominant and indicative of a horse thriving in the wet. Light weight, ideal barrier, and a jockey in hot form (5 wins from last 20 rides) all align. The class rise is a concern, but his consistency and fitness edge over Scarlet Prince make him the most likely winner.

Our price $5.00 · SP $2.90 · Justin P Stanley

Rock The Machine has been racing consistently and maps ideally for the likely slow tempo. However, his heavy-track record (0 wins, only 2 placings) is a red flag on a Heavy 10. He is also stepping up markedly in class. Best considered exotics or a place saver.

Our price $3.00 · SP $1.85 · Jake Bayliss

Sheriff's Star is the horse to beat based on recent form, having finished a close 2nd at Grafton over the same trip on soft ground. He has placed in 6 of 16 starts and consistently runs well in maidens. The winless record is a concern but against this field he should be thereabouts.

Our price $8.00 · SP $2.90 · Archie Mc Colm

Gavin has been consistent of late, placing in both runs on Heavy10 at Coffs Harbour in BM58 grade. The step up to BM66 is a challenge, but the low weight (53kg after Archie McColm's claim) and ideal barrier 1 set him up for a bold showing.

Our price $7.00 · SP $10.00 · Boris Thornton

Clubhouse has strung together consistent performances in Restricted 58 grade at Ipswich, placing in his last two. He handles Soft ground well and steps up to BM66, which is not a massive jump. Boris Thornton has a good record at Ballina and should get him into a forward midfield position. Not the most likely winner, but rates as good each-way value with solid place claims.

Our price $3.00 · SP $2.15 · Jake Bayliss

Has early speed to take advantage of the leaders bias at Ballina. The main concerns are a lack of wet track experience and first-up record from a spell, but in a weak maiden his class edge should prevail.

Our price $10.00 · SP $3.90 · Justin P Stanley

She was close when 3rd at Gatton and has been racing regularly. The drop to 1000m is a query and her soft track form is poor, but if the pace is moderate she can be in the finish. Place claims only.

Our price $6.50 · SP $15.00 · Grady Spokes

Cat Empire is a tactical chance second-up. Has a win from 3 second-up attempts and ran respectably on Heavy10 last start. The 2kg claim from jockey Spokes brings weight down to 56.5kg, a key advantage. Lacks track experience but has been racing in similar grade. Needs some luck from barrier 7 but is a genuine each-way threat.

Our price $15.00 · SP $5.50 · Karl Zechner

Coccinella caught the eye running on for third on Heavy 10 at Murwillumbah, suggesting wet ground is no issue. The step up to 1250m suits and the pace should be strong enough for his run-on style.

Our price $5.50 · SP $5.50 · Jai Williams

Faithinher scored nicely at Kilcoy last start on soft ground and now drops a grade. She has two wins on rain-affected tracks and is racing consistently. The wide gate and lack of local track experience are concerns, but she is good enough to feature if she handles Ballina.

Our price $20.00 · SP $11.00 · Noriyuki Masuda

He drops from BM65 to BM58 and has shown ability on soft surfaces.

Our price $4.00 · SP $2.40 · Jett Newman

She has a good record at Ballina and Jett Newman is flying. However, the wide barrier (13) is a major concern given the strong inside bias here. She may still be good enough to place but the barrier makes her vulnerable to the softer-drawn runners. Worth including but not the top pick.