Punt like a Pro, without the know!
Queensland · Friday 17 July 2026
Our top pick won 1 of 8 races at Mackay. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
top pick wonanother tip wonno tip won
Insain Lady presents the most reliable and battle-tested profile in this maiden, with 14 runs of largely competitive form and a string of minor placings against similar-level rivals. The ideal inside barrier suits Mackay's strong preference for forward-positioned runners, and her first-up record is a positive sign despite the long spell.
Her barrier and current form trend make her a serious player, though she needs to find that extra gear to break through for a maiden win against a similar quality field.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | Minnie Vegas | 11 | Lacey Morrison | Trevor & Peter Rowe | 57.5kg | $16.00 |
| 2nd | 4 | Avgas | 9 | Sean Cormack | A & D Simpson | 59kg | $5.00 |
| 3rd | 5 | British Navy | 7 | Ben Kennedy | J T Wigginton | 58.5kg | $7.00 |
| 4th | 12 | Miss So And So | 1 | Chris Mc Iver | J E McConachy | 54.5kg | $14.00 |
| 5th | 10 | Balkan Melody | 5 | Raul Silvera Olivera | Jason Morgan | 56kg | $4.60 |
| 6th | 7 | Murmurs | 10 | Adam Sewell | Lachie Manzelmann | 58kg | $61.00 |
| 7th | 1 | Chatsworth | 6 | Nathan Thomas | Gareth Smith | 60kg | $6.50 |
| 8th | 9 | Cinchicated | 8 | Nikki Olzard | Ms M Skillington | 56.5kg | $16.00 |
| 9th | 3 | Shefflin | 3 | Chelsea Jokic | Joshua Manzelmann | 59.5kg | $101.00 |
| 10th | 11 | Insain Lady | 2 | Ashley Butler | A & D Simpson | 55kg | $5.00 |
| 11th | 6 | Sensei Girl | 4 | Ivo Fry | Gavin Kinlyside | 58.5kg | $9.50 |
| Scr | 2 | Jungle Wonder | 11 | G K Taylor | 60kg |
Barrier 3 combined with a projected slow-tempo, one-leader race shapes ideally for this on-pace type.
Drawn perfectly in barrier 1 for a track that rewards forward position, and coming off a narrow defeat in a similar Mackay Open race. Quick backup suggests the stable is confident. A genuine threat to the top pick.
Aspen Cowboy offers solid, consistent form with a barrier draw well-suited to Mackay's tactical demands. Recent placings and a win last start at Home Hill show he's in form, though the rise from Class 3 to Open is a query.
Lucky Lass presents value given her strong record at Mackay specifically (2 wins, 2 places from 4 starts) and consistent placing form in similar grade races here.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Aspen Cowboy | 2 | Lacey Morrison | Trevor & Peter Rowe | 57kg | $8.00 |
| 2nd | 2 | Lucky Lass | 4 | Tahlia Fenlon | Ms R Binder | 58.5kg | $4.00 |
| 3rd | 6 | Innovader | 1 | Ashley Butler | J E McConachy | 54kg | $2.90 |
| 4th | 1 | Mind Over Matter | 3 | Sean Cormack | Terry McGovern | 62.5kg | $2.80 |
| 5th | 4 | Chloe First | 8 | Natalea Summers | Darryl Johnston | 55.5kg | $26.00 |
| 6th | 8 | Mr Sugar Daddy | 5 | Nathan Thomas | Gareth Smith | 54kg | $61.00 |
| 7th | 5 | The Kobay Train | 6 | Olivia Kendal | Joshua Manzelmann | 54kg | $14.00 |
| Scr | 7 | Bonewood | 7 | Nikki Olzard | Clinton Taylor | 54kg |
Quick backup off a win, consistent placings throughout campaign, and minimal class rise make this a well-rounded case for the top selection, aligning with the track's preferred winning profile of fitness, form and map.
Ravenite is a genuine Mackay specialist with extensive placing form at the track and today's barrier 2 suits the inside bias perfectly. While winning has been elusive (1 win from 22), he has been competitive at this exact grade recently and represents a reliable each-way threat rather than most-likely winner.
The major risk is barrier 12 at a track where wide gates are a clear disadvantage, but the class edge and current form make her worth using as the value play if she can overcome early positioning.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Emilia Jane | 4 | Ryan Wiggins | Alisha Taylor | 59.5kg | $3.70 |
| 2nd | 4 | Moochi Starlight | 1 | Warwick Satherley | J T Wigginton | 60kg | $2.80 |
| 3rd | 1 | Guac On | 5 | Mitch Goring | Zac McFarlane | 62kg | $5.50 |
| 4th | 3 | Lucky Duck | 10 | Olivia Kendal | Matthew McGuire | 60kg | $18.00 |
| 5th | 6 | Maravillas | 3 | Adam Sewell | Lachie Manzelmann | 59.5kg | $26.00 |
| 6th | 8 | Ravenite | 2 | Tahlia Fenlon | W N Pomfrett | 57kg | $4.80 |
| 7th | 12 | Mr Damage | 6 | Wanderson D'Avila | D K Amos | 54.5kg | $101.00 |
| 8th | 7 | I'm Stellar | 12 | Emma Bell | J M Bell | 59kg | $16.00 |
| 9th | 9 | Sensationabull | 7 | Leslie Tilley | Joshua Manzelmann | 57kg | $61.00 |
| 10th | 2 | Magic In Me | 8 | Ben Kennedy | Zac McFarlane | 60.5kg | $41.00 |
| 11th | 10 | Power Chic | 9 | Lacey Morrison | Trevor & Peter Rowe | 55kg | $61.00 |
| Scr | 11 | Making History | 11 | Chris Mc Iver | Tim Cook | 54.5kg |
Got Gumption presents the strongest form case in the race, dropping class after competitive runs against tougher BM65 company. Barrier 5 allows it to settle handy in a slow-tempo affair, ideally suited to the Mackay bias favouring forward-placed runners.
Kickagoal Kenny drops sharply in class and draws to exploit the Mackay bias toward forward-settling runners in a slow-tempo race. Recent form is consistent with several minor placings and a win at this level.
Shoalwater Bay offers a consistent, safe profile with a strong overall place rate and proven distance form. Its barrier draw aligns with a historically favourable bias zone at Mackay.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Got Gumption | 5 | Ben Kennedy | Zac McFarlane | 61kg | $2.50 |
| 2nd | 7 | Banxi | 4 | Tahlia Fenlon | T Button | 58.5kg | $6.00 |
| 3rd | 9 | General Gordon | 1 | Ashley Butler | K N Smyth | 55.5kg | $14.00 |
| 4th | 2 | Shoalwater Bay | 7 | Mitch Goring | Bevan Johnson | 60kg | $7.50 |
| 5th | 10 | Mayor Of Kingston | 10 | Adam Sewell | Lachie Manzelmann | 54kg | $16.00 |
| 6th | 5 | Twin Turbo | 8 | Wanderson D'Avila | D K Amos | 59.5kg | $51.00 |
| 7th | 6 | Kickagoal Kenny | 3 | Lacey Morrison | Trevor & Peter Rowe | 59kg | $5.00 |
| 8th | 1 | Eagle Warrior | 6 | Warwick Satherley | S J Royes | 62kg | $9.00 |
| 9th | 8 | Brasco | 9 | Ron Stewart | Lachie Manzelmann | 58.5kg | $18.00 |
| Scr | 3 | Smart Mission | 2 | Sean Cormack | Clinton Taylor | 61.5kg |
Journalism boasts strong course form at Mackay, including a win last preparation and a placing in this exact 1800m event. Barrier 3 suits a forward tactical position in what should be a controlled tempo. Recent runs show some softening but the underlying class and track affinity keep him firmly in the finish.
The Penske File is the only genuine leader in the speed map, drawn perfectly in barrier 1, on a track that rewards forward, economical runners in slow-tempo races.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Journalism | 3 | Adam Sewell | Lachie Manzelmann | 56.5kg | $5.50 |
| 2nd | 4 | Odegaard | 2 | Sean Cormack | Joshua Manzelmann | 56.5kg | $2.70 |
| 3rd | 6 | The Penske File | 1 | Raul Silvera Olivera | Jennifer Hatfield | 54kg | $16.00 |
| 4th | 5 | Canberra Legend | 6 | Ashley Butler | S Massingham | 54kg | $5.50 |
| 5th | 9 | El Pensador | 8 | Lacey Morrison | Trevor & Peter Rowe | 54kg | $3.70 |
| 6th | 2 | Going Nuclear | 7 | Olivia Kendal | Matthew McGuire | 58.5kg | $21.00 |
| 7th | 10 | Cash Artist | 11 | Natalea Summers | Darryl Johnston | 54kg | $101.00 |
| 8th | 8 | The Driller | 9 | Tahlia Fenlon | Lachie Manzelmann | 54kg | $31.00 |
| 9th | 1 | Caffrey | 4 | Mitch Goring | Bevan Johnson | 58.5kg | $31.00 |
| 10th | 11 | Misterkipchoge | 10 | Ron Stewart | Lachie Manzelmann | 54kg | $26.00 |
| 11th | 7 | Tavanasia | 5 | Leslie Tilley | W H Trimble | 54kg | $151.00 |
Her barrier is workable and she has course form.
As one of the lone genuine leaders in a moderate-tempo race, he is well placed to control the tempo from a workable barrier.
Yorokobi has been racing consistently with a recent win at Mackay in a similar grade and follows up quickly after just 6 days, suggesting she is fit and ready. Adam Sewell's booking adds significant value given his hot recent strike rate. A solid third pick with genuine place claims.
Jetpack Verdi offers value given his proven winning form at this exact course and distance, plus an ideal inside barrier that suits Mackay's tactical pattern.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 12 | Yorokobi | 3 | Adam Sewell | Lachie Manzelmann | 56.5kg | $4.20 |
| 2nd | 14 | Latin Love | 4 | Chris Mc Iver | Robert Stenhouse | 54.5kg | $7.00 |
| 3rd | 5 | Eclipsion | 7 | Ryan Wiggins | S Massingham | 59kg | $6.00 |
| 4th | 4 | Dwayne | 12 | Chelsea Jokic | R B Williams | 59kg | $71.00 |
| 5th | 2 | Batemans Bay | 2 | Sean Cormack | Alisha Taylor | 60kg | $3.50 |
| 6th | 8 | Savvy Thinker | 11 | Ashley Butler | G W Dickson | 58kg | $17.00 |
| 7th | 3 | Beg Me | 9 | Leslie Tilley | Ms G Bell | 60kg | $51.00 |
| 8th | 6 | Convo | 15 | T Button | 58.5kg | $31.00 | |
| 9th | 7 | Mordecai | 8 | Tasha Chambers | W E Winters | 58kg | $31.00 |
| 10th | 15 | Boom Crusher | 13 | Darryl Johnston | 54.5kg | $101.00 | |
| 11th | 16 | Wicked Games | 14 | Zac McFarlane | 54kg | $41.00 | |
| 12th | 9 | Jetpack Verdi | 1 | Tahlia Fenlon | Ms G Bell | 57.5kg | $8.50 |
| 13th | 10 | Howse | 5 | Olivia Kendal | Bevan Johnson | 56.5kg | $12.00 |
| 14th | 13 | Goncalo | 6 | Raul Silvera Olivera | Ms M Preston | 55.5kg | $101.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Banxi | 9 | Ben Kennedy | T Button | 60kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Shiny Love | 10 | Nikki Olzard | Clinton Taylor | 56.5kg |
Barrier 10 is workable given tactical speed shown in past runs.
Yes Dream boasts one of the best win/place strike rates in the race and draws a workable barrier for Mackay's tight circuit.
Quick back-up from just 8 days suggests the stable is confident. A genuine each-way threat to the top two.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 13 | Red Hot Lizzie | 8 | Chris Mc Iver | Lachie Manzelmann | 52kg | $3.60 |
| 2nd | 14 | Outback Action | 12 | Ron Stewart | Lachie Manzelmann | 52kg | $9.50 |
| 3rd | 8 | Liberty Steps | 2 | Adam Sewell | A & D Simpson | 54kg | $12.00 |
| 4th | 4 | Obligated | 1 | Ashley Butler | L A Wright | 56kg | $6.50 |
| 5th | 1 | Speed Legend | 7 | Ryan Wiggins | S Massingham | 61kg | $16.00 |
| 6th | 9 | Parade Ground | 18 | Raul Silvera Olivera | Ricky Vale | 54kg | $16.00 |
| 7th | 10 | Outsmarted | 11 | Chelsea Jokic | D K Amos | 54kg | $41.00 |
| 8th | 5 | Hellish | 17 | Tahlia Fenlon | T Button | 55.5kg | $10.00 |
| 9th | 11 | Fine Shot | 5 | R B Williams | 54kg | $71.00 | |
| 10th | 3 | Northern Pride | 10 | Ben Kennedy | T Button | 58.5kg | $21.00 |
| 11th | 2 | Yes Dream | 3 | Lacey Morrison | Trevor & Peter Rowe | 59.5kg | $10.00 |
| 12th | 6 | Track Tale | 16 | Leslie Tilley | Ricky Vale | 54kg | $21.00 |
| 13th | 12 | Roll Up | 4 | Nikki Olzard | William Pugsley | 53.5kg | $12.00 |
| 14th | 7 | Letmeletgo | 14 | Sean Cormack | Alisha Taylor | 54kg | $13.00 |
| Scr | 15 | Flying Shamus | 13 | Jennifer Hatfield | 54kg | ||
| Scr | 16 | Inca Trail | 9 | Nathan Thomas | A & D Simpson | 54kg | |
| Scr | 17 | Carpaccio | 6 | Terry McGovern | 54kg | ||
| Scr | 18 | Rajnish | 15 | Jade Doolan | 54kg |
Barrier 3 sets up a forward gate that suits the Mackay bias strongly favouring runners in the first three at the 400m.
Line 'em Up Loui arrives in career-best form, having won three of its last four including its latest start at Mackay. The step up in grade is a query, but the горse is clearly progressive and drawn well enough to get a forward run. Strong hoop/stable combination adds confidence, making this a leading each-way alternative to the top pick.
Khumbila has strong recent form with a Bench 70 win two starts back and consistent minor placings since. Barrier 6 is workable at Mackay, and this looks the value alternative among the leading form horses.
Alabama Moonlight is flying under the radar with a strong recent winning sequence and clear upward trajectory.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 12 | Line 'em Up Loui | 5 | Ryan Wiggins | S Massingham | 58.5kg | $2.80 |
| 2nd | 14 | Arctic Bear | 8 | Ivo Fry | Gavin Kinlyside | 57.5kg | $26.00 |
| 3rd | 10 | Colleano | 2 | Ashley Butler | Georgie Holt | 59kg | $16.00 |
| 4th | 5 | Heroic Miss | 4 | Ron Stewart | A & D Simpson | 60kg | $11.00 |
| 5th | 13 | Carpaccio | 13 | Sean Cormack | Terry McGovern | 58kg | $14.00 |
| 6th | 15 | Rajnish | 9 | Nathan Thomas | Jade Doolan | 57.5kg | $101.00 |
| 7th | 3 | Khumbila | 6 | Adam Sewell | William Kenning | 60.5kg | $14.00 |
| 8th | 9 | Alabama Moonlight | 12 | Lacey Morrison | Trevor & Peter Rowe | 59kg | $14.00 |
| 9th | 2 | Sigiriya Rock | 7 | Warwick Satherley | S J Royes | 63.5kg | $11.00 |
| 10th | 4 | Dealing's Done | 14 | Tasha Chambers | W E Winters | 60kg | $91.00 |
| 11th | 8 | Flying Shamus | 11 | Chelsea Jokic | Jennifer Hatfield | 59.5kg | $101.00 |
| 12th | 6 | Inca Trail | 3 | Leslie Tilley | A & D Simpson | 60kg | $3.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Liberty Steps | 14 | A & D Simpson | 66.5kg | ||
| Scr | 7 | Nolan | 10 | Ben Kennedy | S J Royes | 60kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Maximum Power | 16 | Graham R Hughes | 59kg | ||
| Scr | 16 | Zaya | 15 | Ms R Binder | 54.5kg | ||
| Scr | 17 | Brasco | 1 | Lachie Manzelmann | 54kg |
Before the races, not after
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