Punt like a Pro, without the know!
Victoria · Friday 17 July 2026
Our top pick won 2 of 8 races at Mildura. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
top pick wonanother tip wonno tip won
Mike's Hope presents the strongest raw form in this maiden, with two placings from two starts including a competitive effort in a stronger class race at Sandown. First-up after a long spell is the main query, but the powerful Hayes stable has a good record readying horses fresh.
Sibun draws barrier 1 in a race with only one other likely leader, giving it a clear tactical advantage in a projected slow-tempo affair at a track that rewards forward, striking positions. Placing form at similar grade suggests it can measure up if it controls the tempo without being pressured.
Blackjack's consistent placing record (three placings from four starts) stands out in a moderate maiden field. Second-up today, a slot where it has previously placed, and drops into a winnable grade.
Blinkers reapplied could sharpen effort, and dropping back into a more suitable grade adds appeal.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Mike's Hope | 9 | Harry Coffey | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 58kg | $1.50 |
| 2nd | 7 | Sibun | 1 | Dean Yendall | Mitchell Freedman | 58kg | $5.50 |
| 3rd | 3 | Immortalised | 8 | Damien Thornton | Jason Warren | 58kg | $4.80 |
| 4th | 10 | Written By Betsy | 6 | Linda Meech | Sarah Rutten | 56kg | $21.00 |
| 5th | 6 | Mr Nipper | 10 | Alana Kelly | Daniel Kelly | 58kg | $21.00 |
| 6th | 9 | Rubiboo | 4 | Neil Farley | W Morrissey | 56kg | $31.00 |
| 7th | 8 | Don't Doubt Dottie | 5 | Rose Hammond | W Morrissey | 54.5kg | $51.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Blackjack | 7 | Teodore Nugent | Aaron Bain & Ned Taylor | 58kg | |
| Scr | 2 | Brazen Warrior | 2 | Will Gordon | Patrick Payne | 58kg | |
| Scr | 4 | King Fleance | 3 | John Allen | Richard Cully | 58kg |
King's Anchor drops significantly in grade after competing in Open company and has been a model of consistency with 3 placings from 5 starts including two narrow seconds. The gear changes are a slight unknown, but with a top jockey aboard and clear class edge on this maiden field, this is the most reliable form-based winning chance.
Mission Taichi impressed on debut with a clear placing in heavy conditions, suggesting professional ability. The step to 2000m and untested Good track form are query marks, but the horse's placing on debut against similar grade opposition, plus a good gate, make this second pick with genuine upside.
Barossa Valley has strung together consistent placings in stronger synthetic maiden company and carries the benefit of a powerful Maher stable and capable rider in John Allen. Distance and fitness profile suit, and with continued improvement this looks the most likely value-adjusted top-3 runner behind the top two picks.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 11 | Hexed | 6 | Alana Kelly | Daniel Kelly | 57.5kg | $21.00 |
| 2nd | 12 | Ludina | 3 | Linda Meech | R W Huxtable | 57.5kg | $6.50 |
| 3rd | 7 | Mission Taichi | 2 | Will Gordon | Patrick Payne | 59.5kg | $2.80 |
| 4th | 2 | Barossa Valley | 7 | John Allen | C Maher | 59.5kg | $7.50 |
| 5th | 5 | King's Anchor | 11 | Harry Coffey | T & C McEvoy | 59.5kg | $3.90 |
| 6th | 4 | Gainsmont | 1 | Dean Yendall | Toby Lake | 59.5kg | $15.00 |
| 7th | 1 | All The Moves | 10 | Neil Farley | Ms M Lawson | 59.5kg | $15.00 |
| 8th | 6 | Kovu | 9 | Jade Smith | Dane Smith | 56.5kg | $41.00 |
| 9th | 8 | Numbersneverseen | 8 | Patrick Payne | 59.5kg | $10.00 | |
| 10th | 3 | Cattleman's Bar | 4 | Teodore Nugent | P A Preusker | 59.5kg | $71.00 |
| 11th | 9 | Poorlittlerichkid | 13 | Brad Rawiller | Heath Chalmers | 59.5kg | $151.00 |
| Scr | 10 | Elegant Force | 12 | Damien Thornton | Ms M Cunningham | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 13 | Safina | 5 | Damien Thornton | Henry Dwyer | 57.5kg |
Multiple gear changes signal a genuine step forward is anticipated by connections.
The added winkers may provide the closing sharpness needed. A forward barrier and proven placing record make this a leading each-way threat against the field.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Royal Heritage | 10 | Brad Rawiller | N A Blackiston | 59.5kg | $7.50 |
| 2nd | 2 | Just Like Jagger | 5 | Steven Vella | Kylie Vella | 59.5kg | $1.50 |
| 3rd | 6 | Havana Moon | 4 | Will Gordon | V L Malady | 57.5kg | $7.50 |
| 4th | 5 | Shujinko | 2 | Dean Yendall | P A Preusker | 59.5kg | $8.00 |
| 5th | 11 | Merchantessa | 11 | Teodore Nugent | Jason Warren | 55kg | $51.00 |
| 6th | 10 | Unstirred | 6 | Harry Coffey | T & C McEvoy | 57kg | $12.00 |
| 7th | 9 | Pretty Pnina | 9 | Linda Meech | V L Malady | 57.5kg | $41.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Dream If You Can | 3 | Neil Farley | Patrick Payne | 59.5kg | |
| Scr | 3 | Rakiynn | 1 | John Allen | Richard Cully | 59.5kg | |
| Scr | 7 | Naughty Jamie | 7 | Will Gordon | P Kearney | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Off'n'gawn | 12 | Damien Thornton | Jason Warren | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 12 | On Her Own | 8 | Rochelle Milnes | C Maher | 55kg |
Bad Blood has won both starts impressively, including a clear synthetic win last time, and heads into this class rise with a good barrier and clean tactical position. Limited data is a risk, but the visual dominance and setup suggest untapped potential. Justifies favouritism on raw form alone.
Himeno arrives with an outstanding strike rate and a prior Mildura win, drawing barrier 1 which suits the track's preference for forward, striking positions. The class rise is a query but the upward trajectory and quality connections make this filly a leading threat behind the topweight.
Hollywoodboulevard has track form in the bank, including a narrow win at Mildura last September, and returns to a suitable surface after wet-track runs. The wide barrier is a query but the horse's proven adaptability to this circuit offers solid each-way claims in a moderate-tempo race.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | Wicked Storm | 2 | Dean Yendall | Patrick Payne | 56.5kg | $8.50 |
| 2nd | 7 | Himeno | 1 | Neil Farley | Patrick Payne | 57.5kg | $6.50 |
| 3rd | 1 | Bad Blood | 4 | Harry Coffey | T & C McEvoy | 60kg | $1.80 |
| 4th | 4 | Vilnius | 3 | Steven Vella | Kylie Vella | 59.5kg | $12.00 |
| 5th | 6 | Chicago Blues | 6 | Teodore Nugent | Jason Warren | 58kg | $16.00 |
| 6th | 5 | Shalailed | 8 | Rochelle Milnes | C V Kelly | 59kg | $81.00 |
| 7th | 9 | She's Ternacious | 5 | Damien Thornton | Sarah Rutten | 55kg | $31.00 |
| 8th | 10 | Poetic Storm | 7 | Alana Kelly | C V Kelly | 54.5kg | $71.00 |
| 9th | 3 | Milbrae | 9 | Will Gordon | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 59.5kg | $41.00 |
| 10th | 2 | Hollywoodboulevard | 10 | Brad Rawiller | Patrick Payne | 60kg | $6.50 |
Surprisatic presents the strongest recent form in the race with a striking recent sequence of 1-5-1-1-5-5-1-3-4-3, including multiple wins.
Carrying topweight is a slight concern, but the drop in class and proven affinity for the track and going make him a genuine top-three chance. Jockey Vella's long association with the horse adds confidence despite a recent quiet trend in his overall book.
Still a genuine top-three chance but not clearly superior to the top two picks on turf-specific evidence.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | Kick Your Knees Up | 2 | Harry Coffey | K M McAnulty & C Binnie | 56kg | $7.00 |
| 2nd | 6 | Monix | 1 | Chelsea Taylor | Nathan Hobson | 56.5kg | $15.00 |
| 3rd | 1 | Demojo | 4 | Steven Vella | Kylie Vella | 60.5kg | $2.80 |
| 4th | 7 | Grand Host | 6 | Rochelle Milnes | M J Seyers | 56kg | $9.00 |
| 5th | 9 | Moaksun | 8 | Henry Dwyer | 54kg | $10.00 | |
| 6th | 3 | Surprisatic | 7 | John Allen | Brent Stanley | 59.5kg | $3.90 |
| 7th | 5 | Bine | 9 | Linda Meech | Tom Dabernig | 57.5kg | $6.00 |
| Scr | 2 | Orlabent | 5 | Will Gordon | Ms M Cunningham | 60kg | |
| Scr | 4 | El Pibe De Oro | 3 | Nick Ryan | 59kg |
The Devil In Her presents the most reliable form profile in the race - consistent, versatile, dropping slightly in class after competing at a higher level recently. Her recent runs show she is racing fit and competitive, and with a good analogue jockey/trainer strike rate, she rates the most complete package for this moderate-tempo, tactically-run 2000m.
The gear changes today (blinkers/cheeker off) may freshen her up, and with a genuine hit-out into this and a capable rider, she rates as a leading contender at a fair home turf class level.
Male Model offers strong recent consistency with a mix of wins and places across grades, showing he handles this level comfortably.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Male Model | 11 | Brad Rawiller | John Thom | 58.5kg | $4.20 |
| 2nd | 6 | Longer Route | 4 | Linda Meech | R W Huxtable | 58kg | $3.70 |
| 3rd | 1 | All So Clear | 1 | Harry Coffey | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 60kg | $8.50 |
| 4th | 2 | Haaland | 2 | Dean Yendall | Lucinda Boyd | 60kg | $17.00 |
| 5th | 3 | The Devil In Her | 9 | Will Gordon | Patrick Payne | 60kg | $6.00 |
| 6th | 9 | Tupac | 8 | Neil Farley | Henry Dwyer | 55.5kg | $26.00 |
| 7th | 8 | Midnight Glow | 10 | Damien Thornton | J P Salanitri | 56.5kg | $15.00 |
| 8th | 7 | Pariah Pearl | 6 | John Allen | T Busuttin & N Young | 57.5kg | $5.00 |
| 9th | 5 | Budjik Boy | 5 | Teodore Nugent | P A Preusker | 58kg | $16.00 |
| Scr | 10 | Petit Eagle | 3 | Rochelle Milnes | Sarah Rutten | 54kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Intuitu | 7 | Brent Stanley | 54kg |
Black Storm profiles as the classic Mildura winner - able to control a genuine speed map as the lone leader, dropping in class with a proven record of hitting the frame.
A slight class drop and sound recent placings (including 2 wins in last 5) make him a leading threat, though his wide gate could test his ability to secure a forward position early.
Ginger Sinner is a professional, high-strike-rate performer stepping up in class but bringing a strong recent form base and consistent placing pattern. The wide gate is a concern at Mildura, but his adaptability and competitive racing manner make him a value alternative capable of running into a place if he can navigate to a forward position.
Surprise Coming offers value with a strong recent form cycle, placing in 4 of his last 6 runs including a win, and a favourable barrier for tactical positioning at Mildura.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Run Harry Run | 6 | Harry Coffey | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 59kg | $3.70 |
| 2nd | 7 | Black Storm | 3 | Teodore Nugent | T Fitzsimmons | 54kg | $3.80 |
| 3rd | 9 | Flying Valley | 9 | Neil Farley | C Maher | 54kg | $6.00 |
| 4th | 5 | Grand Pierro | 2 | Will Gordon | Jason Warren | 56kg | $51.00 |
| 5th | 4 | Fine Future | 10 | Dean Yendall | Stephen Theodore | 56kg | $7.50 |
| 6th | 3 | The Pendragon | 13 | John Allen | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 56.5kg | $31.00 |
| 7th | 11 | Sought After | 11 | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 54kg | $12.00 | |
| 8th | 2 | Sav On Ice | 7 | Rochelle Milnes | Garret Lynch | 57kg | $16.00 |
| 9th | 6 | Harmonious Senora | 4 | Damien Thornton | Kylie Vella | 54.5kg | $18.00 |
| 10th | 10 | Ginger Sinner | 12 | Rose Hammond | Ms P Trenwith | 54kg | $61.00 |
| 11th | 12 | Emmadella | 8 | Alana Kelly | Tom Dabernig | 54kg | $41.00 |
| 12th | 14 | Drunken Sailor | 1 | Jade Smith | C V Kelly | 54kg | $201.00 |
| 13th | 13 | Surprise Coming | 5 | Linda Meech | R W Huxtable | 54kg | $8.50 |
| Scr | 8 | Bullets High | 14 | K T Bourke | 54kg |
El Tercero is the most reliable, professional performer in this field with a long list of competitive placings in similar grade. Drawn to get a forward position which suits Mildura's bias toward runners in striking range at the 400m. Consistent class level, current form and proven jockey combination make this the safest winning chance.
Zorro's Flight arrives in career-best form, winning last start and placing 2nd in the run before that. A genuine each-way threat with clear upside given the trajectory.
Attain is the model of consistency without recently breaking through, but the drop in class and strong placing history make him a must-include roughie type.
If fitness holds after a long break, she represents clear overlay value in this open race.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | El Tercero | 3 | John Allen | T Busuttin & N Young | 60kg | $3.50 |
| 2nd | 3 | Zorro's Flight | 7 | Brad Rawiller | Patrick Payne | 60.5kg | $2.90 |
| 3rd | 8 | Attain | 8 | Bradley Vale | Raharna McDonald | 58kg | $81.00 |
| 4th | 14 | Alzaro | 1 | Teodore Nugent | C Maher | 55.5kg | $5.00 |
| 5th | 13 | She's Ann Idea | 11 | Dean Yendall | Mitchell Freedman | 56.5kg | $20.00 |
| 6th | 9 | Bancoora | 2 | Harry Coffey | P A Preusker | 58kg | $31.00 |
| 7th | 7 | Orthie's Boys | 10 | Wayne Brown | 59kg | $26.00 | |
| 8th | 6 | Princess Toro | 9 | Will Gordon | Archie Alexander | 59.5kg | $17.00 |
| 9th | 12 | Stole Him | 6 | Linda Meech | Jason Warren | 57kg | $13.00 |
| 10th | 10 | In Her Stride | 4 | Neil Farley | J P Salanitri | 58kg | $8.00 |
| 11th | 2 | Spylark | 14 | Jade Smith | Dane Smith | 57.5kg | $101.00 |
| Scr | 1 | One Long Day | 12 | Steven Vella | Ms M Cunningham | 61.5kg | |
| Scr | 5 | Canny Defense | 8 | Raharna McDonald | 59.5kg | ||
| Scr | 11 | Blakmax | 15 | Raharna McDonald | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 15 | Ironbar | 5 | Hannah Bryce | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 16 | Brroosha | 13 | Damien Thornton | C Maher | 54.5kg |
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.