Punt like a Pro, without the know!
Queensland · Saturday 18 July 2026
Our top pick won 1 of 8 races at Gold Coast. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
top pick wonanother tip wonno tip won
Bomb Perignon is the standout in a modest maiden field, with 4 placings from her last 5 starts including two runner-up efforts at this track. She is the clear form and class elite of this race and the obvious top selection.
Steplika Lion has been building form with consistent placings, including a solid 3rd at Gold Coast last start. Barrier 9 is a mild concern but the horse's determination and course form make this a strong each-way to place threat.
The extension to 2050m combined with a positive trainer/jockey combination adds appeal, though its unproven Soft-track record is a mild concern given the conditions today.
Five Of Us has shown a clear improvement in form, running 2nd at Gold Coast last start after a similar closing effort at Ipswich.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Sealord | 7 | Frederick Larson | Tony & Maddysen Sears | 58kg | $5.50 |
| 2nd | 2 | Mister Blaze | 4 | Boris Thornton | J E Murdoch | 58.5kg | $10.00 |
| 3rd | 9 | Five Of Us | 2 | Aidan Keeley | S J Morrisey | 56kg | $6.00 |
| 4th | 1 | Missile Away | 3 | Dale Smith | Belinda Mair | 58.5kg | $12.00 |
| 5th | 8 | Bomb Perignon | 1 | Micheal Hellyer | C J Waller | 56kg | $2.05 |
| 6th | 3 | Steplika Lion | 9 | Brooke Ainsworth | Brooke Ainsworth | 58.5kg | $11.00 |
| 7th | 7 | Bills Angel | 8 | Anthony Allen | Declan Maher | 56kg | $12.00 |
| 8th | 4 | Dwaynetheroc | 5 | Adin Thompson | Tenille Ranger | 58kg | $71.00 |
| 9th | 6 | O'reilly's Shout | 6 | McKenzie Apel | B & M Costello | 54.5kg | $101.00 |
Ciphertext's track and distance record at Gold Coast is exceptional for this grade - placing in 10 of 15 starts here with strong soft-track credentials. While not dominant, the reliability and course experience make this the most likely winner in a competitive Class 1. Barrier 6 and controlled tempo suit her leader/on-pace running style perfectly.
Over Spray has strong underlying form with four placings from five starts and proven Gold Coast course form including a wet-track win. The class drop into Class 1 is a positive. The main concern is the unconfirmed rider, but the profile otherwise supports a strong placing chance in this field.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Metal Man | 3 | Ryan Wiggins | K M Schweida | 60kg | $1.35 |
| 2nd | 9 | I Am Gone | 2 | Dylan Turner | J P Wallace | 54.5kg | $14.00 |
| 3rd | 6 | Ciphertext | 6 | Sean Cormack | Ms H Page | 57kg | $7.50 |
| 4th | 7 | Autumngirl | 9 | Karl Zechner | Adam Campton | 56.5kg | $7.00 |
| 5th | 8 | Charlotte's Here | 4 | Amy Graham | Adam Campton | 52kg | $31.00 |
| 6th | 5 | Simba's Pride | 5 | Harrison Shaw | Kris Zahmel | 57.5kg | $51.00 |
| 7th | 4 | Gandalf | 8 | Danny Peisley | Simon Grimson | 57.5kg | $51.00 |
| 8th | 3 | Funky Zebra | 1 | Boris Thornton | Chris & Corey Munce | 57.5kg | $18.00 |
| Scr | 2 | Over Spray | 7 | K M Schweida | 58.5kg | ||
| Scr | 10 | Hannabana | 10 | Taylah Mackinnon | 54kg |
Though stepping up in class from a maiden, the horse's trajectory, course form and suitability to the expected slow tempo make this the most credible form-based winning chance in the race, even though it faces more experienced rivals today.
The improving trajectory and soft-track winning form make this a leading contender at good value, despite a moderate step up in class today.
Vandevelde drops sharply in class from Group 3 level and holds solid soft-track credentials, but has never raced beyond 1600m and today steps out to 1800m for the first time.
Zousain Girl arrives in strong form having won last start, with a consistent placing pattern across a busy campaign.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Pink Vixen | 7 | Stacey Callow | K R Kemp | 56kg | $8.00 |
| 2nd | 1 | Vandevelde | 2 | Dylan Turner | P P Jenkins | 59kg | $1.60 |
| 3rd | 4 | Argentum Rock | 1 | Aidan Keeley | S J Morrisey | 57.5kg | $8.00 |
| 4th | 2 | Bon Riviere | 4 | Nathan Fazackerley | T J Dougall | 58.5kg | $4.80 |
| 5th | 6 | Uniquely Famous | 3 | Danny Peisley | C J Waller | 57kg | $20.00 |
| 6th | 5 | Tesstify Trio | 5 | Boris Thornton | Chris & Corey Munce | 57.5kg | $21.00 |
| 7th | 8 | Rainbow Glitter | 8 | Sean Cormack | Vishan Venkaya | 54kg | $71.00 |
| Scr | 7 | Hideout | 10 | Micheal Hellyer | C J Waller | 55.5kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Zousain Girl | 6 | Karl Zechner | Nicholas Beck | 54kg | |
| Scr | 10 | Dubble Hussle | 9 | Frederick Larson | Rochelle Pereira | 54kg |
Lipizzaner debuted with a promising 3rd in a soft-track Sunshine Coast maiden and has since trialled superbly, finishing narrowly beaten in a Gold Coast heat. First-up switch is a query but the trial form suggests fitness is not a concern. Danny Peisley's strong recent and trainer-combo strike rate adds confidence to this in-form combination stepping up.
The main concern is barrier 14, which is a significant tactical disadvantage at Gold Coast over 1000m where on-pace runners dominate. If it can overcome the gate and get across, the underlying speed suggests it's well up to this class, making it a rounding-out top-three selection.
The Grand Duchy presents the strongest, most consistent maiden form in the race with three placings from five starts including two at today's track/distance combination.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 7 | Geitz | 13 | Frederick Larson | Tony & Maddysen Sears | 56kg | $8.50 |
| 2nd | 5 | Not Telling | 14 | Bailey Wheeler | Paul Butterworth | 58kg | $16.00 |
| 3rd | 12 | Arctic Whisper | 5 | Adin Thompson | G Heinrich & B Rodgers | 56kg | $12.00 |
| 4th | 2 | Fawunderpar | 4 | Ryan Wiggins | Chris Anderson | 58kg | $13.00 |
| 5th | 3 | Lipizzaner | 10 | Danny Peisley | P L Shailer | 58kg | $5.00 |
| 6th | 4 | Mildura Lad | 7 | Amy Graham | H J Norman | 55kg | $101.00 |
| 7th | 11 | Reign Of Dame | 2 | Karl Zechner | Corey & Kylie Geran | 56kg | $17.00 |
| 8th | 10 | Keen To Begin | 9 | Chelsea Baker | T J Gollan | 56kg | $31.00 |
| 9th | 1 | Boscatine | 8 | McKenzie Apel | Allan Chau | 56kg | $81.00 |
| Scr | 6 | The Grand Duchy | 1 | Dylan Turner | Jimmy Downes | 58kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Inbestigator | 6 | Aidan Keeley | S J Morrisey | 56kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Itzajungleoutthere | 11 | Dale Smith | S P Ryan | 56kg | |
| Scr | 13 | Mongolian Spring | 15 | Nick Heywood | Adam Campton | 58kg | |
| Scr | 14 | Gancedo | 12 | T J Gollan | 56kg | ||
| Scr | 15 | Divinelle | 16 | Troy Pascoe | 56kg | ||
| Scr | 16 | Carpet Ride | 3 | Boris Thornton | Matthew Hoysted | 56kg |
Davikar presents the strongest form case in this Class 3 - a genuine 30% strike rate, proven soft-track ability, consistent class level and competitive recent runs at this same track make her the most reliable win chance.
Out Of Luck has a proven wet-track winning profile and a workable barrier, but the declining recent form and modest second-up record temper confidence. Still offers each-way claims in an open race, particularly if he can find a forward position given the lone leader/slow pace scenario.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | Keiko Say | 11 | J C Smerdon | 56.5kg | $3.80 | |
| 2nd | 1 | Chicago King | 10 | Boris Thornton | Michael Freedman | 59kg | $4.40 |
| 3rd | 6 | Out Of Luck | 5 | Sean Cormack | Indiana Turner | 57.5kg | $31.00 |
| 4th | 3 | Davikar | 2 | Adin Thompson | G Heinrich & B Rodgers | 58.5kg | $2.70 |
| 5th | 2 | Scoundrel | 4 | Aidan Keeley | Jay Bellamy | 59kg | $21.00 |
| 6th | 9 | All Too Foxy | 1 | Anthony Allen | Ms P Campbell | 54kg | $14.00 |
| 7th | 7 | Dushenka | 8 | Karl Zechner | Adam Campton | 56.5kg | $9.00 |
| 8th | 4 | Hermione Prancer | 9 | Danny Peisley | C J Waller | 58kg | $12.00 |
| 9th | 10 | Water Lad | 6 | Frederick Larson | Taryn Churchill | 54kg | $101.00 |
| Scr | 5 | Bole Le | 3 | Bailey Wheeler | P J Wallace | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Coco Jewel | 7 | Amy Graham | Ms S Batten | 51kg |
Sits in a good spot tactically from barrier 4 in a moderate-tempo race where on-pace types are favoured. Best combination of class, recency and suitability.
Notes arrives in career-best form, having won last start on soft ground at this track, and drawn the ideal gate for a moderate tempo affair. A leading contender for the placings and capable of running down the field.
Hideout is a filly on the upgrade, with an already-banked soft-track win and a solid placing at today's track and trip last start. The class rise is a query but the improving profile and light weight make her a genuine each-way threat in a moderate-pace race.
His second-up record is strong and he is clearly progressing. The class rise is minor and he looks the most likely winner on recent evidence, despite a moderately wide gate in a fast-run race.
Watermelon offers value dropping back to BM62 after competitive runs in stronger grade at this same track.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 10 | Notes | 1 | Ryan Wiggins | Vishan Venkaya | 58kg | $5.00 |
| 2nd | 6 | Kalkanli | 8 | Dylan Turner | Marcus Wilson | 59kg | $12.00 |
| 3rd | 15 | Triple Time | 6 | Allan Chau | 57kg | $13.00 | |
| 4th | 4 | Bovidae | 16 | Adin Thompson | Diane Murphy | 60kg | $21.00 |
| 5th | 13 | Hideout | 14 | Micheal Hellyer | C J Waller | 55.5kg | $19.00 |
| 6th | 1 | Carnegie Hill | 4 | Boris Thornton | Michael Freedman | 61.5kg | $11.00 |
| 7th | 16 | Contreras | 3 | Noriyuki Masuda | David & Marcus Scanes | 54kg | $71.00 |
| 8th | 7 | Maple Door | 7 | Karl Zechner | Jimmy Downes | 59kg | $11.00 |
| 9th | 3 | Watermelon | 2 | McKenzie Apel | R H Dart | 58.5kg | $4.40 |
| 10th | 14 | Aboveforty | 10 | Anthony Allen | Ms P Campbell | 57kg | $26.00 |
| 11th | 11 | O'caldino | 15 | Bailey Wheeler | Christos Zintilis | 58kg | $4.40 |
| 12th | 8 | Wowit's Willywonka | 5 | Aidan Keeley | K R Kemp | 59kg | $18.00 |
| 13th | 9 | Need For Spieth | 12 | Chelsea Baker | Indiana Turner | 58kg | $71.00 |
| Scr | 2 | Cigar Man | 13 | Rob Thorburn | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 59kg | |
| Scr | 5 | Alfa Dundee | 9 | Frederick Larson | Stephen Kirkwood | 59kg | |
| Scr | 12 | Uniquely Famous | 3 | Danny Peisley | C J Waller | 57kg | |
| Scr | 17 | Coco Jewel | 11 | Ms S Batten | 54kg |
Count Nicholas presents the most complete form package - drawn to control the race in a genuinely slow-tempo affair, with consistent placings and proven soft-track form. His recent runs show he is racing to a good standard and the drop back in effective grade should suit.
I Stole It is racing into form nicely with an eye-catching win last start, and carries strong soft-track credentials. A genuine threat to the top selection, second-up which is a slight query given modest record in that scenario.
Surfers Royale returns from a lengthy spell with several gear changes suggesting the stable is targeting an improved, more settled run. Topweight and first-up query temper confidence, but he looks the leading each-way threat.
Still, her overall distance form and consistency warrant each-way included in the shortlist behind more in-form runners.
While his winning strike rate is modest, he has been racing to a good standard against similar grade and should be finishing over the top of some in a genuinely run race.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Count Nicholas | 1 | McKenzie Apel | Adam Campton | 60kg | $3.10 |
| 2nd | 3 | Boondocks | 4 | Dale Smith | M J Lakey | 61kg | $11.00 |
| 3rd | 12 | Atomic Selfie | 3 | Anthony Allen | Indiana Turner | 55kg | $8.50 |
| 4th | 7 | Baltray | 11 | Ryan Wiggins | L H Wheeler | 57.5kg | $6.00 |
| 5th | 2 | Surfers Royale | 8 | Danny Peisley | Ruby Chatterton | 61.5kg | $6.50 |
| 6th | 8 | Birmingham | 7 | Adin Thompson | M A Palmer | 57.5kg | $41.00 |
| 7th | 6 | I Stole It | 6 | Frederick Larson | Renita Beaton | 58.5kg | $3.40 |
| 8th | 9 | Capzinzi | 2 | Karl Zechner | Sally Taylor | 57.5kg | $51.00 |
| Scr | 4 | Sistine Explorer | 12 | Adam Campton | 60.5kg | ||
| Scr | 5 | Barello | 10 | Stephen & Jordan Lee | 59.5kg | ||
| Scr | 10 | Anarita | 9 | Aidan Keeley | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Cantankerous | 5 | Boris Thornton | Matthew Hoysted | 56.5kg |
Spirit Of Brodie arrives in career-best form, having won his last two starts including last-start at this same 1000m Gold Coast circuit. Despite an awkward inside barrier, the lack of genuine speed in this field should allow him to find a forward, prominent position - exactly what the Soft track bias rewards. Rising slightly in grade but has the form to cope.
Muschialli is in career-best form, winning last start at this track on a similar Soft surface.
Arisphere has been racing consistently and placing well, including a narrow second at Gold Coast last campaign.
If he transfers his brilliant recent speed into this deeper field, he represents overlay value against the more fancied runners.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 10 | Thelwell | 7 | Montana Philpot | Sharryn Livingstone | 52kg | $4.20 |
| 2nd | 1 | Chakra Boy | 5 | McKenzie Apel | Sharryn Livingstone | 58kg | $6.00 |
| 3rd | 9 | Bring Me Kash | 10 | Dale Smith | D R Ward | 54kg | $16.00 |
| 4th | 7 | Spirit Of Brodie | 1 | Karl Zechner | Adam Campton | 54kg | $3.30 |
| 5th | 4 | Muschialli | 8 | Stacey Callow | K R Kemp | 52.5kg | $4.60 |
| 6th | 5 | State In Texas | 4 | Anthony Allen | Jimmy Downes | 54kg | $9.50 |
| 7th | 13 | Harbour Gold | 12 | Taryn Churchill | 54kg | $101.00 | |
| 8th | 3 | Holy Racket | 9 | Bailey Wheeler | Kristie Clark-Peoples | 58kg | $12.00 |
| Scr | 2 | Maximum Output | 12 | S W Kendrick | 59.5kg | ||
| Scr | 6 | Arisphere | 3 | Chelsea Baker | T J Gollan | 54kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Lady Wardell | 11 | Stephen & Jordan Lee | 54kg | ||
| Scr | 11 | King Jester | 2 | Corey & Kylie Geran | 54kg | ||
| Scr | 12 | Sistine Explorer | 6 | Adam Campton | 54kg |
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.