Punt like a Pro, without the know!
South Australia · Sunday 26 July 2026
Our top pick won 2 of 7 races at Balaklava. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
top pick wonanother tip wonno tip won
Eaglelou is the clear form horse. Won over this exact track and trip on Soft 7 five weeks ago and drops sharply in grade from Rest 62. Soft specialist with proven staying credentials and reliable connections. Slow tempo and forward bias at Balaklava suit a horse that can settle midfield and improve into the race before the turn. Most likely winner on pure form.
Chance Taken brings the best current form with consecutive soft-track seconds and is clearly peaking. Soft record is excellent and he has won at the trip before. Main concern is the slow tempo and backmarker map at Balaklava where position at the 400m is critical. Still a major winning threat if he can improve mid-race.
Laybuy is the value runner. Maps as the genuine leader in a projected slow tempo on a Soft Balaklava track that rewards forward position. Last start third over this course and distance on Heavy ground with light weight. Ideal each-way roughie in a volatile Restricted 58.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Star Studded Belle | 3 | Margaret Collett | J Hickmott & C Riggs | 54kg | $15.00 |
| 2nd | 3 | Divine Fire | 6 | Harry Grace | Stephen Theodore | 57kg | $2.20 |
| 3rd | 1 | Eaglelou | 5 | Kayla Crowther | Darren & Aimee Magro | 60kg | $4.00 |
| 4th | 4 | Laybuy | 4 | Wesley Cave | T L Day | 54.5kg | $15.00 |
| 5th | 2 | Chance Taken | 7 | Dylan Caboche | Chris Bieg | 58.5kg | $3.30 |
| 6th | 5 | Star Decorum | 1 | Shuichi Terachi | Danny Penna | 54kg | $31.00 |
| 7th | 7 | Little Outlaw | 2 | Polly Brewster | Paul Holtham | 51kg | $31.00 |
Barrier 5 suits the Balaklava Soft forward bias and 1050m is ideal. First-up query exists but prior race fitness and class superiority make her the most likely winner in a volatile Maiden.
Map is workable enough to be prominent turning. Solid each-way threat behind the form horse.
Barrier 6 and fresh condition suit Balaklava sprints.
Barrier 3 is a major plus under the Balaklava Soft forward/inside bias and the Jolly yard knows how to ready them.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Azytass | 7 | Teagan Voorham | R & C Jolly | 55.5kg | $2.80 |
| 2nd | 10 | Immortally Lucky | 4 | Lauren Stojakovic | David Jolly & Justin Potter | 55.5kg | $31.00 |
| 3rd | 2 | Favourite Chair | 1 | Andrew Stead | Jon O'Connor | 57.5kg | $4.20 |
| 4th | 4 | The Muscle | 10 | Margaret Collett | Justin Pickering | 57.5kg | $8.00 |
| 5th | 7 | Farnace | 5 | Taylor Johnstone | A J Gluyas | 55.5kg | $7.00 |
| 6th | 1 | Dinah Beach | 8 | Brooke King | Byron Cozamanis | 56kg | $41.00 |
| 7th | 12 | Richmond Lass | 6 | Ashvin Goindasamy | Paul Carey | 55.5kg | $5.00 |
| 8th | 9 | Harmonik | 2 | Dominic Tourneur | Jon O'Connor | 55.5kg | $21.00 |
| 9th | 11 | Pelting Reign | 9 | S H Sit | Jon O'Connor | 53.5kg | $14.00 |
| Scr | 3 | Sidebar | 12 | Dylan Caboche | 57.5kg | ||
| Scr | 6 | Dirty Poker | 11 | Byron Cozamanis | 55.5kg | ||
| Scr | 8 | Grecian Jewel | 3 | Harry Grace | R & C Jolly | 55.5kg |
Blinkers go on for the first time and the 25-day freshen keeps her fit. Maps to improve into the race before the turn.
Barrier 2 and the slow tempo map allow him to race on-pace where Balaklava Soft winners come from.
Still a clear top-three chance on class and map but not the strongest wet-track profile.
The long spell is a risk but first-up previously produced the placing.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Whiskey Tumbler | 1 | Rochelle Milnes | Peter Hardacre | 57.5kg | $1.70 |
| 2nd | 13 | Via Niccolina | 3 | Dominic Tourneur | M W Lewis | 55.5kg | $11.00 |
| 3rd | 11 | Far More Radiant | 5 | Teagan Voorham | Will Clarken | 55.5kg | $8.00 |
| 4th | 14 | Chappa | 4 | Ashvin Goindasamy | Ms R Day | 58kg | $31.00 |
| 5th | 1 | Booma Bay | 10 | Lauren Stojakovic | Robert Atkinson | 58kg | $91.00 |
| 6th | 12 | Go Ask Alice | 11 | S H Sit | G Richards & D Moyle | 53.5kg | $21.00 |
| 7th | 4 | Ullrich | 9 | Kayla Crowther | Darren & Aimee Magro | 57.5kg | $5.00 |
| 8th | 15 | Mouse In The House | 12 | Alyssa Webb | Ms L Treloar | 54.5kg | $101.00 |
| 9th | 2 | Little Billie | 2 | Andrew Stead | Ms R Day | 58kg | $14.00 |
| 10th | 10 | Detroit Dreaming | 6 | Wesley Cave | J W Peacock | 55.5kg | $21.00 |
| Scr | 3 | Finnbar Mccool | 8 | Connor Murtagh | Sarah Rutten | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 5 | Vasilias | 10 | Byron J Cozamanis | 57.5kg | ||
| Scr | 7 | Woodywin | 7 | Brooke King | Byron Cozamanis | 56kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Trapeze Queen | 1 | J Dunn & K Bishop | 56kg | ||
| Scr | 9 | Amalfi Dreamer | 1 | R & C Jolly | 55.5kg |
Standout form horse after narrow 2nd in this exact setup 11 days ago. Slow tempo and wet track suit the progressive type who maps to settle handy enough. Most likely winner on pure form.
Honest filly who has placed in both recent Balaklava runs including 3rd behind Regimented over this trip on Heavy. Blinkers on and barrier 2 give her every chance to improve into the first few turning. Strong each-way threat in a race lacking depth.
Has the strongest overall form resume with metro placings and a solid first-up 4th on Heavy. Best of the rest for the minors.
Rough chance if tempo lifts.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Regimented | 10 | Alysha Warren | Gary Boyce | 56kg | $1.40 |
| 2nd | 12 | Wings Of Destiny | 2 | Teagan Voorham | G & N Searle & B Callanan | 55.5kg | $11.00 |
| 3rd | 5 | Sungazer | 7 | Taylor Johnstone | Aaron Bain & Ned Taylor | 57.5kg | $4.00 |
| 4th | 1 | If You Don't Mind | 5 | S H Sit | Kate Halliday | 56kg | $101.00 |
| 5th | 11 | Star Serpent | 3 | Harry Grace | Chris Bieg | 55.5kg | $21.00 |
| 6th | 9 | Majestic Glow | 1 | Rochelle Milnes | B J Davis | 55.5kg | $17.00 |
| 7th | 3 | Radiant Knight | 8 | Stacey Metcalfe | Matthew Raymond Barkla | 58kg | $31.00 |
| 8th | 10 | Motion Denied | 9 | Tala Hutchinson | Kylie Schulz | 53.5kg | $71.00 |
| 9th | 8 | Favours | 6 | Andrew Stead | T H Jolly | 55.5kg | $91.00 |
| 10th | 7 | Crimson Waltz | 11 | Ashvin Goindasamy | J Dunn & K Bishop | 56kg | $81.00 |
| Scr | 2 | Matino | 4 | Dylan Caboche | Des Nolan | 58kg | |
| Scr | 6 | Winning All Round | 12 | Aaron Bain & Ned Taylor | 57.5kg |
Celeman Zor maps as the clearest form horse after a decisive maiden win over this exact trip on Heavy at Balaklava. Class 1 is a logical next step for an improving stayer; the recent wet win outweighs the short career sample in this volatile grade.
Soft form is reliable with multiple recent placings, and the 2050m win shows staying ability. Solid each-way chance but secondary to the proven trip winner.
Valued brings the most consistent recent wet form with narrow seconds in Class 1 and higher. Soft record is strong and the horse is race-fit. The backmarker map is a negative on a forward-biased Soft Balaklava, yet slow tempo and proven finishing give him each-way claims. Reliable place threat who can snare a win if the race opens up.
Barrier 1 plus early speed lets him dictate a slow Soft tempo, exactly the profile Balaklava rewards. Last-start 3rd at 2000m Soft showed improvement and he already owns a soft-track win.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 11 | Contrary | 5 | Tala Hutchinson | D Clarken & O Macgillivray | 50.5kg | $6.00 |
| 2nd | 6 | Valued | 7 | Connor Murtagh | Garret Lynch | 58.5kg | $8.00 |
| 3rd | 4 | Youbeeforty | 1 | Stacey Metcalfe | Ms N Irwin | 59kg | $6.00 |
| 4th | 3 | Suit Of Wands | 4 | Teagan Voorham | Will Clarken | 59kg | $3.30 |
| 5th | 2 | Raw Grunt | 2 | Shuichi Terachi | Danny Penna | 59kg | $71.00 |
| 6th | 5 | Celeman Zor | 3 | Jason Holder | Grant Young | 58.5kg | $2.80 |
| 7th | 8 | Orchard Thief | 8 | Wesley Cave | T L Day | 57kg | $101.00 |
| 8th | 10 | Son Of Vadamos | 6 | Harry Grace | J Hickmott & C Riggs | 57kg | $61.00 |
| 9th | 7 | Kohala | 9 | Todd Pannell | Kate Halliday | 57kg | $61.00 |
| 10th | 1 | Hamner Springs | 10 | Andrew Stead | Grant Young | 59kg | $21.00 |
| Scr | 9 | Red Sparks | 3 | Raharna McDonald | 57kg |
Sharendipity is the clear form horse after winning the key Morphettville Soft 7 1050m BM56 last start, defeating Aloha Blue. Perfect at Balaklava and the trip with tactical speed to hold a forward spot at the 400m on this Soft track. Weight rise is a query but class drop and map suit make her the most likely winner.
Aloha Blue ran a huge race when nose 2nd to Sharendipity on Soft 7 last start over this trip. Proven at Balaklava with multiple placings and handles give well.
Wet-track credentials and race fitness suit Soft 7 perfectly.
One Kind is a massive Soft-track specialist with 7 wins on the surface and proven at Balaklava 1050m. Ideal value overlay in a high-volatility BM56 where wet form can dominate.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Southern Monarch | 2 | Jemma Gutte | Will Clarken | 58kg | $7.00 |
| 2nd | 2 | Squad | 8 | Tala Hutchinson | M W Ruberry | 60kg | $6.00 |
| 3rd | 10 | Aloha Blue | 5 | Jason Holder | Kate Halliday | 57.5kg | $3.00 |
| 4th | 12 | Togetherforever | 1 | Ashvin Goindasamy | Ms L Treloar | 55kg | $41.00 |
| 5th | 7 | One Kind | 3 | Shuichi Terachi | Danny Penna | 59kg | $31.00 |
| 6th | 3 | Sharendipity | 4 | Connor Murtagh | Cody Reardon | 61kg | $5.00 |
| 7th | 15 | She Sparkles | 10 | Ms S Ratsch | 54kg | $91.00 | |
| 8th | 5 | The Magistrate | 11 | Jacob Opperman | M J Seyers | 61kg | $6.00 |
| 9th | 9 | Boltonova | 14 | Dominic Tourneur | Brett Campbell | 58kg | $26.00 |
| 10th | 8 | Redwinelover | 15 | Stacey Metcalfe | Ms N Irwin | 58.5kg | $20.00 |
| 11th | 14 | Lord Morton | 7 | Caitlin Tootell | Kate Halliday | 56.5kg | $51.00 |
| 12th | 6 | Tanna | 9 | Lauren Stojakovic | R Daniel & T Stanbury | 59.5kg | $18.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Steel Tsunami | 6 | Kayla Crowther | Will Clarken | 62.5kg | |
| Scr | 11 | Zoutrail | 13 | Jackson Murphy | R & C Jolly | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 13 | Oriedos | 6 | Byron J Cozamanis | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 16 | Inner Sanctum | 12 | Danny Penna | 54kg |
Je City brings the strongest recent 1400m form in a weak Restricted 56. Narrow second at Murray Bridge then solid fifth on Heavy here maps him ideally from barrier 2. On Soft ground at Balaklava the forward-to-handy profile is decisive and he looks the most reliable winning chance.
Sangue Rosso gets the perfect Soft Balaklava map from barrier 1. Likely to control a moderate tempo and has already shown he can race competitively at this level and track. The inside draw and on-pace bias give him a clear tactical edge over deeper runners.
Ghaznavi ran a huge race when second at Balaklava on Soft last month and drops back to a more suitable 1400m. Voorham is riding in excellent form and the horse has the class edge on several rivals. Maps a touch deep but the form is hard to ignore in this grade.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Je City | 2 | Todd Pannell | Kate Halliday | 60kg | $4.60 |
| 2nd | 1 | Flying Ace | 11 | Kayla Crowther | Luke O'Connor | 60kg | $6.50 |
| 3rd | 15 | Blue Isles | 8 | Taylor Johnstone | W J Smart | 55kg | $4.20 |
| 4th | 14 | Last War | 5 | Stacey Metcalfe | P Huserot | 56kg | $17.00 |
| 5th | 11 | Ghaznavi | 3 | Teagan Voorham | Ryan Dawson | 57kg | $7.50 |
| 6th | 10 | Castelle | 4 | Lauren Stojakovic | D B Bonetti | 57kg | $71.00 |
| 7th | 17 | I Run On Air | 10 | Ms R Day | 55.5kg | $41.00 | |
| 8th | 19 | Scandalist | 15 | Brooke King | Peter Nolan | 52.5kg | $17.00 |
| 9th | 9 | Hell Of A Gent | 16 | Wesley Cave | J W Peacock | 58kg | $41.00 |
| 10th | 12 | Sengoki | 6 | Alysha Warren | Danny Penna | 55kg | $101.00 |
| 11th | 3 | Sangue Rosso | 1 | Emily Finnegan | Kirsten Mooney | 59.5kg | $5.00 |
| 12th | 18 | Zilzie Lad | 17 | Polly Brewster | Paul Holtham | 52kg | $81.00 |
| 13th | 8 | Funny Feeling | 7 | Andrew Stead | T H Jolly | 58kg | $51.00 |
| 14th | 7 | Sethnique | 14 | Dylan Caboche | Wayne Brown | 58.5kg | $101.00 |
| 15th | 5 | Dolzino | 12 | Ashvin Goindasamy | Ryan Dawson | 59kg | $71.00 |
| 16th | 4 | Testa Dexta | 13 | Shuichi Terachi | J Hickmott & C Riggs | 59.5kg | $20.00 |
| Scr | 6 | Limbering | 19 | Raharna McDonald | 58.5kg | ||
| Scr | 13 | Victory Queen | 9 | Connor Murtagh | Sarah Rutten | 58.5kg | |
| Scr | 16 | So Grand | 15 | Kylie Schulz | 54kg | ||
| Scr | 20 | Sazerac | 18 | Des Nolan | 54kg |
Before the races, not after
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