Punt like a Pro, without the know!
New Zealand · Wednesday 29 July 2026
Our top pick won 3 of 8 races at Cambridge Synthetic. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
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What A Yarn arrives off a last-start win and has solid synthetic credentials (2 wins from 7). He maps to lead in a slow tempo, which suits his on-pace style. Although carrying top weight, he has won under similar loads.
Lerado is a proven synthetic horse with 2 wins and 2 placings from 5 runs on the surface. His recent form includes a win over track and distance in June and consistent placings. Jockey Matthew Cartwright has an outstanding 38% strike rate at Cambridge Synthetic, adding to the appeal. He looks a strong place chance.
Kasukedo has been a model of consistency with four consecutive placings at Cambridge Synthetic, including two seconds and two thirds. He draws the inside gate and gets in light at 55.5kg.
Tarzador is a roughie but has some plausible factors. She won well at Awapuni Synthetic two starts back and now gets a massive weight drop to just 54kg. Jasmine Fawcett is riding well and the stable can be dangerous.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Kasukedo | 1 | Bruno Queiroz | S B Marsh | 55.5kg | $3.80 |
| 2nd | 2 | Lerado | 4 | Matthew Cartwright | S B Marsh | 59kg | $4.60 |
| 3rd | 3 | Spanish Lad | 3 | Masahiro Hashizume | J W Bell | 59kg | $4.20 |
| 4th | 5 | Tarzador | 5 | Jasmine Fawcett | G A & D G Rogerson & Clint Isdale | 54kg | $10.80 |
| 5th | 1 | What A Yarn | 2 | Craig Grylls | C J Wood | 61kg | $2.60 |
Saltburn is the synthetic-experienced pick in a weak maiden. Despite 27 starts without a win, his 6 placings suggest he can hit the frame again. The lack of early speed and poor jockey track record are negatives, but in this low-reliability field, his consistency stands out.
French Fox brings the strongest jockey factor with Cartwright's 38% strike rate at Cambridge Synthetic. The mare's form on heavy tracks suggests she can handle the synthetic, but she hasn't proven it. Her best run was a 5th on Heavy 10.
The lightweight and inside barrier are advantages, and she should strip fitter. While her form is unproven, this race lacks depth, making her a logical threat if she builds on that first synthetic run.
Superstar Patch is an unknown debutant but drawn well at barrier 2. In a low-confidence maiden, fresh horses can surprise. Trainer S.L. Crawford is capable, and jockey Rihaan Goyaram has a decent track record at Cambridge Synthetic. He is the value play given the lack of depth in the field.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Saltburn | 6 | Hayley Hassman | Josh King & Maija Vance | 57.5kg | $2.60 |
| 2nd | 1 | Platinum Patch | 8 | Craig Grylls | Ms C Cameron | 58.5kg | $2.60 |
| 3rd | 6 | Dare You | 1 | Lynsey Satherley | S N Rees | 56.5kg | $12.10 |
| 4th | 7 | French Fox | 5 | Matthew Cartwright | Samantha Logan | 56.5kg | $5.70 |
| 5th | 4 | Superstar Patch | 2 | Rihaan Goyaram | S L Crawford | 56.5kg | $9.40 |
| 6th | 5 | Tralae Man | 7 | Jasmine Fawcett | R Gavin | 58.5kg | $21.00 |
| 7th | 3 | Mahina | 4 | Niranjan S Parmar | I L George | 58.5kg | $36.60 |
| Scr | 8 | Millennium Magic | 3 | Sienna Brown | Ms C Cameron | 53.5kg |
Confectionist brings the best recent form with two close seconds at Maiden/Open level. The class drop from Open company is a massive positive, but she must prove she can handle the synthetic surface. If she does, she is clearly the one to beat.
Toss is the most promising of the inexperienced horses. She ran an encouraging 5th on synthetic debut before a respectable 4th on heavy. Barrier 1 gives her a tactical edge, and with Craig Grylls aboard she should get every chance. The step up to 1300m suits.
The stable may have him primed. In a small field, debutants can mature quickly. He is speculative but has upside not seen in others outside the top two.
Heavy Is The Crown is the value play. From barrier 2 he can settle midfield and run on.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Confectionist | 4 | Michael Mc Nab | S B Marsh | 56.5kg | $1.20 |
| 2nd | 5 | Honeydaze | 3 | Abinith Simon | F & L Cornege | 52.5kg | $50.90 |
| 3rd | 1 | Heavy Is The Crown | 2 | Lynsey Satherley | C J Henderson | 58.5kg | $12.40 |
| 4th | 6 | Snow Watch | 5 | Matthew Cartwright | S Ritchie & C Murray | 55.5kg | $12.00 |
| 5th | 2 | Awaken | 6 | Munna Alam | B K Pinny | 58.5kg | $36.00 |
| 6th | 4 | Toss | 1 | Craig Grylls | Debbie Sweeney | 56.5kg | $5.50 |
Lhasa is the standout based on a phenomenal synthetic record (6 wins from 10 starts at this track and distance). Dropping from Open/Group class to BM80 is a massive advantage. Last start 3rd here carrying the same weight confirms he handles the grade. The main concern is the jockey's poor track strike rate, but the horse's class and course affinity should overcome that. He is the most likely winner.
Perfect Dividends comes off a solid synthetic win and a close 3rd. He gets a significant weight pull over Lhasa and maps to lead or stalk a slow pace. The class rise is a concern but he has shown he can handle BM75 level and now gets a light weight. He is the main danger and offers each-way value.
Bannen is the value play. He won this exact race (BM80 1300m synthetic) in June with a strong finish. Since then he has struggled on turf, but back on the synthetic surface he can recapture that form.
Bannen is the clear overlay in this race. His synthetic win here in June at the same class shows he has the ability. Recent turf runs are easy to forgive, and the return to his preferred surface should see him improve sharply.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Perfect Dividends | 4 | Ashlee Strawbridge | J & R Vance | 53kg | $2.90 |
| 2nd | 4 | Bannen | 5 | Jasmine Fawcett | B J Harvey | 54kg | $3.90 |
| 3rd | 5 | Buccino | 1 | Rihaan Goyaram | G Richardson & R Norvall | 52kg | $13.80 |
| 4th | 1 | Lhasa | 2 | Hyeontaek Oh | M A Treweek | 61kg | $2.60 |
| 5th | 3 | Emmy Dazzler | 3 | Sienna Brown | C J Wood | 51kg | $7.20 |
He has placed in 4 of his last 10 starts and gets the advantageous inside barrier. The main concern is his first-up record and lack of synthetic experience, but in this weak field, his consistency gives him the best chance.
He has had a long break but returns with a good jockey. The lack of synthetic experience is a query, but he may have developed. In an open race, he is a solid each-way chance.
With many poor form lines in this field, a well-prepared debutant can win. He is a speculative top 3 pick but worth including.
Mivirgo is a synthetic specialist who has placed at this track and distance. While winless, he often runs okay without winning. He can fill the minor placings.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Final Applause | 8 | Craig Grylls | S T Wenn | 58.5kg | $6.50 |
| 2nd | 3 | Bunker Hill | 5 | Munna Alam | Ms M Falconer | 58.5kg | $11.80 |
| 3rd | 1 | Compulsory | 1 | Lynsey Satherley | Tim & Margaret Carter | 58.5kg | $2.20 |
| 4th | 9 | Bettie Davis | 7 | Courtney Barnes | M G Forbes | 53.5kg | $12.60 |
| 5th | 6 | Fast Net | 6 | Bruno Queiroz | G A & D G Rogerson & Clint Isdale | 56.5kg | $12.50 |
| 6th | 7 | Refraction | 3 | Jasmine Fawcett | G J Old | 56.5kg | $8.40 |
| 7th | 8 | Tainted Love | 2 | Rihaan Goyaram | Ms D Jeffcoat | 54.5kg | $23.30 |
| 8th | 5 | Hurricane Hartley | 9 | Elen Nicholas | Ms D C Kennedy | 58.5kg | $33.30 |
| 9th | 2 | Mivirgo | 4 | Ashlee Strawbridge | S T Wenn | 55.5kg | $6.30 |
Anton has an outstanding synthetic record with four wins from six starts, including two over this course and distance. He drops back from BM80 grade and has the services of Jasmine Fawcett, who has a strong partnership with him. Despite top weight, his proven ability on the surface and consistent form make him the most likely winner in a slow-tempo race.
She is a progressive filly with a perfect synthetic record from two runs. She drops back to BM72 after competing in Group and Open class.
Seamsew chased home Lady Iris last start, carrying 61.5kg, and now drops to 60kg. He has a superb synthetic record with four wins at this track and distance. He is second-up, which is a slight concern, but his consistency and on-pace style suit the predicted slow tempo. Good each-way value.
Pink Gin is the value selection. She won her maiden on synthetic and ran third in a BM72 over this track and distance. Her recent first-up run was poor, but she is second-up and should strip fitter.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Pink Gin | 4 | Masahiro Hashizume | A W Pike | 54kg | $6.60 |
| 2nd | 2 | Lady Iris | 5 | Ashlee Strawbridge | S B Marsh | 58.5kg | $2.70 |
| 3rd | 3 | Anton | 6 | Jasmine Fawcett | G J Old | 60kg | $4.20 |
| 4th | 1 | Seamsew | 2 | Rihaan Goyaram | M A Treweek | 60kg | $5.00 |
| 5th | 6 | Ridgeview Vicky | 3 | Niranjan S Parmar | G K Opie | 54kg | $32.70 |
| 6th | 4 | Get Me An Angel | 1 | Bruno Queiroz | G A & D G Rogerson & Clint Isdale | 54kg | $4.80 |
Effie Goodacre is the most reliable form runner in this weak maiden. She ran a solid third over 2000m at Cambridge Synthetic last start, indicating she is hitting peak fitness. The step up to 2000m suits her staying pedigree, and she carries only 54.5kg with Rihaan Goyaram's 2kg claim. While winless, her recent trajectory is upward, and the synthetic surface plays to her strengths. She should settle midfield and be strong late.
Barrier 3 allows a cosy run. However, with only one start and no wet track form, there is risk. She is a win contender if she improves as expected.
Hershey showed improvement when running 4th over 1550m at Cambridge Synthetic last start, suggesting she is learning. The extra distance to 2000m should suit her Shocking breeding. Barrier 2 enables a soft run just off the pace. However, jockey Munna Alam has poor track statistics, and she is yet to place. She is an each-way threat but more risky than the top two.
Brutal Reality is a high-risk value play based on her 3rd place over 2000m at Cambridge Synthetic in late May. She has since run poorly, but those runs were on different tracks or wide draws. The wide gate is a negative, but if she can settle and get cover, her late finish may threaten. Each-way interest only.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 7 | Boogaloo | 3 | Masahiro Hashizume | R R Manning | 56.5kg | $4.40 |
| 2nd | 4 | Vadasha | 1 | Lynsey Satherley | P & J Brosnan | 56.5kg | $12.70 |
| 3rd | 2 | Bright Thoughts | 7 | Matthew Cartwright | S B Marsh | 58.5kg | $4.70 |
| 4th | 8 | Local Mischief | 6 | Elen Nicholas | G J Old | 56.5kg | $8.50 |
| 5th | 1 | Jamestown | 4 | Hayley Hassman | Ms D C Kennedy | 57.5kg | $5.00 |
| 6th | 6 | Brutal Reality | 9 | Bruno Queiroz | G A & D G Rogerson & Clint Isdale | 56.5kg | $16.20 |
| 7th | 5 | Hershey | 2 | Munna Alam | Ms M Falconer | 56.5kg | $14.30 |
| 8th | 3 | Effie Goodacre | 5 | Rihaan Goyaram | S T Wenn | 54.5kg | $6.80 |
| 9th | 9 | Hansamu | 8 | Michael Mc Nab | M H Brooks | 56.5kg | $12.50 |
Above The Clouds is the standout form pick on synthetic, especially over 2000m where she has 3 wins at Cambridge. She drops back to BM72 after competing in higher company. Last run was poor but she was returning to synthetic; expect sharp improvement. Barrier 4 allows a midfield sit with cover.
El Speedy Man is a promising 3yo who broke his maiden decisively over this track and distance last start. He has excellent synthetic form with 3 placings from 4 starts. The big query is the class jump from Maiden to BM72 - a significant step up. He may have the ability but faces tougher rivals.
Melkor has shown ability at this track and distance, finishing 3rd in a BM66 over 2000m two starts back. He gets in light with 54kg and can take up a forward position in a race lacking genuine pace. While his win rate is low, he often runs on.
Cheap Sav is a consistent mare who ran a strong 2nd last start at this track over 1550m. She drops to the minimum weight and has synthetic form. The main concern is tackling 2000m for only the second time. She represents the best value in the race.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Above The Clouds | 4 | Rihaan Goyaram | R R Manning | 57.5kg | $5.40 |
| 2nd | 8 | Melkor | 6 | Elen Nicholas | G A & D G Rogerson & Clint Isdale | 54kg | $10.60 |
| 3rd | 2 | Dancin In The Dark | 10 | Michael Mc Nab | R R Manning | 59kg | $11.10 |
| 4th | 4 | El Speedy Man | 9 | Bruno Queiroz | P Devcich | 55.5kg | $1.80 |
| 5th | 3 | Jack In The Box | 8 | Hayley Hassman | Ms D Andersen | 57kg | $10.60 |
| 6th | 7 | Savsumfun | 7 | Jasmine Fawcett | G A & D G Rogerson & Clint Isdale | 54kg | $28.90 |
| 7th | 6 | Gina Rosa | 1 | Niranjan S Parmar | Ms M Falconer | 54kg | $16.70 |
| 8th | 5 | Cheap Sav | 5 | Ashlee Strawbridge | Tarissa Macdonald | 51kg | $12.30 |
| 9th | 10 | La Querida | 3 | Munna Alam | Ms M Falconer | 54kg | $49.40 |
| Scr | 9 | Eagle Rock | 2 | Ms K A Little | 54kg |
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