Prominere is the clearest form horse. Heavy record and projected on-pace role from barrier 6 fit the conditions.
New Zealand · Friday 11 September 2026
Taupo tips and results
Our top pick won 1 of 8 races at Taupo. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
top pick wonanother tip wonno tip won
Hole In One Golf Taupo Mdn
Rippin Along has been ultra-consistent at the mile with recent 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 4th finishes. Barrier 1 is a major asset on this Heavy surface and Collett rides the track well. Soft form is solid; the single heavy run is a mild query, yet the map and reliability make her the main danger if Prominere is vulnerable at 1800m.
Six heavy starts for two placings confirm wet tolerance.
Local Mischief is the value runner. Fawcett is riding in excellent form.
- 1st7Rippin AlongS T Collett$5.50
- 2nd6ProminereJoe Doyle$3.90
- 3rd8Local MischiefJ J Fawcett$7.40
- 4th4The DarziC J Grylls$2.80
Full result · 9 runners
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 7 | Rippin Along | 1 | S T Collett | Maxim & Samantha Van Lierde | 56.5kg | $5.50 |
| 2nd | 6 | Prominere | 6 | Joe Doyle | S & K Alexander | 56.5kg | $3.90 |
| 3rd | 8 | Local Mischief | 8 | J J Fawcett | G J Old | 56.5kg | $7.40 |
| 4th | 4 | The Darzi | 2 | C J Grylls | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 58.5kg | $2.80 |
| 5th | 11 | In Tune | 3 | Kyle Wilson-Taylor | G A & D G Rogerson & Clint Isdale | 56.5kg | $31.50 |
| 6th | 1 | Wave Ruler | 5 | E M Leighton | R S Manning | 58.5kg | $11.30 |
| 7th | 12 | Millennium Magic | 7 | Ethan Jones | Ms C Cameron | 56.5kg | $34.30 |
| 8th | 5 | Vadasha | 9 | M Cameron | P & J Brosnan | 56.5kg | $14.80 |
| 9th | 3 | Swey Fortune | 4 | G Rooke | S D Cole | 58.5kg | $19.40 |
| Scr | 2 | Mahina | 9 | I L George | 58.5kg | ||
| Scr | 9 | So Like Zee | 9 | Hyeontaek Oh | S N Rees | 52.5kg | |
| Scr | 10 | Four Leaf Clover | 5 | Rihaan Goyaram | Ms L A German | 54.5kg |
Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series Mdn
Clear form standout for the conditions. Her Taupo Heavy 1400m third last start, after being hampered and the rider losing an iron, is the strongest relevant performance in the field. Second-up, same connections, workable draw and wet tolerance make her the most likely winner on pure form in an open maiden.
Inside barrier and weight help on Heavy 8, yet lack of wet form and rearward map temper win confidence. Strong each-way/place chance but not the clearest form top on this surface.
Proxy evaluation (trainer strength, McNab booking, pedigree) supports a high chance in a weak maiden, yet total lack of Heavy or any race form caps confidence. Solid place claims and live win threat if ready.
Best value. Drops sharply from Group/Listed grade where she was competitive on Heavy. On-pace draw of the map and weight help offset the wide gate.
- 1st11FiammaJoe Doyle$3.30
- 2nd12EllendaleM J Mc Nab$3.00
- 3rd2ArrazolaM Hashizume$4.70
- 4th5Card SharkG Rooke$6.50
Full result · 7 runners
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 11 | Fiamma | 3 | Joe Doyle | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 55kg | $3.30 |
| 2nd | 12 | Ellendale | 6 | M J Mc Nab | A W Pike | 55kg | $3.00 |
| 3rd | 2 | Arrazola | 4 | M Hashizume | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 57.5kg | $4.70 |
| 4th | 5 | Card Shark | 1 | G Rooke | Ben & Ryan Foote | 57.5kg | $6.50 |
| 5th | 6 | Refraction | 2 | J J Fawcett | G J Old | 57.5kg | $26.50 |
| 6th | 4 | Toss | 5 | S T Collett | Debbie Sweeney | 57.5kg | $24.90 |
| 7th | 9 | Semra | 7 | N S Parmar | D J Miller | 55kg | $8.30 |
| Scr | 1 | Guiding Light | 11 | S Ramsay & J Ritchie | 57.5kg | ||
| Scr | 3 | Mafia Whispers | 9 | C J Grylls | Natacha Otto | 57.5kg | |
| Scr | 7 | Bellavinsky | 5 | Emma Faber | 57.5kg | ||
| Scr | 8 | The Explorer | 5 | Ms S P Mynott | 57.5kg | ||
| Scr | 10 | Russian Prime | 14 | S Ritchie & C Murray | 55kg | ||
| Scr | 13 | Toni Marie | 4 | P A Stevens | 57.5kg | ||
| Scr | 14 | Lark | 3 | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 57.5kg |
VS Equine East Coast Challenge Qualifier Mdn
Reliable on-pace mare drawn perfectly. Proven close on Heavy 1400m and maps to control or sit handy in a moderate tempo.
Clearest pure form horse after a near-miss on Heavy 9. McNab stays and the run was strong. However the wide gate at Taupo on Heavy is a serious map negative that tempers win confidence; still a must-include for place in the top three.
Best conditioned runner for today's Heavy 8 Taupo 1400m. Recent third here with clear excuses (hampered, lost iron) is the standout form line. Inside draw and second-up profile suit the open maiden.
- 1st8Toni MarieJ Nishizuka$9.40
- 2nd11ScrittoreG Rooke$6.10
- 3rd10LarkKyle Wilson-Taylor$5.80
- 4th7BellavinskyCorentin Berge$8.30
Full result · 10 runners
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | Toni Marie | 6 | J Nishizuka | P A Stevens | 53.5kg | $9.40 |
| 2nd | 11 | Scrittore | 4 | G Rooke | C J Henderson | 56kg | $6.10 |
| 3rd | 10 | Lark | 2 | Kyle Wilson-Taylor | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 56.5kg | $5.80 |
| 4th | 7 | Bellavinsky | 1 | Corentin Berge | Emma Faber | 56.5kg | $8.30 |
| 5th | 4 | Guiding Light | 3 | S T Collett | S Ramsay & J Ritchie | 56.5kg | $3.80 |
| 6th | 1 | Unswayed | 10 | M J Mc Nab | Conor & Sarah Fahy | 58.5kg | $4.10 |
| 7th | 9 | Adlerian | 9 | E M Leighton | Ms A M O'brien | 56.5kg | $38.50 |
| 8th | 3 | Kintaro | 7 | M Cameron | N J Quinn | 58.5kg | $66.30 |
| 9th | 6 | Singe | 5 | Rihaan Goyaram | P P Mirabelli | 54.5kg | $36.20 |
| 10th | 13 | The Explorer | 8 | Joe Doyle | Ms S P Mynott | 56.5kg | $19.10 |
| Scr | 2 | Dirty Boris | 12 | T L Newman | S Ralph | 58.5kg | |
| Scr | 5 | Arrazola | 5 | M Hashizume | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 12 | Fiamma | 9 | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 54kg |
Wairakei Golf & Sanctuary Mdn
Maps to control or sit handy in a moderate tempo. First-up has already placed. In an open maiden on an unprofiled Heavy Taupo surface, proven wet ability and race fitness edge debutants and soft-only runners.
Truly Divine brings the strongest class form via a solid Open third after leading, now dropping sharply into Maiden grade. Pike and Collett combine well and she has 1100m experience. First-up after a long spell is a query and the wide gate plus zero heavy exposure are negatives on this surface, yet the class edge and connections keep her firmly in the top three winning chances.
Hashizume's solid trainer and track numbers add intent.
- 1st1GetupoffathatthingM J Mc Nab$3.20
- 2nd7Rose Aye ReignJoe Doyle$16.40
- 3rd5Truly DivineS T Collett$6.20
- 4th6Imperial RoseG Rooke$3.40
Full result · 9 runners
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Getupoffathatthing | 6 | M J Mc Nab | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 57.5kg | $3.20 |
| 2nd | 7 | Rose Aye Reign | 7 | Joe Doyle | S B Marsh | 55.5kg | $16.40 |
| 3rd | 5 | Truly Divine | 9 | S T Collett | A W Pike | 55.5kg | $6.20 |
| 4th | 6 | Imperial Rose | 8 | G Rooke | S B Marsh | 55.5kg | $3.40 |
| 5th | 2 | State of Play | 1 | M Hashizume | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 57.5kg | $7.10 |
| 6th | 3 | Whistlejacket | 2 | Kyle Wilson-Taylor | Ms P Gerard | 57.5kg | $11.00 |
| 7th | 9 | Malikia | 5 | C J Grylls | S B Marsh | 55.5kg | $12.50 |
| 8th | 8 | Ragtime Rose | 3 | K A Myers | Debbie Sweeney | 55.5kg | $33.10 |
| 9th | 4 | Workout | 4 | M Cameron | Conor & Sarah Fahy | 57.5kg | $35.20 |
Inglis Mdn
Ideal leader map, barrier 5 and McNab/Pike strength make her the form standout on Heavy 8 despite limited wet evidence. Progressive profile and early speed edge the maiden field.
The Queen's Sword ran a strong 2nd on Soft 7 first-up from barrier 14, showing wet tolerance. Map is not ideal but inside draw and proven wet placing give her high place/win claims in an open maiden.
Rise To Power finished 3rd on Soft at the trip first-up while green. Draws barrier 2 with excellent jockey/trainer stats and Snitzel pedigree. Solid each-way claims on map and stable form in a volatile maiden on Heavy.
Capital Express brings the most form depth including a Soft placing and 1100m run before a G1 flop.
- 1st4Rip TideC J Grylls$6.10
- 2nd1Capital ExpressJoe Doyle$2.00
- 3rd9Royal AssettE M Leighton$14.50
- 4th6Via FontanellaM J Mc Nab$8.30
Full result · 8 runners
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Rip Tide | 8 | C J Grylls | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 57.5kg | $6.10 |
| 2nd | 1 | Capital Express | 6 | Joe Doyle | P Pertab | 57.5kg | $2.00 |
| 3rd | 9 | Royal Assett | 7 | E M Leighton | S B Marsh | 55.5kg | $14.50 |
| 4th | 6 | Via Fontanella | 5 | M J Mc Nab | A W Pike | 55.5kg | $8.30 |
| 5th | 8 | Hello Angel | 4 | G Rooke | S B Marsh | 55.5kg | $17.80 |
| 6th | 2 | Rise To Power | 2 | M Hashizume | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 57.5kg | $6.60 |
| 7th | 7 | Thrill Of Flight | 3 | S T Collett | S R Autridge | 55.5kg | $26.20 |
| 8th | 5 | The Queen's Sword | 1 | Kyle Wilson-Taylor | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 55.5kg | $9.00 |
| Scr | 3 | Admiral Vos | 9 | A W Pike | 57.5kg |
Tongariro River Rafting East Coast Challenge Qual Mdn
Tiago edges as the form horse most likely to win. On-pace role in a moderate tempo suits the wet, turning track. Consistent top-3 pattern and wet tolerance outweigh age/maiden status in this open, volatile field.
Camila brings the best recent evidence, finishing 2nd on this track/condition last start and previously close-up on synthetic. Strong connections and forward map keep her a major winning chance, but the wide gate is a clear handicap on the inferred inside-mid bias. Still the clearest threat if she can settle without burning petrol. Slightly overbet relative to draw risk.
In a race full of unknowns, Bourbon And Soda’s connections stand out. Marsh and McNab (15% combo, jockey flying) signal serious intent on debut.
Rylee Read is the clear value overlay.
- 1st1TiagoJ Nishizuka$3.10
- 2nd7PotcheenM Hashizume$14.10
- 3rd6SkitsoC R Barnes$12.40
- 4th9All On BlackKyle Wilson-Taylor$4.20
Full result · 8 runners
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Tiago | 3 | J Nishizuka | P A Stevens | 55.5kg | $3.10 |
| 2nd | 7 | Potcheen | 1 | M Hashizume | C W Cole | 56.5kg | $14.10 |
| 3rd | 6 | Skitso | 7 | C R Barnes | Maxim & Samantha Van Lierde | 56.5kg | $12.40 |
| 4th | 9 | All On Black | 6 | Kyle Wilson-Taylor | A W Pike | 56kg | $4.20 |
| 5th | 2 | Rio Benito | 5 | M Cameron | S L Crawford | 58.5kg | $14.00 |
| 6th | 3 | Camila | 8 | C J Grylls | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 56.5kg | $3.70 |
| 7th | 4 | Lassie | 2 | K A Myers | Guy Lowry & Leah Zydenbos | 56.5kg | $15.80 |
| 8th | 8 | Rylee Read | 4 | J J Fawcett | G J Old | 56.5kg | $12.60 |
| Scr | 5 | Jaimee Marie | 11 | Joe Doyle | S & K Alexander | 56.5kg | |
| Scr | 10 | Itchy Heart | 5 | G J Old | 56kg | ||
| Scr | 11 | Bourbon And Soda | 8 | M J Mc Nab | S B Marsh | 56kg | |
| Scr | 12 | Wahine Toa | 14 | Danny Walker & Arron Tata | 54kg | ||
| Scr | 13 | Ragtime Rose | 6 | S T Collett | Debbie Sweeney | 54kg | |
| Scr | 14 | Rip Tide | 5 | L O'sullivan & A Scott | 56kg |
Jolly Outdoors Taupo Hcp (60)
Pike-McNab is a high-intent booking with proven strike rates; barrier 3 and featherweight 54kg perfectly suit Taupo Heavy inside preference and moderate tempo. Debut 4th at Ellerslie showed tactical ability. In a volatile R60, connections and map override limited starts.
Turn It Up secures third on the strength of barrier 1, the standout draw on a Heavy Taupo with rail out. Second-up after a quiet first-up, she owns a Soft win and 1000m placing. Can settle mid-handy off the leader. Last-start flop and weight are negatives, yet map and wet tolerance give her a clear winning pathway in this open R60.
Swiffty maps as the clear leader in a moderate-tempo 1000m on Heavy 8, a decisive advantage at Taupo where inside-mid on-pace types are preferred. Consistent maiden placings (two narrow 2nds) and best 1000m time demonstrate finishing strength. Myers booking adds confidence. First-up and wet query keep her from top, but race shape makes her the clearest threat.
Truly Divine offers clear value. Her latest 3rd in Open company on Soft, leading and fighting, is the strongest recent form in the field relative to today's grade. Major class drop, Pike preparation and tactical speed suit. Overlay for win/each-way.
- 1st1Rising WindAbinith Simon$17.40
- 2nd8Admiral VosM J Mc Nab$1.50
- 3rd3Dua DanceM Hashizume$5.30
- 4th4Turn It UpE M Leighton$4.80
Full result · 5 runners
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Rising Wind | 4 | Abinith Simon | P P Mirabelli | 55kg | $17.40 |
| 2nd | 8 | Admiral Vos | 3 | M J Mc Nab | A W Pike | 54kg | $1.50 |
| 3rd | 3 | Dua Dance | 2 | M Hashizume | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 58kg | $5.30 |
| 4th | 4 | Turn It Up | 1 | E M Leighton | R J Bergerson | 58kg | $4.80 |
| 5th | 2 | Bodacious Kate | 5 | Cooper Stumbles | A C Baker | 54kg | $13.00 |
| Scr | 5 | Illuminated Miss | 8 | J Nishizuka | Ms K Mcquade | 54.5kg | |
| Scr | 6 | Truly Divine | 6 | A W Pike | 55.5kg | ||
| Scr | 7 | Swiffty | 4 | K A Myers | Guy Lowry & Leah Zydenbos | 55kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Shore Breeze | 9 | R James & R Wellwood | 54kg |
Two Mile Bay Sailing Club (Bm65)
Today she meets that rival 2.5kg better off at the weights, draws barrier 3 on a track where inside-to-mid gates dominate, and carries just 54.0kg. Her only career win came on heavy ground.
By the numbers this is the most credentialled wet-track and distance runner engaged: fifteen heavy starts have yielded two wins and seven further placings, and fourteen 1400m starts two wins and five placings, including a BM65 win over the trip on Heavy 10. He was crowded at the start last time and had earlier finished a respectable fifth at Taupo on Heavy 8. Consistency rather than dominance makes him a place play.
The strongest raw form line in the race - a solid third at 1400m on Heavy 10 in BM65 while lumping 58.0kg, and she now gets in on 54.5kg with a class drop. Her distance record of one win and two thirds from four 1400m starts is the best in the field on a per-start basis.
The overlay of the race. Smart Tip has fourteen heavy-track starts for two wins and three seconds, drops two full grades from BM75 to BM65, and carries the lightest weight in the field at 53.5kg.
- 1st8Jamaica FarewellJ J Fawcett$4.90
- 2nd2Robbie BurnsT L Newman$6.10
- 3rd3AnaroaK A Myers$11.80
- 4th1Rima Rua ToruJoe Doyle$7.40
Full result · 8 runners
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | Jamaica Farewell | 1 | J J Fawcett | C J Henderson | 55.5kg | $4.90 |
| 2nd | 2 | Robbie Burns | 4 | T L Newman | Kevin & Annette Hinton | 57.5kg | $6.10 |
| 3rd | 3 | Anaroa | 5 | K A Myers | Guy Lowry & Leah Zydenbos | 57kg | $11.80 |
| 4th | 1 | Rima Rua Toru | 6 | Joe Doyle | Ms S P Mynott | 59kg | $7.40 |
| 5th | 7 | Classic Grace | 2 | G Rooke | B H King | 55.5kg | $7.20 |
| 6th | 6 | Smart Tip | 7 | J Nishizuka | S Ralph | 53.5kg | $25.90 |
| 7th | 9 | Prestissimo | 3 | E H Nicholas | R Mckenzie & J Bassett | 54kg | $3.60 |
| 8th | 4 | Bonnie Gem | 8 | S T Collett | Debbie Sweeney | 56.5kg | $6.50 |
| Scr | 5 | Niagara Sky | 8 | Rihaan Goyaram | R R Manning | 54.5kg |
Before the races, not after
Get every tip before the jump
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.