Saturday, 18 April 2026
No more jumps at this meeting today.
Punty's Punts
Race type: Open, 1200m
Map & tempo: Slow tempo, small field, and a couple of the key chances want to sit on the speed
Punty read: This is a proper little knife fight. Midnight Dart has been firmed right into the death seat and for good reason - it maps well, has already handled the gluey stuff, and the combo support is loud enough to hear from the pub car park. King Of The Air has the right sort of early pattern, but the drift says the market's cooled a touch, and on a Heavy 9 that can be a worry if they end up going hard enough to expose it. Swordsman from barrier 1 is the sneaky one if the race turns into a crawl and the inside stays usable early.
Top 3 + Roughie ($25.00 pool)
1. Midnight Dart (No.2) — $2.98 / $1.90 🏆 2ND
Bet $12.00 Win — ✗ Lost, net -$12.00
Prob 45.1% | Place: 76.7% | Value: 1.45x
Why Has the wet-track win already, the fresh-up record is tidy, and the market has been putting a serious boot into it all week.
2. King Of The Air (No.1) — $3.15 / $1.75 🏆 4TH
Bet $8.50 Win — ✗ Lost, net -$8.50
Prob 30.4% | Place: 65.4% | Value: 1.03x
Why Maps right on top of the race and if the leaders get the run of things, this bloke won't need to do much more than turn up and be brave.
3. Swordsman (No.4) — $7.40 / $2.60 🏆 WINNER
Bet $4.50 Win — ✓ Won, net +$27.45
Prob 16.1% | Place: 38.8% | Value: 1.29x
Why Barrier 1 is gold in a crawl like this, and if the top pair overcook it a touch, this one can nick a cheque or worse.
Roughie: All On Red (No.6) — $3.42 / $2.60 🏆 3RD
Bet Tracked
Prob 8.4% | Place: 21.1% | Value: 0.31x
Why The drift is the big red flag, but if the speed map gets messy and the track stops favouring the obvious forward types, it could still lob into the finish.
Race type: Maiden, 1360m
Map & tempo: Slow tempo, seven runners, and the inside draw matters a fair bit
Punty read: Kit Zakat looks the one they've left on the better side of the market, and the hot late money says connections reckon it should be winning one of these sooner rather than later. Lalume has drifted, which is always a bit of a prickly signal in a maiden, but the combo with the rider/trainer setup still keeps it honest. Sky Hawk is the roughie that could make them all look silly if the race turns into a slog and the front half burns too much energy.
Top 3 + Roughie ($15.00 pool)
1. Kit Zakat (No.4) — $3.58 / $1.75 🏆 2ND
Bet $15.00 Win — ✗ Lost, net -$15.00
Prob 24.3% | Place: 46.8% | Value: 1.08x
Why Has the hot hand behind it, a decent enough draw, and the stable/jockey combo is doing enough work to keep it right in the frame.
2. Lalume (No.9) — $3.65 / $1.70 🏆 UNPLACED
Bet Tracked
Prob 23.6% | Place: 45.6% | Value: 0.82x
Why The market's taken a sip of the cold drink, but if the race turns ugly and the leaders knock each other around, it can still be there when the whips are out.
3. Justadude (No.1) — $9.50 / $3.30 🏆 3RD
Bet Tracked
Prob 15.5% | Place: 32.0% | Value: 1.05x
Why The wide run and the medical excuse last time give it a crack at a bounce-back, but this looks more like a grinder's chance than a clean kill.
Roughie: Sky Hawk (No.6) — $12.25 / $4.40 🏆 UNPLACED
Bet Tracked
Prob 12.5% | Place: 26.3% | Value: 1.58x
Why The drift is savage, but if the track turns into a bog and the leaders start falling in a heap, this is the sort of long shot that can suddenly look alive.
Race type: Open, 1360m
Map & tempo: Moderate tempo, but the heavy ground still rewards the horse that can hold a spot and keep rolling
Punty read: Kopua is the classy one on the page and the big danger to the lot of them, but the price has it short enough that the model is refusing to get greedy on the win. Riverplate is the one that maps like the grown-up in the room - on pace, a decent recent figure, and the kind of runner that doesn't need many favours. Bradman is the wet-track bugger that can sneak into the money if the tempo isn't frantic.
Top 3 + Roughie ($15.00 pool)
1. Kopua (No.3) — $10.50 / $3.50 🏆 3RD
Bet Tracked
Prob 35.9% | Place: 65.6% | Value: 4.33x
Why Best horse in the race on raw ability, but the price is already shaved to the bone, so the punt gets kept on a short leash.
2. Riverplate (No.6) — $3.05 / $1.40 🏆 WINNER
Bet $15.00 Place — ✓ Won, net +$10.50
Prob 28.4% | Place: 56.6% | Value: 1.00x
Why Maps to control the race and has the sort of track record that holds up when the going gets proper ugly.
3. Bradman (No.2) — $7.35 / $2.45 🏆 4TH
Bet Tracked
Prob 17.6% | Place: 38.4% | Value: 1.49x
Why Heavy form is solid and the draw is useful, so if the pace becomes a bit of a muddle, this one can be the sneaky late threat.
Roughie: Belardo Boy (No.1) — $5.20 / $2.30 🏆 2ND
Bet Tracked
Prob 10.8% | Place: 24.6% | Value: 0.65x
Why Has enough class to annoy them if the race turns tactical, but the recent stuff doesn't scream "get the wallet out" just yet.
Race type: Maiden, 2060m
Map & tempo: Slow tempo, and this is the sort of race where the map can lie to you if you don't respect the track
Punty read: Ocean Melody draws the inside and looks the cleanest map horse, but the bet is only place because on a Heavy 9 over 2060m, a lot can go missing between the 600 and the post. Bold Bro is the one with a bit of juice in the market and a reasonable enough profile to hang around the money. Zaconic is the sneaky one from midfield if they string them out late.
Top 3 + Roughie ($12.00 pool)
1. Ocean Melody (No.6) — $3.55 / $1.40 🏆 WINNER
Bet $12.00 Place — ✓ Won, net +$7.20
Prob 22.4% | Place: 17.9% | Value: 0.78x
Why Gate 1 gives Amber a lovely stalking spot, and if they crawl early, this one gets every chance to pinch a cheap run into the straight.
2. Bold Bro (No.2) — $4.20 / $1.60 🏆 UNPLACED
Bet Tracked
Prob 19.4% | Place: 16.3% | Value: 1.06x
Why Has enough map sense to sit handy and the stable is ticking along well enough to keep it in the conversation.
3. Dancing Fantail (No.3) — $8.95 / $2.60 🏆 4TH
Bet Tracked
Prob 13.3% | Place: 12.3% | Value: 0.81x
Why The run was a bit ugly last time, but the excuse box is open and if the race gets messy, it can clatter home late.
Roughie: Getitdun (No.10) — $16.00 / $3.90 🏆 UNPLACED
Bet Tracked
Prob 3.4% | Place: 3.6% | Value: 0.72x
Why Needs a miracle and a half, but if the front end turns into a traffic jam and the inside is dead, the roughie can sneak into the story.
Race type: Benchmark 75, 2060m
Map & tempo: Moderate tempo, and the leaders shouldn't be able to get away with murder
Punty read: Helluvah Return is the proper punt here - the form says it can handle the trip, the heavy ground suits, and the market has already come for it a bit. Quid is the sort of honest old battler that can run a race, but the price is still a bit rich for a back-it-with-both-hands job. Sol De Otono gets a couple of kilos off and that can matter on this bog, while Trust Alone is the roughie that makes your wallet look at you funny.
Top 3 + Roughie ($15.00 pool)
1. Helluvah Return (No.5) — $6.35 / $2.85 🏆 UNPLACED
Bet $15.00 Win — ✗ Lost, net -$15.00
Prob 28.0% | Place: 31.5% | Value: 2.32x
Why Strong wet form, decent heavy-track record, and the market move says the stable likes what it sees.
2. Quid (No.3) — $6.80 / $3.00 🏆 2ND
Bet Tracked
Prob 22.4% | Place: 26.6% | Value: 1.99x
Why Honest enough and maps right in the race, but the price has been knocked to the point where the sting's been taken out of the play.
3. Sol De Otono (No.6) — $4.08 / $2.05 🏆 UNPLACED
Bet Tracked
Prob 18.3% | Place: 22.4% | Value: 0.97x
Why The weight drop helps and it can sit midfield without burning fuel, so if the leaders go soft, it can absolutely lob into the finish.
Roughie: Trust Alone (No.7) — $10.40 / $4.20 🏆 3RD
Bet Tracked
Prob 2.3% | Place: 3.1% | Value: 0.32x
Why Needs a lot to go right, but in a messy staying race on the bog, chaos is always one bad stride away from turning into a result.
Race type: Benchmark 75, 1200m
Map & tempo: Moderate tempo with a couple of leaders engaged early
Punty read: Honey Badger is the anchor. Barrier 1, strong wet record, and the map says it can sit close without getting dragged into a stupidity contest. Peppery is the one the market has left for dead, which is usually when Punty starts grinning like a fool with a fresh TAB app. Lucullan is the honest leader type, but the win bet is off because the ticket is focused on the best two angles.
Top 3 + Roughie ($25.00 pool)
1. Honey Badger (No.2) — $2.79 / $1.45 🏆 WINNER
Bet $15.50 Win — ✓ Won, net +$54.25
Prob 33.5% | Place: 61.2% | Value: 1.20x
Why Draws the perfect gate, loves the wet, and has enough tactical speed to make the others chase it.
2. Peppery (No.7) — $13.25 / $4.60 🏆 UNPLACED
Bet $9.50 Place — ✗ Lost, net -$9.50
Prob 23.6% | Place: 47.9% | Value: 4.03x
Why The market has drifted it like a shopping trolley in a gale, but the wet profile and the pace setup say it can lob into the finish at a price.
3. Lucullan (No.6) — $2.94 / $1.55 🏆 2ND
Bet Tracked
Prob 19.6% | Place: 40.9% | Value: 0.74x
Why Honest on-speed horse that can make the race harder than it looks, though the win price is a bit skinny for the job.
Roughie: Complex (No.3) — $7.40 / $2.20 🏆 3RD
Bet Tracked
Prob 11.9% | Place: 26.2% | Value: 1.13x
Why Maps handy enough and the stable can have them ready, so if the leaders overcook it, this one becomes a live late nuisance.
Race type: Benchmark 65, 1360m
Map & tempo: Moderate tempo, but there's enough speed in here to string them out
Punty read: Too Sweet is the one the crowd will gravitate to, but the price is a touch short for a day like this, so Punty's not here to lick the bookie's boots. The Weapon and Rich Attitude are the better value darts, especially if the pace is honest and the backmarkers get a proper crack. Spandeedo is the blowout horse that can sneak into the minors if the leaders all start coughing in the straight.
Top 3 + Roughie ($15.00 pool)
1. Too Sweet (No.7) — $2.63 / $1.30 🏆 UNPLACED
Bet $15.00 Win — ✗ Lost, net -$15.00
Prob 27.1% | Place: 23.4% | Value: 0.94x
Why Maps to roll forward and has the wet-track tick, but the price is tight enough that you don't want to go full mug punter on it.
2. The Weapon (No.3) — $8.40 / $2.45 🏆 4TH
Bet Tracked
Prob 20.5% | Place: 19.9% | Value: 2.27x
Why The map should suit a late run if they go hard enough, and the fresh heavy profile says it can hit the line better than the market thinks.
3. Rich Attitude (No.11) — $13.75 / $3.50 🏆 UNPLACED
Bet Tracked
Prob 16.1% | Place: 16.8% | Value: 2.91x
Why Big odds, but the straight track-style finish and the back-marker profile keep it firmly in the upset conversation.
Roughie: Spandeedo (No.6) — $8.95 / $2.50 🏆 UNPLACED
Bet Tracked
Prob 12.7% | Place: 14.0% | Value: 1.50x
Why If the early burn is stronger than expected, this one can sneak home late and make the race look smarter than it was.
Race type: Benchmark 65, 1600m
Map & tempo: Moderate tempo, and the draw means a few of them need luck
Punty read: Keepitinyourwallet is the grubby little value play from the inside and I bloody love it. The map is kinder than the price suggests, and in a race where the favourite has an ordinary draw and a few of the others are drifting around like lost seagulls, that inside gate can become gold. Coney Island and Speedie O'reilly are the price horses that can light the board up if the race falls apart, while Jaeger has been backed but still has to overcome the map.
Top 3 + Roughie ($15.00 pool)
1. Keepitinyourwallet (No.6) — $10.80 / $3.30 🏆 UNPLACED
Bet $15.00 Place — ✗ Lost, net -$15.00
Prob 20.3% | Place: 25.2% | Value: 3.10x
Why Barrier 1 is a gift in a messy mile, and the wet form says it can sit handy and stick its head out when the whips come out.
2. Coney Island (No.5) — $8.95 / $2.90 🏆 2ND
Bet Tracked
Prob 17.6% | Place: 22.9% | Value: 2.23x
Why Has the right sort of grind for this, and if they overdo it early, it can finish over the top of them late.
3. Speedie O'reilly (No.3) — $14.50 / $3.80 🏆 UNPLACED
Bet Tracked
Prob 14.5% | Place: 19.8% | Value: 2.98x
Why The wet mile and the strong late setup are the two things it wants, so don't be shocked if it storms home and spoils a few tickets.
Roughie: Orleans Belle (No.11) — $14.50 / $3.90 🏆 UNPLACED
Bet Tracked
Prob 5.5% | Place: 8.5% | Value: 1.13x
Why Needs the race to unravel completely, but if the pace cooks the leaders and the fence gets ugly, the swooper can hang around the minors.
Sequence legs are the picks-engine's authoritative choice, rendered from the persisted ticket.
Smart: 2 / 4,9 / 3,6 / 6,2 (8 combos x $4.00 = $32.00) -- 400% flexi
Sequence legs are the picks-engine's authoritative choice, rendered from the persisted ticket.
Smart: 5 / 2,7 / 7,3 / 6,5 (8 combos x $4.00 = $32.00) -- 400% flexi
Sequence legs are the picks-engine's authoritative choice, rendered from the persisted ticket.
Smart: 2 / 4,9 / 3,6 / 6,2 / 5 / 2,7 (16 combos x $2.00 = $32.00) -- 200% flexi
The day's multi leans on three win legs across the card.
1 - Midnight Dart (Race 1, No.2)✗ — $2.98
2 - Helluvah Return (Race 5, No.5) — $6.35
3 - Honey Badger (Race 6, No.2)✓ Won — $2.79
Meeting Stats
Selections
Punty's Early Mail
Rightio Loose Units, Wanganui's serving up a Heavy 9 with a stiff southerly in the ribs and a rail out 4m, so this is going to feel like punting in a car wash with a side hustle. The first half of the card looks like a tactical slog, then by the back end the wind and kickback can turn every straight into a proper bastard of a puzzle.
MEET SNAPSHOT
Track: Wanganui, 1200m-2060m card
Rail: Out 4m
Official going: Heavy 9 (expected to play a genuine grunt test, with the better ground likely to be a touch off the fence once they chew it up)
Weather: Partly cloudy, 22°C, humidity 76%, wind 35km/h SSW, gusts to 38.9km/h (watch for crosswind and lane changes as the track chops out)
Early lane guess: Inside-to-middle looks prime early, but don't get wed to the fence all day; by mid-card the better strip should drift a lane or two off it
Tempo profile: A stack of slow and moderate-run races; the map matters big time, and the horses that can hold a spot without burning petrol are the ones you want
Jockeys to follow:
Jonathan Riddell, keeps landing on the right sort of rides, especially when the race turns into a map-and-manners job
Amber Riddell, on several live chances and generally gives you a clean, no-fuss steer in the wet
Kelly Myers, handy on the grind races and can pinch one when the tempo goes pear-shaped
Stables to respect:
Ms L Latta (8 runners), the strongest spread on the card, with live chances right through the meeting
K T Myers (4 runners), has a few honest battlers and a couple that are built for the slog
J L Rathbone (2 runners), not flashy, but Bold Bro and Derryman give the yard a sneaky punch
Punty's take: This isn't a day for dreamin' and flim-flam. Heavy track, windy conditions, and a rail out a bit means the races should sort themselves into two camps: the horses that can hold a spot and keep rolling, and the ones who get bailed up, lose their rhythm, and then look like they've been asked to do algebra after leg day.
The big thing here is the tempo. A lot of these are set up as slow or moderate crawls, which usually turns the race into a positioning contest rather than a pure staying war. That means the on-pacers and those drawn to lob into the first three or four are the ones to trust most, while the swoopers need a bit of luck and a proper pace-up to get involved. Wanganui on a wet day can be a bit of a snake pit if you go looking for trouble.
What it means for you: Keep your aggression for the races where the map and the heavy form line up cleanly. Race 1, Race 5 and Race 6 look like the best spine races for the day, while Race 2, Race 4, Race 7 and Race 8 are the sort of bloody affairs where the favourite can be right and still get mugged by the track.
The best betting angle is simple: lean into the wet-tracker with the right map, protect yourself in the messy maidens, and use the pre-built exotics only where the shape says the field can split cleanly. Don't get seduced by a shortie just because the bookies have shaved it in; on a Heavy 9, plenty of them are only favourite because the ring is bored and the public loves a shiny coat.