Illawarra Grange Racing Tips for Thursday, October 1st 2026

First race in 3h 37m

Illawarra Grange is the newest track in New South Wales, and it has provided punters with good racing so far. It can be a leader-dominated track, so we have identified a few leaders throughout the eight-race card, who could leave the rest of the field standing in their wake.

Race 1. (13:10) Amigos Provincial Maiden (1450m)

#1 - Classic Two @ $5.50

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Classic Two should get a good trip in transit from barrier four, and he has threatened to win a race lately.

The six-year-old son of Denman owns five placings from 14 starts, including his last three starts at Wyong, so he’s running well.

It’s not a strong field, so take the each-way odds.

Stake: 1 Unit

Race 2. (13:50) Wests Illawarra Your Next Stop Maiden (1400m)

#6 - Unhinged @ $3.70

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Chris Waller lines up Unhinged, who is nearing a win after posting three placings from his last four starts.

The three-year-old colt by Snitzel comes off a second placing at Randwick, which is a good form guide, and he doesn’t need to lift on that.

James McDonald rides, which is another thing in his favour.

Stake: 2 Units

Race 3. (14:25) Snap Printing Wollongong Maiden (1200m)

#11 - So Insightful @ $8.50

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Looking to make full use of the inside draw is So Insightful, who looked good when winning a trial at Warwick Farm.

The three-year-old filly by Written Tycoon won a trial over Sky Deck, who has since performed well, and she has the breeding to win races, being out of Lisdoonvarna.

The odds are generous, so she’s a good value bet this week.

Stake: 1.5 Units

Race 4. (15:05) Go Hire the Event People Maiden (1200m)

#3 - Vatican @ $2.25

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Big bets have come for Vatican, who opened at $3.20 before shortening into his current price in quick time.

The Waller-trained three-year-old is bred to be better than average, and his third placing at Canterbury last start is a good form guide.

Barrier two is ideal, so he should sit handy to the speed and kick well.

Stake: 1.5 Units

Race 5. (15:40) Elite Sand & Soil BM64 (1450m)

#2 - Pierata’s Gem @ $3.10

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Pierata’s Gem has been a tough runner to follow this preparation, but we’re giving her another chance at this level.

The five-year-old mare has been well-backed in all five runs, which includes two placings, but she needs to start winning races.

Barrier three with Zac Lloyd riding helps, so she gets her chance.

Stake: 1 Unit

Race 6. (16:15) Plumbing the Gong BM64 (2000m)

#6 - Powerful Prayer @ $6.00

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There isn’t much over this field, and Powerful Prayer should get a good trip in transit and be right there in the finish.

He is only a one-time winner from 15 starts, but his third placing at Canberra two back should be a solid form guide for this race.

Barrier three with 55.5kg on his back is enough to see him be competitive.

Stake: 1 Unit

Race 7. (16:50) Sydcom Midway BM64 (1300m)

#2 - Maidoff @ $2.80

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Maidoff sat on the speed last time out before kicking away for an easy win, and he could repeat that effort on Thursday.

The four-year-old son of Brazen Beau owns two wins and four placings overall, so he’s consistent, and he could remain unbeaten at Illawarra Grange.

Look for him to push forward from out wide to ensure he sits handy to the pace.

Stake: 1.5 Units

Race 8. (17:30) Henry Clive Bar BM64 (1150m)

#9 - Centimetre @ $4.50

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Hoping to stay unbeaten is Centimetre, who scored by a half-length on debut at Goulburn.

The O’Shea/Charlton-trained colt by Extreme Choice is bred to run well as a youngster, and he looks like a strong type in the making.

Barrier two is ideal, so he’s worth including in horse racing picks.

Stake: 1 Unit

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Editor-In-Chief

Daryl Curnow

After graduating from the University of Auckland (BA - English), Daryl Curnow was thrown into the world of sports and horse racing journalism.

Having worked as a racing journalist for two years, he decided to move into the online world of horse racing and sports writing. After years of honing his craft, Daryl became a professional punter in 2009 - with a focus on horse racing, NRL, AFL, NBA, Rugby, NFL, and US college sports.

Daryl's tips have been featured on various websites around the world before joining the GoBet team. When he's not working, Daryl tries to avoid making bogeys on the golf course.