New Zealand Racing Tips for Saturday, April 18th 2026

We have expert betting tips for racing in New Zealand on Saturday, which features racing from Ellerslie and Wanganui.

Punters get good value odds for the two Kiwi meetings, and we have betting tips for the early races on the card.

Ellerslie Racing Tips

Race 1. (10:44) Golf Warehouse BM75 (2100m)

#5 – Castle Rock @ $5.50

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Castle Rock is enjoying a successful preparation after scoring back-to-back wins at Pukekohe.

The four-year-old son of Fastnet Rock didn’t fire at Ellerslie in his only start last campaign, but he has come of age this time around.

He is good enough to beat an even betting field.

Stake: 1 Unit

Race 2. (11:19) Myracehorse BM65 (1200m)

#8 – She’s Untouchable @ $6.00

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Punters get each-way odds for She’s Untouchable, who gets the services of Opie Bosson in the saddle.

The four-year-old mare by Capitalist comes off a third placing at Pukekohe in heavy conditions, so we won’t be worried by the track.

Barrier two is ideal at Ellerslie, so she can’t be left out of picks.

Stake: 1 Unit

Race 3. (11:54) Skycity Star Way Stakes (1200m)

#6 – So Fear @ $5.50

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Boasting an unbeaten record is So Fear, who won at Wanganui before doubling down with a victory at Pukekohe.

The two-year-old filly by Ardrossan showed a good turn-of-foot to beat a nice field, and she can handle this level of racing.

The $5.50 odds are better than expected from bookmakers, so include her in picks.

Stake: 1 Unit

Race 4. (12:29) Elsdon Park Handicap (1200m)

#10 – Celestial Wonder @ $5.50

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Te Akau races Celestial Wonder, who owns three wins and four placings from eight starts.

The four-year-old mare by Xtravagant owns two wins and a placing at Ellerslie, so this looks like an ideal race for her.

Getting in with 54kg is another positive, so take the each-way odds.

Stake: 1.5 Units

Wanganui Racing Tips

Race 1. (10:27) Egan Racing 2YO (1200m)

#1 – King of the Air @ $2.15

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King of the Air won well at New Plymouth before placing at Matamata in heavy conditions last time out.

The two-year-old son of Acrobat was no match for a couple of nice types last time out, but it was a strange race with only four runners.

He should be better suited here, so take the odds in the opener.

Stake: 1.5 Units

Race 3. (11:42) Kevin Myers Stable Handicap (1360m)

#5 – Cooper @ $2.45

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Cooper hasn’t had the most consistent preparation, but he loves racing at Wanganui with seven starts for four wins and two placings.

The six-year-old son of Tivaci has yet to win in heavy conditions, but a bit of moisture in the surface won’t worry him.

Dropping to 54kg should make him tough to hold out in a small field.

Stake: 2 Units

Race 4. (12:14) Chase a Fox Syndicate Maiden (2060m)

#8 – Zaconic @ $9.00

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Punters get value odds with Zaconic, who finished second at Hawera last time out in good conditions.

The track isn’t in good condition for Saturday’s race, but she is bred to handle the wet, and this stable loves producing winter gallopers.

Dropping to 55kg should be enough to take it close.

Stake: 1 Unit

Race 5. (12:49) Jo Rathbone Stables BM75 (2060m)

#1 – Coulthard @ $2.50

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Coulthard was a good thing beaten at Otaki last timeout, which extended the long wait for loyal punters.

The four-year-old son of Redwood is taking his time to win another race, but it should come soon, and this is another ideal opportunity.

He owns seven placings from seven starts at Wanganui, so the record speaks for itself.

Stake: 2 Units

Editor In Chief

Daryl Curnow

After graduating from the University of Auckland (BA - English), Daryl 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.