New Zealand Racing Tips for Saturday, August 1st 2026

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

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

Riccarton Racing Tips

Race 1. (9:20) Speight's Summit Ultra on Tap Maiden Hurdle (3100m)

#2 - Billy @ $3.50

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It’s only a matter of time before Bily wins over the jumps, and this looks like an ideal target for the Kevin Myers-trained runner.

The seven-year-old has been threatening to win after back-to-back second placings, and we expect him to run well again.

Lemmy Douglas is riding well, which is a big help.

Stake: 1 Unit

Race 2. (9:55) Avon City Sydenham Hurdle (3100m)

#5 - Quid @ $2.90

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Quid was never a winning hope on the flat last time out, so it could pay to ignore the duck egg next to his name.

The eight-year-old is better equipped over the hurdles, where he has had seven starts for a win and six placings.

It’s another Myers/Douglas runner, so they could combine for the first two.

Stake: 1.5 Units

Race 3. (10:39) Christchurch Casino South Island Awards 3YO (1200m)

#5 - Doubtable @ $2.40

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The odds are on the shorter side for Doubtable, but she has the best exposed form in this race.

The three-year-old filly won on debut at Wingatui before finishing fifth at Riccarton, and having experience at this track helps.

She handles wet tracks, so we expect a tidy effort.

Stake: 1 Unit

Race 9. (14:07) Winning Edge Presentations Winter Cup (1600m)

#4 - Prioress @ $11.00

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Prioress keeps paying good odds when winning, and she could score another win this Saturday in the feature race.

It takes a tough horse to win the Winter Cup, and her win at New Plymouth last start showcased her toughness when running down a quality field.

54kg on her back and punters get $11 odds.

Stake: 1 Unit

Ruakaka Racing Tips

Race 1. (10:13) Nai Harcourts Whangarei BM75 (1200m)

#1 - Nicconi County @ $5.00

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The Vance stable has had plenty of success recently, and they could score another win with former Hong Kong galloper Nicconi County.

The eight-year-old gelding won at Ruakaka last time out by 1.5 lengths, which came against a similar field to what he faces here.

The $5 odds are better than expected, so back him as a value bet.

Stake: 1.5 Units

Race 2. (10:46) Titan Engineering Maiden (1200m)

#1 - Odds and Ends @ $5.00

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We’re going with another top weight in Odds and Ends, who owns six placings from 12 starts, including three placings this prep.

The four-year-old son of Per Incanto has enjoyed racing at Ruakaka with consecutive second placings, and he shouldn’t take long to win.

Joe Doyle is a good front-running rider, so expect a positive ride.

Stake: 1 Unit

Race 3. (11:18) Harcourts Whangarei Handicap (1400m)

#6 - Iridescent @ $4.00

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Boasting two wins from her last three starts is Iridescent, who is also a two-time winner at Ruakaka.

The five-year-old mare won at Ellerslie three back before scoring again last start, and with only 54kg on her back, she should be tough to hold out.

We priced her at around $3, so take the value odds.

Stake: 1.5 Units

Race 4. (11:54) Maunu Borough Mile Maiden (1600m)

#8 - Cheerful Smiler @ $5.50

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Jenna Mahoney lines up Cheerful Smile, who is still seeking her first win in 18 attempts, but this is her best chance.

The five-year-old mare has been going close with a last-start placing at Ruakaka, and something close to that should be enough.

The each-way odds with a 3kg claimer riding are generous.

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.