New Zealand Racing Tips for Saturday, July 18th 2026

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

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

New Plymouth Racing Tips

Race 1. (10:17) Seaton Park Spec Maiden (1800m)

#4 – Artful Dodger @ $5.50

Artful Dodger looked good when running third two starts back, and he wasn’t far away when running fifth last time out at Ellerslie.

The three-year-old son of Super Easy is going under the radar in betting markets, so we’re jumping on the each-way odds.

Joe Doyle riding helps, so include him in picks.

Stake: 2 Units

Race 2. (10:51) Ktech Engineering Maiden (1100m)

#1 – Bokushi @ $2.05

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Bokushi is getting close to posting a win after four placings from five starts, including two placings at New Plymouth.

The three-year-old son of Swiss Ace ran second at New Plymouth last time out behind Prince of Diamonds, which is a tidy form guide.

NZ’s best local jockey, which adds to his appeal.

Stake: 2 Units

Race 3. (11:30) Sandfords Rural Carriers BM75 (1200m)

#3 – Bella Timing @ $5.50

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Punters get each-way odds for Bella Timing, who loves running at New Plymouth with three starts for two wins and a placing.

The five-year-old mare comes off an improved run for third at Waverley, and getting 2kg off her back only helps her chances.

We’re loving the odds, so include her in picks as a value bet.

Stake: 1.5 Units

Race 4. (12:12) Coastal Agriservices Spec Maiden (1400m)

#1 – Drommy @ $2.35

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Seeking back-to-back wins is Drommy, who was too good for them when winning at Te Aroha last time out.

The 3.3-length win is a good form guide for this level of racing, and he’s one of only three race winners in the spec maiden race.

Take the odds before late money comes for him.

Stake: 2 Units

Ruakaka Racing Tips

Race 1. (10:36) Lion Red Maiden (1200m)

#7 – Want More @ $3.20

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Want More is bred to be better than average, and the three-year-old filly by Super Seth is in good hands.

The Tony Pike-trained filly comes off a solid third placing at the trials, and conditions at Ruakaka should be right up her alley.

She gets the inside draw, which is key for a debut runner.

Stake: 1 Unit

Race 2. (11:08) Mountfield Quarry BM75 (2100m)

#7 – Pure Bars @ $3.00

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Pure Bars is nearing another win, and he won’t get a better chance to break through than with 50kg on his back.

The six-year-old son of Bullbars comes off a second placing at Te Rapa, and he was only a nose behind the winner at each-way odds.

The $3 is a fair price given the conditions of this race.

Stake: 1 Unit

Race 3. (11:43) Hirepool Maiden (1400m)

#4 – Franzinho @ $4.80

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Looking to make a winning debut is Franzinho, who showed speed when winning at Taupo to prepare for this race.

The three-year-old son of Tarzino gets an in-form Jack Taplin in the saddle, and his 2kg claim could be enough to get the job done.

The $4.80 odds are worth taking, and they could shorten close to start time.

Stake: 1 Unit

Race 4. (12:20) Fireco Maiden (1600m)

#5 – Long Island @ $3.00

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Long Island has been all around the mark throughout her career, including three placings from five starts.

The Donna Logan-trained filly gets down in the weights to 52.5kg, and getting the inside draw is enough to take her close.

She is another runner who could firm considerably on race day.

Stake: 1.5 Units

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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.