New Zealand Racing Tips for Saturday, May 23rd 2026

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

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. (10:00) Myracehorse 2YO (1100m)

#5 – Fatal Affair @ $1.75

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Fatal Affair has been one of the best-backed debutantes in some time after opening at $3.70, which is a big go for a 2YO.

The filly by Home Affairs cruised home in a recent trial win at Avondale, and when the Stephen Marsh stable has a bet, it pays to follow.

She could be a nice type in the making, so include her at short odds.

Stake: 2 Units

Race 2. (10:35) The Lawn Shed Handicap (2100m)

#3 – Khan Hunter @ $5.00

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There is a short-priced favourite in the race, but there is no value in backing Pacifico, so include Khan Hunter in picks.

The eight-year-old son of Mongolian Khan is still looking to post his first win at Ellerslie from 15 attempts, but he won at Pukekohe two starts ago, so that’s a good form pointer.

It’s a small field, and he represents value.

Stake: 1 Unit

Race 3. (11:10) Trackside 3YO (1500m)

#2 – Yokozuna @ $5.00

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We expect a better run from Yokozuma on Saturday, who has struggled behind some smart types this preparation.

The three-year-old son of Fierce Impact looked good during his first preparation when posting a win and a second placing at Ruakaka, and that form should hold up well.

Masa Hashizume is riding well, so that adds to our confidence.

Stake: 1 Unit

Race 4. (11:50) The Lawn Shed Maiden (1400m)

#7 – Miss Parker @ $7.00

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Punters have been waiting for Miss Parker to win her maiden race, but Saturday’s race looks like an ideal target for the filly.

She owns five second placings from nine starts, and she has yet to finish worse than second in three attempts over 1400m.

The $7 odds are generous, so back her on an each-way basis.

Stake: 1.5 Units

New Plymouth Racing Tips

Race 1. (10:20) Hirepool New Plymouth 3YO (1600m)

#3 – Lucky Dice @ $3.20

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Lucky Dice finally got some luck when winning at Woodville last start, and he is good enough to add another win to his record.

The three-year-old son of Deep Field scored by just under a length, and although the second horse has since failed to impress, he was a class above them.

This isn’t an easy field, but there is enough betting support to back him with confidence.

Stake: 1 Unit

Race 2. (10:55) The Rock BM65 (1800m)

#5 – Novak @ $9.00

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Novak could serve it up to them on Saturday, and without a standout runner in the field, we’re taking the $9 odds.

The seven-year-old will need to improve on his recent form, but he doesn’t mind the sting out of the ground, and he’s fit and ready to fire.

Barrier three is ideal, so he should get all favours in the run.

Stake: 1 Unit

Race 3. (11:30) Wash Squad Handicap (2000m)

#6 – Ortem Legacy @ $2.50

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Ortem Legacy showed improvement when placing last time out at Te Rapa, and that form stacks up well for racing at New Plymouth.

The five-year-old mare was only a nose behind the winner over 2400m, and although dropping to 2000m makes it tricky, the wet track will make it feel like 2400m.

Dropping to 54kg is enough to see her win as the favourite.

Stake: 1.5 Units

Race 4. (12:05) Seaton Park Maiden (1400m)

#9 – Shadow Ruler @ $4.20

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Punters get each-way odds for Shadow Ruler, who could take full advantage of the inside draw with Toni Davis in the saddle.

The four-year-old mare by Mongolian Khan is bred to want slightly further, but after posting two placings from two starts, she looks set to go close.

It’s an even field, so include her on an each-way basis.

Stake: 1 Unit

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.