New Zealand Racing Tips for Saturday, October 4th 2025

We have expert betting tips for the New Zealand racing cards this Saturday at Matamata and Hawera.

There is always great value at the NZ horse racing meetings, and we have our best bets across the two cards.

Matamata racing tips

Race 1. (10:02) Fairview Matamata Maiden (1400m)

#6 – Luvabeel @ $2.60

Luvabeel didn’t get the best trip in transit at Taupo last time out, and getting back to her home track should be ideal.

The four-year-old daughter of Savabeel ran second behind Amusemnt after getting blocked for a run, but we liked the way she hit the line.

Opie Bosson sticks with her, which is a good sign.

Stake: 3 Units

Race 2. (10:36) Colchester Engineering BM75 (1200m)

#9 – Azeezle @ $9.50

Azeezle won fresh up last preparation at Mornington, and the former Australian could enjoy racing in New Zealand.

The four-year-old by Exceed and Excel owns two wins from eight starts, and his recent form includes racing The Valley and Caulfield.

That bodes well for racing at Matamata, and the odds are generous.

Stake: 1.5 Units

Race 3. (11:08) Mitre 10 Matamata BM65 (2000m)

#3 – Sonoran @ $3.30

Sonoran was too good for them at Matamata last time out, scoring by a whopping 9.3 lengths as an odds-on favourite.

The four-year-old son of Wrote could kick on with it now, and we expect the $3.30 odds to firm throughout the week.

He’s good enough to handle the rise in class and win again.

Stake: 2 Units

Race 4. (11:41) Russell & Yvonne Green Memorial Handicap (2000m)

#5 – Gigi @ $8.00

Punters get each-way odds for Gigi, who won at Te Rapa three starts back, which is a nice enough form guide.

The six-year-old has yet to fire in three attempts at Matamata, but this is an even betting field, and he could take advantage.

Dropping to 54kg is ideal, so we’re happy to include him in picks.

Stake: 1 Unit

Hawera racing tips

Race 1. (9:45) Denis Wheeler Earthmoving Maiden (1600m)

#2 – Black Sea @ $4.00

Black Sea ran well when second two starts back at Waverley, and something close is a good form guide for this race.

The four-year-old son of Staphanos didn’t fire when fourth last time out as a $1.80 shot, but punters get a good chance to recoup their losses.

Having Jonathan Riddell in the saddle only helps his chances.

Stake: 2 Units

Race 2. (10:18) NZB RTR 3YO (1200m)

#4 – War Princess @ $2.60

War Princess looked good when starting her career with back-to-back wins before taking on harder opposition.

The three-year-old filly by U S Navy Flag was no match for La Dorada and Platinum Diamond, but this is a sizable drop in class.

Barrier two is ideal, so we expect the odds to firm on race day.

Stake: 2.5 Units

Race 3. (10:52) M J Concept & Construction BM65 (1200m)

#2 – Kereti @ $5.50

Punters get each-way odds for Kereti, who is knocking on the door after three third placings this preparation.

The son of Darci Brahma is better than a one-win type, and it’s only a matter of time before he wins another race.

It’s worth taking the current each-way odds given the nature of this field.

Stake: 1 Unit

Race 4. (11:24) Harris Taylor BM65 (2100m)

#8 – Alaskan @ $11.00

Alaskan is struggling to show her best form this year, but we’re happy to give her another chance.

The four-year-old daughter of Niagara runs her best races over the distance with three starts for a win and a placing.

Punters get double-figure odds, so there is value available.

Stake: 1 Unit

Daryl Curnow

About 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.

Categories: Free Saturday Racing Tips & Best Bets, Horse Racing Tips

Race Tracks: New Zealand

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