{"id":31167,"date":"2026-07-31T09:04:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-30T21:04:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tab.co.nz\/punters\/?p=31167"},"modified":"2026-07-31T11:20:15","modified_gmt":"2026-07-30T23:20:15","slug":"riccarton-park-tips-preview-saturday-1-august","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tab.co.nz\/punters\/2026\/07\/riccarton-park-tips-preview-saturday-1-august\/","title":{"rendered":"Riccarton Park Tips & Preview | Saturday 1 August"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Riccarton hosts a ten-race program on Saturday for Winter Cup Day, with the Sydenham Hurdles and Koral Steeplechase also on the card. The track is rated a Soft7 and the rail is in the true position. A mostly clear forecast in Christchurch, aside from isolated showers on Friday evening, should see the track remain close to a Soft7 come Saturday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mitch Davis has been through the form guide and speed maps and has provided his race analysis and betting strategy for each of the 10 races at the Riccarton Park meeting on Saturday 1 August below:<\/p>\n\n\n

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Riccarton Park Race 1<\/div>\n
4 Overdraft<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Overdraft (#4) ran a great race for 2nd at his hurdling debut last start at Woodville, where he travelled up strongly a long way from home before just peaking over the concluding stages. He should be improved for that first effort over the hurdles heading here and looks to find what appears a slightly softer maiden hurdle on paper. Should be better suited than most if the track is on the better side of the Heavy range. Can go one better.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Riccarton R1 – SPEIGHT’S SUMMIT ULTRA ON TAP MDN HURDLES<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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4. Overdraft (7)<\/span>
J: Hamish McNeill<\/span> 68kg<\/span><\/div>
10582<\/span>T: Jo Rathbone<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
3.50<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
1.55<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Was well in commission and turned in a nice effort last time out when he finished runner-up on his jumps debut (3000m) at Woodville. Promising jumper who will be hard to beat.<\/td><\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 31\/07\/2026 06:27:12 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
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Riccarton Park Race 2<\/div>\n
4 The Bambino<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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The Bambino (#4) has been building nicely this campaign, showing good improvement into his latest start in the Hawke\u2019s Bay Hurdle where he closed off nicely to finish a close-up 3rd. He should be better again heading here with that second hurdling effort under his belt this campaign. Expecting him to settle back in the field from his middle draw in a race that should be run along at a genuine enough tempo. Capable of winning this with his best.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Riccarton R2 – AVON CITY FORD SYDENHAM HURDLES<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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4. The Bambino (4)<\/span>
J: Emily Farr<\/span> 66.5kg<\/span><\/div>
X2053<\/span>T: Paul Nelson & Corrina McDougal<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
5.50<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
1.75<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Edging towards a win based on better performances at his last couple of outings, the most recent a third (3000m) at Woodville. One of the better chances.<\/td><\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 31\/07\/2026 06:27:12 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
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Riccarton Park Race 3<\/div>\n
5 Doubtable<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Doubtable (#5) is a 3yo\u00a0<\/span>Doubtland<\/span>\u00a0filly heading here off a fair effort for 4th last start here over 1000m, where she made a mess of the start and only battled down the straight. She has had the benefit of a trial in the interim on the\u00a0<\/span>polytrack<\/span>, where she jumped evenly and trialled well thereafter against the older horses. The blinkers went on in that\u00a0<\/span>trial<\/span>\u00a0and they stay on for\u00a0<\/span>raceday<\/span>, which may see some\u00a0<\/span>additional<\/span>\u00a0improvement out of her. Expect her to find a much more positive position under Lisa Allpress and take plenty of running down.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Riccarton R3 – CHRISTCHURCH CASINO 31ST STH ISLAND AWARDS 11\/09 3YO<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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5. Doubtable (6)<\/span>
J: Lisa Allpress<\/span> 56kg<\/span><\/div>
14<\/span>T: Terri Rae<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
2.40<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
1.25<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Won on debut two back at Wingatui then could only manage fourth last start over 1000m at this track. Has ability and is worth another chance.<\/td><\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 31\/07\/2026 06:28:41 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
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Riccarton Park Race 4<\/div>\n
8 Mercy <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Mercy (#8) comes here fresh, last sighted winning her maiden at Otaki back in May where she sliced through from back in the field to win in the shadows of the post. She has the benefit of a recent trial under her belt, where she got home nicely to win well under light riding. She maps to settle well back from the wide draw,\u00a0<\/span>likely snagging<\/span>\u00a0in search of cover early. Solid each-way chance in an even field.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Riccarton R4 – WINTER FASHIONS HERE – 8 AUGUST RATING 65<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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8. Mercy (19)<\/span>
J: Floor Moerman<\/span> 57kg<\/span><\/div>
20461<\/span>T: Kevin Myers<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
7.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
2.70<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Returns from a lay-off. Sharpened with a trial win at Foxton. Raced just once last campaign and scored at Otaki over 1400m. Looks all set for a effective return.<\/td><\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 31\/07\/2026 06:28:41 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
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Riccarton Park Race 5<\/div>\n
1 Captains Run<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Captains Run (#1) lost the rider last start in a maiden hurdle at Woodville, which\u00a0<\/span>doesn\u2019t<\/span>\u00a0look ideal on paper, but he had a good hit-out without the rider aboard and got around safely. He is much better suited over the bigger fences and should strip much fitter heading here.\u00a0<\/span>He\u2019ll<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>likely settle<\/span>\u00a0off the speed as per his typical racing pattern and look to out-stay these late. He finished 2nd in this race last year behind Jesko and can go one better this time around.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Riccarton R5 – RACECOURSE HOTEL & MOTOR LODGE KORAL STEEPLECHASE<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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1. Captains Run (4)<\/span>
J: Hamish McNeill<\/span> 70kg<\/span><\/div>
12X0L<\/span>T: Dan O’Leary<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
8.50<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
2.20<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Raced in a jumps latest over 3000m at Woodville but displaced the rider. Have to take on trust here and happy to risk this time.<\/td><\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 31\/07\/2026 06:28:41 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
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Riccarton Park Race 6<\/div>\n
4 On Shaw<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Each Way<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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On Shaw (#4) won his maiden very impressively two starts back at Wanganui before just battling in the testing conditions at New Plymouth last start when finishing 7th. He should strip fitter again heading here now third-up and\u00a0<\/span>remaining<\/span>\u00a0at 1600m looks ideal. He should also be better suited by what should be a more even surface underfoot here. Expecting Hayley Hassman to position him midfield with cover from the low draw before looking to pick them off late.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Riccarton R6 – GOLD CLUB RATING 65<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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4. On Shaw (2)<\/span>
J: Hayley Hassman<\/span> 58.5kg<\/span><\/div>
36X17<\/span>T: Niall Quinn<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
3.80<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
1.65<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Stepping out at this track for the first time. Last appeared when he finished seventh over 1600m at New Plymouth Raceway on July 18. Drawn well and is among the chances.<\/td><\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 31\/07\/2026 06:28:42 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
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Riccarton Park Race 7<\/div>\n
1 Bundy<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Tip of The Day<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Bundy (#1) comes here fresh, last sighted finishing 4th behind Exit Left at Waverley back in May where he was caught wide without cover throughout but stuck on well considering. He has had a quiet trial since to prepare him for this 1600m\u00a0<\/span>assignment, and<\/span>\u00a0should get back in the field with cover from his wide draw in a race that looks to have a genuine tempo. Should be going through his gears down the outer late. Hard to beat with anything close to his best.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Riccarton R7 – LISTEN LIVE ON SPORTNATION.NZ RATING 65<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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1. Bundy (15)<\/span>
J: Floor Moerman<\/span> 60kg<\/span><\/div>
81X54<\/span>T: Kevin Myers<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
4.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
1.85<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Resuming from a lay-off. Placed in a recent Foxton trial. Opened last campaign with a fifth at Otaki over 1400m. Looks all set for a positive return.<\/td><\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 31\/07\/2026 06:32:51 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
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Riccarton Park Race 8<\/div>\n
3 Wire Rope<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Wire Rope (#3) comes into this off a battling effort for 5th at New Plymouth last start, where he\u00a0<\/span>didn\u2019t<\/span>\u00a0look to let down as well as he can on the testing Heavy10 track that day. He should get better conditions to work with here and the drop back to 1400m may be more to his liking also. The wide draw is a touch sticky on paper, although this race\u00a0<\/span>doesn\u2019t<\/span>\u00a0look to have an abundance of early pressure, so I\u00a0<\/span>wouldn\u2019t<\/span>\u00a0be surprised to see Toni Davies chancing her arm early. Well and truly capable of taking this race out with something near his best.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Riccarton R8 – ZILCO RATING 75<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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3. Wire Rope (10)<\/span>
J: Toni Davies<\/span> 59.5kg<\/span><\/div>
6X465<\/span>T: Bill Thurlow<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
5.50<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
2.10<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Dual acceptor. Made it three unplaced runs from three starts this prep when fifth over 1600m at New Plymouth Raceway two weeks ago. Hard to beat on his best form.<\/td><\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 31\/07\/2026 06:32:52 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
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Riccarton Park Race 9<\/div>\n
17 Platinum Diamond<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Platinum Diamond (#17) was doing her best work\u00a0<\/span>very late<\/span>\u00a0in the Opunake Cup last start, getting home nicely over the final 100m into 7th. Off that effort, she may now be looking for the mile, and she maps to drop out the back as per the norm for her, off what looks\u00a0<\/span>a very strong<\/span>\u00a0tempo with much of the speed drawn very wide here.\u00a0<\/span>She\u2019s<\/span>\u00a0proving\u00a0<\/span>very hard<\/span>\u00a0to catch this time in, but happy to\u00a0<\/span>speculate<\/span>\u00a0on her showing up at the price.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Riccarton R9 – WINNING EDGE PRESENTATIONS 129TH WINTER CUP (G3)<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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17. Platinum Diamond (6)<\/span>
J: Bruno Queiroz<\/span> 53kg<\/span><\/div>
92707<\/span>T: Lisa Latta<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
8.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
3.00<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Is a three-time winner at black-type level who tackled a Listed Race contest last time out and finished 5.5 lengths from Prioress in seventh in the Opunake Cup over 1400m at New Plymouth Raceway. Prefer others.<\/td><\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 31\/07\/2026 06:32:52 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
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Riccarton Park Race 10<\/div>\n
2 Boomtown Boy <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Boomtown Boy (#2)\u00a0<\/span>hasn\u2019t<\/span>\u00a0set the world on fire so far this campaign, with only a game effort three starts back standing out among otherwise disappointing runs. There are a few things in his favour here – the blinkers go on, he drops back into R75 company, and he returns to what has been a happy hunting ground for him at Riccarton in the past. He maps to get an economical run midfield on the fence from his inside draw and should get his chance to run a\u00a0<\/span>much improved<\/span>\u00a0race.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Riccarton R10 – GROUP 1 RACEDAY PARTY – 12 SEPTEMBER RATING 75<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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2. Boomtown Boy (1)<\/span>
J: Kelly Myers<\/span> 59.5kg<\/span><\/div>
X6435<\/span>T: Adrian Bull<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
8.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
2.90<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Dual acceptor. Honest gelding. Course and distance winner whose latest effort was a fifth over 1600m at Hawera. Well-placed and is an each-way hope.<\/td><\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 31\/07\/2026 06:32:53 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
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\"Awapuni<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n Horse Racing Tips<\/span>

Awapuni Synthetic Tips & Preview | Friday 31 July<\/h2>
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\"Ruakaka<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n Horse Racing Tips<\/span>

Ruakaka Tips & Preview | Saturday 1 August<\/h2>
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\"Riccarton<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n Horse Racing Tips<\/span>

Riccarton Park Tips & Preview | Saturday 1 August<\/h2>
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