{"id":31169,"date":"2026-08-01T07:23:54","date_gmt":"2026-07-31T19:23:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tab.co.nz\/punters\/?p=31169"},"modified":"2026-08-01T07:23:55","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T19:23:55","slug":"ruakaka-tips-preview-saturday-1-august","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tab.co.nz\/punters\/2026\/08\/ruakaka-tips-preview-saturday-1-august\/","title":{"rendered":"Ruak\u0101k\u0101 Tips & Preview | Saturday 1 August"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Ruak\u0101k\u0101 hosts a nine-race program on Saturday, with the track rated a Soft5 and the rail out 6m. A clear forecast through to raceday should see the track come up closer to a Good4 come the first on 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 nine races at the Ruak\u0101k\u0101 meeting on Saturday 1 August below:<\/p>\n\n\n

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Ruak\u0101k\u0101 Race 1<\/div>\n
5 Scolera<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Scolera<\/span>\u00a0(#5) had every chance here last start when settling in the 1×1\u00a0<\/span>throughout, but<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>couldn\u2019t<\/span>\u00a0get near the winner and race rival\u00a0<\/span>Nicconi<\/span>\u00a0County. The key to her chances will be a positive ride early, as while there does appear to be some speed in this on paper, I\u00a0<\/span>wouldn\u2019t<\/span>\u00a0be surprised to see them fall into their positions and moderate the tempo for a furlong. She typically runs her best races when up on the speed and can produce a better showing if ridden positively from the outset.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ruakaka R1 – NAI HARCOURTS WHANGAREI<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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2nd<\/span><\/div>
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5. Scolera (3)<\/span>
J: Jasmine Fawcett<\/span> 56kg<\/span><\/div>
8X842<\/span>T: Jim Collett<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
1.95<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
1.10<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 01\/08\/2026 01:13:46 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
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Ruak\u0101k\u0101 Race 2<\/div>\n
12 The Autumn Queen<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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The Autumn Queen (#12) is a locally trained 3yo son of The Autumn Sun coming here at start number two for Kenny Rae. He found the line with good purpose from the back on debut here when finishing into 3rd, despite not having all favours in the straight. He should be better for the experience and now gets the services of Craig Grylls from the inside draw. Expect him to again settle back in the field but should be getting home strongly late if the gaps go his way.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ruakaka R2 – TITAN ENGINEERING MDN<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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12th<\/span><\/div>
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12. The Autumn Dream (1)<\/span>
J: Craig Grylls<\/span> 56kg<\/span><\/div>
3<\/span>T: Kenny Rae<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
6.50<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
2.30<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 01\/08\/2026 01:48:31 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
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Ruak\u0101k\u0101 Race 3<\/div>\n
6 Iridescent <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Iridescent (#6) is a locally trained mare who is a dual acceptor here and in Race\u00a0<\/span>1, but<\/span>\u00a0looks more likely to take her place here. She comes into this off a\u00a0<\/span>last-start<\/span>\u00a0win here at this course and distance, where she was able to lead and hold her rivals at bay in the straight. She maps to go forward again from the low draw, where she can either lead or trail depending on early pressure. Although\u00a0<\/span>she\u2019s<\/span>\u00a0a three-win mare taking on some more seasoned campaigners, she looks to have more upside than most of these and can go on with her winning ways.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ruakaka R3 – HARCOURTS WHANGAREI HCP<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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2nd<\/span><\/div>
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6. Iridescent (2)<\/span>
J: Jasmine Fawcett<\/span> 54kg<\/span><\/div>
85161<\/span>T: Michelle Bradley<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
3.40<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
1.45<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 01\/08\/2026 02:18:55 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
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Ruak\u0101k\u0101 Race 4<\/div>\n
9 Merriama <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Merriama<\/span>\u00a0(#9) was last seen finding the line strongly from the back for 4th here over 1400m last start, putting in some good late strides before running out of room just short of the line. She looks suited now getting out over a mile and\u00a0<\/span>retains<\/span>\u00a0the services of Michael McNab from a favourable draw. Expect her to settle back of midfield again in what shapes as only an evenly run race, but she should get her chance to be finishing over the top of them late. Not a strong maiden field and she can take plenty of beating.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ruakaka R4 – MAUNU BOROUGH MILE MDN<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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1st<\/span><\/div>
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9. Merriama (5)<\/span>
J: Michael McNab<\/span> 56.5kg<\/span><\/div>
30X64<\/span>T: Kylie Hoskin<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
3.30<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
1.55<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 01\/08\/2026 02:57:23 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
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Ruak\u0101k\u0101 Race 5<\/div>\n
1 Alker Traz<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Tip of The Day<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Alker\u00a0<\/span>Traz<\/span>\u00a0(#1) is a locally trained 4yo son of Wyndspelle who produced an eye-catching effort for 3rd here on debut over 1400m, making up significant ground from the back and powering through the line. The\u00a0<\/span>additional<\/span>\u00a0200m here looks ideal off that effort, particularly given his final 200m split on debut was the fastest of all his closing splits. He gets a significant swing in the barriers, where he should be able to hold a much handier position from the inside gate. Looks\u00a0<\/span>awfully hard<\/span>\u00a0to beat.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ruakaka R5 – TREE WISE NORTHLAND MDN<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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1st<\/span><\/div>
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1. Alker Traz (1)<\/span>
J: Jasmine Fawcett<\/span> 58.5kg<\/span><\/div>
3<\/span>T: Michelle Bradley<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
1.75<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
1.14<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 01\/08\/2026 03:33:19 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
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Ruak\u0101k\u0101 Race 6<\/div>\n
9 Arcadia<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Arcadia (#9) is a 3yo\u00a0<\/span>Contributer<\/span>\u00a0filly on debut for Donna Logan, having been scratched at the barriers at her only attempted\u00a0<\/span>raceday<\/span>\u00a0start as a 2yo. She placed in a recent trial behind some open class horses, where she was in the worst part of the track with jumps jockey Nick Downs aboard but\u00a0<\/span>still kept<\/span>\u00a0on nicely to the line. Expecting her to find her feet early from the wide draw, which should be fine given there looks to be a strong tempo engaged. She finds herself right down in the weights carrying just 51kg after stable apprentice Tom Wigram\u2019s claim. Can run a bold race on debut.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ruakaka R6 – 15 AUG CAMBRIDGE STUD NORTHLAND BREEDERS STAKES<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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<\/td>9. Arcadia (11)<\/span> Scratched: <\/span><\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 01\/08\/2026 04:08:40 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
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Ruak\u0101k\u0101 Race 7<\/div>\n
2 Bourbon Proof<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Bourbon Proof (#2) ran a\u00a0<\/span>much improved<\/span>\u00a0race for his new trainer on his now local track here at this course and distance last start, finishing off soundly into 2nd. Given he was over six weeks between runs heading into that assignment, he should be much better for the outing heading here. Michelle Bradley has tinkered with his gear ahead of this, with the application of visor blinkers potentially helping to switch him on. Expect him to take up a forward position from his wide draw under George Rooke in a race that\u00a0<\/span>doesn\u2019t<\/span>\u00a0look to have much tempo engaged. Can go one better.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ruakaka R7 – HARCOURTS BREAM BAY<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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2nd<\/span><\/div>
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2. Bourbon Proof (7)<\/span>
J: George Rooke<\/span> 59.5kg<\/span><\/div>
95062<\/span>T: Michelle Bradley<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
2.90<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
1.35<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 01\/08\/2026 04:41:37 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
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Ruak\u0101k\u0101 Race 8<\/div>\n
15 Arabella<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Each Way<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Arabella (#15) is another locally trained galloper coming here third-up for Michelle Bradley. She was last sighted finishing off strongly for 3rd here over 1200m, where she\u00a0<\/span>didn\u2019t<\/span>\u00a0corner too well but stayed on nicely in the straight thereafter. With that second run under her belt, the rise to 1300m looks ideal. She gets a significant swing in the barriers, which may well see her settle a couple of pairs closer as a result. Expecting this race to be run at a frantic tempo, and she can be sneaking runs up the fence and finishing off strongly late.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ruakaka R8 – HARCOURTS JUST RENTALS<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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10th<\/span><\/div>
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15. Arabella (2)<\/span>
J: Matthew Cameron<\/span> 56kg<\/span><\/div>
30X03<\/span>T: Michelle Bradley<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
10.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
3.10<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 01\/08\/2026 05:21:41 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
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Ruak\u0101k\u0101 Race 9<\/div>\n
2 Sweet But Psycho<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Sweet But Psycho (#2) was\u00a0<\/span>very good<\/span>\u00a0in defeat here at this course and distance last start, where she took a while to get balanced up in clear galloping room but savaged the line late for 2nd. She maps to again get back in the field from her wider draw, which should be no knock given there looks to be an even-genuine tempo on paper. Expecting McNab to present her right down the outer and give her every chance to go through her gears in clear air this time around. Hard to beat.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ruakaka R9 – MICHELLE BRADLEY RACING<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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2nd<\/span><\/div>
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2. Sweet But Psycho (6)<\/span>
J: Michael McNab<\/span> 59kg<\/span><\/div>
75432<\/span>T: Lance O’Sullivan & Andrew Scott<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
2.80<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
1.45<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 01\/08\/2026 05:52:56 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
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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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\"2026<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n Horse Racing Tips<\/span>

2026 Aurie’s Star Handicap Day Tips & Preview (Flemington)| Saturday 1 August<\/h2>
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