{"id":31582,"date":"2026-08-21T10:24:09","date_gmt":"2026-08-20T22:24:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tab.co.nz\/punters\/?p=31582"},"modified":"2026-08-21T10:50:14","modified_gmt":"2026-08-20T22:50:14","slug":"hastings-tips-preview-saturday-22-august","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tab.co.nz\/punters\/2026\/08\/hastings-tips-preview-saturday-22-august\/","title":{"rendered":"Hastings Tips & Preview | Saturday 22 August"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Hastings hosts a seven-race program on Saturday, with the track rated a Heavy10 and the rail in the true position. A clear forecast leading into Saturday could see the track return towards a Heavy9, but it is still expected to remain Heavy for the duration of the card.<\/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 7 races at the Hastings meeting on Saturday 22nd August below:<\/p>\n\n\n

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Hastings Race 1<\/div>\n
1 Barnum<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Barnum (#1) is a 4yo son of Circus Maximus coming here second-up this campaign for Chad Ormsby. He ran a good race for 3rd first-up at the Cambridge Synthetic, where he travelled up strongly on speed but was a touch one-paced when the sprint went on turning for home. He should strip fitter heading here and while yet to be tested on a Heavy surface on\u00a0<\/span>raceday<\/span>, he has acquitted himself well on Heavy tracks in prior trial efforts. Expect him to take up a forward position again under Jonathan Riddell and he could take some catching with natural improvement.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hastings R1 – VET SERVICES EQUINE MDN<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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1. Barnum (6)<\/span>
J: Jonathan Riddell<\/span> 58.5kg<\/span><\/div>
79X3<\/span>T: Chad Ormsby<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
3.10<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
1.45<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Returned from a spell last start with a solid third, beaten 2 lengths, at Cambridge Synthetic over 1300m. Fitter for that run and will be tough 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: 21\/08\/2026 11:24:13 AM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
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Hastings Race 2<\/div>\n
6 Bonus Bond<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Bonus Bond (#6) has been a model of consistency in her short career to date, placing in three of her four career starts. She comes here off a last-start 2nd at Rotorua, where she was the best of the beaten bunch behind a dominant winner that day. She again gets the services of Tom Wigram for\u00a0<\/span>this<\/span>\u00a0and his 3kg claim sees her well placed down in the weights carrying just 53.5kg. She maps to settle just off the speed in an evenly run race and should get her chance to go one better.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hastings R2 – HOWDEN INSURANCE MDN MILE<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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6. Bonus Bond (5)<\/span>
J: Tom Wigram<\/span> 53.5kg<\/span><\/div>
6322<\/span>T: Taui Johnson<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
2.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
1.16<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Dual acceptor. Five-year-old mare who has been thereabouts at each appearance to date. Last time out finished second over 1400m at Arawa Park. Big chance to break through.<\/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: 21\/08\/2026 11:24:13 AM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
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Hastings Race 3<\/div>\n
5 Knock Off<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Knock Off (#5) was two months between runs heading into his last-start 2nd behind race rival Benefactor, where he was able to find the front and dictate before being attacked from the 800m but stuck on\u00a0<\/span>fairly well<\/span>\u00a0thereafter. He should be better for that effort heading here on the shorter turnaround and the prospect of another testing Heavy track will be right up his alley. He maps to dictate this race as Leah Hemi pleases in front, as there looks to be\u00a0<\/span>absolutely no<\/span>\u00a0other speed in the race. If that map eventuates as expected, he could take plenty of catching here.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hastings R3 – CHARLIE WHYTE OPEN HCP MILE<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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5. Knock Off (4)<\/span>
J: Leah Hemi<\/span> 54kg<\/span><\/div>
80702<\/span>T: Gerard Cvitanovich<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
3.70<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
1.40<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Broke back into the top-three last start when second at Otaki over 1600m, beaten 4.5 lengths. Making headway. Likely to measure up again.<\/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: 21\/08\/2026 11:24:13 AM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n Bet Now<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Hastings Race 4<\/div>\n
9 Eagle Rock<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Eagle Rock (#9) has been hard to get excited about of late, particularly his last two starts where he has been beaten an aggregate of ~114L. Kylie Little has made multiple gear changes ahead of this, with the blinkers and nose band now going on which may spark some improvement. He is a capable wet tracker on his day and should get conditions to suit here. In what looks\u00a0<\/span>a very open<\/span>\u00a0race, happy to\u00a0<\/span>speculate<\/span>\u00a0on him showing up at the price.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hastings R4 – BETTA INSPECT IT NZ PUNTER OF THE YEAR<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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9. Eagle Rock (9)<\/span>
J: Bridget Grylls<\/span> 54.5kg<\/span><\/div>
86900<\/span>T: Kylie Little<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
21.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
4.50<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Hasn’t flattered of late, the latest effort a 13th over 2100m at Ruakaka, beaten 46 lengths. Looking to 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: 21\/08\/2026 11:24:14 AM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n Bet Now<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Hastings Race 5<\/div>\n
6 Zenzero Girl <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Tip of The Day<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Zenzero<\/span>\u00a0Girl (#6) is a R60 mare who raced well out of her grade in Open Handicap company at\u00a0<\/span>Ruakaka<\/span>\u00a0last start, running an almighty race for 6th beaten only 1.6L. She comes back to the scene of the crime where she broke her maiden in impressive fashion back in May on what was also a testing Heavy track that day. She looks far better suited back on a Heavy track and back in her own\u00a0<\/span>class, and<\/span>\u00a0finds herself down in the weights carrying just 54.5kg after the claim. Should take plenty of beating.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hastings R5 – LIVAMOL CLASSIC 10 OCT – TICKETS ON SALE NOW<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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6. Zenzero Girl (6)<\/span>
J: Jim Chung<\/span> 54.5kg<\/span><\/div>
15026<\/span>T: Grant & Tana Shaw<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
5.50<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
1.80<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Settled on the speed at Ruakaka last start and wasn’t far off the winner in sixth at the end of 1400m. Among the top 4 hopes.<\/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: 21\/08\/2026 11:24:14 AM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n Bet Now<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Hastings Race 6<\/div>\n
7 Florin<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Florin (#7) comes here on the short turnaround from last weekend at Taupo, where she was finding the line strongly from back of midfield for 2nd. She was over eight weeks between runs heading into that assignment and should strip much fitter heading here on the six-day back-up. Back to 1200m on what will\u00a0<\/span>likely be<\/span>\u00a0a more testing surface looks ideal, and she finds herself right down in the weights carrying just 53.5kg after the claim. Expecting her to land back off a solid tempo from her low draw, where\u00a0<\/span>she\u2019ll<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>likely be<\/span>\u00a0saved for one run at them. Could run a cheeky race despite being the outsider in a very even field.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hastings R6 – BEARD BROTHERS SPRINT<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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7. Florin (3)<\/span>
J: Hyeontaek Oh<\/span> 53.5kg<\/span><\/div>
73422<\/span>T: Michael Wallace<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
12.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
3.30<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Six-year-old mare who drops in trip from the latest outing when second over 1400m at Taupo, finishing 1.4 lengths off the winner. Is ready to win at short notice.<\/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: 21\/08\/2026 11:24:14 AM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n Bet Now<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Hastings Race 7<\/div>\n
2 Malachy<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Malachy (#2) has\u00a0<\/span>seemingly found<\/span>\u00a0his rhythm again this campaign, winning his last two starts impressively on testing Heavy tracks. He\u00a0<\/span>likely finds<\/span>\u00a0himself on another testing Heavy track again here over 2100m come the last of the day, which looks ideal, especially given his past two wins have also come late in the day on tired Heavy tracks. He looks well placed carrying 55kg after Tom Wigram\u2019s 3kg claim and again maps to settle back in the field from his wide draw,\u00a0<\/span>likely looking<\/span>\u00a0to work home down the outside in the best part of the track. Can make it a hat-trick here.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hastings R7 – AHD ANIMAL HEALTH DIRECT STAYERS<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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2. Malachy (9)<\/span>
J: Tom Wigram<\/span> 55kg<\/span><\/div>
X4611<\/span>T: Allan Sharrock<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
4.20<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
1.65<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Handy gelding who continued his winning ways last start, showing good pace from the outset to salute over 2100m at Hawera. Going well and can measure up again.<\/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: 21\/08\/2026 11:24:15 AM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n Bet Now<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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\"Winx<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n Horse Racing<\/span>

Winx Stakes 2026 Final Field & Barrier Draw<\/h2>
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\"Te<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n Horse Racing Tips<\/span>

Te Rapa Tips & Preview | Saturday 22 August<\/h2>
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\"Hastings<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n Horse Racing Tips<\/span>

Hastings Tips & Preview | Saturday 22 August<\/h2>
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