{"id":32248,"date":"2026-09-11T01:12:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-10T13:12:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tab.co.nz\/punters\/?p=32248"},"modified":"2026-09-11T23:13:05","modified_gmt":"2026-09-11T11:13:05","slug":"taupo-tips-preview-friday-11-september","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tab.co.nz\/punters\/2026\/09\/taupo-tips-preview-friday-11-september\/","title":{"rendered":"Taup\u014d Tips & Preview | Friday 11 September"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Taup\u014d hosts an eight-race card on Friday, with the track rated a Soft7 and the rail out 5m. Conditions are fine and the track should remain in the Soft7 range.\u00a0<\/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 eight races at the Taup\u014d meeting on Friday 11 September below:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/use><\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
Taup\u014d Race 1<\/div>\n
4 The Darzi <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
\n

The Darzi (#4) was last seen finishing 6th, beaten 1.6L, at Taupo four weeks ago, when he was a touch flat-footed when the sprint went on but rallied strongly through the line. Blinkers go on for this, which may help sharpen him up, and he draws a nice low gate. Maps to settle back in the field in a race lacking any tempo, but he has the turn of foot to play a part late.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Taupo R1 – HOLE IN ONE GOLF TAUPO MDN<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
<\/colgroup>
4th<\/span><\/div>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
4. The Darzi (2)<\/span>
58.5kg<\/span>92466<\/span><\/div>
J: Craig Grylls<\/span>T: Lance O’Sullivan & Andrew Scott<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
2.70<\/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: 11\/10\/2026 04:11:23 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n View Results<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/use><\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
Taup\u014d Race 2<\/div>\n
12 Ellendale <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
\n

Ellendale (#12) is a 3yo Proisir filly on debut for Tony Pike, having had six trials to prepare ahead of her first start. She has shown good improvement through her trials and looks a more furnished product going off how she has trialled in her two hit-outs this prep. As a 3yo filly taking on the older horses, she finds herself nicely situated down in the weights carrying just 55kg with Michael McNab aboard. She should be able to hold a position ahead of midfield from her middle draw, where McNab should give her every chance to run a bold race on debut.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Taupo R2 – ENTAIN\/NZB INSURANCE PEARL SERIES MDN<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
<\/colgroup>
2nd<\/span><\/div>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
12. Ellendale (6)<\/span>
55kg<\/span><\/span><\/div>
J: Michael McNab<\/span>T: Tony Pike<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
3.90<\/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: 11\/10\/2026 10:46:56 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n View Results<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/use><\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
Taup\u014d Race 3<\/div>\n
1 Unswayed<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
\n

Unswayed (#1) was narrowly beaten just 0.3L when 2nd at Arawa Park a month ago, and steps out at just his second start for Conor & Sarah Fahy off the back of that promising debut run. Michael McNab retains the ride from the wide draw, where he maps to settle midfield in an moderate-evenly run affair. Can go one better here in what looks a winnable maiden contest.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Taupo R3 – VS EQUINE EAST COAST CHALLENGE QUALIFIER MDN<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
<\/colgroup>
6th<\/span><\/div>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
1. Unswayed (10)<\/span>
58.5kg<\/span>2<\/span><\/div>
J: Michael McNab<\/span>T: Conor and Sarah Fahy<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
5.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
1.85<\/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: 11\/10\/2026 10:46:57 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n View Results<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/use><\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
Taup\u014d Race 4<\/div>\n
6 Imperial Rose<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
Tip of The Day<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
\n

Imperial Rose (#6) is 147 days between runs heading into this first-up assignment, but she’s\u00a0<\/span>trialled<\/span>\u00a0very sharply leading into it,\u00a0<\/span>coasting to<\/span>\u00a0the line under a tight hold. She was last seen at the races finishing a close-up 4th beaten 1.5L at\u00a0<\/span>Te<\/span>\u00a0Rapa on a Heavy10 track. She looks suited by the prospect of better footing here and maps to settle handy to the speed from her wider draw in a race that looks\u00a0<\/span>to<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>have<\/span>\u00a0an even speed engaged. Can run a big race fresh off that trial effort.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Taupo R4 – WAIRAKEI GOLF AND SANCTUARY 3YO MDN<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
<\/colgroup>
4th<\/span><\/div>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
6. Imperial Rose (8)<\/span>
55.5kg<\/span>26X4X<\/span><\/div>
J: George Rooke<\/span>T: Stephen Marsh<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
3.10<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
1.40<\/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: 11\/10\/2026 10:46:57 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n View Results<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/use><\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
Taup\u014d Race 5<\/div>\n
4 Rip Tide<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
\n

Rip Tide (#4) is a dual acceptor here and in Race\u00a0<\/span>6, and<\/span>\u00a0looks capable of taking some beating wherever connections opt to line him up.\u00a0<\/span>He’s<\/span>\u00a0a 3yo Ocean Park colt for Lance O’Sullivan & Andrew Scott who has\u00a0<\/span>trialled<\/span>\u00a0nicely ahead of his debut, finding the line well when asked at his latest trial. Craig Grylls takes the reins from the wide draw, where he maps to settle back in the field, and he can be finishing off over the top of these late.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Taupo R5 – INGLIS 3YO MDN<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
<\/colgroup>
1st<\/span><\/div>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
4. Rip Tide (8)<\/span>
57.5kg<\/span><\/span><\/div>
J: Craig Grylls<\/span>T: Lance O’Sullivan & Andrew Scott<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
5.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
1.80<\/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: 11\/10\/2026 10:46:58 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n View Results<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/use><\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
Taup\u014d Race 6<\/div>\n
14 Rip Tide<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
\n

Rip Tide (#14) is a dual acceptor here and in Race\u00a0<\/span>5, and<\/span>\u00a0looks capable of showing up wherever connections opt to line him up.\u00a0<\/span>He’s<\/span>\u00a0a 3yo Ocean Park colt for Lance O’Sullivan & Andrew Scott who has\u00a0<\/span>trialled<\/span>\u00a0nicely ahead of his debut, finding the line well when asked at his latest trial. No jockey is currently declared for this\u00a0<\/span>option<\/span>, but he does draw a slightly better marble for this.\u00a0<\/span>Happy<\/span>\u00a0to follow him wherever they run him.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Taupo R6 – TONGARIRO RIVER RAFTING EAST COAST CHALLENGE MDN<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
<\/colgroup>
<\/td> 14. Rip Tide (5)<\/span>SCRATCHED: <\/span><\/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: 11\/10\/2026 10:46:59 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n View Results<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/use><\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
Taup\u014d Race 7<\/div>\n
8 Admiral Vos<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
\n

Admiral Vos (#8) is 128 days between runs heading into this first-up assignment, but\u00a0<\/span>he’s<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>trialled<\/span>\u00a0strongly leading into it, coasting to the line under a hold.\u00a0<\/span>His<\/span>\u00a0ran a fair race for 4th beaten\u00a0<\/span>nearly 4L<\/span>\u00a0at Ellerslie on\u00a0<\/span>debut, but<\/span>\u00a0should have taken plenty of improvement from the experience. Michael McNab stays aboard from the low draw, where he maps to settle ahead of midfield in a race that only has\u00a0<\/span>ann<\/span>\u00a0even tempo. Looks well placed carrying 54kg in this R60\u00a0<\/span>context,<\/span>\u00a0a bold first-up showing is expected.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Taupo R7 – JOLLY OUTDOORS TAUPO<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
<\/colgroup>
2nd<\/span><\/div>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
8. Admiral Vos (3)<\/span>
54kg<\/span>4X<\/span><\/div>
J: Michael McNab<\/span>T: Tony Pike<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
1.45<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
1.02<\/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: 11\/10\/2026 10:46:59 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n View Results<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/use><\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
Taup\u014d Race 8<\/div>\n
4 Bonnie Gem<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
\n

Bonnie Gem (#4) comes into this off a short freshen, last seen finishing 12th, beaten\u00a0<\/span>nearly 20<\/span>\u00a0lengths, at\u00a0<\/span>Ruakaka<\/span>\u00a0six weeks ago. She has since had a strong hit-out at the trials, scoring nicely when ridden out by Samantha Collett, who\u00a0<\/span>remains<\/span>\u00a0aboard for this. Expecting\u00a0<\/span>she\u2019ll<\/span>\u00a0be positive early from the wide gate, and she maps to find the front in a moderate-evenly run affair. If she can dictate terms up front,\u00a0<\/span>she’ll<\/span>\u00a0take plenty of catching.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Taupo R8 – TWO MILE BAY SAILING CLUB<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
<\/colgroup>
8th<\/span><\/div>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
4. Bonnie Gem (8)<\/span>
56.5kg<\/span>52170<\/span><\/div>
J: Samantha Collett<\/span>T: Debbie Sweeney<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
8.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
2.35<\/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: 11\/10\/2026 10:47:00 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n View Results<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n \n
\n
\"2026<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n Horse Racing Tips<\/span>

2026 Champions Day Tips & Preview (Flemington)| Saturday 7th November<\/h2>
\n\t
\n
\n \n
\n
\"VRC<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n Horse Racing<\/span>

VRC Oaks 2026 Tips: Predictions & Best Bets<\/h2>
\n\t
\n
\n \n
\n
\"2026<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n Horse Racing Tips<\/span>

2026 Crown Oaks Day Tips & Preview (Flemington)| Thursday 5th November<\/h2>
\n\t