{"id":32648,"date":"2026-09-25T10:40:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-24T22:40:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tab.co.nz\/punters\/?p=32648"},"modified":"2026-09-25T22:59:01","modified_gmt":"2026-09-25T10:59:01","slug":"riccarton-park-tips-preview-saturday-26-september","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tab.co.nz\/punters\/2026\/09\/riccarton-park-tips-preview-saturday-26-september\/","title":{"rendered":"Riccarton Park Tips & Preview | Saturday 26 September"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Riccarton hosts a nine-race card on Saturday, with the track rated a Soft5 and the rail out 7m to the 1000m, then 10m to the winning post. Conditions are clear for raceday, expecting the track to be playing fast throughout.<\/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 Riccarton meeting on Saturday 26 September below:<\/p>\n\n\n

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Riccarton Park Race 1<\/div>\n
13 Cool As Bling<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Tip of The Day<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Cool As Bling (#13) resumes here for the <\/span>locally-based<\/span> David Walsh stable, last seen closing off nicely from the back of the field for 2nd in the Listed Champagne Stakes here back in May. <\/span>He’s<\/span> since won a recent trial impressively, holding his rivals at bay with ease. Tom Wigram takes over, which sees him nicely placed down in the weights carrying just 53kg. Should be suited by the better conditions underfoot, can return with a bang here.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Riccarton R1 – HAWKE’S BAY RACING E.C CHALLENGE QUALIFIER MDN<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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3rd<\/span><\/div>
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13. Cool As Bling (4)<\/span>
J: Tom Wigram<\/span> 53kg<\/span><\/div>
X622X<\/span> T: David Walsh<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
3.30<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
1.50<\/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: 26\/09\/2026 01:17:38 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
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Riccarton Park Race 2 <\/div>\n
1 Van Maison<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Van Maison (#1) is a 2yo Vanbrugh gelding for Kenny Rae, on debut like the rest of this field. He looked good when winning in a recent trial here, showing good early speed and keeping on nicely to the line off the fence. Expect him to take up a prominent position from his middle draw and look to replicate that trial win on <\/span>raceday<\/span>. The one to beat off what this field has shown at their trials.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Riccarton R2 – NOBBY BUSSELL MEMORIAL 2YO MDN<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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4th<\/span><\/div>
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1. Van Maison (3)<\/span>
J: Triston Moodley<\/span> 57.5kg<\/span><\/div>
<\/span> T: Kenny Rae<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
2.60<\/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: 26\/09\/2026 01:54:04 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
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Riccarton Park Race 3<\/div>\n
1 Zafar<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Zafar (#1) was one-paced to the line here last start, finishing 4th from a midfield position on a Heavy track that <\/span>didn’t<\/span> look to suit him. He comes here second-up and should be better for that run, looking much better suited back on top of the ground too. Kyle Wilson-Taylor takes over from a nice handy gate, which should see him afforded every chance. Should run an improved race here.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Riccarton R3 – THE PAVILION AT RICCARTON PARK 3YO<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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2nd<\/span><\/div>
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1. Zafar (4)<\/span>
J: Kyle Wilson-Taylor<\/span> 58kg<\/span><\/div>
1X4<\/span> T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
1.80<\/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: 26\/09\/2026 02:26:40 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
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Riccarton Park Race 4<\/div>\n
2 Hakkinen<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Hakkinen (#2) comes here off a smart win here last start, sitting back in the field before unleashing a good sprint late to score. He comes here second-up, and in what looks a race with an even tempo on paper, he maps to settle back in the field again. Expect Hayley Hassman to have him blending into the race turning for home before looking to unleash and finish over the top late. Clearly the horse to beat if he improves off that resuming run.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Riccarton R4 – SPEIGHT’S SUMMIT ULTRA ON TAP RATING 75<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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1st<\/span><\/div>
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2. Hakkinen (6)<\/span>
J: Hayley Hassman<\/span> 58.5kg<\/span><\/div>
42DX1<\/span> T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
1.40<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
1.05<\/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: 26\/09\/2026 03:03:17 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
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Riccarton Park Race 5<\/div>\n
7 Winter Blaze <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Winter Blaze (#7) was very unlucky here last start, where she was held up at a crucial stage early in the straight, though she still put in some good late strides from the back to finish 4th. She maps to settle well back in the field again as per the norm with her, despite drawing a handy gate. The improved conditions underfoot are a slightly query. Watch for her to be finishing off strongly late.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Riccarton R5 – PLOUGH HOTEL RATING 65<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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13th<\/span><\/div>
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7. Winter Blaze (5)<\/span>
J: Brandon May<\/span> 57.5kg<\/span><\/div>
84714<\/span> T: Bruce Tapper<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
9.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
3.00<\/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: 26\/09\/2026 03:39:28 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
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Riccarton Park Race 6<\/div>\n
6 Court Of Appeal<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Court Of Appeal (#6) raced back and wide throughout here last <\/span>start, and<\/span> was inclined to lay in through the home straight, though she finished off well <\/span>by the same token<\/span> when getting home into 8th. She comes here third-up, and Kyle Wilson-Taylor takes over from the wide gate, where she maps to settle midfield with cover. She looks well placed down on the minimum carrying 54kg, an improved showing here <\/span>wouldn’t<\/span> surprise.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Riccarton R6 – WAIMAKARIRI BUSINESSES NORTH CANTERBURY CUP<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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2nd<\/span><\/div>
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6. Court Of Appeal (7)<\/span>
J: Kyle Wilson-Taylor<\/span> 54kg<\/span><\/div>
17X68<\/span> T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
4.80<\/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: 26\/09\/2026 04:16:45 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
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Riccarton Park Race 7<\/div>\n
11 Dream Of The Moon<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Dream Of <\/span>The<\/span> Moon (#11) resumes here, last seen finishing 9th at Ellerslie back in April. <\/span>She’s<\/span> since won two trials impressively ahead of this, which should have her ready to for this first-up assignment. The firmer the track the better for her, so hopefully conditions edge nearer the <\/span>Good<\/span> range by this stage of the day. Kyle Wilson-Taylor takes over from a nice low draw, where she maps to settle <\/span>not far from<\/span> the speed. Taking on some handy sprinters here, but she can measure up with her best.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Riccarton R7 – TAB MILE PRELUDE HCP<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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8th<\/span><\/div>
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11. Dream Of The Moon (3)<\/span>
J: Kyle Wilson-Taylor<\/span> 54kg<\/span><\/div>
2249X<\/span> T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
2.80<\/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: 26\/09\/2026 04:51:29 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
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Riccarton Park Race 8<\/div>\n
13 Miss Starlight <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Miss Starlight (#13) weakened out of it here last start, finishing into 8th. She comes here third-up and should be much better suited on top of the ground this time. Back over 1200m, she maps to lead from a middle <\/span>barrier, and<\/span> should get her chance to run a <\/span>much improved<\/span> race <\/span>as a consequence<\/span>. Speedy mare who can <\/span>definitely win<\/span> this at her best. Happy to <\/span>speculate<\/span> on her showing up at the price.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Riccarton R8 – THE SEFTON RATING 75<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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2nd<\/span><\/div>
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13. Miss Starlight (10)<\/span>
J: Rohan Mudhoo<\/span> 56kg<\/span><\/div>
32X98<\/span> T: John & Karen Parsons<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
9.50<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
3.00<\/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: 26\/09\/2026 05:31:15 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
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Riccarton Park Race 9<\/div>\n
9 Graffiti Artist <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Each Way<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Graffiti Artist (#9) comes here off a solid effort here last start, making good late ground without ever really threatening when 5th. She comes here second-up, and whilst dropping back in distance is a slight query, <\/span>she’ll<\/span> be much better suited on top of the ground. She maps to settle back in the field again from a middle barrier off a genuine tempo. Should be rolling home strongly late down the outer.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Riccarton R9 – CUP WEEK TICKETS ON SALE NOW RATING 65<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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<\/td> 9. Graffiti Artist (9)<\/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: 26\/09\/2026 06:33:26 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
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\"Hastings<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n Horse Racing Tips<\/span>

Hastings Tips & Preview | Saturday 26 September<\/h2>
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\"Riccarton<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n Horse Racing Tips<\/span>

Riccarton Park Tips & Preview | Saturday 26 September<\/h2>
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\"2026<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n Horse Racing Tips<\/span>

2026 Golden Rose Day Tips & Preview (Rosehill) | Saturday 26 September<\/h2>
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