Saturday Racing Tips - Ellerslie 21/02/26

The Matamata card this Saturday is headlined by two Grade 1 races, the Sport Nation Otaki Maori Classic and the New Zealand Oaks.

Ahead of the first race we have run our eye through the card and picked out some of our best horse racing tips.

As well as our exclusive tips we have highlighted three races which look to be the most competitive of the day. Whether you want to back a short priced favourite, or a horse at longer odds, read on as we have every angle covered.

(Note: Odds provided by 20Bet)

Selections:

Pier – 3.70

Waitak – 8.00

Provence – 12.00

BEST BET – Pier

In the opening Group 1 race of the card, Pier will be a popular selection. A winner of the New Zealand Guineas four years ago he hasn’t tasted success at this grade since and although has solid form, looks to have plenty to prove.

THE DANGER – Waitak

The danger could come from Waitak - although his price doesn't suggest it! A winner of three Group 1 contests, his big price is due to a poor showing in the Zabeel Classic where he could only finish seventh. If that was a blip he could easily play a part here.

VALUE BET – Provence

Our long shot play of the day is Provence. With three wins from four Group 1 starts, he has proven form at this level. He has been a no show in his last two races, but goes well at the track with three wins from five starts. A return to familiar grounds could well spark him back into life.

Selections:

Ohope Wins – 2.80

Ultimate Habit – 5.50

Autumn Glory – 11.00

BEST BET – Captured By Love

Ohope Wins is our best bet of the day as she steps up to take her first Group 1 title at the first time of asking. Having already won at the track, she has won two successive Group 2’s and looks to be a classy operator. She is the one they need to catch.

THE DANGER – Ultimate Habit

Ultimate Habit could be a danger. Having failed to win any of her first three starts, she broke her maiden in style when landing the Group 2 Lowland Stakes. More will be needed here, but she is one of the form horses and she can’t be ignored.

VALUE BET – Autumn Glory

Autumn Glory is an unexposed type that could reflect some value. With two wins from her first three starts, she is already a Group 2 winner which came in the Waikato Guineas last time out. With decent form she has to be one of the best value plays of the day.

Selections:

Towering Vision – 4.00

Aksil – 4.60

That’s Gold – 10.00

BEST BET – Aksil

A chance is taken on Aksil in the fifth race of the day. A winner of two of his first four starts, with one of those wins coming at the track. He looks progressive and could well land a blow here.

THE DANGER – Towering Vision

Towering Vision is the obvious danger. Not only does he represent top class connections, but he has the best form having placed second in the Waikato Guineas. That was a promising showing, and he could well go one place better here.

VALUE BET – That’s Gold

That’s Gold has the most experience in the field and could well be the best value play. With three wins in his last six starts, he has placed twice at Ellerslie and has tasted Grade 3 success previously.

If you want to place a bet on any New Zealand race this Saturday, then Sportaza should be the place to do it. With a host of international horse racing markets and with over 35 different sports to bet on, Sportaza’s sporting selection is up with the best.

With a whole host of deposit methods and quick and easy withdrawals, making an initial deposit is easy and there is a brilliant welcome offer that new customers can take advantage of.

Hosting excellent and varied betting markets as well as casino and slot games, all of your betting needs can be met at Sportaza.

Join us every Saturday and Wednesday for our exclusive racing tips.

Each week we will provide the very best free horse racing tips that have been compiled by our experts.

Making sure that you don’t miss any of New Zealand’s biggest races, we will let you know what horses to watch out for and what horses could be capable of winning at a big price.

Providing information about the track and who are the notable jockeys to follow, our experts will provide you with all the information you need to know.

We will also cover any bonus bet or other promotions that are running that day and even have recommendations for other bets like multi tips, and our daily quaddie.

For a more in-depth explanation of horse racing bet types and tips for placing, visit our tips and information page.

On a day where plenty of value can be found – George Rooke could be a jockey to follow with interest.

George Rooke rides:

R1– 9 – Rose Aye Reign – 7.50

R2 – 14 – My Fair Lily – 5.50

R3 – 7 – Dramatic Miss – 9.00

R5 – 9 – Road to Paris – 4.60

R6 – 7 – Provence – 12.00

R7 – 15 – Sinhaman – 15.00

Why not back our George Rooke double?

Double:

R2 – 14 – My Fair Lily - WIN $5.50
R5 – 9 – Road to Paris - WIN $4.60

Total Odds = $24.39
$10 Stake = $253.00 Return!

Odds provided by Sportaza

If you don’t like the look of our treble, then fear not as our experts have curated a bet type information page which delves into all the different types of bets that you can place. If you want to find out more explore it today.

Racecourse Trifecta Tip

1st: 1, 4, 9, 15

2nd: 1, 4, 9, 15

3rd: 1, 4, 9, 15

$50 stake = 208% flexi

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With an exciting welcome offer and incentives and rewards for existing customers there is plenty of value that can be had when choosing to play with 20Bet.