Saturday Racing Tips - Hastings 12/09/26

The best of the Saturday racing in New Zealand comes from Ruakaka, where the card is headlined by the Sir Colin Meads Trophy.

In what is a competitive card 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:

System of Play – 2.60

Justin Case – 4.80

Texas Cowboy – 14.00

BEST BET – Justin Case

Despite not being the market favourite, Justin Case could prove to be a popular bet here. Boasting a level of form far and above his rivals, he has two wins from four starts and finished a respectable fourth last time out in the Group 1 Sistema Stakes. Off the track since then, there are obvious fitness concerns, but he sets the standard and should go well.

THE DANGER – System of Play

The obvious danger is the short priced favourite System of Play. Having run just once, the nature of his debut run was impressive and he could be special. This is a harder and he has an absence to overcome but if he is fancied in the market he could end up being the one to beat.

VALUE BET – Texas Cowboy

Texas Cowboy could be one to keep an eye out for at the other end of the market. Having just started two races, connections will hope he will be able to build on his win at Te Repa three weeks ago. With further scope for improvement he is one for the shortlist.

Selections:

Hervey Bay – 3.20

Will – 5.00

Startles – 10.00

BEST BET – Hervey Bay

Hervey Bay could be the one to beat here. Although a ten runner maiden, he has been running in competitive races in Hong Kong and returned from an absence to run well at Ellerslie last time out on his NZ debut. This should be easier and he sets the stadard.

THE DANGER – Will

Will could be the main danger. Having made just two starts, he has placed on each occasion and was unlucky not to have poked his head in front at Wanganui last time out. He drops down in weight here after a fifteen week absence but he can’t be slept on.

VALUE BET – Startles

Startles is our value play of the race and she could have a real chance. A six runner maiden, she has placed in three of those races and has two seconds in her last three starts. She has fitness on her side and her best form has come at a metro level, there is plenty to like.

Selections:

Arksey – 5.00

The Finnster – 10.00

King Cabal – 19.00

BEST BET – Arksey

The race which seems to have the most value is the last, but it is Arksey who should lead the field when it comes to the betting. He is unexposed to most horses in the field having not made nine starts. A winner on debut, he has three consecutive seconds and should go close once again.

THE DANGER – The Finnster

The Finnster is the most experienced horse in the lineup and is in good recent form. He has six wins to his name which includes two in his last five. He should be up with the pace throughout and if the pace doesn’t collapse he can’t be discounted.

VALUE BET – King Cabal

King Cabal is another who will be up with the pace throughout. Having raced sixteen times, he has won his last two races and he returns after a six week layoff. He is in good form and is priced attractively. There is plenty to like.

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 your betting needs can be met at Sportaza.

Join us every Saturday, Wednesday and Sunday 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.

Michael McNab has plenty of single priced rides throughout Saturday’s card and could be the jockey to follow.

Michael McNab rides:

R1 – 9 – Tick Tock Tessa – 6.50

R2 – 3 – Jelly Roll – 6.50

R3 – 1 – Hervey Bay – 3.20

R4 – 1 – Super Wraith – 9.50

R5 – 9 – Born To Be Royal – 2.50

R6 – 7 – Tenfoot Tall – 4.20

R7 – 3 – System of Play – 2.60

R8 – 1 – Navigator – 5.50

R9 – 10 – Loch Katrine – 11.00

Why not back our Michael McNab treble bet?

Treble:

R3 - 1 – Hervey Bay - WIN $3.20
R5 - 9 – Born To Be Royal - WIN $2.50
R7 - 3 – System of Play - WIN $2.60

Total Odds = $19.80
$10 Stake = $208.00 Return!

Odds provided by Sportaza

Our experts have curated a bet type information page which delves into all the different types of exotics betting, check it out for clarification on the different types of exotics betting or just to brush up on your knowledge.

Racecourse Trifecta Tip
For example:
1st: 1, 4, 9, 15
2nd: 1, 4, 9, 15
3rd: 1, 4, 9, 15

$50 stake = 208% flexi

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