Saturday Racing Tips - Hastings 26/09/26

The best racing in New Zealand this Saturday comes from Hastings, where the headline race of the day is the Group 1 Howden Insurance Mile.

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:

Hawera – 3.90

Pounce – 4.00

Perfect Chaos – 6.50

BEST BET – Pounce

In the Gold Trail Stakes most of the bets could land on Hawera and Pounce. We will take a chance on Pounce. She comes into the race following an impressive showing in the Group 3 Sunline Vase victory over this distance. She showed a sharp turn of foot that day and, from barrier one, she should get another perfect tow into the race. There is plenty to like.

THE DANGER – Hawera

Hawera could well jump as the favourite. She won the Listed Fillies’ Classic over 1100m in good order and she looks capable of taking another step forward over the short added distance here.

VALUE BET – Perfect Chaos

There are plenty of attractive options outside of the top players and Perfect Chaos is one of them. A hugely consistent filly she returned to the track with a win in the Listed Whanganui Guineas over 1200m. Yet to finish outside of the places on any of her five starts, she has to be considered to be in the mix here.

Selections:

Asturia – 3.60

Fortunato – 5.00

Texas Cowboy – 15.00

BEST BET – Asturia

It could be argued that Asturia is the most interesting horse on the entire card. A brilliant winner on debut, connections think enough of her to pitch her straight into Graded company. She could be capable of anything and if she wins this, she could be capable of winning the very biggest races.

THE DANGER – Fortunato

It’s a similar story for Fortunato. Another winner on debut, he takes a big step up in trip here but there are some feelings that the extra 300m should really suit his running style. Another horse that could be capable of being special, he should be right in the mix.

VALUE BET – Texas Cowboy

There is plenty of inexperience at the top end of the market and there could be some value to be found. Texas Cowboy could be one of them. Disappointing on debut, he bounced back with a commanding win at Te Repa and his connections have pitched him into a much tougher race. He could be one to watch.

Selections:

First Five – 4.40

Media World – 8.50

Crocetti – 26.00

BEST BET – First Five

In the feature race of the card, First Five will attract plenty of support. A two time winner at this grade, he can leave his mark. Left too far back in the Prosir Plate where he was a no-show, expect Michael McNab to have him much nearer the pace here. A big run can be expected.

THE DANGER – Media World

There are plenty in with chances but Media World has to be of interest. Able to finish third in the Prosir Plate, he finished above plenty of horses that he reopposes here. That was a career best effort and more should follow here. Definitely is one to watch.

VALUE BET – Crocetti

The value could well lie with Crocetti. Set to be a huge price here, he is a two time Group 1 winner and can’t be slept on. A sixth in the Prosir Plate is encouraging and his form stacks up at this level. We think he could be hugely overpriced and there could be plenty more to come.

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.

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Join us every Saturday, Sunday 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.

Craig Grylls has a strong book of rides this Saturday. New Zealand’s Champion jockey, whoever he rides usually attracts strong attention and that could once again be the case this Saturday.

Craig Grylls rides:

R1 – 2 – Joan’s Joker – 16.00

R2 – 7 – War Princess – 2.30

R3 – 4 – Odds And Ends – 12.00

R5 – 1 – Pounce – 4.00

R6 – 2 – Fortunato – 4.60

R7 – 2 – Wolfgang – 18.00

R8 – 1 – Waitak – 5.50

R9 – 3 – Los Santos – 5.50

Why not back our Craig Grylls treble?

Treble:

R2 – #7 – War Princess - WIN $2.30
R5 – #1 – Pounce - WIN $4.00
R6 – #2 – Fortunato - WIN $4.60

Total Odds = $42.32
$10 Stake = $432.32 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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