Saturday Racing Tips - Ruakaka 12/07/25

The only racing this Saturday in New Zealand comes from Ruakaka.

In what is an interesting 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 Picklebet)

Selections:

Illicit Dreams – 4.05

Keegan – 4.00

Kaimai Queen – 13.20

BEST BET – Illicit Dreams

In what looks a competitive renewal of the Northpine Waipu Cup, we will take a chance on Illicit Dreams getting her head in front. Boasting a 19% win rate and 58% place rate, she usually gives her running and has a good record at the track. Without a win in seven starts, a leap of faith is required but her love for Ruakaka could prove to be pivotal.

THE DANGER – Keegan

Keegan is one of just two horses in the field who bring in winning form from their last race. A slow burner of a horse, he is six but has only made 13 starts in total, his connections will hope that he can take another big leap here. Clearly in form, he should be firmly in the mix.

VALUE BET – Kaimai Queen

Alongside Keegan, it is Kaimai Queen who is the other horse in the field who was able to win on their last start. Arguably the horse who has the most on their plate, she will need to produce another career best if she is to land a blow, but she arrives at the track in good form and could be worth a second look.

Selections:

Maldini – 3.35

Aladdin Sane – 5.00

Mars – 7.00

BEST BET – Mars

We are taking a chance that Mars might be able to spring a surprise in the seventh race of the day. He was hugely impressive in his last start at Cambridge where he routed the rest of the field. That win came on a synthetic surface, and it will be fascinating to see how he handles the transition back to the turf this time around.

THE DANGER – Maldini

The obvious threat has to be Maldini. Likely to jump off as the heavy favourite, he has gone nine starts without a win but has gone close on several occasions. He has been knocking on the door of late and could finally barge through it here.

VALUE BET – Aladdin Sane

If the price or form of Maldini is off putting, then it could be worth siding with Aladdin Sane. Backers need to know that he has been off the track for 24 weeks but he goes well fresh and a drop down in distance could unlock plenty of potential.

Selections:

Hakushu – 4.40

Vespire – 4.80

Chicago Dream – 11.20

BEST BET – Hakushu

In the final race of the card, Hakushu is bound to have his fans. Still relatively unexposed, he was a winner in his last start and looks like he could still improve. Whilst this race will be hotly contested, it is easy to see why he is starting as one of the favourites.

THE DANGER – Vespire

Vespire has had double the starts of Hakushu and also has double the winnings, so a race of this nature should be in her wheelhouse. Although she has gone seven starts without a win, she finished second in her last race and arrives in decent form and could be in with a real shout of victory.

VALUE BET – Chicago Dream

Our roughie of the day is Chicago Dream. Whilst this race would require a really special performance, backers can be encouraged with how he won last time out and if he can repeat that performance here, he could spring a surprise at a decent price.

Picklebet has forged a brilliant reputation for both its Australian and New Zealand horse racing. If you are looking for the perfect betting partner this weekend it makes sense to choose Picklebet for all your betting needs.

Containing a brilliant and easy to use app, you can view all of Saturday’s racing at the click of a button. With commentary on each and every horse declared for Saturday’s card, you can get a real sense of where the value in each race lies.

Offering competitive odds and a whole host of different sports to bet on including a comprehensive e-sportsbook, make Picklebet your bookmaker of choice.

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.

Vinnie Colgan is one of New Zealand’s most experienced jockeys. He has tasted success at Ruakaka on many occasions and looks to have several chances of extending his record on Saturday.

Vinnie Colgan rides:

R1 – 7 – Yokozuna – 4.80

R3 – 11 – Loopy Farooki – 27.00

R4 – 2 – Judicial – 2.90

R5 – 3 – Bosch – 3.70

R6 – 5 – Keegan – 4.00

R7 – 2 – Mars – 7.00

R8 – 11 – Colgan – 13.00

Vinnie Colgan looks to have a superb book of rides and there is every chance he could land a multiple. This treble could be worth exploring.

Multi:

R4 – 2 – Judicial - WIN $2.90
R5 – 3 – Bosch - WIN $3.70
R6 – 5 – Keegan - WIN $4.00

Total Odds = $41.92
$10 Stake = $429.20 Return!

Odds provided by Bet365.

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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