Saturday Racing Tips - Te Rapa 23/08/25

The best racing this Saturday in New Zealand comes from Ruakaka, where the headline contest is the Group 2 Waikato Foxbridge Stud Plate.

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:

Gigi – 4.40

Drop of Something – 4.85

Diamond Jack – 4.85

BEST BET – Gigi

Gigi is our best bet of the day in what looks like a strong race. Set to jump in the third race of the day, he raised his game significantly when landing the spoils at the track two weeks ago, recovering from a ninth-place finish from his run before. Conditions should be perfect and a step up in trip could be exactly what is needed to unlock further improvement.

THE DANGER – Drop of Something

Drop of Something has a third, win and a second place finishes in each of his last three starts with all three of those runs coming here. Another who should relish conditions, this consistent type should be right there in the reckoning once again.

VALUE BET – Diamond Jack

Diamond Jack edged out Drop of Something in the pair’s last meeting and it’s fair to say that connections will be hopeful that history will repeat itself here. Another track specialist, he could jump off at a very backable price and could be one for your shortlist.

Selections:

Twain – 3.50

Sacred Satano – 3.55

Midnight Scandal – 10.20

BEST BET – Twain

In what is the race of the weekend across New Zealand, Twain could well start the Waikato Stud Foxbridge Plate as the one they all need to beat. With six wins in his ten career starts, including four in his last six, this will be his first crack at this level and there will be hopes he can make it a memorable occasion. He has run at the track and should relish conditions, he could be the one to catch.

THE DANGER – Sacred Satano

Sacred Satano is one of the most experienced horses in the line up and although it could be argued his best days may be behind him, he usually gives his running. Yet to land a Group 2 contest, he has solid Group 3 form with two wins and numerous placings. He will have to be fully tuned up to win here but with his experience and proven level of class at this level he can’t be discounted.

VALUE BET – Midnight Scandal

Our long shot of the day comes in the form of Midnight Scandal and he looks to have a great chance of pulling off the upset. With two wins in his last three starts, conditions will be to his liking and having placed at Listed level in the past he certainly isn’t a forlorn hope and could be a surprise player at a double figure price.

Selections:

Talea – 7.10

Playinasnadpit – 7.10

Roc Up Ralph – 9.60

BEST BET – Roc Up Ralph

In the fourth race of the day Roc Up Ralph could well upset the odds in what is one of the hardest races of the day to predict. Having done his best racing to date on a heavy surface, conditions won’t be an issue and he should flash home late and fast. Although this represents a step up in grade a win certainly isn’t out of the equation.

THE DANGER – Talea

In a loaded betting market, Talea could be a horse to keep an eye on in the betting. Finally breaking her maiden at the fifth time of asking when winning her last start at Hawera two weeks ago, there is a real hope that it could unlock more. Another strong finisher, she is another who should revel in the wet conditions and she could be a real danger to all in the field.

VALUE BET – Playinasandpit

Playinasandpit could be the value play of the contest. Having had just three starts, she was unlucky not to shed her Maiden tag when finishing second on her last start. With that near effort coming at the track it’s reasonable to think more could be unlocked this time around and with her being relatively unexposed in comparison to most of the field, she should be one for the shortlist.

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.

Michael McNab looks to have a great book of rides across the card on Saturday and could be a jockey to follow.

Michael McNab rides:

R1 – 5 – Quantum Legend – 2.50

R2 – 8 – Sadhbh – 4.65

R3 – 7 – Tregor – 5.00

R5 – 3 – Nancy She Wrote – 4.65

R7 – 3 – Mali Ston – 9.50

R8 – 9 – Free Bird – 8.50

If you like the look of some of Michael McNab’s rides then why not back this tasty looking treble.

R1 - 5 – Quantum Legend - WIN $2.50
R2 - 8 – Sadhbh - WIN $4.65
R5 - 3 – Nancy She Wrote - WIN $4.65

Total Odds = $3.56
$10 Stake = $540.56 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

Bet365 has long been regarded as a brilliant betting partner and it has a growing presence all over the world.

As a powerhouse of the industry the one thing that Bet365 specialises in is value.

Offering up to $100 in matched deposits for brand new customers, to take advantage of this superb offer only $10 needs to be staked and the bonus credits will be instantly applied to your betting account.

Able to offer some of the best and competitive odds going, as well as their superb ‘Best odds guaranteed’ feature it’s easy to see why so many have turned to Bet365 for their horse racing needs.