Sunday Racing Tips - Te Aroha 26/07/26

The Te Aroha card this Sunday is headlined by several competitive looking handicaps.

Ahead of this and 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:

Pointer – 6.50

In A Pickle – 9.00

King Cabal – 15.00

BEST BET – In A Pickle

Despite others in the race being priced better, in the final race of the day we like the chances of In A Pickle. He looks well placed returning to Benchmark 65 company after finishing fifth in a stronger race here on the 4th July. He was beaten only 3.4 lengths over a slightly longer trip and now returns to a course where he has recorded two seconds and a third from four starts. Heavy ground is another clear positive: four of his five career wins have come on heavy going.

THE DANGER – Pointer

After a good win last time out at Hawera, Pointer is another who should have plenty to offer at this grade. Like In A Pickle, she boasts some impressive numbers at the track, posting a win and a second place effort from her four starts here. There are threats, but she has to be one for the shortlist.

VALUE BET – King Cabal

At a price, it could be worth taking a second look at King Cabal. Having finally shed his maiden tag at the fifteenth time of asking at Tauranga two weeks ago, he takes a step into handicap company here. This will be a tricky assignment but he can certainly contend for the places.

Selections:

Weneedashock – 2.30

Roc Up Ralph – 4.80

Harry Harrison – 13.00

BEST BET – Weneedashock

The second race of the day looks to be a toss up between Weneedashock and Roc Up Ralph. We fancy the former. Likely to be the pace angle, conditions will be perfect and he can dictate things from off the front. He was a good winner here at the end of June and as long as last week's third place effort at Awapuni hasn’t taken too much out of him, another bold bid can be expected.

THE DANGER – Roc Up Ralph

Roc Up Ralph is the obvious danger. He is taking a step down in class to compete here and will likely keep tabs on Weneedashock as the race unfolds. It’s been nine starts without a win, but this represents a golden opportunity and connections will be expecting a big run.

VALUE BET – Harry Harrison

Although it looks like a match race between the top two in the market, Harry Harrison looks the best value play of the race, but he comes with obvious risks. A winner of four races on the spin, this is first start in over two years so there are obvious fitness concerns. The best of his form puts him in the mix here, but he may need the run and could be best watched.

Selections:

Playinasandpit – 3.00

Paper Romance – 4.20

Vincero – 34.00

BEST BET – Playinasandpit

There could be some value that could be played in the eighth race of the day, but it's Playinasandpit who sets the standard. Although yet to win after six starts, she has placed in three of those races and returns to Maiden company after missing out in handicap races. As a result she carries less weight and its easy to see why she heads the market. She will be hard to beat.

THE DANGER – Paper Romance

Paper Romance is the most likely to give the favourite something to think about. He has made three starts and has improved for each run, which includes his second last time out at Te Repa. That form makes him a real contender and he could be the play if you have question marks over Playinasandpit.

VALUE BET – Vincero

Vincero is our long shot of the day and in a field where many arrive with questions to answer, there could be a chance that he outruns his odds. His latest efforts indicate he is moving towards a breakthrough. He finished fifth over 2140m at Awapuni Synthetic before improving to fourth over 2100m at Woodville a few weeks ago. The return to 2200m should suit as he has already shown that he can keep finding over a staying trip.

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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.

Elen Nicholas has just hit the 150 mark when it comes to winners and she looks to have a couple of food opportunities to add to that haul on Sunday’s card.

Elen Nicholas rides:

R3 - 12 - Must Bee - 18.00

R8 - 11 - Playinasandpit - 3.00

R9 - 4 - Arjay’s Flight - 5.00

Why not back our Elen Nicholas double 

Double:

R8 - 11 - Playinasandpit - WIN $3.00
R9- 4 - Arjay’s Flight - WIN $5.00

Total Odds = $14.00
$10 Stake = $150.00 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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