New Zealand Racing Tips for Saturday, August 16th 2025

We have expert betting tips for the New Zealand racing cards this Saturday at New Plymouth and Ruakaka.

There is always great value at the NZ horse racing meetings, and we have our best bets across the two cards.

New Plymouth racing tips

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Race 1. (10:00) Paslode Handicap (1400m)

#4 – Make Time @ $3.10

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Make Time has enough ability to beat this field at the weights, and he get a 10kg weight pull on Ladies Man.

The Lisa Latta-trained gelding is a seven-time winner that has been threatening to win this preparation, including a placing at New Plymouth last start.

He can’t be overlooked in the small field, so put him on top.

Stake: 1.5 Units

Race 2. (10:35) Winstone BM65 (1400m)

#2 – Florin @ $3.80

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Florin showed good speed when winning at Matamata earlier this preparation before running solidly for placings at Te Rapa.

The five-year-old mare by Vanbrugh opened at $3.40 before drifting, but she has enough ability to handle this field, and the wet track only helps.

She’s a two-time winner in heavy conditions, so we’re happy to back her.

Stake: 2 Units

Race 3. (11:13) Marley BM65 (1200m)

#2 – Bella Timing @ $2.60

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Bella Timing has been testing the patience of punters this year, but we’re prepared to give her another chance as the favourite.

The Allan Sharrock-trained mare is much better than a one-time winner, and she has been close with five minor placings.

This race is there for the taking, so include her in horse racing multi bets.

Stake: 2.5 Units

Race 4. (11:52) Makita Handicap (1800m)

#4 – Swingit Our Way @ $4.40

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Swingit Our Way is another runner that enjoys running in heavy conditions, so this could be her last chance this winter to win.

The Sharrock-trained mare owns three wins and five placings from 19 starts, and getting in with 54kg should make her tough to hold out.

Punters get each-way odds, so they’re worth snapping up.

Stake: 1 Unit

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Ruakaka racing tips

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Race 1. (10:15) Support North Haven Hospice Maiden (1600m)

#8 – Vegas Lights @ $5.50

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Each-way odds are available with Vegas Lights, who owns two placings from 11 starts, but she’s better than her form suggests.

The five-year-old mare should enjoy racing at Ruakaka as it’s her home track, and it’s only a matter of time before she wins.

Getting weight off her back is enough to take her close.

Stake: 1 Unit

Race 2. (10:50) Harcourts Bream Bay Maiden (1200m)

#2 – Brego @ $4.20

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We’re snapping up the each-way odds for Brego, who comes off consecutive second placings this preparation.

The four-year-old son of Belardo ran third at Ruakaka last start, and with the addition of Opie Bosson in the saddle, he gets every chance in the run.

Look for him to settle handy and produce a good kick.

Stake: 2 Units

Race 3. (11:27) Accurate Books BM75 (1100m)

#4 – Age of Discovery @ $2.15

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Te Akau lines up Age of Discovery, who kicked off his career with back-to-back wins before running sixth in a tough race at Pukekohe.

The well-bred son of Savabeel has been well-backed to win his return, and we recommend taking the $2.15 before he shortens to an odds-on quote.

It’s another premium ride for Bosson, who could have a big day.

Stake: 3 Units

Race 4. (12:03) Hello Youzmain Handicap (1400m)

#1 – Habana @ $12.00

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There are some well-backed runners in this field, including the classy Tuxedo, but Habana represents the best value.

The seven-year-old could find his feet quicker than usual fresh up on Saturday, and he should enjoy Ruakaka for the first time.

Warren Kennedy rides, and having a strong rider on board adds to his appeal.

Stake: 1 Unit

Editor In Chief

Daryl Curnow

After graduating from the University of Auckland (BA - English), Daryl was thrown into the world of sports and horse racing journalism.

Having worked as a racing journalist for two years, he decided to move into the online world of horse racing and sports writing. After years of honing his craft, Daryl became a professional punter in 2009 - with a focus on horse racing, NRL, AFL, NBA, Rugby, NFL, and US college sports.

Daryl's tips have been featured on various websites around the world before joining the GoBet team. When he's not working, Daryl tries to avoid making bogeys on the golf course.