New Zealand Racing Tips for Boxing Day, December 26th 2025

We have expert betting tips for the New Zealand racing cards this Boxing Day at Ellerslie and Otaki, including Group 1 racing.

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

Ellerslie racing tips

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Race 1. (10:45) Skycity 2YO (1100m)

#9 – Te Encuentro @ $4.40

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The Wexford Stud stables have been firing with their youngster, and they line up Te Encuentro, who won a trial at Pukekohe to prepare for her debut.

She gets New Zealand’s leading rider in the saddle, and although stablemate Pounce has Mick Dee riding at the same odds, the two-year-old filly by Frankel has breeding on her side.

Punters get value each-way odds in the opening race.

Stake: 1.5 Units

Race 2. (11:22) Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series (1400m)

#5 – Frostfair @ $7.50

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Frostfair was disappointing at Group 3 level last time out, but the talented mare by Written Tycoon could bounce back.

She is a two-time winner at Ellerslie and three-time winner over the distance, and we’re happy to give her another chance with 55kg on her back.

Returning to headquarters could see her get back to winning form.

Stake: 1 Unit

Race 3. (11:58) Myracehorse Spec Maiden (2100m)

#9 – Protheatrics @ $14.00

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Punters get value odds for Protheatrics, who won at Avondale two starts back before failing to fire at Tauranga.

The four-year-old mare might have finished 10th in a field of 11, but she was only 3.6 lengths behind the winner in a close finish.

She gets the inside draw, so the $14 odds are worth taking.

Stake: 1 Unit

Race 4. (12:33) Horizon by Sky City BM65 (1400m)

#3 – Wind Rush @ $9.00

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Wind Rush resumed from a spell with a good second placing at Te Rapa, and that should be a tidy form guide for this race.

The Tony Pike-trained son of Almanzor has two placings at Ellerslie, and there is no standout runner in the field, so the $9 is a good price.

Being fitter helps, so include him in picks at the value odds.

Stake: 1 Unit

Race 9. (15:28) Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic (2000m) – GROUP 1

Read our full Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic preview here – including best bets, trifecta and first four picks!

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Otaki racing tips

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Race 1. (10:20) The Tele Otaki Maiden (1400m)

#10 – Dujardin @ $4.00

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Dujardin was costly for punters last season, but the Te Akau-raced filly should be better with a spell under her belt.

She was a beaten $1.40 favourite two starts back at Trentham before running on the synthetic track at Riccarton at listed company.

Punters get better odds now, so she’s worth backing.

Stake: 1 Unit

Race 2. (10:57) Aquashield Roofing Maiden (1600m)

#10 – Gossip @ $4.60

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The word around the track is that Gossip has been working well towards this race, and she deserves a win after so many consistent efforts.

She has four placings from six starts, and although drawing wide isn’t ideal, she likes to be out the outside of runners in the straight.

Look for her to settle midfield and come with a run.

Stake: 1.5 Units

Race 3. (11:37) Vets on Riverbank Maiden (1200m)

#9 – Lizzie the Lizard @ $7.50

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Looking to make a winning debut is Lizzie the Lizard, who showed good speed in a trial at Foxton.

The three-year-old filly by Sweynesse will appreciate carrying only 53kg on debut, which could make all the difference.

It’s an open field, so include her in horse racing picks.

Stake: 1 Unit

Race 4. (12:09) Harcourts Otaki BM65 (2200m)

#9 – Thrilling @ $3.90

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Money has come for Thrilling, who scored a good win two back before finishing fifth at Trentham last time out.

The four-year-old mare by Shocking is bred to enjoy racing over this distance, and the Lisa Latta stable has been firing.

Barrier four with Kelly Myers riding makes her tough to hold out.

Stake: 2 Units

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.