New Zealand Racing Tips for Saturday, January 17th 2026

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

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

Trentham racing tips

—

Race 1. (10:45) Rothley Spec Maiden (1400m)

#7 – Wild at Heart @ $3.80

BET NOW

Looking to remain unbeaten is Wild at Heart, who scored on debut at New Plymouth by 1.5 lengths.

The four-year-old mare by Eminent had good betting support on that occasion at $2.50, so punters get better odds this time around.

The stable goes well at Trentham, which is another positive.

Stake: 1.5 Units

Race 2. (11:20) Gee & Hickton Funeral Directors Sprint (1100m)

#2 – Fancy Like Lass @ $4.80

BET NOW

Punters get value odds for a runner with the class of Fancy Like Lass, who owns four wins and five placings from 16 starts.

The six-year-old mare might not be racing at her best, but facing this field could see her best form return to the track.

Carrying 54kg is a positive, and it should take her close.

Stake: 1.5 Units

Race 3. (11:55) Aztech Engineering BM65 (1200m)

#6 – Stipulator @ $9.00

BET NOW

Value is with Stipulator, who has yet to fire in seven attempts at Trentham, but that could change on Saturday.

The five-year-old mare showed good improvement when running fourth at New Plymouth, and there isn’t much depth in this field.

Having Matthew Cameron riding could make the difference.

Stake: 1 Unit

Race 4. (12:28) Happy Hire BM65 (2100m)

#5 – Julianus @ $10.00

BET NOW

Punters get double-figure odds for Julianus, who was too good for them at Te Rapa last time out.

The five-year-old son of Tivaci might have taken 17 starts to break maidens, but the penny might have dropped now, and he doesn’t mind the sting out of the surface.

He should give punters a good sight at the price.

Stake: 1 Unit

—

Wingatui racing tips

—

Race 1. (10:25) Waihemo Lodge and Rural Merchants Maiden (1600m)

#1 – Perfect Tycoon @ $2.90

BET NOW

Perfect Tycoon has threatened to win a maiden race after posting four placings from five starts, and he gets another chance.

The four-year-old often runs as the short-priced favourite, so the $2.90 odds are fair, and it’s only a matter of time before he puts it all together.

Getting 3kg off his back could be what he needs to win.

Stake: 2 Units

Race 2. (11:00) Property Brokers and Meenans Maiden (1300m)

#8 – Golden Spirit @ $3.90

BET NOW

Looking to go one better than her debut is Golden Spirit, who finished second on debut at Gore in heavy conditions.

The three-year-old daughter of Ancient Spirit was only a nose behind the winner, and he should appreciate a firmer track.

It’s an even field, so she’s worth including in picks.

Stake: 1 Unit

Race 3. (11:35) Cooke Howlison & Otago Tyres BM75 (1200m)

#2 – The Princie One @ $3.20

BET NOW

Looking to score four consecutive wins is The Princie One, who ended last preparation with excellent form.

The five-year-old mare by Savabeel is a three-time winner at the track and getting the inside draw with weight coming off her back helps.

Money has come for her, so take the $3.20 odds.

Stake: 2 Units

Race 4. (12:10) Brent Lucas Builders 3YO (1200m)

#7 – Moon Goddess @ $2.40

BET NOW

Seeking back-to-back wins is Moon Goddess, who scored at Ashburton last start having run in Australia prior to that.

The three-year-old filly placed at Swan Hill and Bairnsdale before coming to NZ and winning easily by four lengths, so the form checks out.

Take the $2.40 odds before she shortens on race day.

Stake: 2.5 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.