New Zealand Racing Tips for Saturday, May 24th 2025

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

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

Te Rapa racing tips

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Race 1. (9:30) J.A. Madden Maiden Hurdle (2800m)

#2 – Saint Bernard @ $1.85

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Strong money has come for Saint Bernard, who ran second in a maiden hurdle at Wanganui last time out.

The five-year-old owned one win on the flat, and he should be better with two runs under his belt this preparation.

The $1.85 odds are worth including in multis.

Stake: 2 Units

Race 2. (10:02) Jones Trucking Hurdle (2800m)

#7 – Fourty Eight @ $2.10

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We’re going with another favourite to start the day with Fourty Eight, who scored at Hawera by five lengths last start.

The talented jumper owns five wins and five placings from 17 starts overall, and he has more flat speed than most in this hurdle.

Take the odds before more money comes for him on race day.

Stake: 3 Units

Race 3. (10:36) Direct Fats & Oils 2YO (1100m)

#2 – Kusada Rush @ $7.50

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The O’Sullivan/Scott stable is firing this season, and Kusada Rush could win on debut for the stable.

The two-year-old colt by Xtravagant hasn’t been too far away at the trials, including a win at Ellerslie, so that’s a good betting guide.

He’s taking on a race winner, but there is money coming for him, which is a good sign.

Stake: 1 Unit

Race 4. (11:11) Dunstan Horsefeeds Open Steeplechase (3900m)

#7 – Nedwin @ $2.90

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Nedwin is a legend of the game over steeples, and he should have appreciated the fresh up flat run at Trentham.

The 10-year-old owns seven wins from 15 starts over the jumps, and he’s a three-time winner at Te Rapa, which bodes well.

His opening odds of $4 were taken, which isn’t surprising.

Stake: 2.5 Units

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New Plymouth racing tips

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Race 1. (10:20) The Rock Maiden (1200m)

#5 – Paltrow Miss @ $2.50

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Paltrow Miss is on debut for Robbie Patterson, who is having a great season, especially with his youngsters.

The two-year-old filly by Circus Maximus looked good when scoring an easy trial win, and she’s bred to be better than most at this level.

We expect some sizable bets to come her way.

Stake: 2 Units

Race 2. (10:52) Wash Squad Maiden (1600m)

#2 – Crafty Colin @ $13.00

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Punters get value odds for Crafty Colin, who is better for two runs back from a spell.

The five-year-old could do with some easing of the surface, but with sunny skies, the track should dry up nicely on Saturday.

Getting 3kg off his back adds to his appeal, so take the odds.

Stake: 1 Unit

Race 3. (11:28) Landmark Homes BM65 (1600m)

#8 – Live on Air @ $5.00

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Looking to cap off consecutive placings is Live on Air, who placed at Pukekohe and Te Rapa, which is good northern form.

The four-year-old mare looks well-placed against this company, and dropping to 54kg should make her tough to hold out.

We’re loving the each-way odds, so include her as a value bet.

Stake: 2.5 Units

Race 4. (12:04) Brandlab Handicap (2000m)

#4 – Boomtown Boy @ $3.80

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Boomtown Boy continues to run on well, and this could be his time to shine.

The five-year-old son of Caravaggio owns three wins and 10 placings, and he’s much better than a three-win type.

Dropping to 53.5kg gives him every chance to score an overdue win.

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.