New Zealand Racing Tips for Saturday, October 18th 2025

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

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. (10:15) Trackside Maiden (1200m)

#1 – Golden Wings @ $5.00

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Golden Wings ran second on debut at Ellerslie before spelling, and he could come back stronger.

The four-year-old son of Super Seth ran at $1.80 odds on that occasion, so the money was on, and getting $5 this Saturday is a generous price.

He only needs luck from the wide draw to win.

Stake: 2 Units

Race 2. (10:50) Yourride Maiden (1400m)

#12 – Navy Dreams @ $11.00

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We’re overlooking his most recent run on a heavy track at Te Rapa, and the odds are too good to pass up.

He should get a slightly better surface at headquarters, and the colt by Merchant Navy looked better when placing at Ellerslie two back.

Barrier four is ideal, so take the value available.

Stake: 1 Unit

Race 3. (11:25) Sistema BM65 (1400m)

#4 – Top Dollar @ $19.00

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Top Dollar needs a few things to go his way, but he comes off a synthetic track win, and that should do his confidence plenty of good.

He is a well-bred son of Ten Sovereigns, who has experience in these conditions. That bodes well, and there isn’t a standout runner in this field.

He could take advantage if he jumps well and gets cover.

Stake: 1 Unit

Race 4. (12:02) Barfoot & Thompson BM75 (2100m)

#12 – Santa Catalina @ $6.50

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Punters get each-way odds for Santa Catalina, who got back to winning form at Ellerslie with a good staying effort.

Going from 2400m to 2100m shouldn’t worry him too much, as he likes to roll forward, and he’s tough to catch in the run to the line.

With 54kg on his back, we can’t leave him out of our horse racing picks.

Stake: 1 Unit

Race 9. (14:59) Livamol Classic (2040m) – GROUP 1

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

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Trentham racing tips

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Race 1. (11:07) Rat Tat 2YO Plate (800m)

#6 – Home Secretary @ $3.10

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Money has come for Home Secretary to win on debut after showing good speed to place in a trial.

The two-year-old filly by Home Affairs comes from the Tony Pike stable, which knows a thing or two about winning with debutantes.

Take the odds before the money comes on race day.

Stake: 1.5 Units

Race 2. (11:42) Listen Live on Sportnation Maiden (1200m)

#1 – Mission Complete @ $7.00

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Mission Complete hasn’t been the most consistent type going around, but he has enough speed to handle this field in the wet conditions.

He ran second two starts back before failing to fire at Avondale, but a trip to the bottom of the north island could be what he wants.

As always with Team Rogerson colts, he has fitness under his belt, so put him on top.

Stake: 1 Unit

Race 3. (12:20) Upper Hutt Car Sales BM75 (2100m)

#2 – Privy Garden @ $5.00

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Each-way value is with Privy Garden, who scored consecutive wins earlier this preparation.

The Andrew Forsman-trained mare doesn’t mind racing on heavy tracks, having posted a win and two placings.

It’s an even field, so include him in selections.

Stake: 1 Unit

Race 4. (12:57) Graham’s Painters BM65 (1400m)

#4 – Ready Response @ $4.20

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Boasting a win and two placings from three starts, we’re not surprised to see money come for Ready Response.

The four-year-old gelding by Better than Ready ran all three starts on heavy tracks, which only adds to his appeal.

The odds are worth taking on an each-way basis.

Stake: 1.5 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.