Looking for Saturday’s Best Bets? The Ladbrokes form analysts have you covered with the horses to back across the nation this weekend!
Spring is well and truly in the air as a handful of serious prospects ply their trade this Saturday across our great tracks.
Saturday’s action is headlined by the Group 2 Missile Stakes at Royal Randwick, where the talented Angel Capital steps out over 1200m with bigger and better races in mind as his campaign progresses.
In Melbourne, Caulfield-Heath plays host to nine races with The Valley still under renovations, while we’ve got an equal number of contests on offer at Eagle Farm.
For another around the grounds look, Craig Sheppard, Ryan Cook, and Lucy Henderson are here to lend a hand!
Saturday Racing Previews
Craig Sheppard
ANEMACORE (1) looks well placed to send us home with a win, and for that reason I am making him my best bet on the card.
The Shaun Dwyer-trained gelding drew the outside barrier over this course and distance last start and found himself a long last before storming home to finish second, beaten just under a length.
That followed a neck third in the Listed Glasshouse Handicap, so he is primed for a massive performance.
He has not drawn this well for some time, and I would expect Michael Rodd to settle closer in the run.
| 1. Anemacore (4) J: Michael Rodd 60kg 22532T: Shaun Dwyer | |||
| Recent form sound. Most recently ran on strongly from last on the turn; 2nd of 9 at this track Hcp on July 25 over 1400m, 0.9 len behind Sir Artie carrying 60kg at $8. The race before that settled towards the rear 3rd of 17 at Sunshine Coast in the LR Glasshouse Hcp on July 4 over 1400m, slow going 0.5 len behind Arabian Rose with 57kg at $12. Racing well and a win is overdue. | |||
THINK LIKE PADDY (9) has been building nicely this preparation and should be ready to show his best.
The Matt Dunn-trained gelding gave a good account of himself over this course and distance last start, finding the line well to finish third, beaten 1.57 lengths. He went across the line with Diamond Show, who won on Wednesday.
Two starts back, he settled a long last after drawing the outside barrier over 1400m at Grafton before storming home to finish second, beaten 1.78 lengths.
The wide draw is less than ideal, but we get Jimmy Orman, who is having his first ride back since returning from Hong Kong and replaces the 3kg apprentice.
| 9. Think Like Paddy (11) J: James Orman 59kg 0x723T: Matthew Dunn | |||
| Form hard to fault. Most recently raced on speed throughout when 3rd of 9 at this track Cl3-Sw on July 25 over 1805m, on a slow track; 1.5 len behind Hovland with 55.5kg at $16. Before that made significant ground from the rear of the field 2nd of 12 at Grafton Cl3 on July 12 over 1410m, 1.75 len behind Prestige Gundy with 61kg at $7.50. Ready to peak after three runs back from a spell. | |||
ANGEL CAPITAL (1) resumes for the first time since his luckless sixth in the Group 1 All Aged Stakes, where he was badly held up and never really got a crack at them.
The Chris Waller-trained entire has an outstanding fresh record, having won four of his five first-up starts.
He looks well placed under the set weights conditions of the Missile Stakes, especially given he sits four rating points clear of his nearest rival.
There looks to be good speed engaged, and James McDonald should be able to settle just behind it before giving him his chance late.
| 1. Angel Capital (3) J: James McDonald 57.5kg 4326xT: Chris Waller | |||
| Entire returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last campaign sixth of 13 at this track in the G1 All Aged April 18 over 1400m, 2.5 len behind Beiwacht with 59kg at $3.40. Previously first up; fourth in a small field at this track in the G2 Expressway February 14 over 1200m, 3.5 len behind Joliestar carrying 57.5kg at $2.90. Proven Group 1 sprinter with an exceptional first-up record. | |||
- Top 3 – No. 1 Livalittle
- Top 3 – No. 6 Automne Tree
- Top 4 – No. 4 Just Flying
This Same Race Multi is built around a strong last-start form reference and a bit of insurance with Just Flying.
LIVALITTLE (1) was dominant over this course and distance last start, bolting in by 5.54 lengths in a Benchmark 80. He has already proven himself at Eagle Farm, handles some give in the track, and brings a strong overall profile with five wins and five placings from 12 starts.
AUTOMNE TREE (6) ties in through the same race, having been narrowly beaten by Livalittle last start. He had to work early, over-raced, and was still only beaten half a length, so there was merit in the run. With two wins from four runs this campaign at metro level, he looks a strong top-three chance again.
JUST FLYING (4) is the safety leg at Top 4. He is on the quick back-up after charging home to finish third, beaten just under a length, over this distance at Doomben. The last time he raced seven days later, he ran a close second over 1820m at Eagle Farm, and the good draw should see him get every chance.
| 1. Livalittle (11) J: Leah Martyn 61kg 11×21T: Tony Gollan | |||
| Third-up today and placed third-up previously. First-up made significant ground from the rear of the field 2nd of 11 at Sunshine Coast Bm70 on July 4 over 1200m, slow going 0.5 len behind Tornado Express carrying 59kg at $8.50. Last start won by 0.6 len at this track Bm80 July 25 over 1600m defeating Automne Tree with 54.5kg at $4.60. Bombproof gelding who is open to further improvement. | |||
| 4. Just Flying (3) J: Bella Youngberry 59.5kg 23733T: Robert Heathcote | |||
| Racing well recently. Most recently 3rd of 8 at Doomben Bm85 on August 1 over 1630m, 0.8 len behind Cunnamulla Fella carrying 55.5kg at $6.50. The run before that 3rd of 8 at Doomben Cl6-Sw on July 18 over 1350m, on a slow track; head behind Dirty Dancing with 58.5kg at $41. Genuine gelding with solid each-way claims. | |||
| 6. Automne Tree (4) J: Ryan Maloney 58kg x8112T: Chris Waller | |||
| Racing well recently. At the latest run came from midfield; 2nd of 11 at this track Bm80 on July 25 over 1600m, 0.6 len behind Livalittle with 56.5kg at $2.60. The race before that favourite; won by 0.7 len at Doomben 0 – 70 July 11 over 1600m defeating Ready To Ignite carrying 59kg at $3.20. Loving life in Queensland and should play a key role again. | |||
Ryan Cook
| 9. Custom (6) J: Jabez Johnstone 54kg 44×21T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Third-up today and placed third-up in the past. Resuming made some head-way from midfield; 2nd of 9 at Caulfield 3yo F Hcp on June 27 over 1200m, slow going long-neck behind Afterberna carrying 59kg at $5.50. Last start favourite; won by 3 len at Caulfield F&M Bm74 July 25 over 1200m on a rain affected track defeating Sun Setting with 56.5kg at $2.35. Dominant last time and should be winning again. | |||
LEOPARD SHARK (2) looks well placed second-up for Clayton Douglas with the benefit of the 1.5kg claim.
The three-year-old Churchill filly brings a touch of class to this race, having contested Group 2 and Group 3 company earlier in the autumn. Her first-up effort at Flemington also had plenty of merit, running on late into second after being held up on heels midway down the straight.
She broke through over 1200m at Pakenham in February by close to three lengths, so the step up in distance looks a genuine positive here.
| 2. Leopard Shark (4) J: Luke Cartwright 55.5kg 118×2T: Clayton Douglas | |||
| Second run back. First-up after four months made ground from midfield; 2nd of 8 at Flemington 2yo Hcp on July 18 over 1000m, on a slow track; 1.5 len behind Riverina Lulu with 54.5kg at $26. Previously second-up 6th of 9 at Caulfield in the G3 Bd/Prev F on January 24 over 1000m, 4 len behind Rubi’s Choice carrying 56kg at $26. Nice return and has claims. | |||
ANGEL CAPITAL (1) resumes for Chris Waller looking to silence a few critics in the Missile Stakes.
The talented five-year-old was competitive without winning in several strong Group 1 races throughout the autumn, and while he can be a little hard to catch at times, his fresh record is hard to knock.
The son of Harry Angel can still do a few things wrong in his races, but with James McDonald taking the reins, his best form is certainly good enough to put this field away.
| 1. Angel Capital (3) J: James McDonald 57.5kg 4326xT: Chris Waller | |||
| Entire returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last campaign sixth of 13 at this track in the G1 All Aged April 18 over 1400m, 2.5 len behind Beiwacht with 59kg at $3.40. Previously first up; fourth in a small field at this track in the G2 Expressway February 14 over 1200m, 3.5 len behind Joliestar carrying 57.5kg at $2.90. Proven Group 1 sprinter with an exceptional first-up record. | |||
- Top 2: No. 8 First Chorus
- Top 3: No. 5 Litzedeel
- Top 4: No. 4 Magnaspin
FIRST CHORUS (8) is chasing a hat-trick and there’s no way you can knock her recent form. She’s one of the most talented wet-trackers in this field and is in nicely at the weights thanks to the 1.5kg claim. Hard to see her finishing outside the money.
LITZDEEL (5) resumes and although this trip is short of her best, the stable clearly think she’s forward enough to handle 1800m. On class, she has most of this field covered, even if her first-up record isn’t flash.
MAGNASPIN (4) always puts his best foot forward and was second to First Chorus over the mile last time out. He’ll strip fitter for three runs back and maps to get a tidy run up close to the speed.
| 4. Magnaspin (3) J: Ben Allen 58kg 5×602T: L & T Corstens & W Larkin | |||
| Most recently led but faded 2nd of 9 at Caulfield Bm100 on July 25 over 1600m, slow going 2.25 len behind First Chorus carrying 55kg at $11. The race before that raced on the pace before fading ran second last of 11 at Caulfield Bm100 on July 11 over 1400m, on a slow track; 3.5 len behind Coeur Volante with 58.5kg at $21. Ready to win now up in trip. | |||
| 5. Litzdeel (1) J: Blake Shinn 57kg 0225xT: Danny O’brien | |||
| Resuming today after a break of four months. Finished off last preparation fifth of 14 at Randwick in the G1 Sydney Cup April 11 over 3200m, 2.25 len behind Changingoftheguard carrying 51kg at $10. First up last campaign tenth of 14 at Caulfield in the G3 Carlyon Cup February 7 over 1600m, 4 len behind Light Infantry Man with 56.5kg at $51. Good stayer, just wonder if they’ll be a bit sharp for her. | |||
| 8. First Chorus (6) J: Luke Cartwright 55kg 15611T: Lindsey Smith | |||
| Chasing a hat-trick. Most recently favourite; tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 2.25 len at Caulfield Bm100 July 25 over 1600m on a soft track defeating Magnaspin with 51.5kg at $2.40. The race before that favourite; raced right near the speed and boxed on; won by a head at Caulfield Bm84 July 11 over 1700m in soft going defeating Makdane carrying 56.5kg at $2.80. Flying and is well placed again. | |||
Lucy Henderson
FIRST CHORUS (8) is on the second line of betting, but Lindsey Smith’s flying mare looks the pick of the Melbourne race card for mine.
The five-year-old daughter of Ghibellines has really hit her straps this prep and chases a hat-trick now up in distance but landing herself in another winnable BM100.
Two back she saluted narrowly at a similar price over the 1700m in a BM84 before going up in grade with another strong Caulfield performance saluting over the mile when right down in weight (51.5kg) to easily account for Magnaspin by over two lengths.
That performance suggests she’ll have no issues stretching out to 1800m and she’ll stay on a nice light weight again thanks to the claim by Luke Cartwright who sticks in the saddle.
She’s airborne, has been boxing on well, gets conditions to suit and is right in this.
| 8. First Chorus (6) J: Luke Cartwright 55kg 15611T: Lindsey Smith | |||
| Chasing a hat-trick. Most recently favourite; tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 2.25 len at Caulfield Bm100 July 25 over 1600m on a soft track defeating Magnaspin with 51.5kg at $2.40. The race before that favourite; raced right near the speed and boxed on; won by a head at Caulfield Bm84 July 11 over 1700m in soft going defeating Makdane carrying 56.5kg at $2.80. Flying and is well placed again. | |||
BLENHEIM GIRL (9) pays $12 at time of publish in the third in Sydney, and I’m more than happy to throw a little each way at that price on Chris Waller’s progressive mare.
The classy chestnut is lightly raced having just her fourth career starts this weekend and is already a two-time winner.
After a Gold Coast win to break her maiden status last December, she made a lovely return at Canterbury on July 22 over the 1200m in a F&M BM64.
Carrying 57kg she defeated You’re The Choice by a half-length and gets the chance to go on with it now up to the 1400m second-up and fitter for her resuming run.
The big weight drop back to 53kg is a massive advantage now and I think she’ll well equip herself against a tougher line-up of rivals.
Proven at the distance, she’s likely to settle midfield and will be there when it counts ready to charge through the line.
Check out all of my best Saturday roughies over at Hendo’s Hopefuls!
| 9. Blenheim Girl (6) J: Tyler Schiller 53kg 41×1T: Chris Waller | |||
| Second-up. First-up after seven months won by a long-neck at Canterbury F&M Bm64 July 22 over 1200m on a rain affected track defeating You’re The Choice with 57kg at $5.50. Previously second-up came from midfield and won by 1.2 len at Gold Coast Mdn-Sw December 27 over 1400m on a soft track defeating Peak Miss with 55kg at $4. Back in good order and will be strong late. | |||
ANGEL CAPITAL (1) heads to the 2026 Missile Stakes as the resuming favourite, and he looks perfectly placed to kick off a big spring campaign for the Chris Waller yard.
The now five-year-old son of Harry Angel hasn’t won since his sharp fresh victory at The Valley last September, but he’s strengthened, matured, and lines up against a small field he should have covered on class alone.
His autumn form was outstanding — back-to-back Group 1 placings in Melbourne followed by a tough midfield run in the All Aged Stakes where he finished less than three lengths off Beiwacht over 1400m.
While Randwick hasn’t been his happiest hunting ground, his four-from-five first-up record is elite, and the drop back to 1200m fresh looks ideal after two eye-catching leadup trials.
J-Mac reunites with him, he’s one of the big winners in the Missile Stakes barrier draw in gate three, and maps to settle off the speed before launching late.
With the right tempo, which he should get from likely leader Midnight Dynamite, Angel Capital shapes as the strongest of the midfield closers and the horse they’ll all need to hold out for mine.
My full Missile Stakes 2026 tips, predictions and best bets are also now live!
| 1. Angel Capital (3) J: James McDonald 57.5kg 4326xT: Chris Waller | |||
| Entire returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last campaign sixth of 13 at this track in the G1 All Aged April 18 over 1400m, 2.5 len behind Beiwacht with 59kg at $3.40. Previously first up; fourth in a small field at this track in the G2 Expressway February 14 over 1200m, 3.5 len behind Joliestar carrying 57.5kg at $2.90. Proven Group 1 sprinter with an exceptional first-up record. | |||
- Top 3 – No. 7 Lingani
- Top 4 – No. 8 Mating Call
- Top 5 – No. 4 Tippa
The Group 3 Behemoth Stakes (1200m) is the feature race in Adelaide this weekend and I’m finding it really hard to find the winner, especially as I’m not sold on current favourite Sir Now.
That sets things up for a nice little SRM play, and I’ve found three value runners that can finish Top 5 and give some spice to your exotics.
LINGANI (7) is a six-year-old daughter of America who comes into this off some very strong form lines. Runner-up in the Group 3 Proud Miss at a blowout price earlier in the winter, she went on to relish a Heavy (8) track for a BM84 victory carting plenty of weight. Sent to Melbourne after that, she was enormous when narrowly denied by Ndola to finish a close second in the Listed Santa Ana Lane Stakes down the straight. Ndola went on to run a brave fourth in last weekend’s Group 3 Aurie’s Star and that bodes well now for this girl. She returned home on July 25 and carried 54.5kg to a three-quarter length win over Sir Now in a 1100m handicap here. Gets a chance to run in the money again proven in this class. Brooke King has an unbeaten record on her, she’ll be there midfield ready to strike late.
MATING CALL (8) for Dan Clarken & Oopy MacGillivray resumes on Saturday and has won first-up in the past. She’s done well at this track (4:1-2-0) and is proven at the 1200m despite being proven over much further. She’ll improve off whatever she does here when back up to a more suitable trip, but she’s all class proven by her Group 3 Auraria win over 1800m here in the autumn after which she was a length second to Panova in the Group 1 Australasian Oaks. Ran second over 2033m at this track at her latest going down a nostril flare on May 9, has been kept ticking over with a trial, and if she doesn’t find the distance too sharp can absolutely feature.
TIPPA (4) has been well left alone by the punters listed at around $35 for a first-up win and, while I don’t think this ultra-consistent gelding will be first past the post especially considering he’s back from a 16-month break, he does tick plenty of boxes for a run that’s better than his price suggests. A genuine Morphettville specialist (8:3-1-2), he rarely runs a bad race. Has been raced sparingly but shows up when asked. Finished runner-up to Hellsing at his latest in the Listed City Of Adelaide Stakes (1529m) in April of 2025 but has been trialling nicely ahead of his return and is drawn for a dream run. Should land on speed and give them something to chase. Can hold on for a Top 5 finish and surprise.
| 4. Tippa (3) J: Kayla Crowther 58.5kg 1x52xT: Shayne & Chelsea Cahill | |||
| Resuming after a break of 16 months. Finished off last preparation second of 11 at this track in the LR City Adelaide April 12 2025 over 1529m, 1.0 len behind Hellsing with 54kg at $8.50. When resuming last campaign fifth of 13 at this track in the LR Matrice March 29 2025 over 1200m, 3.5 len behind Aviatress carrying 56.5kg at $61. Looks tested in this field. | |||
| 7. Lingani (10) J: Brooke King 56.5kg 02121T: Peter & Belinda Blanch | |||
| Racing well recently. Last start won by 0.8 len at this track Hcp July 25 over 1100m in soft going defeating Sir Now with 54.5kg at $6. The race before that raced on the speed and boxed on steadily 2nd of 9 at Flemington in the LR Santaanalane on July 4 over 1200m, on a slow track; head behind Ndola with 55kg at $17. Huge chance on latest and can go on with it. | |||
| 8. Mating Call (4) J: Tala Hutchinson 56.5kg 4122xT: Dan Clarken & Oopy Macgillivray | |||
| Mare returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last preparation second of 13 at this track in the LR Centaurea May 9 over 2033m, soft track; a nose behind Private Legacy carrying 55.5kg at $3.60. First up last campaign fourth of 7 at Morphettville Parks 3yo Bm72 March 14 over 1300m, 1.3 len behind Oak Park Maddison with 60kg at $3. Expecting a positive return. | |||
