Saturday Roughie Tips – September 19, 2026
Looking for the best value Saturday roughies to add spice to your Group racing exotics this weekend? Ladbrokes are here with the forgotten contenders set to shake things up in Sydney and Melbourne!
Last weekend we found a trio of juicy second placegetters in our roughie tips with Hedged (Bobbie Lewis), Magnatear (Theo Marks) and Too Darn Discreet (Let’s Elope) and we came out on top if you’d placed a $1 on all selections to place, so we’re happy with that!
Looking around the nation this Saturday and there’s plenty to get excited about with Underwood Stakes Day featuring a host of Spring Cup hopefuls and, even with Autumn Glow dominating things at Randwick, the support acts can provide the value on the card.
Read on for Ladbrokes’ Value Whisperer Lucy Henderson’s expert roughie selections and best bets in some of the weekend’s key races.
What are the Best Value Racing Tips for September 19?
- Randwick Race 5 – No. 5 Hellsing
- Caulfield Race 5 – No. 7 Seraphox
- Randwick Race 6 – No. 12 Juja Kibo
- Caulfield Race 6 – No. 6 Hearcomesthestar
- Randwick Race 7 – No. 8 Sequinned
- Caulfield Race 7 – No. 8 Kingswood
- Randwick Race 8 – No. 1 Ceolwulf
- Randwick Race 9 – No. 5 Mazu
- Caulfield Race 9 – No. 14 Sun God
Randwick Race 5 – Hell of a Price
No. 5 Hellsing
HELLSING (3) is at a hell of a price in Bill Ritchie betting this weekend with Annabel & Rob Archibald’s consistent galloper resuming at 30/1 from a gun gate chasing a hat-trick.
The seven-year-old has a good place rate at Randwick (8:1-2-1) and runs for the first time since his narrow Listed Scone Cup win over the mile back in mid-May where he beat Churchill’s Choice.
Was outclassed in his last run here when 11th in the Doncaster at triple figures behind the very good Sheza Alibi but lands himself an easier assignment fresh.
Trialled well at the track last month winning a 1040m hit out, has won first-up in the past and gets the services of Tom Sherry who’s unbeaten on the horse.
He’ll be on pace from the low draw and is sure to make himself known.
| 5. Hellsing (3) Scratched: | |||
Caulfield Race 5 – Overlooked Maher Contender
No. 7 Seraphox
SERAPHOX (1) is drawn the rails in the Caulfield Guineas Prelude and Ciaron Maher’s progressive Harry Angel colt ticks a few boxes second-up and fitter for his resuming performance.
He broke his maiden status with a nice 1300m effort at Warwick Farm in early April before a solid third behind the gun Blind Raise in the Listed ANZAC Day Stakes over seven furlongs at Flemington.
The form around that was franked with the winner coming out to claim a big Black-Type victory on September 5 to earn favouritism in this race.
That bodes well for this overlooked runner who was also eye-catching at big odds first-up here at Caulfield on August 29 running third to American Eagle in the Group 3 HDF McNeil.
Confident those lines will hold up, and he’ll relish the extra trip now.
Good run last time and has won second-up previously.
Watch.
| 7. Seraphox (1) J: Declan Bates 56kg 713×3 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Second-up. First-up after four months 3rd of 10 in the G3 HDF McNeil Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1200m, on a slow track; 2.75 len behind American Eagle carrying 57kg at $17. Previously second-up won by a long-neck in a 2yo Mdn at Warwick Farm on April 1 over 1300m in soft going defeating The Roaring Sun carrying 57.5kg at $1.90. Nice return and will improve up in trip. | |||
Rosehill Race 6 – Consistent Kibo
No. 12 Juja Kibo
Open edition of the Kingston Town Stakes and for value JUJA KIBO (2) from a favourable alley and terrific place rate stands out for mine.
The Ciaron Maher-trained Belardo six-year-old rarely runs a bad race and is a three-time placegetter from six starts at the track.
Hasn’t won since September last year but was very competitive in tougher races than this during his 2025 spring prep including a second to Piggyback in the Group 3 Colin Stephen Quality and third only a length beaten at 20/1 in the Group 1 The Metrop.
During the autumn this year he ran third three times on the trot against nice types and he’s as honest as the day is long.
Kicked things off at Hawkesbury on August 20 in the Listed Rowley Mile with 56kg to cross, you guessed it, third in a run full of merit making up ground from midfield and he’ll improve off that.
Kept fit with a subsequent trial, will eat up the extra distance and drops to 55kg with Sam Clipperton sticking with.
Genuine stayer with claims to run in the money again.
| 12. Juja Kibo (2) J: Sam Clipperton 55kg 339×3 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Second run back. First-up after four months ran on from midfield; 3rd of 11 in the LR Hawkesbury Rowley Mile on August 20 over 1600m, on a slow track; 2 len behind Narbold with 56kg at $11. Previously second-up 3rd of 9 in the LR Randwick City Stakes (Canterbury Cup) at this track on March 7 over 2000m, 1.5 len behind Campaldino carrying 53.5kg at $4.20. Talented stayer with slim place claims. | |||
Caulfield Race 6 – Here Comes the Value
No. 6 Hearcomesthestar
Lovely field gathered for the How Now Stakes and another well-drawn contender overlooked by the punters is the John Moloney-trained HEARCOMESTHESTAR (4).
The six-year-old daughter of Zoustar was thrown in the deep end first-up on September 5 at 90/1 to finish second last in the Group 1 Moir but will relish coming back to a Group 3 mares’ race now.
She had it tough in the 1000m speed test from a wide draw and will have an easier time of it from gate four on Saturday with Beau Mertens continuing associations.
Has a strong second-up strike rate (7:2-1-2) including a Listed Straight Six third down the 1200m at HQ last prep, after which she went on to win the Listed Bel Esprit (1100m) here at Caulfield in a huge late finish right down the outside.
Can bounce back and will be there in the finish making up ground.
| 6. Hearcomesthestar (4) J: Beau Mertens 56kg 331×0 T: John Moloney | |||
| Second-up. First-up after three months ran second last of 13 in the G1 Moir Stakes at Sandown-Hillside on September 5 over 1000m, slow going 6 len behind My Gladiola carrying 56.5kg at $61. Previously second-up 3rd of 14 in a LR The Straight Six at Flemington on May 16 over 1200m, 3 len behind Losesomewinmore with 54kg at $17. Happy to risk again. | |||
Randwick Race 7 – Stringing them Together
No. 8 Sequinned
Chris Waller saddles up plenty of livewire chances on The Shorts Day including SEQUINNED (3) who is at an enormous $23 at time of publish but coming off back-to-back wins.
Zac Lloyd partners this flying filly from a good gate in the Tea Rose Stakes field and while this girl doesn’t come via the other Princess Series races, she’s going too good to ignore for mine.
Lightly raced, Saturday marks just her fifth start and she’s already a two-time winner having won at Kensington and Warwick Farm leading up to this acid test.
Her latest effort at the start of the month over six furlongs at BM64 level against the boys was so brave and she won by a half-length carting a hefty 59.5kg.
Back to 56kg, the airborne Lloyd has been aboard for both her victories and yes, she is against some very good fillies now, but is deserving of her shot at them.
| 8. Sequinned (3) J: Zac Lloyd 56kg 76×11 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Third-up today. First-up won by 1.2 len in a 2&3yo Mdn-Sw at Randwick Kensington on July 29 over 1100m on a rain affected track defeating Wanda’s Spark carrying 54kg at $11. Last start won by a long-neck in a 3yo Bm64 at Warwick Farm on September 2 over 1200m defeating Saffron Veil with 59.5kg at $4. Meets a tougher line-up and goes into the exotics. | |||
Caulfield Race 8 – King Roughie
No. 8 Kingswood
Is KINGSWOOD (8) up to Group 1 company down under? We’ll find out on Saturday afternoon but I’m happy to bet he can run in the money in this year’s compact Underwood Stakes field.
It’s a wide open and diminutive field and this Gavin Bedggood-trained entire, at $16 at time of publish, can outrun his price for mine.
The Roaring Lion seven-year-old has had four Caulfield runs for two victories and the 1800m is right within his wheelhouse.
He won at the highest level across the Tasman last December at big odds in the Zabeel Classic (2000m) at Ellerslie before crossing second at Te Rapa behind Legarto in the Herbie Dyke and fifth to the same runner in the Bonecrusher, so his Group 1 credentials in New Zealand are strong.
Won fresh here at Caulfield on August 29 at blowout odds as a 20/1 roughie in the Listed Heartherlie over 1700m putting three-quarters of a length on Just Folk when giving all the weight away.
He showed true grit with 61kg from the outside alley (16) making up ground from midfield and will relish a return to WFA here in a compact field from a better barrier.
This is an acid test for sure against good horses, but a Top 3 run is definitely not out of the equation.
Check out all my 2026 Underwood Stakes Tips & Best Bets now!
| 8. Kingswood (8) J: John Allen 59kg 125×1 T: Gavin Bedggood | |||
| Second run back. First-up after six months came from midfield and won by 0.8 len in a LR Heatherlie Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1700m on a rain affected track defeating Just Folk with 61kg at $21. Previously second-up 8th of 14 in the G2 Hill Stakes at Rosehill on October 11 over 1900m, 4 len behind Lindermann carrying 59kg at $7.50. Tough win fresh, this is tougher. | |||
Randwick Race 8 – Brave Chance
No. 1 Ceolwulf
CEOLWULF (5) is the best roughie in the 2026 7 Stakes markets for mine, and punters looking for value should have him firmly on their radar to potentially finish in the quinella.
The Joe Pride‑trained four‑time Group 1 winner has built beautifully into his prep: a solid fifth behind Autumn Glow first‑up in the Winx Stakes, followed by a strong closing second in the Chelmsford Stakes.
He’s third‑up — a stage where he’s performed well before — and he gets back to the Randwick mile, a set‑up that suits his grinding, late‑strength style.
While he’ll be giving the favourite a start from an off‑midfield position, Ceolwulf’s closing sectionals last start were excellent, and his ability to sustain a long run makes him a genuine blowout chance in a small field.
He’s tough, seasoned at the top level, and fit enough to make things interesting late.
For punters chasing a value play outside Autumn Glow, Ceolwulf is a genuine roughie to include in exotics — capable of landing in the finish if the tempo turns testing.
Read my full 2026 7 Stakes Predictions & Best Bets now!
| 1. Ceolwulf (5) J: Chad Schofield 59kg 66×52 T: Joseph Pride | |||
| Third-up today and placed third-up previously. Resuming 5th of 11 in the G1 Winx Stakes at this track on August 22 over 1400m, slow going 4.5 len behind Autumn Glow carrying 59kg at $61. Second run from a spell ran on strongly from last on the turn; 2nd of 9 in the G2 Chelmsford Stakes at this track on September 5 over 1600m, 1.75 len behind Lindermann with 59kg at $3.60. Likely to be giving these too much start, place best. | |||
Randwick Race 9 – Mighty Shot
No. 5 Mazu
MAZU (1) first-up with the rails draw in the $1 million The Shorts appeals at his price for a good return.
Joe Pride’s talented Maurice gelding went out a Group 3 winner at the track having won April’s Hall Mark Stakes in an impressive all-the-way effort and kicks off his eight-year-old campaign now.
Was ultra-competitive all throughout his last prep including eye-catching thirds in the $3 million Russell Balding behind Jimmysstar, a Group 2 Challenge Stakes third to Generosity here by a nostril flare and another narrow loss in the Group 1 The Galaxy rounding out a blanket trifecta behind Marhoona.
All of that looks pretty good on paper for mine.
He’s faced the well-fancied Joliestar at a higher level before with a sixth in the Group 1 TJ Smith only two lengths off the mare he is up against here.
Brings in winning trial form, Rachel King knows him well and from the gate will bounce out, hit the lead and can hang on for a podium finish.
| 5. Mazu (1) J: Rachel King 56kg 3361x T: Joseph Pride | |||
| Resuming after a break of five months. Finished off last campaign by nose this track G3 Hall Mark April 18 over 1200m defeating King’s Secret with 58.5kg at $3.70. Previously first up; third of 9 at this track in the G2 Challenge March 7 over 1000m, a head behind Generosity with 58.5kg at $8.50. Trialled well and will give plenty of cheek from the rails draw. | |||
Caulfield Race 9 – Shinning Chance
No. 14 Sun God
There are a host of other better fancied dangers in the mix for this year’s Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, but at 25/1 the standout roughie for mine that can shock a few with a run in the Top 6 is SUN GOD (2).
A stablemate to the favourite, I always love another Waller-trained runner to finish in the money behind the top-tier runners from this super stable, and this guy ticks a few boxes to suggest he can outrun his price.
Drawn a dream in gate two for former Melbourne Cup winning hoop Jye McNeil, this Fastnet Rock six-year-old is finally being thrown in the deep end having his maiden Group status start.
The UK import has won three of his past four starts around the nation and is starting to put together a tidy record, albeit in much easier company.
He had three Listed runs over a terrific winter prep and saluted twice, most recently at Eagle Farm in the Listed Tatt’s Mile in late June over War Eternal.
Obviously, this is a different level, and he’ll need to really rise to the occasion, but his first-up record is pretty solid including a tight Listed Luskin Star win at Scone last prep.
He carries a postage stamp weight of just 52.5kg, gets the favours from barrier two and looks a genuine blowout chance for exotics.
View all my best Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes 2026 Tips & Betting Selections now!
| 14. Sun God (2) J: Jye Mcneil 52.5kg x121x T: Chris Waller | |||
| Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of 12 weeks. Finished off last preparation won by 0.7 len Eagle Farm LR Tatts Mile Qlty June 27 over 1600m slow track defeating War Eternal carrying 58kg at $2.35. Previous preparation first-up favourite; won by nose Scone LR Luskinstar May 16 over 1300m defeating Point And Shoot carrying 53kg at $15. No weight and drawn low, could be a blowout hope. | |||
Saturday Racing Previews
- Underwood Stakes Day (Caulfield)
- Surf to Turf Day (Randwick)
- Pink Ribbon Cup Day (Gold Coast)
Happy punting!