New Year's Day, January 1st 2024

We have expert betting tips for the cards this New Year’s Day in New Zealand, featuring Group 1 racing at Pukekohe and Riverton.

Punters get quality racing across the Tasman, and we have our best horse racing tips available.

Pukekohe

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Race 1. (10:10) Eagle Technology Maiden (1500m)

#6 – To Catch a Thief @ $1.75

To Catch a Thief has multiple Group 1 placings, and he should be breaking through to kick off racing in 2024.

The three-year-old gelding by US Navy Flag owns seven placings from nine starts overall and carrying 55.5kg is ideal.

We’re happy to take the short odds available.

Race 4. (11:55) Auckland Co-Op Taxis BM65 (1200m)

#11 – Frostfair @ $4.20

Frostfair was an impressive debut winner at Tauranga, and punters get fair odds for her to remain unbeaten.

The three-year-old daughter of Written Tycoon gets all favours from barrier two and they usually stay in form from the Noble stable.

Take the each-way odds available.

Race 6. (13:03) Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2400m)

#3 – Terra Mitica @ $2.10

Terra Mitica is a former European who couldn’t have been more impressive when winning at Pukekohe last start.

The five-year-old mare by Ulysses won by 2.5 lengths against a good field, and rising to 2400m only helps her chances.

A repeat effort looks on the cards for the feature staying event.

Race 9. (14:51) Rich Hill Mile (1600m)

#9 – Lingjun Xiongfeng @ $4.80

Form is with Lingjun Xiongfeng, who showed an awesome turn-of-foot when winning at Te Rapa last time out.

The five-year-old son of The Factor is only a three-time winner, but his form has improved out of sight this season.

Getting the inside draw with 52kg on the back is ideal.

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Riverton

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Race 2. (11:02) Todd & Co Realty BM75 (1400m)

#2 – Go Lotte @ $3.20

Go Lotte turned her form around when winning at Gore, which is a good form guide.

The five-year-old mare by Telperion owns a win and a placing from three starts on the track, which is ideal form.

We expect her to be right in the finish.

Race 4. (12:12) Donald White Hedge Cutting Handicap (1200m)

#1 – Henry Hubber @ $3

Henry Hubber is taking his time to get back to winning form, but the five-year-old is worth backing here.

The son of Rip Van Winkle owns all seven career wins over the distance, and he handles all track conditions.

We’re not surprised by the odds from bookmakers.

Race 5. (12:47) Blair Racz Fencing BM65 (1200m)

#4 – Our Flash Harry @ $3.40

Our Flash Harry won well on debut at Ascot Park before placing at Wingatui and Ascot Park.

The three-year-old looks to have a bright future at this level, and the Kirkland stable knows how to get them ready.

Drawing wide on this track shouldn’t be an issue.

Race 6. (13:18) Carriers Arms Hotel Summer Cup (2147m)

#2 – Par Tee @ $9

Par Tee didn’t fire last time out, but that’s no reason to drop her.

She looked much better prior to that when winning at Ascot Park and getting $9 is generous from bookmakers.

Barrier five gives her every chance to win.