Zabeel Classic (NZ) Tips: Trifecta & First Four

We have expert betting tips for the Group 1 Zabeel Classic this Boxing Day at Pukekohe where a field of 11 line up in New Zealand.

It’s the feature race of the NZ summer and a quality field lines up in hot conditions in South Auckland.

We have a runner-by-runner betting guide available for the Zabeel Classic, which runs at 3:28 pm.

Our best bets for Zabeel Classic 2022

Best Bet:

#8 Sinarahma @ $3.20

Best Each Way Bet:

#2 Defibrillate @ $4.80 

Best Roughie:

#5 Chase @ $26 

Zabeel Classic Trifecta Tips

Punters should have five runners on their ticket for the Zabeel Classic trifecta.

• Sinarahma
• Defibrillate
• Chase
• Prise De Fer
• Le Sablier

Zabeel Classic First-Four Tips

We have included six runners for our Zabeel Classic first-four.

• Sinarahma
• Defibrillate
• Chase
• Prise De Fer
• Le Sablier
• Slave to Love

Zabeel Classic Form Guide & Tips

1. Prise De Fer ($3.80) 

Prise De Fer is gunning for three wins on the bounce, including beating Aegon by a half-length at Trentham last time out.

He almost went in as the best each-way, so punters should include him in all betting selections for the Zabeel Classic.

2. Defibrillate (Best Each Way – $4.80) 

His form in Australia was solid and he returned to finish third at Hastings behind Mustang Valley before winning at Pukekohe against a similar field.

He is an 11-time winner from 29 starts, so he’s automatically a winning chance just based on his overall record.

Take the each-way odds available.

3. The Major ($26) 

The Mayor finished second behind Defibrillate two back before failing last time out, so we’re not sure if he’s running well enough.

He would be better suited to running on a rain-affected track and he’s unlikely to get conditions to suit.

4. Harlech ($19) 

Only a three-time winner from 28 starts, so he’s too short in the betting for our liking.

His best form would take him close but it has been a long time between drinks and we can’t see him figuring in the finish.

5. Chase (Best Roughie – $26) 

Chase finished a length behind Prise De Fer last start and punters get excellent odds.

He’s another runner who is better on wet tracks, but we’re prepared to include him in selections based on his best form.

Barrier two and the $26 odds appeal.

6. Soldier Boy ($26) 

Soldier Boy showed excellent form earlier this preparation but he didn’t handle facing harder fields.

That’s a concern going forward at Group 1 level, so we’d be prepared to back him in something much easier than this.

7. Polly Grey ($6.50) 

Polly Grey returns from Australia with moderate form, but she’s a dead-set wet tracker.

She has had 15 starts on a good surface for only three placings. She needs some serious rain to come and it’s not meant to.

$6.50 is far too short for our liking.

8. Sinarahma (Best Bet – $3.20) 

Sinarahma deserves to be favourite following a four-length win at Te Rapa against some strong opposition.

The eight-year-old mare has yet to race at Pukekohe but her turn-of-foot is better than most in this race and the $3.20 odds are worth taking.

She’s the testing material in the Zabeel Classic.

9. Cheaperthandivorce ($14) 

The five-year-old mare has been disappointing in two runs this preparation after showing plenty of ability early on.

She was 5.5 lengths behind Prise De Fer last start and we’re unsure if she can turn that form around.

10. Le Sablier ($18) 

Le Sablier was four lengths behind Sinarahma last start but that was good enough to finish second.

The eight-year-old mare could be better for the run and she’s a two-time winner at Pukekohe, which could make a difference.

Include her at value odds.

11. Slave to Love ($18)

Slave to Love is also a past winner at Pukekohe and she has been waiting for a dry track to show her best.

She didn’t show much last time out at Te Rapa, but she’s good enough to figure in the finish at the value odds.