Ballina Cup 2025 – Field Preview, Odds, Horses, Speed Map and Betting Tips

A solid field has been assembled for the Ballina Cup (1600m) this Friday, with the race being a Big Dance Qualifier.

Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2025 Ballina Cup.

2025 Ballina Cup Runner Preview:

1. Jetty: SCR

2. Stuck With You: He does have a touch of quality about him. But, he is a much better horse on dry ground vs wet ground and with the forecast for Thursday and Friday, I suspect this track may be heavy, which pens his chances.

3. Rogue Bear: He is in a similar boat to Stuck With You. If it’s Soft6/7, I think he’s a serious winning chance. But if it is heavy, and gets worse as the day progresses, then I think he has none. Racing well, but needs things to fall into place.

4. Youth Spirit: SCR

5. Caprice Des Dieux: Clear intent to resume in the hometown cup, so I like that factor. But the trial work and raceday form says he’s not threatening.

6. Holstein: Holstein has found positive form and is a key chance. He tried hard last time in the Murwillumbah Cup but just found one better in Collay’s Spirit. If he runs up to that effort here, he should be around the mark.

7. Solar Apex: He is a horse I have always had time for, starting with Waller before going to Jack Bruce. First run for Lindsay Hatch came at Ipswich and I thought was an eye catcher. He’ll spot them a start but should be strong at the end.

8. Captain Fenkel: Captain Fenkel is bursting to win for Marcus Wilson, a stable that is in form at present. He ran over 1500m at Randwick two weeks ago when ridden with intent to land on speed and he was there to put the race away but just found one better in Vega Magnifico. Think with a more patient steer, he’ll be more effective and can win.

9. Lord Of Biscay: Strong on speed win at the Gold Coast last time but his form is crystal that it’s dry track or bust. Wet track on the cards here, I say he’ll struggle.

10. Bean Foggy: Great record at Ballina and won’t mind give in the track, but he’s drawn a terrible barrier and just not sure he has the class/quality.

11. Full Press: Plain return at Coffs Harbour and 1200m straight to the mile, testing ground…not for me.

12. Bellaciaociao: Not racing too bad but needs it easier than this.

13. Azzareach: Lands on speed and didn’t do a bad job in defeat at the Gold Coast last time. If he gets front end control, he’ll run an improved race and could give a sight.

14. Collay’s Spirit: Strong win last time but not reading too much into it given it was pretty much a barrier trial. Harder here I say and although he handles wet ground, I say he’ll struggle.

15. Master Copy (First Emergency): Won at Ipswich on Wednesday, and was good there…but I doubt backs up. If so, he isn’t up to these.

16. Roller Coaster (Second Emergency): Handy enough stayer but first up here on testing ground, not for me.

17. Baglioni (Third Emergency): Needs it easier.

18. Cold One (Fourth Emergency): Racing well but he’s not up to this level.

19. Unleash (Fifth Emergency): Redford is the one for me. He rises big time in grade/depth, but his win at the Sunny Coast last Saturday was incredible. He gave a Group performer, Moravia, 3kg as well as a start, but he beat him and knuckled down with real purpose late to win and win well. He gets massive weight relief this time around, he’ll be strong late and won’t mind if there is rain about. Only runs well.

20. O’Miss Behaving (Sixth Emergency): Eligible for benchmark races.

2025 Ballina Cup $100 Betting Strategy:

$100 Win on Captain Fenkel. Keen on his prospects.

2025 Ballina Cup Odds

2025 Ballina Cup Speed Map

Lord Of Biscay and Azzareach were 1-2 in a 1400m race at the Gold Coast, which the former won, and I think they’ll be 1-2 here from what I can see. Captain Fenkel was ridden with intent at Randwick last time so he may slide forward. Outside that trio, I can’t see much early speed.