Australian racing tips for May 2, 2026
We’ve searched far and wide to try to find a winner for Saturday’s Australian race meetings, with most attention now focused on Adelaide and Brisbane for their top annual carnivals.
The Group 1 South Australian Derby at Morphettville is the feature in Adelaide, with a couple of Group 2s in Brisbane indicating their big races are closing in. We have also run the rule over a couple of Group 3s at Hawkesbury, the provincial NSW venue that hosts its annual stand-alone meeting featuring the Hawkesbury Gold Cup.
We again divined a winner or two last weekend on Anzac Day, or at least kept the coffers full enough to have another crack this weekend. Even without city racing in Melbourne and Sydney, there is plenty of quality Australian racing to keep you entertained.
Read on for our free betting tips and analysis for the best racing in Australia on May 2.
Morphettville Race 8
Group 1 Thomas Farms South Australian Derby (2518m)
This is an open contest, no surprise given that it’s a million-dollar race and a Group 1 to boot. It will certainly test out the young stayers over 2500 metres-plus. We are betting on a boilover with (10) Arabian Prince here, though we would be far more confident if it had not drawn gate 19. The Ghaiyyath colt is from the good staying stable of Michael Kent, and we will trust Jamie Melham to navigate the difficult barrier. Few know the track better than the Melbourne Cup-winning rider, who cut her teeth as a rider in Adelaide. (17) Accidental Bid is a deserved favourite and should get all the favours from gate two for Irishman John Allen. If you give Arabian Prince a chance, you must also rate (1) Single Choice, which beat it home recently. We are going with the (10) just because we think the penny has dropped with it and it’s ready to produce a new career best.
Rupert McIntosh tips: 10,17,1,15. Best bet: Each-way Arabian Prince. He’s learning the caper.
Eagle Farm Race 7
Group 2 Ticketmaster Queensland Guineas (1600m)
(2) Brave Monarch is a smart three-year-old with four wins from only six starts and has been placed beautifully by the hot Queensland stable of Chris and Corey Munce. The son of Japanese stallion Brave Smash is short enough though at around $2, and we will back the filly (15) Snitzel Dancer to cause a minor upset. The daughter of Snitzel is drawn perfectly in gate one and has Queensland’s top rider Ben Thompson in the saddle. She has really struck a purple patch of form. (1) State Visit will appreciate this class and his rider Taylor Marshall has a knack of turning up on longshot winners. (9) Autumn King is suited getting out to 1600m and should be among the swoopers.
Rupert McIntosh tips: 15,2,1,9. Best bet: Snitzel Dancer to upset the favourite.
Eagle Farm Race 8
Group 2 Ladbrokes Victory Stakes (1200m)
This is a vintage edition of this Group 2 thanks to the presence of Group 1 winners such as (4) Private Harry and (1) Transatlantic. Private Harry won his first five starts and after a couple of fifths in top company has been transferred to Australia’s premier stable of Chris Waller. If Private Harry is right he should be too good, even up against quality performers such as Transatlantic, (2)
Uncommon James, (10) Lady Of Camelot and (6) Warnie. This group of sprinters will probably clash again before the Queensland carnival is over. (7) Zarastro is likely to sprint well fresh.
Rupert McIntosh tips: 4,1,10,7. Best bet: (4) Private Harry to win.
Hawkesbury Race 6
Group 3 Elite Sand & Soil Hawkesbury Guineas (1400m)
(2) Estremo is an underrated colt from the premier yard and should get all the favors from a good barrier here, unlike many of the top fancies which are drawn wide. Estremo will be much improved by the first-up run and if the gaps appear at the right time, should be savaging the line. Topweight (1) Skyhook is the class runner and will find this much easier than recent starts. Has a sticky barrier but if Josh Parr can find some cover, he will be right in the finish. (11) Horseshoe Hill is a handy filly and has been racing well without much luck. Has the nice gate he for in-form rider Rachel King and should get all the favours for once.
Rupert McIntosh tips: 2,1,11,6. Best bet: Estremo each-way at around $10.
Hawkesbury Race 8
Group 3 Richmond Club Hawkesbury Gold Cup (1600m)
(5) Vivy Air is a high-quality mare from the Ciaron Maher stable that ran OK in a Doncaster last start. She will find this much easier and has the services of Reece Jones from a perfect barrier. She should settle just off the speed and it will take a smart one to beat her. The only downside with her is she has a habit of finding one better, with nine seconds from 30 starts and only four wins. This assignment looks perfect. (14) Captain Furai is flying this campaign but must overcome a tricky barrier. The favourite (9) Taken is drawn well and is a consistent type. (8) Waterford can finish powerfully when in the mood.
Rupert McIntosh tips: 5,14,8,9. Best bet: Vivy Air to win at around $4.50 with Australian betting sites. Back her with confidence.
