Geelong will host the Ladbrokes Coastal Classic race day on Saturday as coastal crowds gather for the 10 race program. The weather is predicted to be fine with a top of 29 and gallopers will run on a Good track. We start proceedings off early in the first with one of our best three bets, and let’s hope we can start the New Year off with a profit for followers. The Coastal Classic and the Black Pearl are the highlights of the day. The first starts at 12:20pm (AEDT) and the quaddie starts at 3:45pm (AEDT).
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Geelong Racing Tips: Saturday, January 3rd 2026
Race 1: Prestige Jayco Geelong Handicap 1700m - 12:20pm (AEDT)
(1) Darkbonee comes down the coast from Warrnambool for the WIlde team and he looks hard to beat again after he won well at Lakeside last start when favourite. He will start a clear favourite again and he gets a similar track surface again too. He has drawn a little wide in 8 but he had a wide barrier in 11 last start and that was of no issues. Thomas Stockdale replaces Craig Williams Third up here and can continue his positive form.
(2) Vellasmachine gets a better barrier here (5) after drawing very wide in 12 last start when running an unlucky 7th.
(8) Jumpinmycar won at his second start at Ararat and then wasn’t disgraced last time (6th) after he made up a little bit of late ground at Moe. Extra 100m will help.
(1) Darkbonee WIN
$1.75 (4 units)
Race 8: Ladbrokes Coastal Classic 1700m - 4:25pm (AEDT)
(1) Holymanz has a pretty good overall record and a good record on Dry tracks. He has won 2 from 2 over this distance and he ran on well to win the Werribee Cup three weeks ago in what was a dead heat. Michael Dee is back on and from the draw (6) I reckon he positions him in midfield during the run. Loves Geelong but does have to carry 60.5kg so will go take two horses for a win in this race.
(2) St Lawrence will be one of the best horses working home late but may get too far back. Never got into the race in the Cranbourne Cup due to his racing pattern but he did win at Geelong at his only race start here.
(4) Verdad has placed 14 of 23 starts and likes racing on Dry ground. Frustrating horse for punters but he is very fit and was only 1L behind Holymanz in the Werribee Cup.
Also Backing: (4) Verdad WIN $8.50 (1 unit)
(1) Holymanz WIN
$3.50 (1 unit)
Race 9: Crowne Plaza Black Pearl 120m - 5:05pm (AEDT)
(6) Jenni The Fox had no luck in the Supernova at Cranbourne last start when 12th but I’m going on her Group 3 placing at Flemington on Cup Day when she ran on well for 3rd at 30-1. Does go better on Soft ground by the looks but I reckon she gets good pace in this and can run on very well. Has drawn poorly her last couple of starts but gets a good barrier in 5 here.
(3) Hearcomesthestar also runs on well and will make her run with Jenni I reckon. Likes this distance and has won and placed at Geelong previously.
(5) Gracie’s Rain has won 6 from 13 starts on a Good track and can’t be left out. Will go forward but the worry is she might go too hard too early. LIkes this distance and she is a mare in form. May start fav and may try to lead all of the way.
(6) Jenni The Fox Each-Way
$10/$3.10 (0.50 units)
Quaddie Tips
Leg one: 1, 4, 6, 10
Leg two: 1, 2, 4, 8
Leg three: 2, 5, 6, 13
Leg four: 6, 12, 14
