BETTING ESSENTIALS - BJ says: It will go on my bookshelf alongside my Don Scott and Rem Plante books.

Warren Block's Daily Report - Sunday, 5 April 2026

• Betting Essentials - Results Update and Expansion (Part 4)
• Matrix day-by-day results for Sunday and Monday racing
• Wizard Freebie - Wizard Personal Print
• Wizard Ratings, Raceday, Matrix, and Selectives Result

IMPORTANT - What-IF race morning update now posted at 10:30am - was 9:30am - allows for more complete scratchings update.

Betting Essentials - Results Update and Expansion (Part 4)

So far in this series I have focused on two-horse selection and betting results. Today, the focus will be on the strategy often followed by the average recreational punter - single selection wagering.

As with any selection strategy there are levels of risk and reward. The path chosen by a punter will largely determine the odds profile of the runners backed and the losing sequences encountered. Invariably, the longer the odds, the longer the losing runs, and the greater the drawdown risks. The opposite is true.

One point to bear in mind is that most successful single-runner punters concentrate on horses whose odds predominantly lie in the $2.00 to $5.90 odds range. The more risk averse focus on a range that maxes at $5.00.

The following table provides an insight into the strike rates achieved by various "single selection" options that are accessible through Wizard's reports.

The Wizard Matrix report is particularly useful here for with this this report it is possible to quickly find the first five options in the table, as well as the two Selectives options.

The Magic report allows one to easily find those horses which are top-rated (WRat 100), have firmed by 3% or more (either overnight or early race morning), and are trainer-favoured (Filter and Negatives indicators).

The main takeaway from these statistics is that a base ratings assessment can be improved significantly by overlaying trainer and market information.

Finally, if adopting a single-selection strategy, it is important to limit bet size to 2% to a maximum 5% of the betting bank, to assume a losing run of at least 16 races, and set the drawdown to 20% - all as explained in my book, Betting Essentials.

Matrix day-by-day results for Sunday and Monday racing

The tables show the results for the past eight weeks for the day on which racing occurred. So, today being Sunday, this Matrix DOW (Day of Week) report covers the past eight Sunday and Monday results. The day-after results are included so that they are available on race-eve, rather than only on race morning.

(The daily Matrix report aims to assist subscribers contain the number of bets to manageable proportions and improve the strike rate. The report is posted to our website between 10:30am and 10:45am each day with an update at 12 noon.)

Wizard Freebie - Wizard Personal Print

The Wizard publishes on this page one of its Wizard reports or special features, either completely or a part thereof. Today, a Wizard Personal Print. The full report and all other reports for all meetings for today are available now for subscribers.

Wizard Ratings, Raceday, Matrix, and Selectives results

We publish these full results daily so that subscribers can see the results of the Wizard's ratings options, and Report-content, and thereby formulate a selecting and betting strategy that suits them individually. The Wizard ratings should not be seen as "tips", rather as objective assessments that can be used to inform one's own judgement as to the relative chances of the runners in a race.

The full day-by-day results for Wizard (Wrat) top 4 rated runners, the Raceday Qualifier, and the Matrix (MaxR) 100 pointer, the MaxR top-two, the What-IF top-two Filtered, together with the Matrix W1+MaxR100 Selective qualifier, and the Matrix W1+*EO+MaxR100 Selective qualifier. Also included are the overall results for last week and the last four weeks. The 2024-2025 column shows the WRat results for the full racing season.

This results summary is colour coded so that it is easier for readers to track the relative performance of the Top Rated (blue) and Top-Two Rated (green) ratings options on a daily, and longer term, basis. The best overall qualifier (yellow) is highlighted. Also, the single runner options are grouped separately, as are the two-horse and multi-horse options results, again to make comparisons easier.

The following table shows this week's results of alternative options with respect to possible Matrix Selectives combinations, as well as weekly summaries. These combinations are accessible via the Wizard MATRIX report which is posted to our website between 10:30am and 10:45am, and updated around 12 noon, each day.

(Key: The first of the two columns for each Selective combination shows number of qualifying races and the second column shows the strike rate. Headings: RWM is Raceday,Watch,Magic, RWM 2/3 means two or three qualifying, Rday is Raceday report qualifier, Magic is Magic report qualifier, R/M is Raceday and Magic, WR1 is Wrat 100, MR1 is MaxR 100.)

The following table shows where the winner of each race run yesterday was rated by WRat, WMod, WHcp, and WExpk and was the qualifier in the Wizard Raceday Report. (Note: The Wrat [W] winner results report on both the top rated and top-two rated winners.) The Raceday Report winners under the Top Rated column are from those races where there was only one Raceday qualifier, and under the Top 2 Rated on the rare occasions where there were two qualifiers in a race.

Header: WMHER = WRat (W), WMod (M), WHcp (H), WExpk (E), Raceday (R).

For a full explanation of the table click: How to read the Wizard Ratings Results

BETTING ESSENTIALS - RG says:  "A book for everyone. No confusing words, all is clearly explained."

Warren Block's Daily Report - Monday, 6 April 2026

• Trainer-Jockey Combinations - Last 4 weeks - Profile of Matthew Smith (NEW)
• Matrix - day by day analysis for Monday and Tuesday racing
• Wizard Freebie - Wizard Essentials report
• Wizard Ratings, Raceday, Matrix, and Selectives results and Weekly Summary

Trainer-Jockey Combinations - Last 4 weeks - Profile of Matthew Smith (NEW)

Each Monday I post a table showing the stables that have won at least 5 races over the previous 4 weeks and list the jockeys who rode at least one of those winners, as well as their total rides for the stable, during that period.

Identifying in-form and "outperforming" trainer-jockey combinations should be a key component of any form analysts race/horse assessment and this Wizard report can help you to identify these combinations.

Profile - Matthew Smith

The Jockey/Trainer combinations that are included are based on the following criteria: The Jockey/Trainer combination is listed when a jockey's record shows at least 2 wins when riding the Wizard top-rater, or at least 3 wins when riding the race favourite, or 4 wins if the runner is in the $2.00 to $5.90 odds range, for that stable. Also included are the overall percentage stats for the jockey when riding a Wizard top rater or race favourite, for any stable. Note that these stats cover the rider's results in all races, irrespective of location.

Matthew Smith was born and raised in Wangaratta, Victoria. His father Christopher was a Wangaratta Turf Club committee member and keen owner. In his mid-20s, Matthew gained global expertise, working with Aidan O'Brien at Ballydoyle in Ireland first as work-rider and rising to assistant trainer for 2.5 years, then Niall O'Callaghan in the US managing 30 horses, and finally as stable foreman for Bart Cummings in Australia for nearly five years. He launched his own stable in 2003, with wife Melissa - a former Sydney Royal champion rider and Japanese trackwork expert - providing key support. australianturfclub+2

Stables and Facilities

Matthew operates a stable with 50 boxes at Warwick Farm racecourse in Sydney.

Key Jockey Partnerships

Significant jockey associations have been with Jay Ford, Blake Spriggs, Mitchell Bell, and Jeff Penza. More recently Ashley Morgan, Zac Lloyd, Ben Looker, and Pierre Boudvillain have been to the fore.

Major Wins

His first Group win came in 2008 with Krupt in the Todman Stakes, followed by his maiden Group 1 via Hurtle Myrtle in the 2011 Myer Classic. A standout performance was the hat-trick of Fierce Impact 2019-2020: Toorak Handicap, Kennedy Cantala Stakes, Makybe Diva Stakes (total stakes $3.3M). Nimalee secured the 2022 Queen of the Turf Stakeshis first Sydney Group 1. johntapp+2

Preparation Strategy

Drawing from O'Brien and Cummings, Matthew targets suitable races, wins with longshots, and prioritizes temperament and fitness for peak performance. His motto - "Luck is when Preparation Meets Opportunity" - guides placing horses strategically for optimal chances.

 Worth Noting: (5 Years results survey)

•     Superior results come from fresher horses, 1st up and especially 2nd up; has a 29% win rate with first time starters.
•    Strongest results in the 1400m to 1800m distance range.      
•   Does well when stepping up horses in grade (Field Strength +3 or more).
•    Positive when distance change from last start is +100 to +300 metres.

Matrix - day by day analysis for Monday and Tuesday racing

The tables show the results for the past eight weeks for the day on which racing occurred. So, today being Monday, this Matrix DOW (Day of Week) report covers the past eight Monday and Tuesday results. The day-after results are included so that they are available on race-eve, rather than only on race morning.

(The daily Matrix report aims to assist subscribers contain the number of bets to manageable proportions and improve the strike rate. The report is posted to our website between 10:30am and 10:45am each day with an update at 12 noon.)

Wizard Freebie - Wizard Essentials report

The Wizard publishes on this page one of its Wizard reports or special features, either completely or a part thereof. Today it is a Wizard Essentials Wrat 4 report. The full report and all other reports for all meetings for today are available now for subscribers.

The Wizard Essentials report is a very useful resource, for key data that race handicappers need is at their fingertips. Included are the Wizard's four ratings assessments, each focusing on different time-proven ways of rating runners, and other key (likely) performance indicators, some of which are unique to the Wizard. For example, the Filter and Negatives assessments, the in-running (pace) insights, and form pattern stats (RFS).

 In addition to this Essentials WRat4 report there is also an Essentials Full-Field version available.

Click here for an explanation of the Wizard Essentials Report.

Wizard Ratings, Raceday, Matrix, and Selectives results and Weekly Summary

We publish these full results daily so that subscribers can see the results of the Wizard's ratings options, and Report-content, and thereby formulate a selecting and betting strategy that suits them individually. The Wizard ratings should not be seen as "tips", rather as objective assessments that can be used to inform one's own judgement as to the relative chances of the runners in a race.

The full day-by-day results for Wizard (Wrat) top 4 rated runners, the Raceday Qualifier, and the Matrix (MaxR) 100 pointer, the MaxR top-two, the What-IF top-two Filtered, together with the Matrix W1+MaxR100 Selective qualifier, and the Matrix W1+*EO+MaxR100 Selective qualifier. Also included are the overall results for last week and the last four weeks. The 2024-2025 column shows the WRat results for the full racing season.

This results summary is colour coded so that it is easier for readers to track the relative performance of the Top Rated (blue) and Top-Two Rated (green) ratings options on a daily, and longer term, basis. The best overall qualifier (yellow) is highlighted. Also, the single runner options are grouped separately, as are the two-horse and multi-horse options results, again to make comparisons easier.

The following table shows last week's results of alternative options with respect to possible Matrix Selectives combinations, as well as weekly summaries. These combinations, which draw directly on the contributions of the Raceday and Magic reports, are accessible via the Wizard MATRIX report which is posted to our website around 10:30am, and updated at 12 noon, each day.

(Key: The first of the two columns for each Selective combination shows number of qualifying races and the second column shows the strike rate. Headings: RWM is Raceday,Watch,Magic,  RWM 2/3 means two or three qualifying, Rday is Raceday report qualifier, Magic is Magic report qualifier, R/M is Raceday and Magic, WR1 is Wrat 100, MR1 is MaxR 100.)

Some of the more notable double-figure winners last week that were top rated on WMod, WHcp, WExpk and/or top-rated (WRat-1) or rated second top (WRat-2):

The following table shows where the winner of each race run yesterday was rated by WRat, WMod, WHcp, and WExpk and was the qualifier in the Wizard Raceday Report. (Note: The Wrat [W] winner results report on both the top rated and top-two rated winners.) The Raceday Report winners under the Top Rated column are from those races where there was only one Raceday qualifier, and under the Top 2 Rated on the rare occasions where there were two qualifiers in a race.

Header: WMHER = WRat (W), WMod (M), WHcp (H), WExpk (E), Raceday (R).

For a full explanation of the table click: How to read the Wizard Ratings Results

BETTING ESSENTIALS - RA says: "There is a wealth of information. The statistics and form patterns are most informative."

Warren Block's Daily Report - Tuesday, 7 April 2026

• "Winningest" jockeys, Winning Jockeys back-on, SNAPSHOT Tash Faithfull
• Wizard Freebie - Wizard Raceday report
• Matrix - day by day analysis of Tuesday and Wednesday racing
• Wizard Ratings, Raceday, Matrix, and Selectives Results

"Winningest" jockeys, Winning Jockeys back-on, SNAPSHOT Tash Faithfull

Here is the list of jockeys who rode at least a double at any of the Tab meetings last week, along with the trainers for whom they rode the winners. This table is colour coded to highlight the outperformers and it is definitely worth noting these riders and combinations.

It is also worth noting when a jockey who has previously won on a horse is replacing a rider who has not done so. Whilst history shows that this is not a prime indicator of likely success, it is significant in some cases.

The list below shows the winning horses last week that raced with a (previous) winning jockey replacing a rider who had not previously been successful on the horse.

Jockey SNAPSHOT profile - Tash Faithfull

The Jockey/Trainer combinations that are included here are based on the following criteria: The Jockey/Trainer combination is listed when a jockey's record shows at least 2 wins when riding the Wizard top-rater, or at least 3 wins when riding the race favourite, or 4 wins if the runner is in the $2.00 to $5.90 odds range, for that stable. Also included are the overall percentage stats for the jockey when riding a Wizard top rater or race favourite, for any stable. Note, that these stats cover the rider's results in all races, irrespective of location.

To add to this statistical insight, here is a Snapshot Profile of Tash Faithfull (via ChatGPT et al) which makes for some interesting reading.

Natasha (Tash) Faithfull is a Western Australian jockey who has a record of success on all three W.A. circuits, and was crowned the leading provincial jockey in Australia for the 2024/25 season with 57 wins, and a 15.3% strike rate. Over more than a decade in the saddle she has built a reputation as a hardworking lightweight rider who regularly matches it with the States top hoops in regional premierships. youtube instagram+1

Background

Tash grew up in the Great Southern region and has long been based around Albany, a hub that has allowed her to travel widely through Western Australias country racing network. She took up a job in a racing stable in her early teens. She also rode in picnic races during her formative years, which provided valuable race-riding exposure before transitioning fully into professional ranks. facebook+2 youtube

Racing has become something of a family affair, with her mother Samantha (Sam), playing a central role. As well as full-time riding , Tash is helping her mother with training, strengthening their partnership and giving her another perspective on preparing horses. She has spoken publicly about her mother being the person who has been the key figure behind her persistence through setbacks. youtube

Career to date

Her professional riding career began in Western Australia around 2011, when she had her first race ride aboard Jobeth. Since then she has amassed close to 900 career wins, maintaining a strikerate of about 12 per cent. In the 2023/24 season she was prominent in the W.A. jockey premiership, sitting just behind William Pike, Chris Parnham and Clint JohnstonPorter for total State wins. She is recognised as a leading rider in the Great Southern and broader W.A. country regions. kalminer+3

Connections

One notable riding relationship is with the Dan & Ben Pearce stable. She has also enjoyed considerable success with Kalgoorlie trainer Peter Fernie, booting home multiple winners for his stable, and with the stable of her mother, Samantha. Her ability has led to her securing rides across multiple yards - particularly in regional areas - and this has been a key factor in maintaining high riding volumes.  racing+2

Setbacks

Her career has not been without major setbacks, most dramatically a lifethreatening trackwork accident that left her with punctured lungs, crushed or broken ribs, a broken collarbone and a lacerated liver. Doctors and commentators regarded her survival and eventual return to race riding as remarkable, and Racing WA has highlighted her story as one of the most courageous comebacks in the State's modern racing history. Her willingness to resume riding and then climb to the top of the provincial ranks has been widely cited as evidence of her mental toughness and dedication. thewest+1 youtube

Results

In terms of major results, a breakthrough feature success came in October 2022 when she guided Lets Galahvant to victory in the Listed Hannans Handicap at Kalgoorlie. The fact that Tash headed the 2024/25 Australian Provincial Jockey Premiership cemented her status. Between her familybased training partnership in Albany, her longstanding alliances with regional trainers and her proven ability to overcome adversity, she has become an acknowledged figure in Western Australian racing with scope to add more feature wins in the years ahead. instagram+2 youtube

Matrix - day by day analysis of Tuesday and Wednesday racing

The tables show the results for the past eight weeks for the day on which racing occurred. So, today being Tuesday, this Matrix DOW (Day of Week) report covers the past eight Tuesday and Wednesday results. The day-after results are included so that they are available on race-eve, rather than only on race morning.

(The daily Matrix report aims to assist subscribers contain the number of bets to manageable proportions and improve the strike rate. The report is posted to our website between 10:30am and 10:45am each day with an update at 12 noon.)

Wizard Freebie - Wizard Raceday report

The Wizard publishes on this page one of its Wizard reports or special features, either completely or a part thereof, and today the Wizard Freebie is the Wizard Raceday for two meetings. The full Raceday Report and the other Wizard reports for all meetings are now available to subscribers.

The Raceday report is an important component of the Wizard's uniquely successful race-morning MATRIX report whose Selectives consistently outperform traditional rating methodologies

Click here for a full explanation of the Wizard Raceday Report.

Wizard Ratings, Raceday, Matrix, and Selectives results

We publish these full results daily so that subscribers can see the results of the Wizard's ratings options, and Report-content, and thereby formulate a selecting and betting strategy that suits them individually. The Wizard ratings should not be seen as "tips", rather as objective assessments that can be used to inform one's own judgement as to the relative chances of the runners in a race.

The full day-by-day results for Wizard (Wrat) top 4 rated runners, the Raceday Qualifier, and the Matrix (MaxR) 100 pointer, the MaxR top-two, the What-IF top-two Filtered, together with the Matrix W1+MaxR100 Selective qualifier, and the Matrix W1+*EO+MaxR100 Selective qualifier. Also included are the overall results for last week and the last four weeks. The 2024-2025 column shows the WRat results for the full racing season.

This results summary is colour coded so that it is easier for readers to track the relative performance of the Top Rated (blue) and Top-Two Rated (green) ratings options on a daily, and longer term, basis. The best overall qualifier (yellow) is highlighted. Also, the single runner options are grouped separately, as are the two-horse and multi-horse options results, again to make comparisons easier.

The following table shows this week's results of alternative options with respect to possible Matrix Selectives combinations, as well as weekly summaries. These combinations are accessible via the Wizard MATRIX report which is posted to our website between 10:30am and 10:45am each day.

(Key: The first of the two columns for each Selective combination shows number of qualifying races and the second column shows the strike rate. Headings: RWM is Raceday,Watch,Magic, RWM 2/3 means two or three qualifying, Rday is Raceday report qualifier, Magic is Magic report qualifier, R/M is Raceday and Magic, WR1 is Wrat 100, MR1 is MaxR 100.)

The following table shows where the winner of each race run yesterday was rated by WRat, WMod, WHcp, and WExpk and was the qualifier in the Wizard Raceday Report. (Note: The Wrat [W] winner results report on both the top rated and top-two rated winners.) The Raceday Report winners under the Top Rated column are from those races where there was only one Raceday qualifier, and under the Top 2 Rated on the rare occasions where there were two qualifiers in a race.

Header: WMHER = WRat (W), WMod (M), WHcp (H), WExpk (E), Raceday (R).

For a full explanation of the table click: How to read the Wizard Ratings Results

BETTING ESSENTIALS CS says: It was refreshing to read Betting Essentials - you never stop learning.

Warren Block's Daily Report - Wednesday, 8 April 2026

• The "winningest" trainers report - SPOTLIGHT and SNAPSHOT on John Blacker
• Wizard Freebie - Wizard Watch report
• Matrix - day by day analysis of Wednesday & Thursday racing
• Wizard Ratings, Raceday, Matrix, and Selectives Results

Australia's "winningest" trainers last week - SPOTLIGHT and SNAPSHOT on John Blacker

Here is the list of trainers who trained at least a double at any of the Tab meetings last week, along with the jockeys for who rode the winners. This table is colour coded to highlight the outperformers and it is worth noting these stables and the combinations.

A key factor to be considered in selection-making is the stable, and the trainer-jockey combination. The Wizard weekly "winningest" trainer report is a valuable guide as to which stable/trainer and jockey-trainer combination is currently in form.

To add to this weekly insight, we SPOTLIGHT a particular stable and post an in-depth coverage of its record with different riders, over a period of two years. 

The Jockey/Trainer combinations that are included here are based on the following criteria: The Jockey/Trainer combination is listed when a jockey's record shows at least 2 wins when riding the Wizard top-rater, or at least 3 wins when riding the race favourite, or 4 wins if the runner is in the $2.00 to $5.90 odds range, for that stable. Also included are the overall percentage stats for the jockey when riding a Wizard top rater or race favourite, for any stable. Note, that these stats cover the rider's results in all races, irrespective of location.

Here is the SNAPHOT PROFILE of John Blacker (via ChatGPT, and other sources) which makes for some interesting reading.

Background

Tasmanian trainer John Blacker has built a long, successful career on foundations laid by his racing family, headed by his father, Tasmanian Hall of Fame horseman George Blacker. Growing up in that environment, John began as a trackwork rider for his father, learning to break in and educate young horses before taking out his own licence in his early twenties. The Blacker familys deep roots in Tasmanian racing, including brother Troys training involvement, helped shape Johns practical, horsefirst outlook and his comfort working with sizeable teams. youtube jkbracing squarespace+1

Current operations

Today John heads JKB Racing, one of Tasmanias most prolific stables, operating primarily from Longford. After a period training in Victoria, he returned home in 2013 and set up at Longford, taking advantage of its grass, sand and synthetic options. A southern satellite stable at Brighton, near Hobart, now complements his northern base and allows him to place horses efficiently across the Launceston, Hobart and Devonport programs while reducing travel stress. Jkbracing squarespace+2 youtube

Jockeys and riding combinations

The stable rotates jockeys according to form and availability but consistently leans on experienced locals riding out of Launceston and Hobart to execute stable tactics. Apprentices are also part of the JKB Racing strategy, with claims used to offset big weights in benchmarks and features when handicaps are against his horses. jkbracing+4

Feature race victories and notable horses

Johns record in Tasmanian feature races underlines his status as a premier trainer. His resume includes victories in the Tasmanian Derby, Tasmanian St Leger, Tasmanian Newmarket and multiple Devonport Cups (1998, 2010 and 2017), as well as Longford Cups in 1996, 2014, 2020 and 2021. Listed race wins such as the 2019 Conquering Stakes and the 2021 Tasmanian Guineas sit alongside interstate success, most notably Nuclear Frees 2006 Group 2 Tristarc Stakes at Caulfield during the Melbourne spring. Recent seasons with tallies of 68 and then 82 winners, plus backtoback trainers premierships, reflect not just headline horses but depth across the team. tasracing+3

Training philosophy and horse placement

Johns training style is grounded in horsemanship, fitness and astute placing of his horses. His background as a rider and breaker informs a focus on relaxed minds and robust bodies, with Longfords varied surfaces central to building that base. He is active at yearling sales around Australia, buying horses to suit Tasmanian conditions and building squads aimed at specific distances, tracks and calendar targets. John is prepared to sidestep seemingly simple races when weight or conditions are wrong and, conversely, to throw in a thriving horse at feature level when the setup looks ideal, as seen when he opts to avoid a 2YO handicap under a stiff impost and seek a more suitable assignment. Consistent high premiership finishes and a solid strike rate suggest a systematic approach that prioritises winning opportunities over mere participation. breedingracing+2 youtube jkbracing squarespace+1

(If you would like to see a particular trainer profiled in SPOTLIGHT let me know via Everyrace Support contact.)

Wizard Freebie - Wizard Watch report

The aim of the Wizard Watch report is to highlight on race-morning which horses have been the most significant firmers overnight and earlier on race-morning. This Wizard freebie is an extract of this report featuring some of the venues being covered today. The full report is available with the other Wizard "market sensitive" reports at 10:30am each day.

Wizard monitors race morning market trends over the first 3 hours of race day betting to determine which horses are anticipated to run above earlier pre-post expectations and which horses have had their higher probabilities confirmed.

Given the significance of this early/informed market action, the odds about the Wizard Watch Morning Movers naturally skew towards the shorter odds, but this is compensated by the strike rate. Double figure odds about successful Market Movers are rare, but each-way odds winners are backable.

 Click here for an explanation of Wizard Watch.

Matrix - day by day analysis of Wednesday & Thursday racing

The tables show the results for the past eight weeks for the day on which racing occurred. So, today being Wednesday, this Matrix DOW (Day of Week) report covers the past eight Wednesday and Thursday results. The day-after results are included so that they are available on race-eve, rather than only on race morning.

(The daily Matrix report aims to assist subscribers contain the number of bets to manageable proportions and improve the strike rate. The report is posted to our website between 10:30am and 10:45am each day with an update at 12 noon.)

Wizard Ratings, Raceday, Matrix, and Selectives results

We publish these full results daily so that subscribers can see the results of the Wizard's ratings options, and Report-content, and thereby formulate a selecting and betting strategy that suits them individually. The Wizard ratings should not be seen as "tips", rather as objective assessments that can be used to inform one's own judgement as to the relative chances of the runners in a race.

The full day-by-day results for Wizard (Wrat) top 4 rated runners, the Raceday Qualifier, and the Matrix (MaxR) 100 pointer, the MaxR top-two, the What-IF top-two Filtered, together with the Matrix W1+MaxR100 Selective qualifier, and the Matrix W1+*EO+MaxR100 Selective qualifier. Also included are the overall results for last week and the last four weeks. The 2024-2025 column shows the WRat results for the full racing season.

This results summary is colour coded so that it is easier for readers to track the relative performance of the Top Rated (blue) and Top-Two Rated (green) ratings options on a daily, and longer term, basis. The best overall qualifier (yellow) is highlighted. Also, the single runner options are grouped separately, as are the two-horse and multi-horse options results, again to make comparisons easier.

The following table shows this week's results of alternative options with respect to possible Matrix Selectives combinations, as well as weekly summaries. These combinations are accessible via the Wizard MATRIX report which is posted to our website between 10:30am and 10:45am each day.

(Key: The first of the two columns for each Selective combination shows number of qualifying races and the second column shows the strike rate. Headings: RWM is Raceday,Watch,Magic,  RWM 2/3 means two or three qualifying, Rday is Raceday report qualifier , Magic is Magic report qualifier, R/M is Raceday and Magic, WR1 is Wrat 100, MR1 is MaxR 100, Watch is a Watch report qualifier.)

The following table shows where the winner of each race run yesterday was rated by WRat, WMod, WHcp, and WExpk and was the qualifier in the Wizard Raceday Report. (Note: The Wrat [W] winner results report on both the top rated and top-two rated winners.) The Raceday Report winners under the Top Rated column are from those races where there was only one Raceday qualifier, and under the Top 2 Rated on the rare occasions where there were two qualifiers in a race.

Header: WMHER = WRat (W), WMod (M), WHcp (H), WExpk (E), Raceday (R).

For a full explanation of the table click: How to read the Wizard Ratings Results

BETTING ESSENTIALS KK says: "This is definitely what every serious punter needs - 5 stars."

Warren Block's Daily Report - Thursday, 9 April 2026

• BETTING ESSENTIALS Book extract and Results Update
• Trainer-Jockey Winning Combinations - Last 3 months
• Matrix day-by-day results for Thursday and Friday racing
• Wizard Freebie - Wizard Magic Report
• Wizard Ratings, Raceday, Matrix, and Selectives Results

BETTING ESSENTIALS Book extract and Results Update

In the chapter on Wagering Essentials, I noted that:

"Whilst most professionals are conservative and consciously avoid excessively risky betting situations, there are some that will act in a contrary manner, on occasions. This is especially true when it comes to the exotics.

  Because they believe there is an increased likelihood that these situations will produce results that pay excessive dividends they seek out opportunities that most professionals avoid, playing in large fields that contain poorly or moderately performed runners,

  The races that come under this category are maidens, benchmark handicaps up to BM58, and other low class restricted races.

  These contrarians still look for suitably qualified runners to include in their chances, and it is the type of race that differs most from usual practice. They also strictly control their bet structure and wagering.

  To succeed in this form of exotics wagering requires a deep understanding of the race types on which the wagers are made.

  The following is one example of the type of knowledge required to even attempt to follow in the footsteps of the contrarians.

  For example, backing a top-rated runner against first time starters in a maiden class race is generally a relatively low risk wager. A Wizard analysis of five seasons showed first-time starters in maidens won between 9% and 10% of the time, depending on the age classification of the race. That may be considered an acceptable risk to a contrarian.

  However, if a first-time starter happens to be the race favourite it wins between 37% and 40% of the time, again depending on the age classification of the race. The degree of risk is therefore greater when wagering against this race favourite than there is where all horses have revealed race form. Avoiding races with this scenario is one situation where the contrarian will most likely err on the side of caution and not proceed."

  In the little over two months since the book was published this statistic has been confirmed with 38.4% of first time starters in maiden races being successful. In non-maiden races their strike rate drops back to 33%.

  Interestingly, location has made no difference during this period, with metropolitan FTS in maidens winning 37.5%, provincial runners winning 38.6%, and country runners winning 38.3%.

Trainer-Jockey Winning Combinations - Last 3 months

Earlier this week the Wizard Trainer and Jockey reports covered the last week and last four weeks of racing. This Trainer-Jockey report covers the last three months. Taken together these reports provide a valuable insight into the most successful combinations currently in action on our racetracks. The report lists all jockeys who rode at least one winner as well as their total rides for the stable during the last three months.

Identifying in-form and "outperforming" trainer-jockey combinations should be a key component of any form analysts race/horse assessment and this Wizard report can help you to identify these combinations.

Matrix day-by-day results for Thursday and Friday racing

The tables show the results for the past eight weeks for the day on which racing occurred. So, today being Thursday, this Matrix DOW (Day of Week) report covers the past eight Thursday and Friday results. The day-after results are included so that they are available on race-eve, rather than only on race morning.

(The daily Matrix report aims to assist subscribers contain the number of bets to manageable proportions and improve the strike rate. The report is posted to our website between 10:30am and 10:45am each day with an update at 12 noon.)

Wizard Freebie - Wizard Magic Report

The Wizard publishes on this page one of its Wizard reports or special features, either completely or a part thereof. Today, a Wizard Magic (abridged) Report. The full report and all other reports for all meetings for today are available now for subscribers

The Magic report is an important component of the Wizard's uniquely successful race-morning MATRIX report whose Selectives consistently outperform traditional rating methodologies.

 Click here for an explanation of the Wizard Magic report.

Wizard Ratings, Raceday, Matrix, and Selectives results

We publish these full results daily so that subscribers can see the results of the Wizard's ratings options, and Report-content, and thereby formulate a selecting and betting strategy that suits them individually. The Wizard ratings should not be seen as "tips", rather as objective assessments that can be used to inform one's own judgement as to the relative chances of the runners in a race.

The full day-by-day results for Wizard (Wrat) top 4 rated runners, the Raceday Qualifier, and the Matrix (MaxR) 100 pointer, the MaxR top-two, the What-IF top-two Filtered, together with the Matrix W1+MaxR100 Selective qualifier, and the Matrix W1+*EO+MaxR100 Selective qualifier. Also included are the overall results for last week and the last four weeks. The 2024-2025 column shows the WRat results for the full racing season.

This results summary is colour coded so that it is easier for readers to track the relative performance of the Top Rated (blue) and Top-Two Rated (green) ratings options on a daily, and longer term, basis. The best overall qualifier (yellow) is highlighted. Also, the single runner options are grouped separately, as are the two-horse and multi-horse options results, again to make comparisons easier.

The following table shows this week's results of alternative options with respect to possible Matrix Selectives combinations, as well as weekly summaries. These combinations are accessible via the Wizard MATRIX report which is posted to our website between 10:30am and 10:45am each day.

(Key: The first of the two columns for each Selective combination shows number of qualifying races and the second column shows the strike rate. Headings: RWM is Raceday,Watch,Magic,  RWM 2/3 means two or three qualifying, Rday is Raceday report qualifier , Magic is Magic report qualifier, R/M is Raceday and Magic, WR1 is Wrat 100, MR1 is MaxR 100.)

The following table shows where the winner of each race run yesterday was rated by WRat, WMod, WHcp, and WExpk and was the qualifier in the Wizard Raceday Report. (Note: The Wrat [W] winner results report on both the top rated and top-two rated winners.) The Raceday Report winners under the Top Rated column are from those races where there was only one Raceday qualifier, and under the Top 2 Rated on the rare occasions where there were two qualifiers in a race.

Header: WMHER = WRat (W), WMod (M), WHcp (H), WExpk (E), Raceday (R).

For a full explanation of the table click: How to read the Wizard Ratings Results

BETTING ESSENTIALS - AP says: "Betting Essentials is exactly right for me and my approach."

Warren Block's Daily Report - Friday, 10 April 2026

• Jockey-Trainer metropolitan - five states - SNAPSHOT on Damien Thornton
• Matrix day-by-day results for Friday and Saturday racing
• Wizard Freebie - The Wizard Matrix Report
• Wizard Ratings, Raceday, Matrix, and Selectives Results

Jockey-Trainer statistics - five states - jockeys in the metropolitan premiership

Today, jockeys in each of the five mainland states who are currently prominent in their state's 2025-2026 metropolitan premiership, with the stats covering the past two years. Note, however, that these stats cover the rider's results in all races, irrespective of location.

The Jockey/Trainer combinations that are included are based on the following criteria: The Jockey/Trainer combination is listed when a jockey's record shows at least 2 wins when riding the Wizard top-rater, or at least 3 wins when riding the race favourite, or 4 wins if the runner is in the $2.00 to $5.90 odds range, for that stable. Also included are the overall percentage stats for the jockey when riding a Wizard top rater or race favourite, for any stable.

To add to this weekly insight here is a Profile of Damien Thornton (via ChatGPT, and other sources) which makes for some interesting reading.

Damien Thornton is Group1 winning Australian jockey who has ridden with success in Victoria, NSW, South Australia, more recently, in Queensland.

Background and Family Connections

Damien grew up on a farm outside Geelong and developed his horsemanship through an equestrian background before turning to race riding, beginning his career in 2011. He comes from a prominent racing family: his father Glen is a trainer on the Gold Coast, while siblings Boris and Stephanie are also jockeys, and Stephanies husband Ben Thompson also rides in Queensland. com+3

Connections and Career Moves

He initially made his mark in Victoria and finished sixth in the Victorian Jockey Premiership in one season. In 2013 he moved to Sydney, riding out of Rosehill for trainer Gerald Ryan, before later returning to Victoria. In 2016 he shifted to Adelaide to become stable rider for Tony McEvoy, again enjoying success, before relocating in 2023 to base himself in South-East Queensland where he has ridden with considerable success for a number of stables, particularly for that of Jack Bruce. com+3

Major Wins and Career Highlights

After his move to Sydney he recorded his first stakes win in 2014 on Time For War in the Group 2 Pago Pago Stakes in 2014. His maiden Group 1 victory arrived in the 2020 Australasian Oaks in Adelaide, on the Chris Waller-trained Toffee Tongue. Just over a year later he secured his second Group 1 in the 2021 Thousand Guineas at Caulfield on Yearning, for the Hawkes Team.

Riding Style and Approach

Damien is known for his balanced, patient riding style, often positioning his mounts to finish strongly. He is regarded as a tactically flexible rider, capable of adapting to varying race tempos and track conditions.

Sources

• Spotlight on Damien Thornton (Racing Queensland)
• Racing Queensland statistics profile

Matrix day-by-day results for Friday and Saturday racing

The tables show the results for the past eight weeks for the day on which racing occurred. So, today being Friday, this Matrix DOW (Day of Week) report covers the past eight Friday and Saturday results. The day-after results are included so that they are available on race-eve, rather than only on race morning.

(The daily Matrix report aims to assist subscribers contain the number of bets to manageable proportions and improve the strike rate. The report is posted to our website between 10:30am and 10:45am each day with an update at 12 noon.)

Wizard Freebie - The Wizard Matrix Report

The Wizard publishes on this page one of its Wizard reports or special features, either completely or a part thereof. Today, a Wizard Matrix (First Four) Report for one meeting. The full report and all other reports for all meetings for today are available now for subscribers

The Wizard Matrix report aims to assist subscribers contain the number of bets to manageable proportions and improve the strike rate.

 Click here for an explanation of the Wizard Matrix report.

Wizard Ratings, Raceday, Matrix, and Selectives results

We publish these full results daily so that subscribers can see the results of the Wizard's ratings options, and Report-content, and thereby formulate a selecting and betting strategy that suits them individually. The Wizard ratings should not be seen as "tips", rather as objective assessments that can be used to inform one's own judgement as to the relative chances of the runners in a race.

The full day-by-day results for Wizard (Wrat) top 4 rated runners, the Raceday Qualifier, and the Matrix (MaxR) 100 pointer, the MaxR top-two, the What-IF top-two Filtered, together with the Matrix W1+MaxR100 Selective qualifier, and the Matrix W1+*EO+MaxR100 Selective qualifier. Also included are the overall results for last week and the last four weeks. The 2024-2025 column shows the WRat results for the full racing season.

This results summary is colour coded so that it is easier for readers to track the relative performance of the Top Rated (blue) and Top-Two Rated (green) ratings options on a daily, and longer term, basis. The best overall qualifier (yellow) is highlighted. Also, the single runner options are grouped separately, as are the two-horse and multi-horse options results, again to make comparisons easier.

The following table shows this week's results of alternative options with respect to possible Matrix Selectives combinations, as well as weekly summaries. These combinations are accessible via the Wizard MATRIX report which is posted to our website between 10:30am and 10:45am each day.

(Key: The first of the two columns for each Selective combination shows number of qualifying races and the second column shows the strike rate. Headings: RWM is Raceday,Watch,Magic,  RWM 2/3 means two or three qualifying, Rday is Raceday report qualifier , Magic is Magic report qualifier, R/M is Raceday and Magic, WR1 is Wrat 100, MR1 is MaxR 100.)

The following table shows where the winner of each race run yesterday was rated by WRat, WMod, WHcp, and WExpk and was the qualifier in the Wizard Raceday Report. (Note: The Wrat [W] winner results report on both the top rated and top-two rated winners.) The Raceday Report winners under the Top Rated column are from those races where there was only one Raceday qualifier, and under the Top 2 Rated on the rare occasions where there were two qualifiers in a race.

Header: WMHER = WRat (W), WMod (M), WHcp (H), WExpk (E), Raceday (R).

For a full explanation of the table click: How to read the Wizard Ratings Results

BETTING ESSENTIALS - AP says: "Betting Essentials is exactly right for me and my approach."

Warren Block's Daily Report - Friday, 10 April 2026

• Jockey-Trainer metropolitan - five states - SNAPSHOT on Damien Thornton
• Matrix day-by-day results for Friday and Saturday racing
• Wizard Freebie - The Wizard Matrix Report
• Wizard Ratings, Raceday, Matrix, and Selectives Results

Jockey-Trainer statistics - five states - jockeys in the metropolitan premiership

Today, jockeys in each of the five mainland states who are currently prominent in their state's 2025-2026 metropolitan premiership, with the stats covering the past two years. Note, however, that these stats cover the rider's results in all races, irrespective of location.

The Jockey/Trainer combinations that are included are based on the following criteria: The Jockey/Trainer combination is listed when a jockey's record shows at least 2 wins when riding the Wizard top-rater, or at least 3 wins when riding the race favourite, or 4 wins if the runner is in the $2.00 to $5.90 odds range, for that stable. Also included are the overall percentage stats for the jockey when riding a Wizard top rater or race favourite, for any stable.

To add to this weekly insight here is a Profile of Damien Thornton (via ChatGPT, and other sources) which makes for some interesting reading.

Damien Thornton is Group1 winning Australian jockey who has ridden with success in Victoria, NSW, South Australia, more recently, in Queensland.

Background and Family Connections

Damien grew up on a farm outside Geelong and developed his horsemanship through an equestrian background before turning to race riding, beginning his career in 2011. He comes from a prominent racing family: his father Glen is a trainer on the Gold Coast, while siblings Boris and Stephanie are also jockeys, and Stephanies husband Ben Thompson also rides in Queensland. com+3

Connections and Career Moves

He initially made his mark in Victoria and finished sixth in the Victorian Jockey Premiership in one season. In 2013 he moved to Sydney, riding out of Rosehill for trainer Gerald Ryan, before later returning to Victoria. In 2016 he shifted to Adelaide to become stable rider for Tony McEvoy, again enjoying success, before relocating in 2023 to base himself in South-East Queensland where he has ridden with considerable success for a number of stables, particularly for that of Jack Bruce. com+3

Major Wins and Career Highlights

After his move to Sydney he recorded his first stakes win in 2014 on Time For War in the Group 2 Pago Pago Stakes in 2014. His maiden Group 1 victory arrived in the 2020 Australasian Oaks in Adelaide, on the Chris Waller-trained Toffee Tongue. Just over a year later he secured his second Group 1 in the 2021 Thousand Guineas at Caulfield on Yearning, for the Hawkes Team.

Riding Style and Approach

Damien is known for his balanced, patient riding style, often positioning his mounts to finish strongly. He is regarded as a tactically flexible rider, capable of adapting to varying race tempos and track conditions.

Sources

• Spotlight on Damien Thornton (Racing Queensland)
• Racing Queensland statistics profile

Matrix day-by-day results for Friday and Saturday racing

The tables show the results for the past eight weeks for the day on which racing occurred. So, today being Friday, this Matrix DOW (Day of Week) report covers the past eight Friday and Saturday results. The day-after results are included so that they are available on race-eve, rather than only on race morning.

(The daily Matrix report aims to assist subscribers contain the number of bets to manageable proportions and improve the strike rate. The report is posted to our website between 10:30am and 10:45am each day with an update at 12 noon.)

Wizard Freebie - The Wizard Matrix Report

The Wizard publishes on this page one of its Wizard reports or special features, either completely or a part thereof. Today, a Wizard Matrix (First Four) Report for one meeting. The full report and all other reports for all meetings for today are available now for subscribers

The Wizard Matrix report aims to assist subscribers contain the number of bets to manageable proportions and improve the strike rate.

 Click here for an explanation of the Wizard Matrix report.

Wizard Ratings, Raceday, Matrix, and Selectives results

We publish these full results daily so that subscribers can see the results of the Wizard's ratings options, and Report-content, and thereby formulate a selecting and betting strategy that suits them individually. The Wizard ratings should not be seen as "tips", rather as objective assessments that can be used to inform one's own judgement as to the relative chances of the runners in a race.

The full day-by-day results for Wizard (Wrat) top 4 rated runners, the Raceday Qualifier, and the Matrix (MaxR) 100 pointer, the MaxR top-two, the What-IF top-two Filtered, together with the Matrix W1+MaxR100 Selective qualifier, and the Matrix W1+*EO+MaxR100 Selective qualifier. Also included are the overall results for last week and the last four weeks. The 2024-2025 column shows the WRat results for the full racing season.

This results summary is colour coded so that it is easier for readers to track the relative performance of the Top Rated (blue) and Top-Two Rated (green) ratings options on a daily, and longer term, basis. The best overall qualifier (yellow) is highlighted. Also, the single runner options are grouped separately, as are the two-horse and multi-horse options results, again to make comparisons easier.

The following table shows this week's results of alternative options with respect to possible Matrix Selectives combinations, as well as weekly summaries. These combinations are accessible via the Wizard MATRIX report which is posted to our website between 10:30am and 10:45am each day.

(Key: The first of the two columns for each Selective combination shows number of qualifying races and the second column shows the strike rate. Headings: RWM is Raceday,Watch,Magic,  RWM 2/3 means two or three qualifying, Rday is Raceday report qualifier , Magic is Magic report qualifier, R/M is Raceday and Magic, WR1 is Wrat 100, MR1 is MaxR 100.)

The following table shows where the winner of each race run yesterday was rated by WRat, WMod, WHcp, and WExpk and was the qualifier in the Wizard Raceday Report. (Note: The Wrat [W] winner results report on both the top rated and top-two rated winners.) The Raceday Report winners under the Top Rated column are from those races where there was only one Raceday qualifier, and under the Top 2 Rated on the rare occasions where there were two qualifiers in a race.

Header: WMHER = WRat (W), WMod (M), WHcp (H), WExpk (E), Raceday (R).

For a full explanation of the table click: How to read the Wizard Ratings Results