The Grand Tour leaderboard is back in partnership with TAB, who have opened a range of markets. I've identified three bets that I think represent fantastic value. 

Market: “Apprentice Jockey – Most Wins”

Suggested play: Triston Moodley @ $26.00

Since starting out in New Zealand last season, Triston Moodley has looked like an apprentice jockey with plenty of ability, having not looked out of place in the Northern riding ranks. Currently riding with a 4kg claim, Triston’s services should be well utilised this season, especially if we happen to be in for another wet spring here in New Zealand. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was a big improver this season, therefore the $26 looks well over the odds in what could prove to be an even race for leading apprentice across The Grand Tour meetings.

Market: “Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson Number Of Wins”

Suggested play: 30+ Wins @$2.80

I thought there was overs about this option, with the Te Akau team often being a force to be reckoned with when it comes to New Zealand Racing’s major meetings. Across the last 3 seasons (2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23), Te Akau have trained at least 30 winners across The Grand Tour meetings, producing as many as 41 winners in the 2020-21 season. What you can be sure of is that the Walker/Bergerson combination will have runners contesting almost certainly all of the Grand Tour meetings, giving them plenty of chances to hit the 30 mark again this season. The only concern with this option would be the potential for some of their topliners to be running over in Australia this season, however, the $2.80 still looks a more than fair price taking this into account.

Market: “To Win A NZ Group One”

Suggested play: Campionessa @ $6.00

For a mare who started her 2022/23 season by running 4th in a R75 at Riccarton Synthetic on a Thursday, Campionessa was arguably the most improved horse in New Zealand last season. Whilst being the winner of the 2023 Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile, Campionessa was very unfortunate not to claim her maiden Gr.1 success, being bested only by star 3yo’s Sharp ‘N’ Smart and Prowess in the Herbie Dyke Stakes and Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes respectively. With her ideal distance being between 1600m-2000m, Campionessa would have an abundance of opportunities to claim a Group One this season, should she remain on NZ soil.