Wagga Racing Preview: Colvin's Pierata Star Set for Debut on Sunday
Form analyst Shayne O'Cass delivers his expert best bets and comprehensive race-by-race analysis for the Wagga race meeting scheduled for Sunday, March 29, 2026. This preview highlights key runners, including trainer Gary Colvin's highly anticipated debutant Pierata Star, alongside insider tips for punters seeking value across the card.
Gary Colvin's High Hopes for Pierata Star
Country Championships-winning trainer Gary Colvin is optimistic that his newest charge, Pierata Star, possesses talent comparable to his former stable star Cambar, both sired by Group 1 winner Pierata. Colvin will assess Pierata Star's potential following his debut in the Kristopher Graydon Jeweller Maiden Plate over 1000 meters at Wagga.
"I've got about five of them (Pierata offspring) and they all go really well," Colvin remarked. "All the ones I've got are nice horses. They are very intelligent horses."
Colvin's best Pierata progeny to date is Cambar, who secured his first three starts, including a TAB Highway victory at Rosehill Gardens last November. Pierata Star was acquired by Colvin for $25,000 at the 2024 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, half the cost of Cambar.
"He's a nice horse on the way up," Colvin added. "We didn't give him a trial but we gave him a jumpout. It's not an overly strong race so I expect he will run some sort of race."
Tassy Fox Aims to Shed Maiden Status
Colvin remains confident in Tassy Fox's chances to break her maiden in the Lime Lead Catering Country Boosted Plate over 1400 meters, despite a wide draw. The daughter of Tassort has placed six times from 11 starts but disappointed as a $1.35 favourite at Albury last month.
"She has been a bit of a handful with this and that and she probably wants a mile but trying to find one for her out in the bush is very hard," Colvin explained. "You always like to draw well but we've got the right jockey on. If she can just get a bit of cover, that's the main thing at Wagga."
Despite her costly record for punters, Tassy Fox has proven a lucrative investment for Colvin, earning $33,800 from a $2,000 purchase. Her pedigree is notable, with third dam Whisked winning the Thousand Guineas and being the mother of Tie The Knot.
Southern Dancer Steps Down in Class
Colvin's first runner of the day, Southern Dancer, contests the Wagga RSL Ladies Day Benchmark 82 Handicap over 2000 meters, a Heat of the Wagga Staying Series. This race represents a class drop after recent starts in the SDRA Country Championships Qualifier and Albury Mile.
"She was probably upside down last time," Colvin said. "She drew wide and she battled on really well because she had a torrid run so that will really top her off for something like this. She's a pretty good mare, she is a deadset 2000 metre horse, so you'll see her really come good now."
Shayne O'Cass' Top Selections for Wagga
O'Cass identifies key bets across the meeting, offering punters strategic insights for Sunday's racing action.
- Best Bet: Race 2 No. 11: PURE MELODY - Placed in four of five starts, including a fourth to Autumn Break.
- Next Best: Race 3 No. 2: KENNY'S SWANS - Handy type who finished a nose second here first-up.
- Value Bet: Race 5 No. 4: KRANICH - Reliable performer who placed third in the WRA Qualifier last start.
- Quaddie: Races 5-8: 3,4,5 / 2,3 / 3,4,7 / 2,3,4,11
- Jockey to Follow: Pierre Boudvillain, recent Golden Slipper bronze medallist, expected to be popular throughout the day.
Inside Mail: Race-by-Race Analysis
Race 1: GATCHAN (6) is a tough mare from Canberra, runner-up in the Canberra Cup Preview, while SOUTHERN DANCER (9) drops in class with a strong track record. Bet: Gatchan to win, quinella/exacta 6,9.
Race 2: PURE MELODY (11) has placed in four of five starts, with form behind strong runners. TASSY FOX (10) is consistent but costly, aiming to atone for recent losses. Bet: Pure Melody to win.
Race 3: KENNY'S SWANS (2) showed promise with a nose second first-up and should improve. ZAMALEK (4) and BRUCEY (5) offer alternatives. Bet: Kenny's Swans to win.
Race 4: YAMASHITA (14) trialed well at Kembla, while local hope PIERATA STAR (4) could surprise from a good draw with Jeff Penza aboard. Bet: Yamashita to win, Pierata Star each-way.
Race 5: KRANICH (4) has placed in his last three starts, including in the WRA Country Championships Heat. MISS JENNIFER (3) excels on heavy tracks. Bet: Kranich to win, trifecta 1,3,4,5 boxed.
Race 6: JUDITH'S REVENGE (3) is a Wagga-trained mare with strong form over 1200 meters. LA MER BLEUE (2) has wins on heavy tracks. Bet: Judith's Revenge to win, quinella 2,3.
Race 7: SIR LUNCHALOTS (3) boasts a pedigree by Zoustar and is unbeaten at Wagga. NARMER (4) is lightly-raced and improving. Bet: Sir Lunchalots to win, quinella 3,4.
Race 8: BOLO MISS (11) is a specialist over 900-1000 meters with a consistent record. TRANSACTIONS (2) is a last-start winner but may prefer firmer ground. Bet: Bolo Miss to win.
