Hawkesbury Blackbookers & Horses to Follow 8/5/25

The Hawkesbury meeting may have flown under the radar, but sharp punters and sectional watchers would have noticed a few key performances that demand attention going forward.

While the program lacked high-end quality, the track pattern ensured that making ground from off-speed was a major disadvantage — a vital factor in how some of these efforts should be assessed.

Mick Gannon has identified three horses who defied the day’s bias or were unsuited by the race shape and are ready to strike soon — and crucially, should be big odds when they do.

Mick Gannon's Blackbookers: Hawkesbury Edition

Race 6 – Modella

This mare continues to go under the radar. She was caught wide and beyond midfield on a day when it was a clear advantage to be in the leading division.

Despite the tough run, she worked home well and has now shown enough to suggest a win is imminent. When she gets the right race shape, she’ll strike and likely at a price.

ext start watch: Well placed in any provincial BM64 or city midweek event.

Race 7 – Coco Jamboo

Drew wide and was forced back to last, then asked to loop the field through inferior ground in the home straight.

Despite that, he kept coming late and was never tested in clear air.

It was a hidden run and with better placement, he can turn it all around. Looks ready to explode over the right trip.

Next start watch: Any race where he draws low or maps closer — expect double figures.

Race 8 – Floating

Another with no chance due to the draw and pattern.

He settled well back and was never in the hunt but still ran the 3rd-fastest final 100m of the race — a strong sign he’s building into form.

Ready to peak once he gets back up in distance, where he has run his best races.

Next start watch: Will relish 1600m+ and is a sneaky each-way play in a high-grade benchmark.

There are loads of tips for today's racing in our Horse Racing Tips market at theGreatTipOff.com.