We take a look at the 2026 Country Championships Final field and give a preview of each of the horses in the race as well as our free tips and betting strategy for the race. Take a look at the Country Championships Final odds and field and preview our tips and best bets.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2026 Country Championships Final.
2026 Country Championships Final Runner Preview:
1. Villasaurus: Has run well in this race before but just think his better days are behind him.
2. Canadian Ruler: Has versatility re racing style and will be strong late…just think he lacks the class.
3. Considered: Considered is flying for Matty Dunn and commands respect. She won the Coffs Harbour Qualifier before going to 1200m in the Military Rose at the Gold Coast where she gave them a start and a beating in an impressive effort. Back up to 1400m, in a purple patch, she appeals.
4. Vermicella: I think the J Mac tax is applied big time here with this horse. Big win at the Sapphire Coast, but for mine, she was flattered by the track pattern and thee ride. She can win, but without me.
5. Warrior For Peace: Let down with purpose to win the Wild Card but has a tricky draw to overcome and think he’ll concede too much start.
6. Micro Mikki: Love this horse but he’s not up to these.
7. Show Em Howl: I am very wary of Show Em Howl. Talent wise, he’s right up to these, but mentally, he can do a bit wrong. He gave them a start and a beating to win the Port Macquarie Qualifier, producing a brilliant finale to score. If he can settle and be within range, he’s got the finale to be dangerous.
8. Tom Vegas: There are better horses in the race but purely a throw at the stumps, I’ll speck Tom Vegas. He won the Mudgee Qualifier, getting a 12/10 from Cahill to score before going to the Phar Lap when having the tick over run and finished down the track behind Sixties. Much better suited here, he’ll be strong late…just hope he doesn’t concede too much head start.
9. Kaihoko: Handy horse but he’s not at this level.
10. Turned Down: Good racing style but will be found wanting late.
11. Baby Ryan: Nice horse but was held by Considered at Coffs and can’t see him turning the tables.
12. Chidiac: Best horse in the race, by a mile. The reason you are getting $3.60 and not $2.60, maybe shorter, is the 1400m query. If this was 1200m, absolutely would be $2.60. But, she was impressive fresh at 1280m in the Qualifier and has to be respected.
13. Graceful Ellen: Flattered by the track pattern at Goulburn, pass for me.
14. Bon Holler: Good, solid horse but 1400m at this level looks a bridge too far.
15. Fingers Hunter: Will need luck from the gate but is dangerous. Closed with real purpose behind Chidiac and will be very strong late. Definite threat.
16. Poisen Point: Arrogant win in the Dubbo Qualifier. This looks harder though and will need luck from the draw.
2026 Country Championships Final $100 Betting Strategy:
$10 Win/$30 Place Show Em Howl and Tom Vegas, $20 Win Considered
Country Championships Final Field
| No | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | VILLASAURUS | Donna Scott | Blaike McDougall | 6 | 59kg |
| 2 | CANADIAN RULER (NZ) | Matthew Dale | Nick Heywood | 2 | 57.5kg |
| 3 | CONSIDERED | Matthew Dunn | Nash Rawiller | 4 | 57kg |
| 4 | VERMICELLA | Joe Cleary | James McDonald | 3 | 57kg |
| 5 | WARRIOR FOR PEACE | Brett & Georgie Cavanough | Jason Collett | 15 | 56kg |
| 6 | MICRO MIKKI | Brett Robb | Clayton Gallagher | 11 | 56kg |
| 7 | SHOW ’EM HOWL | Robert Agnew | Ms Anna Roper (a) | 5 | 56kg |
| 8 | TOM VEGAS | Dean Mirfin | Mathew Cahill | 1 | 56kg |
| 9 | KAIHOKO | Colt Prosser | Ben Looker | 13 | 56kg |
| 10 | TURNED DOWN (NZ) | Dean Mirfin | Zac Wadick (a) | 10 | 56kg |
| 11 | BABY RYAN | Brett Bellamy | Adam Hyeronimus | 16 | 56kg |
| 12 | CHIDIAC | Brett & Georgie Cavanough | Zac Purton | 9 | 55.5kg |
| 13 | GRACEFUL ELLEN | Barbara Joseph, Paul & Matt Jones | Ms Alysha Collett | 7 | 55.5kg |
| 14 | BON HOLLER | Donna Scott | Ms Rachel King | 8 | 54kg |
| 15 | FINGERS HUNTER | Brett & Georgie Cavanough | Tommy Berry | 12 | 54kg |
| 16 | POISEN POINT (NZ) | Brett Robb | Zac Lloyd | 14 | 54kg |
Country Championships Final Odds
2026 Country Championships Final Speed Map
Canadian Ruler and Turned Down, I think, are your main speed players. Graceful Ellen and Bon Holler should settle handy but generally in this race, given the prizemoney, the tempo will be quite genuine.
