Racing Tips & Best Bets – Saturday, October 18, 2025

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Morphettville Betting Tips for October 18, 2025 - Safe Bet Can Surprise in Hill Smith Stakes

Martin Pennington

Editor

Last updated: Thu 16 Oct 2025 16:36

Martin Pennington 16 Oct 2025

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Morphettville features 10 races on Oct 18, including the Hill Smith Stakes
Top picks: Up The Den, Naralinga, Safe Bet, Schroder’s Mistake
Punters can expect competitive races and favourites to watch

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The Listed Hill Smith Stakes headlines Saturday's Morphettville program. (Getty)

Morphettville hosts a strong ten-race program on October 18, headlined by the Listed Hill Smith Stakes and supported by competitive Benchmark events throughout the day.

Morphettville Tips October 18
Winning Edge Presentations Handicap Tips (Race 2)
SkyCity Handicap Tips (Race 5)
Sportsbet Hill Smith Stakes (Listed) Tips (Race 7)
Access Hardware Handicap Tips (Race 9)

Punters can look forward to an even mix of emerging types and local favourites as South Australia’s spring racing continues to heat up.

Morphettville Tips October 18

Winning Edge Presentations Handicap Tips (Race 2)

Morphettville Best Bet - Race 2 No. 3 Up The Den

The four-year-old has made a solid start to his career, winning two of six starts including a strong Oakbank maiden victory over this trip in February.

He overcame a wide barrier that day to score by over a length on a good 4 track before producing two honest runs on rain-affected ground to round out that campaign.

Spelled following a midfield effort over 1100m here in July, the gelding resumed with a bold on-pace showing at this track and trip a fortnight ago when doing best of those close to the speed.

Trainer Michael Hickmott and apprentice Caitlin Tootell have been a reliable combination, striking at 30% from 23 runners together, and they reunite again here.

With fitness on his side and an ideal set-up, Up The Den looks well placed to go one better this time.

SkyCity Handicap Tips (Race 5)

Morphettville Value Bet - Race 5 No. 3 Naralinga

Naralinga put together a consistent string of efforts late last year, breaking through at Murray Bridge before backing up with a second victory at Stawell.

He continued to hold his form through summer, finishing sixth in a Benchmark 62 over 1250m here in March, a race that has since produced multiple subsequent winners.

The gelding resumed at Mount Gambier last month without a trial and lifted late to win narrowly over 900m on heavy ground, displaying his trademark determination.

Kayla Crowther sticks aboard, and while he moves from a Heavy 8 to firmer footing, he’s proven effective across all conditions.

Fit, confident, and drawn kindly, he looks value to make it two on the trot.

Sportsbet Hill Smith Stakes (Listed) Tips (Race 7)

Morphettville Feature Bet - Race 7 No. 2 Safe Bet

Mick Huxtable’s promising gelding broke through for his first win in style last start, scoring narrowly over this track and trip in Benchmark 68 company.

The son of Valentia relished getting out to 1600m that day, racing on the pace and digging deep to hold off a tight finish on a good surface.

He had shown steady improvement through his maidens earlier in the prep, placing three times including a narrow defeat at Balaklava over 1400m two starts back.

From barrier five, he maps well again, and with further improvement expected at the mile, he looks ready to measure up in this Listed assignment.

Jockey Margaret Collett takes over the reins, and the pair appear capable of keeping the winning momentum going.

Access Hardware Handicap Tips (Race 9)

Morphettville Next Best Bet - Race 9 No. 5 Schroder’s Mistake

Schroder’s Mistake was a consistent performer last season, breaking his maiden over this track and trip before adding three more top-two finishes across a productive summer.

He signed off with a midfield finish in December over 1400m at Murray Bridge before being spelled and has returned this time in with a quiet reintroduction over 1050m earlier this month.

That run came from a wide draw, and he had genuine excuses after being found lame post-race, but he’s expected to take sharp improvement stepping back up to his preferred 1200m.

Rochelle Milnes, who partnered him for his best efforts last season, is back aboard, and the inside draw gives her options to settle closer in the run.

Fit second-up and back on a suitable surface, he looks primed to bounce back to form.

Verdict

Morphettville - October 18

Our Morphettville selections for Saturday, October 18 are:

Safe Bet

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Up The Den

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Schroder's Mistake

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$6.00 - 3 Units

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