Rockhampton Betting Tips for July 31, 2026 - Heart Set on Victory

Martin Pennington

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Last updated: Fri 31 Jul 2026 03:16

Martin Pennington 31 Jul 2026

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Rockhampton runs an 8-race program July 31, soft track likely upgrading
Key tips: Heartoni (best bet), Italian Dancer (next best), Next Legacy & Sailing Solo (value each-way)
Selections are based on strong form, course records, and favourable conditions

Expired

Rockhampton stages a quality Friday program. (Getty)

Rockhampton hosts an eight-race program on July 31, with the rail out five metres.

Rockhampton Tips July 31
Join The RJC Gold Club Maiden Handicap Tips (Race 3)
Great Northern Benchmark 65 Handicap Tips (Race 4)
Office National Xpress QTIS Three-Year-Old Handicap Tips (Race 6)
Dave Bailey's Mobile Repairs Open Handicap Tips (Race 7)

The track is currently rated a Soft 5, although an upgrade appears likely with warm conditions forecast over Thursday and Friday.

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Rockhampton Tips July 31

Join The RJC Gold Club Maiden Handicap Tips (Race 3)

Rockhampton Roughie - Race 3 No. 3 Sailing Solo

Consistency has started to emerge from Sailing Solo, who has recorded top-three finishes in his past two starts, including at this track most recently.

Sent out at big odds, the gelding produced a career-best performance when contesting a 1400m maiden on a Good track here, finishing just over two-and-a-half lengths from the winner.

The softer conditions expected on Friday hold no concerns after he placed on a Soft 5 at Townsville on his previous outing, with the runner-up from that race subsequently breaking through for victory.

The rise to this distance looked to suit at his latest appearance, and an inside draw in barrier five is another positive against this field.

Apprentice Sophie Wilcock, aboard for two of his past three starts, retains the ride and can help the Kevin Miller-trained galloper spring an upset.

Great Northern Benchmark 65 Handicap Tips (Race 4)

Rockhampton Next Best Bet - Race 4 No. 2 Italian Dancer

A return to Rockhampton looks ideal for Italian Dancer, who won twice from six starts during his previous preparation.

One of those victories came in dominant fashion over 1500m here in February, when the gelding made every post a winner to score by more than three-and-a-half lengths.

That success came at this Benchmark 65 level before he was spelled following a fourth placing at the Sunshine Coast three starts later.

The son of Dundeel has since trialled well with a runner-up finish over 850m at the Sunshine Coast and is drawn to receive every chance from barrier two.

Although his best recent form has come over further, he has winning form at this trip, handles Good, Soft and Heavy going, and looks capable of resuming with a victory.

Office National Xpress QTIS Three-Year-Old Handicap Tips (Race 6)

Rockhampton Value Bet - Race 6 No. 6 Next Legacy

Racing at her home track has brought out the best in Next Legacy, with 14 of her 16 career starts coming at Rockhampton.

Those performances have produced three victories, the latest arriving over 1400m in wet conditions three starts ago.

She put a below-par effort over 1500m behind her when finishing fourth here 10 days ago, beaten just over one-and-a-half lengths after being ridden conservatively.

The drop back in distance suits, and while barrier nine isn't ideal, her versatility in running styles should allow her to overcome the draw.

Tom Orr takes the ride for the first time, and the daughter of King's Legacy rates excellent value to record the fourth win of her career.

Dave Bailey's Mobile Repairs Open Handicap Tips (Race 7)

Rockhampton Best Bet - Race 7 No. 1 Heartoni

Few horses boast a stronger Rockhampton record than Heartoni, who has registered two wins and two runner-up finishes from four starts at the track.

His latest course success came over 1050m in May before he tackled stronger company in his subsequent three appearances.

The most recent of those efforts produced an encouraging third in a Benchmark 78 at Eagle Farm, where he was beaten less than half a length after racing prominently throughout.

A forecast track upgrade holds no fears for the son of Nicconi, who has winning form on both Good and Soft ground.

The rise to 1150m is the only minor query, but having placed over the trip previously, he looks well placed to return to winning form for a stable that consistently performs well at this venue.