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How Long Do Betting Withdrawals Take? UK Times Tested

2026-10-06T12:25:35+01:00

The average withdrawal times typically range from a few hours to several business days. Numerous factors affect withdrawal time windows, including your chosen bookie’s internal verification system, the chosen payment method, and many others we’ll discuss in this guide.

Although some UK bookmakers list their withdrawal times (either for each method in the Cashier or as a ballpark figure in the T&C), the advertised timespans are usually best-case scenarios - expect to wait a bit longer to avoid disappointments.

We’ve tested 38 reputable UK-licensed bookmakers using Visa and Mastercard debit cards, bank transfers, PayPal, and Apple Pay withdrawal methods. Even the fastest one took 12 hours, so we’ve prepared a comprehensive guide to break down the most decisive withdrawal factors.

How Long Do Betting Withdrawals Take in the UK?

In most cases, UK bookmaker average withdrawal times range from about 12 hours to 5 days. With fully verified profiles, we waited the shortest time using Visa Fast Funds, while standard bank transfers took the longest.

It’s crucial to understand that withdrawal times come after “processing times.” The latter refers to the amount of time bookies need to internally review each request and make sure you’re eligible to withdraw the amount of money you’ve selected with the method you’ve chosen. Consult the table below for more info:

Payment Method	Typical Time Once Released	What Decides It
Visa Fast Funds / Visa Direct	Minutes to a few hours	Receiving bank’s capability and maintenance status
Pay by Bank / Trustly / Open Banking	Minutes to hours	UK Faster Payments security checks
PayPal and other e-wallets	From minutes up to 24 hours	Account verification status and internal e-wallet processing
Debit card without Fast Payouts	1 to 3 business days	Interbank settlement cutoff times and day of processing (slower on weekends)
Bank Transfer	Up to 5 business days	BACS 3-day clearing cycle

Fast withdrawal betting sites (i.e., those that usually process withdrawals within hours or the same day) typically support methods designed for speed, such as Trustly, Skrill, Neteller, and Visa Fast Funds.

Historically, household brands limited their support to standard debit cards and bank transfers and were reluctant to embrace digital wallets (especially following the Skrill bonus-abuse fiasco), but in recent years even long-running platforms now offer withdrawals via Trustly, Skrill, and PayPal.

What Does a Pending Betting Withdrawal Mean?

A betting withdrawal pending means the money you requested hasn’t been released yet. Log in to your account, visit the virtual cashier, and head over to the Withdraw section to learn more details about each withdrawal request you’ve submitted. From there, each transaction should be flagged as either Pending or Approved, so let’s see what this means:

Pending: This status indicates that an internal review is underway, which may take minutes or up to 48 hours.
Approved: If your request shows as “Approved,” the bookmaker has already sent the request to your designated payment processor (e.g., PayPal or your bank). The remaining withdrawal time then depends on the processing company.

It’s worth noting that most withdrawal delays occur when the request is pending. We’ll cover the most common reasons for delayed withdrawals, as well as the steps you can take to avoid them, shortly.

How Long Does Each Betting Withdrawal Method Take?

The method you choose usually has a greater impact on withdrawal time than the bookmaker itself. Under the UKGC’s rules, regulated operators must follow a Closed Loop policy, meaning that the method you use on your first deposit will, if possible, be automatically selected as your withdrawal method from then onward. If you’re interested in average withdrawal times per method, we’ll cover the timeframes of the most popular ones below:

How Long Do Visa Fast Funds Withdrawals Take?

Barring any delays, withdrawals with Visa Fast Funds may take from minutes up to 4-6 hours. Visa Fast Funds acceptance is steadily rising in the UK, and since debit cards are the most popular payment method, most UK-licensed bookies process withdrawals on the same day.

How Long Do PayPal Withdrawals Take?

PayPal usually shares the same withdrawal time as other major e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller, which is typically hours after the bookie processes your request. However, completing the transfer requires you to move money from your e-wallet to your bank account, which may take slightly longer, as it counts as a separate step.

How Long Do Pay by Bank and Trustly Withdrawals Take?

Payment methods that support open banking, such as Pay by Bank and Trustly, use the UK’s Faster Payments Service. The FPS is available 365 days a year, including weekends, which is why Trustly withdrawals are often processed within hours of the bookie’s approval.

How Long Do Debit Card Withdrawals Take?

Debit card withdrawals without Visa Fast Funds typically take from 1 to 3 working days, but may take up to 5 days. It’s worth noting that debit cards are the most widely used (and most widely accepted) banking methods, so traffic congestion and delays are to be expected around major betting events.

How Long Do Bank Transfer Withdrawals Take?

Bank transfers are on the short end of the speed spectrum, although their security remains unrivaled. This is often the primary fallback method for withdrawals when a deposit-only method has been used, and the time window may extend to 5 working days.

How Long Do Apple Pay and Google Pay Withdrawals Take?

The withdrawal times for mobile wallet transfers depend on whether the money is sent directly to AP/GP or to a linked debit card. For example, direct Apple Pay withdrawals at Betfred are advertised with a timescale of 4 to 6 hours, whereas using bookies that accept Apple Pay but send withdrawals to linked Visa or Mastercard debit cards usually results in a wait of 1-3 working days.

How Long Do Withdrawals Take at Major UK Bookmakers?

Every UKGC-licensed bookmaker enforces its own internal pending period before releasing funds, meaning advertised timescales rarely reflect real-world waiting times.

For example, Apple Pay bet365 withdrawal time is advertised as “Instant”. While this operator is among the fastest and deserves to be included in instant-withdrawal betting sites, that doesn’t mean all Apple Pay withdrawals take seconds. More specifically, this means minimal friction and that Apple Pay withdrawals are automatically sent to Apple Pay’s banking framework, provided that you meet eligibility criteria.

We’ve outlined typical withdrawal time windows at some of the biggest British bookmakers, so if you’re interested in Paddy Power withdrawal times or the usual Betfred withdrawal timescales, check the table below:

Bookmaker	Stated Fastest Time (from bookmaker)	Method	GG Tested Time
Paddy Power	Instant	Debit Cards, Apple Pay, Pay by Bank	12 hours
BoyleSports	Up to 6 hours	Visa Direct	12 hours
Betfred	Up to 4 hours	Visa Fast Funds	12-24 hours
bet365	Instant	Apple Pay	12 hours

As the testing data shows, a clear gap exists between the withdrawal times advertised by operators and the real-world duration measured in practice. Stated times typically describe only the bookmaker’s internal pending period to approve a request, whereas our testing measured the full timeline from initial withdrawal request to actual fund arrival in the destination account. For complete testing methodology and operator rankings, visit our guide to fast withdrawal betting sites.

Why Is My First Betting Withdrawal Taking Longer?

So far, we’ve been talking about “how long do bookmaker withdrawals take” for an average bettor. First withdrawals on every site take longer because bookies typically manually review withdrawal requests made by new players.

The UKGC passed New Age and Identity Verification Rules on May 3rd, 2019, which state that operators must not allow players to use gambling services before verifying their name, address, and date of birth. However, these verification rules also state that “operators cannot confiscate a customer’s funds on the basis that they have not provided ID in time.” Proportionate period checks are still allowed, though.

This mainly applies to standard withdrawals. If you’ve hit a huge win and want to withdraw a suspiciously large amount (e.g., over £1,000 on a deposit of £10), or if you’ve been using a deposit-only method (e.g., Paysafe Card on a site that doesn’t support MyPaysafe withdrawals), advanced verification checks may be triggered, and you may be required to provide a valid source of funds, such as P60 or P45 forms, payslips not older than 3 months, or a recent bank statement.

What Can Delay a Betting Withdrawal?

Unsettled bets, using a new withdrawal method, the time the withdrawal is requested, holidays, and various unexpected situations, such as technical difficulties with the bookie’s banking infrastructure or an unexpectedly high withdrawal volume, are just some of the many reasons why betting withdrawal times may experience delays.

Below is a list of some of the most common reasons why your withdrawal could take a bit longer than expected:

Withdrawal timing: Requesting a withdrawal late on a Friday or on a bank holiday is among the most common reasons. Even though many UK bookmakers process withdrawals 24-7, this doesn’t matter if banks and digital wallet providers aren’t available to handle the actual money transfer.
Reduced internal verification capacity: Account verification teams may not work at full capacity on weekends.
Unsettled bets: Pending bets, withdrawals, and bonuses, as well as pending verification documents, may result in slower processing, as your bookie needs more time to ensure you’re eligible.
Using a different method than the one you’ve deposited with: Under UKGC’s rules, all UK bookmakers must follow a Closed Loop policy, which states that the same method used for your first deposit will be your withdrawal method, if possible. Since this is the norm, adding a new withdrawal method is a rare exception and is often manually reviewed.
Exceeding withdrawal limits: Bookies set caps on withdrawals (often daily and monthly). While you’re entitled to withdraw all your deposited funds and winnings, exceeding the cap may result in your desired withdrawal amount being split into several transfers.
Your bank’s AML and fraud prevention policies: Some banks run more thorough security checks than others, and this often means they take longer to handle your money transfers.

How Can You Get Your Betting Withdrawals Faster?

The most impactful differences you can make boil down to choices you’ve made before placing any bets. Here’s what you can do to reduce the extra hours that may be added to your usual wait:

Pass KYC checks early: Consult customer support (or read the T&Cs) to learn which verification documents are accepted and prepare to upload them after signing up.
Use a fast withdrawal method for your first deposit: Check whether your bank supports Visa Fast Funds; if not, consider using Trustly, Apple Pay, or another fast withdrawal method.
Request withdrawals on weekday mornings: Whenever possible, avoid requesting withdrawals near the end of the workweek.
Respect withdrawal caps: Log in, go to the Cashier, and check the individual caps for each method before deciding which one you’ll use.
Keep track of your withdrawals: Even uf your bookmaker supports withdrawal tracking features, keep a log of your requests in case anything stalls.

While researching British bookmakers and horse-race betting sites, be wary of platforms advertised as “instant withdrawal” sites. Most of these are offshore crypto sportsbooks that aren’t licensed in the UK. Stick to tried and tested fast withdrawal bookies if you’re looking for safe, regulated options.

Can You Cancel or Reverse a Betting Withdrawal?

As of 31 October 2021, reverse withdrawals are no longer supported at UK-licensed bookmakers.

According to the UKGC, “Evidence shows that reverse withdrawal functions present a risk to players because of the temptation to continue gambling.” This change is now a licensing requirement, so if you’re on a site that still supports it, self-exclude and consider reporting the platform to the Commission.

What Can You Do if a Betting Withdrawal Is Delayed?

Although UK-regulated bookmakers can’t refuse your withdrawals, delays are fairly common, even at well-established sites. Fortunately, the Gambling Commission’s direct involvement in operator behaviour (either through new regulations or direct contact) is more than enough motivation for platforms to be transparent about delayed withdrawals.

In July 2024, Andrew Rhodes (former CEO of the UKGC) posted a blog, stating that the Commission’s Contact Centre receives about 2,000 complaints regarding delays to withdrawals. Even though “complaints on this remain low in proportion to the total amount of completed withdrawals across the industry,” Andrew also stated that delayed withdrawals remain the number one subject of the entirety of complaints the Contact Center receives on an annual basis.

If you haven’t received your withdrawal promptly, follow the escalation steps below:

Contact your bookmaker: Use the formal complaints tools (e.g., tap File a Complaint/Report), as unofficial correspondence doesn’t have as much legal weight. The bookie is legally obligated to provide a final response within eight weeks.
Escalate with alternative dispute resolution services: Read the UKGC’s comprehensive guidelines about Alternative Dispute Resolution, or pursue free ADR agencies independently if the previous steps didn’t yield satisfactory results.

Are There Fees or Limits on Betting Withdrawals?

Most UK-licensed bookies don’t charge fees, but to ensure you’re not being charged on withdrawals, make sure to read the Terms before signing up. Some bookmakers may apply fees on small bank transfers, but these are usually percentage-based and rarely go over 1%.

Betting withdrawal limits apply to most bookmakers and often vary by method. For example, you may be able to withdraw £5 with Apple Pay or Trustly at bet365, but using PayPal on the same site has a limit of £10 to £5,500 per transfer.

FAQs

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BOYLE Sports England vs Czechia Offer: Bet £10 Get £30 + EVS England to Win to Nil (from 8/13)

2026-10-06T10:56:01+01:00

BOYLE Sports have boosted England to win to nil against Czechia at Wembley tonight from 8/13 to evens, and new customers can bet £10 and get £30 in free bets on top.

Thomas Tuchel's side host Czechia in the UEFA Nations League (7.45pm, ITV) [ITV/ITVX] on the back of two straight clean sheets, including a record 7-0 win over Croatia in Rijeka on Saturday. Czechia are still without a point in Group A3.

BOYLE Sports · England v Czechia Sign Up Offer Explained

England to win to nil: EVS (was 8/13)
Max stake: £10 (singles only)
Settled on: 90 minutes only
Welcome offer: Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets
Eligibility: New UK customers (excl. NI) for the free bets. Boost: online customers and BOYLE Xtra cardholders in shop.
Kick-off: Tuesday 6 October, 7.45pm, Wembley
18+. New UK customers (excl. NI). Min deposit £10. Min stake £10 at min odds EVS. Free bets expire in 7 days. Super Boost max stake £10, singles, 90 mins only. T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org

How to claim the BOYLE Sports England offer

Click through via the offers on this page and open a new BOYLE Sports account.
Deposit at least £10.
Place a first bet of £10 or more at odds of evens (2.0) or bigger. The England to win to nil boost at evens qualifies.
Once your qualifying bet settles, BOYLE Sports add £30 in free bets to your account.

That means a £10 winning bet on England to win to nil returns £20, plus £30 in free bets once it settles. At the standard 8/13, the same stake would return £16.15.

England vs Czechia preview

England's Nations League campaign began with a 3-2 defeat to Spain at Wembley on 26 September, but they have not conceded since. Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane scored in a 2-0 win in Prague three days later, with Czechia reduced to ten men after Pavel Šulc was sent off for a high challenge on Elliot Anderson.

Saturday's 7-0 win in Rijeka was something else. Kane and Bukayo Saka scored twice each, Jude Bellingham and Gordon also found the net, and substitute Morgan Rogers added the seventh. It was the heaviest defeat in Croatia's history. England now sit second in Group A3 on six points. Czechia have lost all three of their games, 2-1 at home to Croatia and 3-1 away to Spain either side of the England defeat. They have scored only twice in three games.

Tuchel has some changes to make in defence. Ezri Konsa is out with a thigh problem and Nico O'Reilly has returned to Manchester City for treatment, while Alex Scott faces around eight weeks out with a quadriceps injury. Rico Lewis has been called up from the Under-21s.

Why the win to nil boost stands out

The move from 8/13 to evens takes the implied chance from around 62% to 50%. England have kept clean sheets in both games since the Spain loss and beat Czechia without conceding a week ago. Czechia's attack has managed just two goals in three matches. Remember the bet needs both parts to land: England must win and Czechia must not score in 90 minutes.

Key terms

18+. New UK customers only (excluding Northern Ireland). Minimum deposit £10. Minimum first bet £10 at minimum odds of EVS (2.0), placed within 30 days of registration. Free bets credited on settlement of the qualifying bet and expire after 7 days. Cash Out or Partial Cash Out on the qualifying bet invalidates the promotion. Super Boost: online customers and BOYLE Xtra cardholders in shop; singles only; 90 minutes only; max stake £10. Full T&Cs apply.

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10 Horses To Follow Across The UK & Ireland This Jumps Season

2026-10-05T09:35:00+01:00

The new jumps season brings fresh optimism, new stars and plenty of opportunities to find horses ready to take their form to the next level. With the 2026/27 National Hunt campaign on the horizon, attention turns to the runners who could emerge from the pack and make their mark on the biggest stages.

Some have already shown flashes of high-class ability, while others are new recruits and it'll be fascinating to see whether any of my selections can take high rank in the coming months. Here, I highlight 10 horses that are worth keeping firmly on the radar, with the aim of providing a group of horses that can enjoy a fruitful 2026/27 jumps season.

CRISTAL D'ESTRUVAL (Harry Derham)

Unbeaten in two starts in rules, CRISTAL D'ESTRUVAL is a hugely exciting prospect and I can't wait to see him over a fence this season. I was delighted to read that connections are going to go novice chasing with him and he could take high rank in Graded races on this side of the Irish Sea.

While he will undoubtedly get further in time, he is expected to start off at two miles and I'd imagine he will remain at that trip until beaten. The form of his maiden hurdle victory at Warwick could hardly have worked out better, with Baron Noir and Bossman Jack proving up to Grade 1 level in the spring.

He suffered a season-ending injury after his bloodless success at Carlisle but he will hopefully return to action bigger and stronger and he's very much one to keep onside in the coming months.

EACHTOTHEIROWN (Barry Connell)

Punchestown form should be taken with a pinch of salt but EACHTOTHEIROWN produced a huge performance to give owner Tim O'Driscoll another Grade 1 success and he should be well suited to novice chasing. By Westerner and out of a Presenting mare, there's got to be a decent chance he improves for a fence.

The Arkle often suits front-running types – Kargese virtually made all when winning this year's race and there's no doubt in my mind that EACHTOTHEIROWN is a better horse when he's allowed to get on with things. Cheltenham in March is the long term aim and it'll be interesting to see how he gets on throughout the season.

He'll have to improve significantly from his hurdles mark of 143 but that isn't beyond the realms of possibility. He's a 33/1 shot for the Arkle at the time of writing and he's a horse that I will be looking to get in the book before chase debut.

FAIRY PARK (Joe Tizzard)

There were strong vibes surrounding FAIRY PARK ahead of the Grade 2 Nickel Coin mares' bumper at Aintree in April and she was well supported in the betting before running a big race to finish third – reversing form with Newbury winner Princess Day.

I'd imagine she'll be better off at a more testing track than Aintree, and I'd be hoping that connections will start her off in one of the nicer mares novice hurdles this autumn. All being well, I wonder if the Listed race at Newbury on Coral Gold Cup day may be on the agenda for her – she'd certainly have the profile for that sort of race.

She looks like she'd get further in time but connections will reportedly keep her at two miles for now and I'd be hoping that she could be one for Cheltenham in March. I've very much bought into the hype with her – I think she could be the real deal.

HE'S ON FIRE (Willie Mullins)

If I had to pick one novice chaser to follow this year, it would be HE'S ON FIRE. For me, he was the best novice hurdler at Closutton last season and I'd be hoping that he turns out to be the yard's top novice chaser in the coming months. The phrase 'anything he does over hurdles is a bonus' well and truly applies to this fella.

There aren't too many horses out there who could travel as powerfully and put 12 lengths on the field like he did that day at Fairyhouse – especially on soft ground. It was a visually impressive performance and I cannot wait to see him over a fence.

Chanducoq is a relatively new sire but he had a Cheltenham winner in 2026 with Apolon de Charnie and I'd be hopeful that HE'S ON FIRE could be in the winner's enclosure next year. But which race? Welcome to the 2027 edition of Willie Mullins Bingo.

LETOS (Noel Meade)

Formerly with Tony Mullins, LETOS has been switched to Noel Meade and he looks well handicapped on some of his Irish hurdles form. He currently has a chase mark of 119 compared to his hurdles mark of 131 so I'd expect his new handler to be forming a plan for a big handicap chase down the line.

Fourth in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham and fourth in a Listed handicap hurdle at Punchestown, LETOS has some solid form in the book and it'll be interesting to see how he gets on in his new surroundings. I wouldn't be surprised to see him receive an entry for something like the Troytown Handicap Chase.

Looking at last year's race, the bottom weight ran off an official rating of 118 so LETOS could get in and run off a featherweight. Only time will tell if I'm on the right lines but he's on my radar for a big pot anyway.

MANGE TOUT (Gordon Elliott)

I thought connections campaigned MANGE TOUT impeccably last season, opting to skip the Cheltenham Festival following a hard enough race at the Dublin Racing Festival and they were rewarded with Grade 1 success at Aintree in April. And with that victory to her name, I'm wondering if they may be more aggressive this term.

Reportedly likely to start off in the Listed Hurdle at Down Royal at the end of the month, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Robcour-owned mare line up at the highest level once again – and I wonder if she could have a crack at Lossiemouth in the Grade 1 Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown's Premier Weekend.

She looks a speedy enough type to me but showed plenty of fight to knuckle down and get the better of Selma de Vary at Aintree. With the Champion Hurdle looking a weak enough division, I wonder if connections may be tempted to dip their toes in the water.

MOURNE CRYSTAL (Ben Pauling)

Ben Pauling has already stated that MOURNE CRYSTAL is going to go straight over hurdles this season and I absolutely love that decision. He recorded a phenomenal time figure at Portrush and runner up Igoldinof, beaten nine lengths that day, was subsequently purchased for £190,000 by Harold Kirk and Willie Mullins.

He arrives at Pauling's yard with a lofty reputation, with whispers suggesting that there was plenty of interest in the Crystal Ocean gelding after his point-to-point success. He won't have him fully wound up for his debut but you'd be hoping that class will get him through and he'll learn plenty for the experience.

It's hard to know what to expect from point-to-point recruits at times but I'd be shocked if MOURNE CRYSTAL doesn't turn out to be well above average. He looks a real pacey type and he could be one that goes well in the two-mile novice hurdle division.

ROCCONTIER (Nicky Henderson)

Stablemate Feel Gut has been sitting at the top of the Supreme Novices Hurdle market for much of the summer but ROCCONTIER is the Henderson horse that stands out to me based on his Junior Hurdle success at Market Rasen – I thought it was a very impressive performance from a horse making his first appearance on a racecourse.

He looked extremely professional, jumped very well and jockey Nico de Boinville was complimentary of his mount in his post-race interview. In addition, the horses in behind have franked the form – albeit throughout the summer and at a low enough level.

I can't wait to see ROCCONTIER again, hopefully in a novice hurdle at Kempton or Newbury as Henderson often starts his top prospects at those tracks. I've had a little bet on him for the Supreme already and I think he's decent enough value at 33/1 given his trainer's record in the Festival opener.

SINNATRA (Dan Skelton)

Set to go novice chasing this season, SINNATRA could be one for a big race in the spring – whether that's at Graded level or a nice handicap. He was a slow learner last season but was busy enough and hopefully that experience will stand him in good stead as he goes over the bigger obstacles.

He's a real versatile type – you can hold him up or you can bring him to the fore and that is one of his biggest strengths. He clearly boasts an engine and I'd love to see him take in a nice race over hurdles before going chasing, with a race like the Greatwood Hurdle looking right up his street.

Looking further ahead, Kabral Du Mathan has been labelled as an Arkle horse and he is in the same ownership as SINNATRA so Skelton will do his best to keep them apart. He has plenty of options.

ZEUS POWER (Joseph O'Brien)

Already a Grade 1 winner, ZEUS POWER is the new kid on the block in the Stayers Hurdle division. He ran a nice race behind King Rasko Grey in the Turners Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham before winning the Grade 1 Sefton Novices Hurdle at Aintree – beating a field that included Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle winner Johnny's Jury.

He was a keen enough horse at Aintree but settled better at Cheltenham when dropped in and I'd imagine that is how they will try to ride him this season. You don't always need to be up with the pace to win a Stayers Hurdle – just look at the ride Rachael Blackmore gave Bob Olinger when winning the race in 2025.

Joseph O'Brien has the 2026 winner in his yard but we could see a changing of the guard in 2027 and ZEUS POWER is one of the top youngsters in the mix. He's not been missed in the market but he certainly ticks plenty of boxes and he's undoubtedly talented.

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ITV Racing Tips: Three To Back At Newmarket On Cambridgeshire Day

2026-09-25T11:41:00+01:00

Two Group Ones and the small matter of finding the Cambridgeshire winner should keep racing fans suitably occupied on Saturday, with Newmarket taking centre stage on ITV and Haydock supplying the supporting action. Billy Grimshaw has picked out three bets on the Rowley Mile, beginning with the Royal Lodge before tackling the Cheveley Park and the afternoon's big handicap...

13:55 Newmarket – Royal Lodge Stakes

There are a few unbeaten records being put on the line here and Burning Up could be very good, but at the prices I narrowly prefer FIRST LAW for Charlie Appleby. Neither has done anything wrong in two starts, although I think the Godolphin colt has already answered slightly more of the questions we need answering.

He won his maiden at Sandown on good to firm before following up in Listed company at Haydock on heavy ground. That is a fairly dramatic change of conditions for a young horse to take in his stride and, with Newmarket currently good with good to firm places, we at least know he doesn't need the mud to start flying.

The Haydock victory was only by three-quarters of a length from Rocket Boy, so I am not about to dress it up as a demolition job. Nevertheless, that rival had already finished a close third behind Quest For Stars at Salisbury and gives the form a reasonably solid look. Winning narrowly against something useful can tell us more than winning easily against horses who cannot go with you.

Haffner is the obvious headache. His official rating of 110 puts him ahead of these and his York win would give him a serious chance, but seventh of eight in the National Stakes only thirteen days ago is a fairly substantial blot to overlook. He also has the extra furlong to prove. Ryan Moore could make those concerns look rather silly, but I would sooner side with the improving colt whose latest run encourages me.

Burning Up commands respect, while Quicken Away is entitled to progress again from his Goodwood maiden success. At 10/3, though, the combination of proven mile form, ground versatility and another potential step forward makes the Appleby runner a fair win bet.

14:27 Newmarket – Cheveley Park Stakes

Sun Goddess has been collecting big prizes at a rate that suggests someone has told her they are about to stop handing them out. Her Moyglare success was emphatic and there is every chance she simply proves too good again, but I don't think the gap between these fillies over six furlongs is as wide as the market suggests.

At 9/2, LIBERTANGO is the one I want onside.

George Boughey's filly has already beaten Sun Goddess by a length in the Albany and finished just three-quarters of a length behind Senorita Bonita in the Duchess of Cambridge. Those results do not freeze the pecking order for the rest of the season, of course. Both rivals have since won at the highest level and could have improved past her. They do, however, make it difficult for me to accept that she is comfortably the third-best option.

Her own latest appearance brought a Lowther win at York, where she beat Star Of State by half a length on good to soft. Three wins and a second from four starts is hardly the record of a filly standing still, and she has had a decent break since that August success.

Senorita Bonita is a considerable danger after winning the Morny by four lengths. I certainly wouldn't dismiss her as a soft-ground specialist given she beat the selection on good to firm in July. This is a proper race, with three fillies bringing persuasive claims, and my preference is very much about the odds.

The favourite also drops back from seven furlongs just thirteen days after the Moyglare. That may prove no inconvenience whatsoever, but I would rather take the bigger price about a fresh, proven six-furlong performer than assume another busy fortnight makes no difference. Billy Loughnane knows his filly well and she looks a perfectly reasonable win bet.

15:40 Newmarket – Cambridgeshire Handicap

Gavriel has the sort of profile that makes punters start muttering about Group horses in handicaps, and there is a perfectly good chance they are right. A lightly raced Gosden three-year-old arriving off an Ascot win is an obvious candidate for this, but with 28 declared I would prefer something at a bigger price.

The one I have landed on is ERZINDJAN, who looks a fair each-way proposition at 10/1.

He was fourth in this race last year, leading home his side of the track, and returned to win over this course and distance in May. That success came from a mark of 99 and he runs here off 100. We don't need to invent some enormous improvement to make him competitive; a return to his spring level would do very nicely.

His latest effort at York was poor, finishing twelfth after a slow start, and I wouldn't attempt to polish that into something it wasn't. His previous sixth in the Royal Hunt Cup was much more encouraging, though, and returning to a track where he has already shown his effectiveness is a substantial positive.

The draw in 25 also appeals. Indalo is immediately alongside in 26 and Gavriel is in 28, so he is at least housed near a couple of the runners I most respect. That doesn't guarantee this will be the right part of the course, but I am happy with the starting position.

At eight he is hardly a fashionable improver, and anyone backing him needs to accept that a younger horse could have more up its sleeve. Still, the handicapper has given him a chance, Billy Loughnane takes over and his course record makes considerably more appeal than that latest form figure. With the extra places worth shopping around for, he is my each-way play in a typically awkward renewal.

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Ayr Gold Cup 2026 Tips: Best Bets For Today’s Ayr Feature

2026-09-19T10:16:02+01:00

The Ladbrokes Ayr Gold Cup takes centre stage on Saturday afternoon, and for all the chaos that comes with 25 runners sprinting down the Ayr straight, Billy Grimshaw has given his preview and prediction below...

I really do think FAR ABOVE DREAM is the value across the entire field at around 7/1. James Owen's four-year-old goes into this race in the form of his life. He's already won a couple of times this season, and after a pair of quieter efforts in between, he bounced back with a good placed run last time out. That is exactly the type of profile I want to see heading into the biggest and most competitive handicap of his career — a horse who has proven he can win at a decent level and is now building back towards another peak rather than needing to find improvement from nowhere.

What really catches the eye, though, is the clock. Far Above Dream's topspeed figure of 116 is the fastest recorded by any of the 25 confirmed runners this season, comfortably quicker than anything produced by market leader Binhareer. In a race that is run at a serious gallop from a standing start and so often comes down to whoever is still finding more inside the final furlong, that sort of raw speed matters enormously. Jason Hart takes the ride and gets a leg up on 9st 1lb, a fair enough weight for a horse with his level of ability.

Binhareer is sent off favourite at around 4/1 for William Haggas and Tom Marquand, and I understand exactly why. He's a fixture at the head of the market whenever he runs, and he's been running consistently well enough without doing anything to really grab you by the lapels. That's perfectly satisfactory, but "perfectly satisfactory" is doing a lot of work for the head of the betting in a field of this size, and I would rather take the significantly bigger price about the horse with the faster figures and the stronger upward trajectory.

Hammer The Hammer is a fascinating case. He actually holds the highest official rating in the entire field on 124, yet he has drifted out beyond the 40/1 mark, and it isn't hard to see why once you look at how long it's been since he last ran to that figure. A rating that good doesn't simply disappear, but he clearly needs this large field to fall perfectly for him, and I am not prepared to take a chance on a horse who hasn't threatened for months.

Twilight Calls deserves real credit and is the one I'd want covering me each-way. Richard Spencer's sprinter has barely had a bad day all season, forever popping up in the frame without ever quite getting his head in front when it matters most, and that sort of relentless consistency is priceless in a field this size where covering every eventuality is impossible. He simply doesn't do the eye-catching stuff that gets a horse cut in the market, and at around 8/1 to 10/1 he looks fair each-way business alongside my main selection.

There are dangers scattered throughout the rest of the field — Dance In The Storm and Ardisia both have obvious claims on official figures, while Tuco Salamanca arrives here in good heart having won last time out. In a race like this, though, something has to give, and I am siding with the horse whose recent form and raw speed both point in the same direction.

At around 6/1, with the fastest figure in the race and momentum clearly behind him, Far Above Dream is the best bet in the Ayr Gold Cup.

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ITV Racing Tips: Two Saturday Fancies On Ayr Gold Cup Day

2026-09-18T14:19:00+01:00

Billy Grimshaw returns with his latest ITV Racing tips on Saturday as the focus switches to two of the biggest sprint prizes left on the Flat calendar.

Seven races will be shown live on ITV1 and STV from Newbury and Ayr, with the Group 2 Mill Reef Stakes and the Group 3 World Trophy leading the way in Berkshire before the cameras head north for the Doonside Cup, the Firth of Clyde and the Ayr Gold Cup itself. Billy has gone through the full televised schedule and picked out his two strongest bets, starting with a three-year-old dropping back in company at Newbury...

13:02 Newbury – Dubai International Airport World Trophy Stakes (Group 3)

Starlust heads the market at around 11/4 for Ralph Beckett and Rossa Ryan, and it isn't hard to see why. She holds the highest official rating in the field on 129 and has already won at this level this season.

The trouble is she hasn't beaten anything of real note since the spring. There's a decent placed effort in there among her recent starts, but she's been running well enough in defeat without threatening to actually win, and I want more from a market leader than a string of one-paced efforts.

Redorange and First Instinct both have claims from yards in decent form, while Diligent Harry is fascinating market money with Ryan Moore booked by Clive Cox, even though his own placed effort came back in the spring and his most recent run over this course and distance was a well-below-par eighth.

For me, this is about MISS YECHANCE.

Keiran Burke's filly won impressively last time out, and it was a performance that had been building for weeks rather than arriving out of nowhere — she'd been knocking on the door with a couple of solid placed efforts beforehand. She has taken time to find herself this season but is clearly doing so now, and as a three-year-old she picks up a valuable slice of weight-for-age allowance off the likes of Starlust and Redorange, going to post on 8st 13lb against their 9st 3lb.

Jack Nicholls retains the ride and there is nothing to suggest last time's step forward was a one-off. Fillies who take time to come to their form as three-year-olds tend to keep finding more as the season goes on, and doing so from an ideal supporting weight in a race like this is exactly the sort of profile worth siding with.

At around 12/1, with the market clearly preferring the bigger names at the top of the betting, she looks the value play in this race.

13:55 Ayr – Doonside Cup Stakes (Listed)

ce Max is sent off favourite at around 11/4 for Keiran Burke and Sam James, and the case starts and ends with the number next to his name — his rating of 124 is comfortably the best on offer in this field.

The trouble is his recent form doesn't match those figures. He's had to dig out a fourth and a sixth among his last few starts, and a horse who is supposedly the best of them by a distance on the ratings shouldn't be working that hard against opposition like this. Sea Scout and Fast Tracker both have obvious claims from yards going well, while Ecureuil Secret is another interesting name back after a break.

For me, though, this is about GREY CUBAN.

Hugo Palmer's runner is rated 122, just two pounds behind the favourite, and his recent form reads considerably better than that narrow gap in the ratings would suggest. He's been placed or won in four of his last five outings, including a clear second last time out, and that's a horse building towards a career-best performance rather than standing still.

Saffie Osborne takes the ride, and I simply cannot get away from the fact that a two-pound difference in the ratings has turned into a gap of 11/4 to 9/1 in the betting. That looks a significant overreaction to me.

At around 9/1, with the market leader's recent form doing nothing to justify his rating, Grey Cuban looks the value play in this Listed contest.

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Racing Tips Today - Wednesday 16th September 2026

2026-09-16T09:27:00+01:00

Wednesday’s racing tips today focus on Yarmouth, Sandown, Beverley, Kelso and Clonmel, with Newmarket continuing to lead the NAPs Table and putting his faith in Enoch in the 16:12 at Yarmouth.

Ian Gaughran follows with Cape Warrior at Kelso and Farringdon heads to Clonmel with Zoffman, while Templegate makes Fairy Glen his best bet of the day at Yarmouth. Newsboy sides with Room Service and Saffie Osborne at Sandown, as the latest plans for Constitution Hill and a shake-up in the Cartier Racing Awards standings provide the main racing news angles.

Today’s NAPs Table - Top 3

Newmarket remains at the head of today’s NAPs Table and looks to Enoch to end a losing sequence in the 16:12 at Yarmouth. Ian Gaughran sits second with Cape Warrior at Kelso, while Farringdon completes the leading trio with Zoffman at Clonmel.

Tipster	NAP	Race & Time	Odds	P&L £
Newmarket	Enoch	Yarmouth - 16:12	13/8	+£55.24
Ian Gaughran	Cape Warrior	Kelso - 18:55	9/4	+£51.14
Farringdon	Zoffman	Clonmel - 18:43	7/2	+£42.53

NAPs Table

Templegate & Other Big-Name NAPs

Yarmouth and Sandown dominate the big-name NAPs on Wednesday. Templegate puts his faith in the classy Fairy Glen in the John Musker Fillies’ Stakes, while Newsboy is hoping Saffie Osborne can continue her excellent run aboard Room Service at Sandown. NAPs Table leader Newmarket completes our featured trio with Enoch at Yarmouth.

Templegate: Fairy Glen (Yarmouth 15:41) 11/4
Newsboy: Room Service (Sandown 15:30) 13/2
Newmarket: Enoch (Yarmouth 16:12) 13/8

Racing News Round-Up

Constitution Hill could head to Bahrain: Nicky Henderson is considering several Flat options for Constitution Hill following his September Stakes run at Kempton. The Cumberland Lodge at Ascot and St Simon Stakes at Newbury are among the domestic possibilities, while the new $400,000 Gulf of Bahrain Cup over 1m6f on November 13 has also emerged as a potential target.
Scandinavia closes on Bow Echo in Cartier standings: Irish St Leger winner Scandinavia has moved into second in the Cartier Horse of the Year standings after registering his eighth successive victory at the Curragh. He now sits eight points behind retired leader Bow Echo, while Matron Stakes winner Blue Bolt has moved alongside Diamond Necklace on 112 points.

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Racing Tips Today - Tuesday 15th September 2026

2026-09-15T08:55:36+01:00

Tuesday’s racing tips today focus on Yarmouth, Redcar, Uttoxeter, Wolverhampton and Punchestown, with Newmarket leading the NAPs Table through Ballybunion in the 19:30 at Wolverhampton.

Ian Gaughran follows with Space Bear at Yarmouth and Farringdon puts up Stipulation at Wolverhampton, while Templegate also sides with Space Bear. Newsboy takes a much bigger swing with Enamorus at Redcar, as the health of Aidan O’Brien’s Ballydoyle string and the developing British Champions Day picture provide the main racing news angles.

Today’s NAPs Table - Top 3

Newmarket tops today’s NAPs Table and heads to Wolverhampton with Ballybunion, while Ian Gaughran and Farringdon complete the top three with Space Bear and Stipulation respectively.

Tipster	NAP	Race & Time	Odds	P&L £
Newmarket	Ballybunion	Wolverhampton - 19:30	9/2	+£56.24
Ian Gaughran	Space Bear	Yarmouth - 16:47	10/3	+£47.64
Farringdon	Stipulation	Wolverhampton - 19:30	8/1	+£43.53

NAPs Table

Templegate & Other Big-Name NAPs

Yarmouth, Redcar and Wolverhampton share the big-name attention on Tuesday. Templegate puts his faith in Space Bear in the 16:47 at Yarmouth, while Newsboy goes searching for a much bigger-priced winner with Enamorus in the 15:53 at Redcar. NAPs Table leader Newmarket completes our featured trio with Ballybunion at Wolverhampton.

Templegate: Space Bear (Yarmouth 16:47) 10/3
Newsboy: Enamorus (Redcar 15:53) 25/1
Newmarket: Ballybunion (Wolverhampton 19:30) 9/2

Racing News Round-Up

Ballydoyle battling low-grade infection: Aidan O’Brien has revealed his powerful stable has been dealing with a low-grade infection for the last couple of months. Derby winner Christmas Day will not run again this year following his disappointing St Leger effort, with Pierre Bonnard also likely to be finished for the campaign.
British Champions Day markets begin to take shape: Attention is already turning towards Ascot on October 17, with Scandinavia heading the Long Distance Cup betting following his Irish St Leger success. Almeraq is prominent for the Champions Sprint, while Ombudsman heads the early Champion Stakes market as connections begin to firm up their autumn plans.

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What is an Alphabet Bet?

2026-09-14T14:28:02+01:00

This bet type takes its name from the fact that it involves placing 26 bets (the same as the number of letters in the alphabet) and it’s important to note that alphabet bets work in a very specific way and the order of the selections on the betting slip directly impacts the bet.

The order of the selections determines which of the patents they are included in and which of them form the yankee. The 26 bets consist of two patents, one yankee and one six-fold accumulator and we have included a table below which illustrates how it works.

Component	Selections used	Bets	Makes up
First patent	1,2,3	7	3 singles, 3 doubles, 1 treble
Yankee	2,3,4,5	11	6 doubles, 4 trebles, 1 four-fold
Second patent	4,5,6	7	3 singles, 3 doubles, 1 treble
Six-fold accumulator	1-6	1	1 accumulator
Total	6	26

Why the order matters

Every selection sits in one of two patents, with the first three picks forming one and selections 4,5 and 6 making the other. The main reason why the order matters is because of the yankee, as selections 2,3,4 and 5 are included in it, which can make a huge difference.

The yankee includes extra doubles, trebles and a four-fold, which is why it is prudent to include your strongest fancies in these spots. Spots 1 and 2 should be saved for the two selections who you don’t quite fancy as strongly as the other four.

What it costs

Alphabet bets are one of the more expensive options with regards to multiple bet types, as the large number of individual bets within it multiply the value of the stake. While only one winner does give you some returns, the relatively large outlay means a short-priced winner would still leave you significantly down, so make your selections with caution.

Unit stake	Win only	Each-way
£0.50	£13	£26
£1	£26	£52
£2	£52	£104
£5	£130	£260

A worked Alphabet Bet

Below is an example of how much an alphabet could return if landing three winners or all six.

Three winners:

Selection 1: 4/1 (LOST)
Selection 2: 2/1 (LOST)
Selection 3: 1/2 (WON)
Selection 4: 3/1 (WON)
Selection 5: 10/11 (WON)
Selection 6: 5/1 (LOST)

Return: £43.00 (£17.00 profit)

Six winners:

Selection 1: 4/1 (WON)
Selection 2: 2/1 (WON)
Selection 3: 1/2 (WON)
Selection 4: 3/1 (WON)
Selection 5: 10/11 (WON)
Selection 6: 5/1 (WON)

Return: £1,324.77 (£1298.77 profit)

The most significant change to profit is the four yankee selections because the return is significantly higher when selections 2,3, 4 and 5 all win.

Alphabet versus the alternatives

There are several other bet types with a large number of lines for six selections so we have compared the cost for your convenience.

Bet	Selections	Lines	£1 stake cost	Returns on one winner?
Alphabet	6	26	£26	Yes
Lucky 63	6	63	£63	Yes
Heinz	6	57	£57	No – no singles
Two patents	6	14	£14	Yes

A Heinz or a Lucky 63 are probably for quite specific punters but for those who prefer smaller stakes, two patents or an alphabet could be the choice for you.

The Alphabet includes two patents, so if you do not want the middle four selections to be weighted and are not interested in the Yankee or the accumulator, it might be worth holding on to the £12. If you fancy the Yankee however, the Alphabet is the one for you.

Is it worth placing?

Frankly speaking, it is not the most cost effective bet type for the coverage it provides and the outlay is significant for the casual weekend punter. The precise ordering of selections can trip up the casual punter too, especially if they are unaware of the ins and outs of the alphabet.

Bonus terms for all winners landing are usually restricted to racing only, so bear that in mind if you are considering an Alphabet with football selections in mind. Most UK bookmakers will have it listed under multiples or system bets, for those who are wondering where to find the option.

FAQs

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How ground affects your bet

2026-09-14T14:18:00+01:00

The going scale is useful information but the real trick is finding the gap between the official going description issued on the morning of the race and the going at the time of the race. It’s often significantly different and there’s value to be found in these cases.

Ground is obviously a significant factor with regards to a horse’s chances, as most prefer quicker or slower surfaces, and significant changes can lead to non-runners, which can make a big difference to each-way bets in particular and all bets with regard to Rule 4s.

The going scale

The easiest way to assess the going is to attach a numerical value and that gives us valuable data with which to compare when looking at form. The GoingStick provides this and we’ve included a table below which explains how it works.

Description	Typical GoingStick reading	What it means underfoot	Suits
Firm	10.1-13.0	Very quick conditions and very little moisture	Usually Flat horses and horses with low actions
Good to firm	8.1-10.0	Ideal conditions for summer Flat racing with fast ground but enough ease to avoid jarring	Most Flat horses and the vast majority of the Group 1 horses are bred for it
Good	6.6-8.0	Ground which is suitable for most horses, as it’s bang in the middle	Horses with both low and high actions can usually perform on good ground
Good to soft	5.1-6.5	The ground is noticeably softer and there’s plenty of give	National Hunt horses are well suited to it but plenty of Flat horses too
Soft	3.6-5.0	Testing underfoot conditions that place the emphasis on stamina rather than speed	National Hunt horses are bred for soft ground and fast ground horses tend to struggle
Heavy	Below 3.6	The most extremely testing conditions, as if the ground was any softer it would be waterlogged (unsafe)	There are plenty of National Hunt horses who thrive in the mud and a small number of Flat horses

How is the going measured and declared?

The clerk of the course, who is responsible for maintaining the track’s surface, issues the latest going reading on the morning of the race and updates it throughout the course of the day and between every race throughout the card.

It’s worth noting that the GoingStick provides a reading between 0 and 15 and the number matters more than the description as the more precise piece of information can give you an edge from a betting point of view.

For example, if the ground is good to soft but right on the cusp of being soft, the exact GoingStick reading would be more pertinent information.

What does “in places” mean?

You will often see a going description which includes “in places”, such as good to soft, soft in places. Don’t take it lightly, as the extra description is usually important. Typically the soft in places part refers to inside rails or on bends, which can have a serious impact on the result. Therefore it’s often worth considering the ground to be soft in this scenario.

Finding a horse’s ground preference

A horse’s record on a certain going over an extended period of time is a good indicator of their preference but don’t be too put off by one or two below-par efforts. Taking a look at the pedigree can help, particularly the sire line, and the height of the horse’s action.

Their general CV will tell you on what ground they have been mostly campaigned, which will give you some idea, and in some cases the trainer will mention a preference in interviews.

How ground affects the shape of a race

There are three main ways in which the shape of the race is impacted by the ground and it’s very important to consider the underfoot conditions when having a bet.

Pace: Early tempo is much quicker when the ground is fast and the emphasis is on speed rather than stamina, whereas slow ground races tend to be slower early on and stamina usually wins the day.
Field size: Drastic going changes between when declarations are made and the time off the race often result in non-runners and this can impact your bet with the potential of Rule 4s and each-way terms being altered.
Predictability: Races tend to produce more consistent results on good or better ground and extreme conditions can lead to more unpredictable results.

Acting on a late going change

It is unusual for the ground to dry quickly but it can rapidly soften if there’s a substantial downpour. If you can place a bet after a going change update before the market has been altered, there’s a small opportunity to find a little bit of value.

How important is the going?

The best strategy is still to find the best horse in the race, or the best handicapped horse in a handicap, before then considering if the ground is suitable.

The vast majority of British races are run with good somewhere in the description which is why extreme conditions either way can throw up unusual results. Use the going to help strengthen a view you have on a race, rather than using it as the basis for one.

FAQs

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Irish Champion Stakes Betting Tips: 5/1 Chance Can Upset Home Favourite

2026-09-11T13:54:13+01:00

Billy Grimshaw turns his attention to Saturday’s Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown, where a high-class field of eight will go to post for one of the biggest ten-furlong races of the season.

The first three home from last month’s Juddmonte International all meet again, with Constitution River attempting to bounce back from his York defeat, Item bidding to confirm that form and Almaqam looking to reverse a narrow verdict with his old rival.

This is a brilliant renewal of the Irish Champion Stakes and, while Constitution River and Item are clearly the two horses the market wants to side with, I am not convinced there should be as much between them and ALMAQAM as the prices suggest.

Constitution River had looked one of the outstanding three-year-olds of the season before York. He won the French Derby and Eclipse during a five-race winning sequence, and there were obvious excuses for his Juddmonte defeat. He raced too freely, was closer to the pace than ideal and never really settled into the race, yet he still finished a respectable third.

He could easily reverse that form here, but 7/4 leaves very little margin for error. We are being asked to assume York was simply a blip and that he immediately returns to his previous level in another very strong Group 1.

Item is much harder to knock. His York win was excellent because he did not enjoy the clearest passage through the race, yet still managed to reel in ALMAQAM in the closing strides. He has now won all three of his starts at York this season and his overall record is extremely impressive.

The question for me is whether we have now reached the point where his price fully reflects that improvement. Leopardstown is a very different track to York and this race can become tactical, particularly if nobody wants to commit too early.

That could suit Almaqam, who was beaten only a head by Item in the Juddmonte and looked for much of the final furlong as though he had done enough to win.

He travelled beautifully that day, moved into the race with real purpose and made Item work extremely hard to get past him. The pair pulled three and a half lengths clear of Constitution River, and I struggle to understand why one is now 5/2 while the other is 9/2.

Almaqam has already proved he belongs at this level, having won the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh earlier in the season, and his York performance showed that was no one-off.

There is also something to be said for experience here. Almaqam is five now, thoroughly battle-hardened and we know exactly what his optimum setup looks like. He does not need to improve a stone to win this; he simply needs to reproduce the level he has already shown twice this season. That makes him a much more straightforward betting proposition than his price implies.

The key to Almaqam has always been getting the right conditions. His disappointing fourth in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot came on ground that was quicker than ideal, whereas there was a little more ease when he won at the Curragh and again when he ran so well at York.

Ed Walker has also been very positive about how the horse has come out of the Juddmonte. He has said ALMAQAM has been fresh and well at home and that a little ease in the ground brings out the best in him. Leopardstown is currently good, with light rain around, so I certainly would not be unhappy to see a shower or two before the race.

There are dangers beyond the obvious three. A Boy Named Susie has continued to progress and arrives on the back of a Royal Whip success, while Hotazhell already has Group 1 form and knows Leopardstown well. Wimbledon Hawkeye is another interesting runner after being supplemented, but all three need to produce a new personal best to win a race of this strength.

For me, the race revolves around the York trio.

Constitution River may well be the most talented horse in the field and I would not be surprised if he wins, but that possibility is built firmly into his price. Item deserves enormous respect after York, yet he had things fall his way late and now has to prove he can reproduce that level away from the Knavesmire.

Almaqam, meanwhile, has already shown he can perform to the required standard at more than one track. He is a Group 1 winner in Ireland, was beaten only a head by Item last time and appears to arrive here in excellent condition.

At 9/2, I would much rather back him than take shorter odds about either of the two horses immediately ahead of him in the market.

There is very little between these three on their most recent meeting, and I think the betting has exaggerated the gap.

There is also the possibility that this turns into more of a test of positioning than raw speed. Leopardstown rewards horses that travel and can hold a good place before the straight, and that is another box Almaqam ticks.

With conditions potentially turning slightly more in his favour and a tactical race likely to play to his strengths, ALMAQAM is the bet at 9/2 in the Irish Champion Stakes.

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St Leger Betting Tips: Billy Grimshaw Previews 250th Running Of Oldest Classic

2026-09-11T13:38:31+01:00

The oldest Classic in the world takes place at Doncaster on Saturday afternoon, with the St Leger celebrating its 250th renewal. In what is sure to be a historic occasion, Billy Grimshaw is siding with a tried and trusted performer on the biggest of stages...

The 250th running of the St Leger takes centre stage at Doncaster on Saturday and, for all that the market has become increasingly excited about the progressive Enceladus, I think the Derby winner CHRISTMAS DAY has become the value at 5/2.

Aidan O’Brien’s colt has already achieved considerably more than anything else in this field, most notably when running out a convincing winner of the Derby at Epsom in June. He travelled strongly close to the pace that day before taking the race by the scruff of the neck in the straight, ultimately beating Maltese Cross by two and three-quarter lengths on soft ground.

Christmas Day backed that performance up when second to stablemate Benvenuto Cellini in the Irish Derby. He was beaten a length and three-quarters at the Curragh, but there was certainly no disgrace in that effort and he again finished in front of Pierre Bonnard, who reopposes here.

His most recent third in the Great Voltigeur at York is probably the reason we are now being offered 5/2, but I am not particularly keen to mark him down for that run.

Firstly, the race was always being used as a stepping stone towards Doncaster. Secondly, Christmas Day had to carry a 5lb Group 1 penalty, something stablemate Pierre Bonnard did not have to contend with. Maltese Cross won the race, with Pierre Bonnard second and Christmas Day third, but the winner has subsequently been aimed at the Arc rather than the Leger.

Most interestingly, O’Brien has since said he always felt Christmas Day would have the advantage over Pierre Bonnard once they reached a mile and six furlongs, whereas Pierre might be the better suited of the pair to a mile and a half. That is exactly how I see the two Ballydoyle runners as well.

The additional distance is important. Christmas Day has never looked short of stamina and there was plenty about both his Epsom victory and his York performance to suggest that rather than stretching him, the Leger trip might actually bring about another step forward. Doncaster is also a much more conventional test than Epsom, which should allow Ronan Whelan to get him into a rhythm before asking him to use that stamina late.

Enceladus is the obvious danger and it is easy to understand why he has been backed into favouritism. Joseph O’Brien’s colt is unbeaten in three starts this season, progressing from a Cork maiden to the King George V Handicap at Royal Ascot before taking another step forward to win the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood. He stayed on powerfully over a mile and a half there and his pedigree gives little reason to worry about the longer trip.

He is undoubtedly the unknown quantity in the race and could improve again. However, at around 2/1 we are now being asked to take a shorter price about Enceladus making the leap from a Group 3 into a Classic than we are about a proven Derby winner producing his best form.

That feels the wrong way round to me.

Pierre Bonnard also has to be respected and his York second was a good effort, particularly given how much better he has become as this season has progressed. But he has now had five runs this year without winning, and Christmas Day has already finished ahead of him in the Irish Derby despite the pair meeting again on level terms here.

There are some interesting runners at bigger prices, including Highwayman and Hatteen, but they have considerably more to find on what they have achieved so far. This looks a race in which the established Group 1 horses and the rapidly improving Enceladus should dominate.

I can understand why Enceladus has become fashionable, but the move in the market has created the bet. Christmas Day was considerably shorter earlier in the week and I would have had the pair much closer together than the current prices suggest.

We know Christmas Day possesses the class to win a Classic because he has already done it. His York run was better than the bare result considering the penalty and the fact it was his preparation for this race, while everything about his profile suggests another two furlongs should be in his favour.

At 5/2, Christmas Day is the best bet in the St Leger.

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ITV Racing Tips: Saturday Selections on St Leger and Irish Champion Stakes Day

2026-09-11T13:30:36+01:00

Billy Grimshaw returns with his latest ITV Racing tips on Saturday as the St Leger Festival reaches its climax at Doncaster.

Eight races will be shown live on ITV1 and STV from Doncaster, Chester and Leopardstown, with the St Leger and Group 1 Matron Stakes providing the headline action. Billy has gone through the full televised schedule and picked out his two strongest bets, starting with a previous winner of the Portland Handicap at Town Moor before siding with a proven Group 1 performer at a much bigger price at Leopardstown.

14:20 Doncaster - Betfred Portland Handicap

The Portland is exactly the sort of handicap where I don't particularly want to be taking a short price about anything, with 22 sprinters charging down Doncaster's straight course over the unusual distance of five and a half furlongs.

Getreadytorumble is understandably towards the head of the betting. He has been competing at a higher level for much of the season, is already a course winner and ran another very good race when second at Ascot last time. The problem is that he now has to carry 9st 11lb from a mark of 102 and is around 11/2 in a race where you could make a plausible case for half a dozen horses.

Twilight Calls is arguably even more interesting. He has been completely revitalised since joining Richard Spencer, winning at Sandown and Newmarket before landing a 23-runner handicap at Glorious Goodwood. The eight-year-old once looked good enough to become a genuine Group-class sprinter and he is clearly enjoying himself again, so I can completely understand why the market has latched onto him.

I just think there is a more obvious piece of Portland form staring us in the face.

ETERNAL SUNSHINE won this race 12 months ago at 12/1, beating Apollo One by half a length with Rosario a short head away in third. Jim Goldie's mare raced prominently before taking over inside the final furlong and, crucially, there was nothing remotely fluky about it. She was simply too good for a field containing several of the horses she meets again on Saturday.

Her form this summer suggests she is arriving in at least as good a condition this time around. She was second here at Doncaster in July, was beaten only a short head at Hamilton at the beginning of August and then went back there three weeks later to win over five furlongs on good to soft ground. Lauren Young made plenty of use of her and she kept finding when challenged, which is exactly the sort of attitude I want for the extra 143 yards of the Portland.

There is also a lovely handicapping angle. Eternal Sunshine won last year's renewal from a mark of 84 and races from 88 this time, but Young's five-pound claim effectively takes a chunk back off that rise. She therefore carries just 8st 11lb before the claim compared with the 9st 11lb allotted to Getreadytorumble.

Apollo One has fallen a long way in the weights since chasing her home last year and has to be respected, while Rosario comes here after winning at Sandown and is another with an obvious chance. The fact last year's first three are all back makes this renewal particularly interesting.

At around 7/1 to 8/1, though, I would rather side with a mare whose suitability for this very peculiar test does not have to be imagined. She is in form, handles some cut in the ground, has already run well at Doncaster this season and gets in towards the bottom of the weights with a useful apprentice taking another five pounds off.

In a race where plenty can go wrong, that combination of proven course form and current wellbeing looks worth paying for.

15:55 Leopardstown - Coolmore America 'Justify' Matron Stakes

Blue Bolt has done virtually nothing wrong this season and deserves her place at the head of the market.

Andrew Balding's four-year-old is four from four in 2026, progressing from Listed company to win the Duke of Cambridge Stakes before establishing herself as one of the leading older female milers around with victories in the Falmouth Stakes and Prix Rothschild. On both of those most recent occasions she got the better of Precise, beating her by two lengths at Newmarket before confirming the form again at Deauville.

It is therefore very easy to make the case for her at around 6/4. She has been the most consistent filly in the division this season and comes here at the top of her game.

The issue is simply whether I want to take that price in a nine-runner Group 1 containing several very good fillies and mares. I don't.

Precise is clearly the biggest danger on recent evidence, but we have now watched her try and fail to beat Blue Bolt twice. Aidan O'Brien even suggested following the Falmouth that his filly looked as though she might appreciate going further, so I am not convinced returning to another strongly run mile is suddenly going to reverse their form.

City Of Memphis is much more interesting at around 10/1. Paddy Twomey's filly has won all three starts this season, including a Group 3 here at Leopardstown and the Group 2 Lanwades Stud Stakes over a mile at the Curragh. She could easily have more to offer after just five career starts and would not need to improve dramatically to get involved.

However, there is one horse at a similar sort of price whose claims require far less imagination.

FALLEN ANGEL is around 9/1 despite having won this exact race 12 months ago and subsequently beating Blue Bolt by two and a quarter lengths in the Sun Chariot at Newmarket. That completed a remarkable sequence of three consecutive Group 1 victories last season and took her overall tally at the highest level to five.

Admittedly, we haven't seen that same level of form in 2026. She failed to stay an extended mile and a quarter at York on her reappearance and was then turned over at odds-on when dropped into Listed company at Haydock last month.

I thought the latter run was much more encouraging than it perhaps looked, though.

Fallen Angel finished only a length and a half behind Calendar Girl in third, but the two horses who beat her were three-year-olds receiving seven pounds. She travelled prominently and was still fighting for second close home, so I certainly wouldn't view it as evidence that her ability has disappeared. It was also her first start for nearly three months following that failed experiment over further at York.

Leopardstown is a different proposition altogether. She finished second in this race as a three-year-old before winning it last season, and her record in Ireland is excellent. She clearly enjoys this track and a strongly run mile is exactly what she wants.

There is also an obvious piece of form which makes 9/1 particularly difficult for me to ignore. When Fallen Angel and Blue Bolt met in last year's Sun Chariot, Fallen Angel beat her decisively. Blue Bolt has obviously improved enormously since, whereas Fallen Angel is now five and may not quite be the mare she was 12 months ago, but the market has moved from Fallen Angel being demonstrably superior to her to Blue Bolt being roughly six times shorter in the space of a year.

That feels excessive.

Blue Bolt is the likeliest winner and I would not be remotely surprised to see her justify favouritism. At the prices, though, I'll take the proven course specialist who has already won this race, already beaten the favourite in a Group 1 and showed enough at Haydock last time to suggest the fire is still burning.

At around 9/1, she looks far too big to me.

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ITV Racing Tips: Town Moor Tips On Friday at Doncaster's St Leger Meeting

2026-09-10T14:00:01+01:00

Billy Grimshaw returns with his latest ITV Racing tips on Friday as the St Leger Festival continues at Doncaster.

Five races from Town Moor will be shown live on ITV, including the Group 2 Flying Childers Stakes and Doncaster Cup, and Billy has gone through the televised card to pick out his two strongest bets. He starts with a filly dropping back into her own age group in the Flying Childers before siding with a lightly raced course-and-distance winner later on the card.

14:25 Doncaster - Carlsberg Danish Pilsner Flying Childers Stakes

It requires a bit of forgiveness to back a horse coming here having finished 14th of 14 last time, but I think PERSHAADA has been presented with a completely different task at Doncaster and 9/4 is still just about big enough for me.

Richard Hannon's filly was sent to the Nunthorpe at York following her impressive victory in the Group 3 Molecomb Stakes and simply found life too difficult against some of the fastest older sprinters around. She was the only two-year-old in that Group 1 and I certainly don't want to judge her too harshly for failing to make an impact at that level.

Her juvenile form before York is much more relevant.

Pershaada finished a very respectable fourth in the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot before winning over five furlongs at Goodwood and then taking another significant step forward in the Molecomb. She travelled strongly that day before putting the race to bed inside the final furlong, eventually beating Adonius by two lengths, with Sale Shark four lengths behind her in fourth.

Sale Shark is probably the horse who makes that piece of form look particularly strong now. He has since won the Listed Roses Stakes at York on good to soft ground, beating Adonius by a length and a quarter, and is towards the head of the market again here.

The important point for me is that Pershaada receives the same three-pound fillies' allowance from Sale Shark at Doncaster that she did when beating him decisively at Goodwood. If anything, his subsequent victory simply advertises how good her Molecomb performance was.

Final Objective is respected after finishing second in the Gimcrack, but all five of his starts have come over six furlongs and he now has to show he possesses the gears for a sharp five. Pershaada has already shown that five furlongs is very much her game.

She drops back into her own age group, receives three pounds from the colts and brings arguably the strongest piece of established five-furlong form into the race. I think the Nunthorpe is best forgotten and I have to side with her at 9/4.

15:35 Doncaster - British Stallion Studs EBF Premier Fillies' Handicap

Silver Lake is an obvious favourite after rattling off a hat-trick for William Haggas, but she has become short enough for a filly who is both six pounds higher than at York and stepping beyond a mile and a quarter for the first time.

I'd rather take around 9/2 about NOCHEBUENA, whose claims under Friday's conditions look very straightforward.

Ralph Beckett's filly has only raced four times and has never finished outside the first four. More importantly, the best piece of evidence for tomorrow's assignment came over this exact course and distance in June.

She made most of the running in a mile-and-a-half novice here on good to soft ground and showed a really likeable attitude when challenged by Kenneth in the closing stages. Having been headed, she rallied to get back up and win by half a length. That matters to me because there is no guesswork surrounding the track, trip or conditions.

Nochebuena then made her handicap debut at Ascot from a mark of 83 and was beaten only a short head by Hoseki over the same distance. She is four pounds higher now, but that hardly looks excessive for a lightly raced three-year-old who remains open to plenty of improvement.

Silver Lake is unquestionably the one to beat. She has won three handicaps in succession and showed she handles good to soft ground when winning a valuable 14-runner contest at York last month. However, she only got home by a head there from a mark of 86 and has subsequently been raised to 92. She also has another two furlongs to tackle for the first time.

Ruby Wedding and Salamanca City are others I considered, but neither interests me quite as much at the prices.

Nochebuena is roughly twice the price of Silver Lake despite already being proven over Doncaster's mile and a half on good to soft ground, and I don't think we've seen anything like the best of her after only four starts.

At 9/2, she looks the value play in the race.

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Doncaster Cup Betting Tips: Billy Grimshaw’s Big Race Preview & Best Bet

2026-09-10T12:19:14+01:00

The staying division takes centre stage at Doncaster on Friday afternoon as eight runners go to post for the Group 2 Doncaster Cup over two miles and two furlongs. Dual Group 1 winner Caballo De Mar brings comfortably the strongest CV into the contest, but Aidan O'Brien's Queenstown arrives on the back of an impressive return to action at the Curragh and there are several intriguing contenders further down the betting. Billy Grimshaw takes a closer look at the field and gives his idea of the winner below.

The first place to start is Caballa De Mar because on achievements alone he really should be winning races like this. His rise through the staying ranks has been quite remarkable, progressing from handicaps to win last year's Prix du Cadran before returning to Longchamp in May and adding the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier to his CV. That latest Group 1 success came on soft ground over just shy of two miles, when he got the better of Santorini Star and the 120-rated Al Riffa in a blanket finish.

That is comfortably the strongest piece of form anyone brings to Doncaster, but the question is whether we are currently seeing the same Caballo De Mar.

His Gold Cup effort can be forgiven. He attempted to get involved with Scandinavia and Trawlerman and paid the price late on over two and a half miles, eventually weakening right out of contention. More concerning was his run in the Lonsdale Cup at York last month. Sent off the 7/4 favourite on good to soft ground, he could manage only fourth behind Al Nayyir, Illinois and Mount Atlas. There was nothing disastrous about the run, but he was beaten nearly seven lengths in conditions which should have suited him and he had no obvious excuse.

There is also a fairly important wrinkle in the weights. Caballo De Mar is officially rated 115, five pounds superior to Queenstown on 110, but because of his Group 1 success he has to carry 9st 12lb here. Queenstown carries 9st 7lb. In other words, the ratings tell you there is five pounds between them and the race conditions ask Caballo De Mar to concede exactly five pounds. That makes their task much closer than simply looking at their official marks would suggest.

The softer surface certainly does not worry me with Caballo De Mar. He won the Cadran on very soft ground last year and his Longchamp success this spring came on soft, so if anything the weather is in his favour. He could bounce straight back and, at around 9/4, I wouldn't put anyone off him.

But I am not convinced he should be shorter than the horse I fancy.

The bigger prices are interesting without being completely convincing. Berkshire Sundance stays all day and ran a very good race when second in the Goodwood Handicap over two miles and four furlongs, but he is rated only 102 and this requires a significant career best. Epic Poet has regularly competed at a good level but has become difficult to win with, while Ascending and Beylerbeyi also need to find plenty on the figures.

Winday is far more interesting. This is exactly the sort of runner that makes me slightly nervous when opposing him, because Emmet Mullins does not tend to place horses without reason and the booking of William Buick immediately catches the eye. The three-year-old receives 11lb from Queenstown and 16lb from Caballo De Mar under the weight-for-age scale, and he absolutely bolted up by six lengths at Ffos Las on his first run back for Mullins last month.

The problem is what he actually achieved. That was a five-runner maiden over a mile and a half which on bare form leaves him with an enormous amount to find now jumping directly into a Group 2 over almost another mile. He could be much better than we have seen, and at 6/1 I understand the temptation, but you are paying quite a lot for the trainer, jockey and potential rather than established staying form.

That leaves me with QUEENSTOWN, and I think his profile is considerably stronger than the market perhaps initially gave him credit for. He has always been something of a nearly horse at the top level. Back in 2024 he twice chased home Kyprios in recognised staying trials and last season he ran third in the Ebor before developing into a genuine Group 1 performer in France. He finished third behind Caballo De Mar in the Prix du Cadran and then went to Saint-Cloud three weeks later and finished a very good second to Arrow Eagle in the Prix Royal-Oak on soft ground.

The Cadran form is particularly relevant. Caballo De Mar beat Queenstown by three lengths there when the pair carried exactly the same weight. Tomorrow, Queenstown receives five pounds from him. I wouldn't pretend that automatically reverses the result — racing is never that simple — but it is a significant swing when the horse who finished behind has seemingly improved since.

His reappearance at the Curragh is the run that really interests me. Queenstown had been absent for 300 days and went off at 9/1 for the Group 3 Irish St Leger Trial, so there was every reason to expect him to need the outing. Instead, he travelled into the race strongly and put four and a half lengths between himself and Kizlyar, with the odds-on favourite Carmers another eight lengths further back. It was the most visually impressive performance of his career and earned him a Racing Post Rating of 115, while tomorrow's racecard now has his peak RPR at 122.

The obvious question is whether that was simply a weak Group 3, but I don't think he needs to have suddenly become a 125-rated superstar to win this. He merely needs to confirm that he is now a better horse than the one who regularly found one or two too good last season.

Aidan O'Brien has had to wait since 2008 for another Doncaster Cup winner, but Queenstown looks an excellent opportunity to put that right. Ryan Moore takes over, the ground holds absolutely no concerns given his strong form on soft and very soft surfaces, and two miles and two furlongs looks right in the middle of his optimum stamina range.

Caballo De Mar is the danger and I would much rather have him onside than oppose him with one of the outsiders simply in search of a price. However, he has now disappointed twice since Longchamp, carries the penalty and has to give five pounds to a rival who looked better than ever just three weeks ago.

At around 7/4, QUEENSTOWN is not a flashy price, but I think he is the right favourite and the right bet. His Curragh performance suggested there could still be a little more improvement to come from this unusually lightly raced six-year-old and, receiving five pounds from Caballo De Mar, he can land the Doncaster Cup for Aidan O'Brien.

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ITV Racing Tips: Two Thursday Fancies At Doncaster's St Leger Meeting

2026-09-09T15:04:06+01:00

Billy Grimshaw returns with his latest ITV Racing tips on Thursday as the St Leger Festival continues at Doncaster.

There are five races being shown live on ITV and Billy has picked out two bets from the card, starting with a competitive three-year-old handicap at 14:25 before taking on the short-priced favourite in the Group 2 May Hill Stakes at 15:35.

Conditions at Doncaster are currently described as good to soft, good in places.

14:25 Doncaster - Pertemps Network Handicap

There are a few potentially smart horses lurking in this handicap and I can see why punters will be tempted by the likes of Besieged and Knights Charge, but KING OF EARTH is the one I keep coming back to at around 4/1.

Besieged is probably the most interesting horse in the race long-term. He absolutely demolished his rivals by 14 lengths at Salisbury last time and, being a Dubawi colt out of Snow Lantern, he has the pedigree to develop into something considerably better than a handicapper. That victory is perhaps not quite as strong as it looks at first glance though. The runner-up was sent off at 150/1 and Besieged earned an RPR of 98, so this is a completely different examination from beating up inferior maiden opposition.

King Of Earth has already passed the handicap test. His only previous appearance in one came in a valuable 16-runner Premier Handicap at the Curragh in June, where he travelled prominently before battling his way to victory from a mark of 85. The runner-up that day was rated 93 and the first three pulled clear enough for me to consider it a pretty solid piece of form.

William Haggas then aimed considerably higher and sent him into the Group 3 Strensall Stakes at York last time. He finished only tenth, but that was a huge jump in grade for a colt rated just 92 and I don't think we should be punishing him too harshly for failing to trouble genuine Pattern performers.

He now drops straight back into handicap company from the same mark of 92, Tom Marquand returns to the saddle and there are no concerns about some cut in the ground. King Of Earth was second here at Doncaster on good to soft earlier in the year and has also run well on heavy ground.

Knights Charge is another who could be miles better than his current mark, but he has been absent for 114 days and makes his handicap debut. At roughly the same sort of price, I'd rather side with the horse who has already won a big-field handicap and has subsequently been tested at Group level.

I think King Of Earth has been handed a much more realistic assignment and 4/1 is fair enough for me.

15:35 Doncaster - Betfred May Hill Stakes

Musical Times could be very good. She is unbeaten in two starts for Charlie Appleby, William Buick rides and her debut form has worked out nicely, with the filly she beat narrowly at Newmarket, Scommessa Sicura, subsequently developing into a Listed-class performer.

I just don't particularly want to take 7/4 to find out quite how good Musical Times is.

She has won a maiden and a novice, has never previously raced beyond seven furlongs and is now being asked to step straight into a Group 2 over a mile. The market is effectively pricing her on the assumption that she makes the required improvement, and there are several fillies in here who have already achieved substantially more on the track.

SEA OF RAIN is the standout example.

Jim Bolger's filly has had seven starts already so she isn't anywhere near as sexy a proposition as the favourite, but she appeared to take a sizeable step forward when finally given a proper test over a mile in the Group 3 Newtownanner Stud Stakes at the Curragh just 12 days ago.

She raced prominently, took over more than three furlongs from home, opened up a two-length advantage approaching the final furlong and kept finding to repel Ballyskeagh by three-quarters of a length. That wasn't a speculative maiden performance against horses we know nothing about; it was genuine Pattern-race form over tomorrow's exact distance.

Ballyskeagh is admittedly a big danger. She was held up at the Curragh, didn't get the clearest run around two and a half furlongs out and finished very strongly once in the clear. I wouldn't be remotely surprised if she reversed the form.

What interests me is that the market appears to have latched onto exactly that argument. Ballyskeagh is around 5/1 while the filly who actually beat her is still available at around 6/1. I'm not convinced Sea Of Rain is receiving enough credit for making her own race, kicking clear and then having enough left to see off the closers.

Musical Times may ultimately have the biggest engine in the field, but at 7/4 we are being asked to pay to find out. At 6/1, I'll take the filly who has already proved she can win a Group race over a mile.

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Extra place offers explained

2026-09-08T15:00:58+01:00

Bookmakers offering extra places does not necessarily make for a better bet and this guide is going to help you to discern the difference. While extra places do increase the chances of a successful bet, the loss in value can be detrimental, so it is important to know all the facts.

Extra places are for each-way bettors, not layers, and can create a significant change to the each-way terms of a race market. It is important to note that extra places are not a bonus available to specific customers and are instead open to anyone betting on that race.

The standard each-way terms

The table below shows the industry standard each-way terms and it highlights what bonuses punters can gain or lose from extra places. Bear in mind that multiple bookmakers will offer better value than industry standard in order to earn customers.

Race type	Runners	Standard places	Place fraction
Any	2-4	0	N/A
Any	5-7	2	1/5
Non-handicap	8+	3	1/5
Handicap	8-11	3	1/5
Handicap	12-15	3	1/4
Handicap	16+	4	1/4

What are extra places actually worth?

Bookmakers usually shorten the odds for the field when extra places are being offered so with that in mind, the bigger the price, the better value extra places provide. Outsiders provide better value, as horses who are more likely to win are less likely to require extra places. In that case, it is usually better to take less places and a slightly bigger price.

For example, a £10 each-way bet on a 20/1 shot in a 20-runner handicap with an extra place is only really better value than a 22/1 each-way bet with the standard four places, if there is a good chance that the horse in question needs the extra place in order to make the frame.

Another bad idea is backing horses each-way at relatively short prices with reduced odds and extra places. This type of bet is placed on the understanding that the horse is expected to finish in the first two, so the worse value and extra places are unlikely to help.

Below is a table showing the value difference for a £10 each-way bet in a 20-runner handicap.

Finishing position	Standard terms (4 places) 25/1	Extra place terms (5 places) 20/1	Difference
1st	£260 win bet £72.50 place bet	£210 win bet £60 place bet	-£62.50
2nd	£72.50 place bet	£60 place bet	-£12.50
3rd	£72.50 place bet	£60 place bet	-£12.50
4th	£72.50 place bet	£60 place bet	-£12.50
5th	N/A	£60 place bet	+£60

Where the value actually sits

Extra places become increasingly more useful when the size of the field gets bigger and when betting on horses at larger prices. Very competitive races like Cheltenham Festival handicaps can often provide value with extra places, as there is often less between the runners and the gaps between fourth and seventh are usually relatively small.

Field size: races like the Grand National (which usually has around 35 runners) are often good opportunities for betting with extra places. All bookmakers offer them and when it is much harder to predict the outcome, extra places are much more helpful.
The horse’s price: A 33/1 shot is much more likely to benefit from extra places than a 7/1 shot so it is often a good idea to take a small hit on the price for the extra security.
Is the horse an each-way play: Do not bother backing a 2/1 favourite each-way with extra places, as the chances of them finishing in the extra place positions are very low and the value is shockingly poor.

What’s the catch?

Bookmakers reserve the right to withdraw or alter extra place terms when there are non-runners, as the probabilities are sometimes drastically different as a result. Short-priced non-runners are more likely to change the terms, as are a significant number of non-runners.

Best Odds Guaranteed offers are usually not applied when extra places are taken, so if you prefer to have BOG over an extra place or two, then opting out could be the best option.

Tote betting rules are different to those of standard bookmakers and each-way bets are settled at industry standard terms, rather than the operator’s promotion.

Extra places are only on offer for each-way betting and win only bets do not apply. That may seem obvious but it is a very important fact to note.

When to ignore them

It is a complete waste of time to take an extra place on a short-priced favourite and certain types of races should just be left alone. For example, a seven-runner novice chase does not provide any meaningful value, even in Grade 1s at major festivals.

Do not have a bet on a race and take extra places just for the sake of it. If you do not have a strong opinion on the race, extra places are not going to matter to you.

Big fields and big prices are the way to go and extra places should just provide security to a bet you were already planning to place.

FAQs about extra place offers

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Racing Tips Today - Tuesday 8th September 2026

2026-09-08T08:40:11+01:00

Tuesday’s racing tips today focus on Goodwood, Leicester, Catterick, Galway and Bangor-on-Dee, with Newmarket leading the NAPs Table through Dove Tale in the 16:32 at Leicester. Farringdon follows with Sorrengail at Goodwood, Ian Gaughran puts up Lunar Orbit at Bangor, while Templegate sides with Lizzie Bennet in the Leicester opener. Robin Goodfellow is on Taaklam at Catterick and Newsboy heads to the same track with Battenburg Belle, as the St Leger Festival build-up and Frankie Dettori’s Leger Legends absence provide the main racing news angles.

Today’s NAPs Table - Top 3

Newmarket tops today’s NAPs Table and heads to Leicester with Dove Tale, while Farringdon and Ian Gaughran complete the top three with Sorrengail and Lunar Orbit respectively.

Tipster	NAP	Race & Time	Odds	P&L £
Newmarket	Dove Tale	Leicester - 16:32	6/1	+£61.24
Farringdon	Sorrengail	Goodwood - 14:40	8/11	+£44.90
Ian Gaughran	Lunar Orbit	Bangor - 18:12	7/4	+£40.14

NAPs Table

Templegate & Other Big-Name NAPs

Leicester and Catterick share the big-name attention on Tuesday, with Templegate siding with Lizzie Bennet in the 13:12 at Leicester. Robin Goodfellow is with Taaklam in Catterick’s 16:11, while Newsboy puts up Battenburg Belle earlier on the same card.

Templegate: Lizzie Bennet (Leicester 13:12) 7/4
Robin Goodfellow: Taaklam (Catterick 16:11) 7/2
Newsboy: Battenburg Belle (Catterick 15:03) 11/2

Racing News Round-Up

Billy Loughnane booked for Enceladus in the St Leger: Joseph O’Brien has secured the British jockeys’ championship leader for Saturday’s Doncaster Classic, with Enceladus among 12 horses left in contention and Christmas Day still heading the market.
Frankie Dettori out of Leger Legends comeback: Dettori will not make his planned return in the Leger Legends race at Doncaster as he continues to recover from his July car crash, although he is still expected to support the Injured Jockeys Fund event.

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Ladbrokes Premier League Offers: 50/1 Odds Boost On Arsenal For New Customers

2026-09-04T19:50:01+01:00

The Premier League serves up a heavyweight London derby at the Emirates on Sunday, and Ladbrokes are giving new customers the chance to back Arsenal to beat Chelsea at a huge enhanced price of 50/1. The Gunners were originally priced at 4/6, with just a £1 qualifying stake required to take advantage.

If Arsenal win, Ladbrokes will settle the £1 bet at the original 4/6 price in cash and also award 10 x £5 Free Bets. That means £50 in promotional Free Bets is available from a £1 qualifying wager, with the rewards valid for four days. Here's exactly how the offer works.

What Is the Ladbrokes 50/1 Arsenal Offer?

New Ladbrokes customers can back Arsenal to beat Chelsea at enhanced odds of 50/1, with the promotion running until 4.30pm on Sunday, 6 September.

The qualifying bet must be a £1 pre-match single on Arsenal to win. The original price is 4/6, but eligible new customers entering through the promotion receive the enhanced 50/1 offer.

If Arsenal win, Ladbrokes returns the initial stake and winnings at the original 4/6 odds as cash. Customers will then also receive 10 x £5 Free Bets, worth £50 in total.

The Free Bets are credited within 24 hours of the market settling and expire four days after being added to the account.

How to Claim the Ladbrokes 50/1 Arsenal Offer

The promotion is available exclusively to eligible new Ladbrokes customers and requires a first deposit of at least £10.

Here's how to get started:

Register as a new Ladbrokes customer through the 50/1 promotion.
Make a first single deposit of at least £10 using an eligible payment method.
Place your first real-money single bet of exactly £1 on Arsenal to beat Chelsea at 50/1.
Make sure the bet is placed before kick-off.
If Arsenal win, receive the £1 stake and winnings calculated at the original 4/6 price as cash.
Receive a further 10 x £5 Free Bets, worth £50 in total.
Use the Free Bets within four days of them being credited.

The £1 stake is fixed, while the qualifying bet cannot be cashed out. Deposits made through Neteller, PayPal, Paysafe, Skrill, pre-payment cards and certain debit cards do not qualify for the promotion.

Which Customers Is the Ladbrokes Offer Best For?

With only £1 at risk, the 50/1 Arsenal promotion offers a particularly low-cost route to a sizeable promotional reward for anyone happy to back the Gunners to win Sunday's derby.

The main consideration is that the £50 reward is conditional on Arsenal winning, rather than being guaranteed simply for placing a qualifying wager. The four-day expiry on the Free Bets is also relatively short, so anyone claiming the offer should be prepared to use the rewards soon after the match.

For customers who already fancy Arsenal to take all three points against Chelsea, however, the combination of a £1 qualifying stake and 10 x £5 Free Bets makes this one of Ladbrokes' more eye-catching new customer football promotions.

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Coral Premier League Offers: 50/1 Odds Boost On Chelsea For New Customers

2026-09-04T19:22:01+01:00

The Premier League serves up a huge London derby on Sunday as Arsenal take on Chelsea, and Coral are marking the occasion with a major enhanced-price offer for new customers. Chelsea have been boosted from an original price of 6/4 to 50/1 to beat Arsenal, with just a £1 qualifying bet required.

If Chelsea win, Coral will settle the £1 wager at the original 6/4 price in cash and award 10 x £5 Free Bets. That means £50 in promotional Free Bets is up for grabs from a £1 qualifying stake, with the rewards valid for four days. We take a closer look at exactly how the offer works...

What Is the Coral 50/1 Chelsea To Win Offer?

New Coral customers can back Chelsea to beat Arsenal at enhanced odds of 50/1, with the promotion available until 4.30pm on Sunday, 6 September.

The qualifying stake is exactly £1 and must be placed as a single bet on Chelsea to win. Coral lists the original price as 6/4, but eligible new customers taking part through the promotion receive the enhanced 50/1 offer.

If Chelsea win, Coral returns the £1 stake and winnings calculated at the original 6/4 odds as cash. Customers also receive 10 x £5 Free Bets, worth £50 in total.

Those Free Bets are valid for four days, so customers taking advantage of the promotion should be aware that there is a relatively short window in which to use the rewards.

How to Claim the Coral 50/1 Chelsea Offer

The promotion is only available to new Coral customers and requires a minimum first deposit of £10.

Here's how to get started:

Click the link above to access the Coral 50/1 Chelsea to beat Arsenal offer.
Register and verify a new Coral account.
Make your first deposit of at least £10 using an eligible payment method.
Place a £1 single bet on Chelsea to beat Arsenal at the promotional 50/1 price.
The qualifying stake is fixed at £1, which is both the minimum and maximum permitted.
If Chelsea win, the stake and winnings at the original 6/4 price are returned as cash.
You will also receive 10 x £5 Free Bets, worth £50 in total.
The Free Bets are valid for four days.

Certain deposit methods and bet types are excluded, while additional restrictions and Coral's full promotional terms and conditions apply.

What Does the Coral 50/1 Chelsea Offer Pay?

One important point is that a winning £1 bet does not result in the entire promotional value being paid as withdrawable cash.

Coral states that the £1 stake and winnings are returned at Chelsea's original price of 6/4. A £1 winning bet at those odds therefore produces a £2.50 cash return, including the £1 stake.

The enhanced element of the promotion is then provided as 10 separate £5 Free Bets, giving customers another £50 in promotional betting credit.

With the qualifying bet costing only £1, the offer provides considerable promotional upside if Chelsea beat Arsenal, although unlike a conventional "bet and get" welcome offer, the Free Bets are dependent on the match result.

Coral Existing Customer Football Offers

The Chelsea 50/1 promotion is exclusively for new customers, but Coral also provides a number of football betting features and markets for existing customers throughout the season.

Price Boosts

Coral enhances the odds on selected football markets through its price and odds boosts. These can cover major fixtures and a variety of popular markets, with availability and maximum stakes varying between selections.

Bet Builder

Coral's Bet Builder allows customers to combine two or more eligible selections from the same football match into a single bet. The markets available depend on the fixture and can include match, goals and player-based selections.

Cash Out

Cash Out is available on selected Coral sportsbook bets and gives customers the opportunity to take a return before the relevant market has finished. The amount offered depends on the state of the bet and current prices, while Cash Out availability is not guaranteed throughout an event.

Football Betting Markets

Coral offers a wide selection of football markets across domestic, European and international competitions, including Match Result, Both Teams To Score, Over/Under Goals, Correct Score, goalscorer markets, accumulators and Bet Builders.

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Betfred Premier League Offers: Get £50 In Free Bets When You Bet £10

2026-09-04T18:46:02+01:00

The Premier League rolls into week three, with England’s top clubs once again battling it out in one of the most exciting competitions in world football.

To mark the new season, Betfred are offering new customers a generous welcome promotion of Bet £10, Get £50 in Free Bets, which can be used on Premier League action throughout the campaign.

There is plenty on offer for existing customers too, with Betfred running a selection of promotions and betting offers for football fans to take advantage of.

Here, we take a closer look at what Betfred have available for punters during the new Premier League season.

What Is the Betfred Sign Up Offer?

New customers can get their hands on £50 in free bets after staking just £10 with Betfred. It’s one of the more eye-catching sign-up offers around and can be used across Premier League matches, as well as a wide range of other sports.

As with any betting promotion, terms and conditions apply, so it’s worth knowing exactly how the offer works. We’ll break down the key details and requirements below.

How to Claim the Betfred Bet £10 Get £50 In Free Bets Offer

Whether you’re an experienced online bettor or signing up with a bookmaker for the first time, opening a Betfred account is a straightforward process.

Here’s how to get started:

Click the link above for the Betfred welcome offer you want to claim.
Once on the Betfred website, select the ‘Get Offer’ button.
Enter your personal details, then choose a username and password to create your account.
Add an eligible payment method and make a first deposit of at least £10.
Place your first qualifying bet of £10 or more at minimum odds of evens (2.00).
Once your qualifying bet has been settled, the free bets should be credited to your account.
Make sure you use the free bets within seven days, as they will expire after this period.

Betfred Existing Customer Football Offers

New customer bonuses are only part of the picture. Betfred also offers a range of ongoing promotions for existing customers, with several deals available throughout the football season.

2 Up Early Payout

Settles a qualifying pre-match Full Time Result bet as a winner as soon as your backed team takes a two-goal lead, no matter how the match eventually finishes. The offer applies to eligible singles, multiples and Bet Builder selections.

Turbo Boosts

Turbo Boosts are enhanced-price singles offered on selected markets. Availability varies, and maximum stake limits depend on the individual boost.

Sub Switch

Sub Switch is designed to protect qualifying player bets when a selected player is substituted. In eligible pre-match Bet Builder and single bets, the selection can transfer to the player who replaces them. The feature is available on selected leagues and markets and can also apply to Price Boosts and Turbo Boosts, although in-play bets are excluded.

ACCA Flex

ACCA Flex is Betfred’s football accumulator promotion. On qualifying accumulators of five or more selections, with each leg priced at minimum odds of 1/2, customers can receive a cash bonus of between 5% and 100% when every selection wins. If exactly one leg loses, Betfred may instead refund up to £10. Qualifying rewards are generally paid within 24 hours of settlement, while cashed-out bets are excluded.

Double Delight/Hat-Trick Heaven

Place a pre-match single on the first goalscorer market in an eligible Double Delight & Hat-Trick Heaven fixture.
If your selected player scores a second goal, your first goalscorer bet is paid at double the odds.
If the same player completes a hat-trick, the bet is paid at triple the odds in cash.

Here's how it plays out in practice: if you back a striker at 5/1 to score first and they open the scoring, that bet settles as a normal winner. Add them for anytime goalscorer and they go on to net a second, Double Delight pays that leg out at double the odds — 10/1 instead of 5/1. Get a hat-trick and Hat-Trick Heaven pays triple the odds as cash on top of your original winnings, regardless of the final result.

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William Hill Premier League Offers: Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets

2026-09-04T18:40:01+01:00

The Premier League heads into week three, with England’s biggest clubs preparing to do battle once again as the new campaign begins to gather momentum.

To celebrate the start of the season, William Hill are offering new customers a welcome deal of Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets, with the free bets available to use on Premier League fixtures throughout the campaign.

Existing customers are well catered for too, with William Hill running a selection of promotions and offers across its football markets.

Below, we take a closer look at what William Hill have on offer for punters during the new Premier League season.

What Is the William Hill Sign Up Offer?

New customers can claim £30 in free bets after staking just £10 with William Hill. The welcome offer provides plenty of value for those signing up and can be used across Premier League fixtures, as well as a wide selection of other sporting events.

As with all betting promotions, terms and conditions apply. We’ll take a closer look at the key requirements and explain exactly how the offer works below.

How to Claim the William Hill Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets Offer

Claiming the William Hill welcome offer is a simple process. Follow the steps below to qualify for your £30 in free bets.

Sign Up
Use the William Hill links on this page and select “Join Here” to create a new account. Enter the required personal and contact details during registration. If you sign up through the qualifying link, promo code R30 should be added automatically.
Make a Debit Card Deposit
Fund your new account using a debit card, as some alternative payment methods may not qualify for the promotion. Deposit at least £10 so you have enough funds to place the required qualifying wager.
Place Your Qualifying Bet
Place a sportsbook bet of £10 or more at minimum odds of 1/2 (1.50). Bets on virtual sports are not eligible. Your free bets will be credited once the qualifying wager has settled, regardless of whether it wins or loses.
Receive Your £30 in Free Bets
Once your qualifying bet has settled, you will receive £30 in free bets, issued as three £10 free bets. These can then be used on eligible sportsbook markets in line with the promotion’s terms and conditions.

William Hill Existing Customer Football Offers

The welcome offer isn’t the only promotion available at William Hill. Existing customers can also take advantage of a variety of regular offers and rewards, with a number of football-focused promotions running throughout the season.

Epic Boost

William Hill will offer new and existing customers the chance to gain an Epic Boost on selected Premier League matches. William Hill will enhance the odds of a selection and you will have a maximum stake available to bet on the bigger price.

Epic Boost prices are expected across this weekend's big Premier League round — including Liverpool v Nottingham Forest, Spurs v Newcastle, Chelsea v Brighton and the Monday Night Football clash between Aston Villa and Arsenal. Check the app for this week's boosted selections.

2 Up

William Hill will settle an eligible pre-match Full Time Result bet as a winner the moment your chosen team goes two goals ahead, regardless of the final score. The promotion is available on qualifying single bets, multiples and Bet Builder selections, giving bettors the chance to secure an early payout even if their team later surrenders the lead.

Acca Club

William Hill’s Acca Club is designed for football bettors who regularly place accumulator bets, offering a weekly reward to eligible customers.

To qualify, customers need to stake a combined total of at least £10 in cash on qualifying accumulator bets between Monday and Sunday. Bets can be placed on single-match or multi-match accumulators, but each qualifying acca must contain at least three selections.

Once the required £10 has been staked during the qualifying period, eligible customers can receive a £5 free bet the following Monday.

The Acca Club is one of several accumulator-focused promotions available at William Hill, giving regular acca bettors the opportunity to earn additional value from their weekly football wagers.

Impact Sub

William Hill’s Impact Sub promotion gives player-based football bets an added layer of protection when a selected player is substituted.

Rather than automatically settling an eligible player bet as a loser when the selected footballer leaves the pitch, Impact Sub transfers the bet to the player who replaces them. The wager therefore remains active after the substitution, giving bettors another opportunity for their selection to land.

The promotion is available on selected football fixtures, subject to William Hill’s qualifying terms and conditions.

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bet365 Premier League Offers 2026/27: £30 in Free Bets & Unique Bet Features

2026-09-04T18:36:01+01:00

The Premier League season brings a fresh wave of fixtures, and bet365 is marking the occasion with a new customer offer designed to get bettors started with some Free Bets in hand. Sign up using bonus code HR365, place a £10 bet, and you'll receive £30 in Free Bets once that bet settles.

Below, we break down exactly how the offer works, what to watch for in the terms, and what else bet365 has on offer for both new and existing customers this season.

What Is the bet365 Sign Up Offer?

bet365 is offering new customers the chance to bet £10 and get £30 in Free Bets ahead of the new Premier League season. The offer runs using bonus code HR365, which new customers enter during registration.

It's worth understanding how the reward is paid before signing up. The £30 isn't handed over as cash. It's paid as Bet Credits, which become available once your qualifying bet has settled, up to the value of your qualifying deposit. This distinction matters because Bet Credits work differently to a straightforward cash Free Bet: the Bet Credits stake itself is never returned, even on a winning bet, so a £10 Bet Credit at 2/1 pays out £20 in winnings rather than £30. They must be used within the stated time limit or they expire.

How to Claim the bet365 Bet £10 Get £30 Offer

Claiming the offer follows a straightforward sequence:

Register a new account using bonus code HR365.
Deposit the minimum required amount into your account.
Place a qualifying bet of £10 at the minimum qualifying odds.
Once your bet settles, bet365 will credit your Bet Credits, up to the value of your qualifying deposit.

Registration is required to take part, and it's worth noting that HR365 is a marketing and tracking code rather than a discount or promo code. Entering it doesn't reduce your stake or unlock a separate discount. It simply flags your registration as coming through this offer.

Is the bet365 Premier League Offer Worth It?

For Premier League bettors, timing is part of the appeal. Signing up ahead of the opening weekend, or before a heavy fixture list, means Bet Credits are ready to use across the markets that matter most during the early rounds of the season.

Bet Credits from this offer aren't restricted to single bets either. They can be used across match markets, Bet Builder selections, and outright markets, giving new customers reasonable flexibility in how they put the £30 to use once it's credited.

bet365 Existing Customer Football Offers

New customer offers aren't the only incentives on the table. bet365 also runs several ongoing promotions aimed at existing account holders during the football season.

6 Scores

A free-to-play predictor game where customers pick correct scores across a set of matches for the chance to win a prize, with no stake required to take part.

Bet Builder+

An extension of the standard Bet Builder tool, allowing customers to combine selections within the same match, including certain correlated outcomes not typically available in a standard Bet Builder.

Winnings Boost

A token-based promotion that lets existing customers apply a boost to enhance the potential returns on selected bets, usually issued periodically throughout the season.

Sub On Play On

Protects player-specific bets against early substitutions. If a backed player is substituted before the bet is decided, the selection rolls over to their replacement at the same odds, rather than settling as a loss.

2 Goals Ahead Early Payout

Settles a pre-match Full Time Result bet early, as a winner, the moment the backed team goes two goals clear, regardless of the eventual result. Covers singles, multiples, and Bet Builder selections.

bet365's Edit Bet Feature: An Underused Tool for Premier League Bettors

One feature worth knowing about alongside Cash Out is Edit Bet. It lets customers add, swap or remove selections from a bet that's already been placed, without manually cashing out and placing a fresh bet themselves. Behind the scenes, bet365 does exactly that automatically: the existing bet is cashed out at its current value, and a new bet is placed using that amount as the stake, at the odds available at the time of the edit. It's only available where Cash Out is possible on every unsettled selection in the bet.

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ITV Racing Tips: Three To Back On Sprint Cup Saturday

2026-09-04T12:25:39+01:00

Billy Grimshaw is back with his latest ITV Racing tips for Saturday afternoon, with nine races shown live from Haydock, Ascot and Kempton.

The Betfair Sprint Cup takes centre stage at Haydock, where conditions have turned testing following significant rainfall, while there is also Group-race action from Kempton and two competitive handicaps at Ascot.

Billy has studied all nine televised races and picked out his three strongest bets on the card, including an each-way fancy in the Sprint Cup.

13:25 Haydock - Superior Mile Stakes

There are more established horses in this Group 3 but I think the market is right to latch onto the lightly raced three-year-old NEEDLE MATCH, who has a profile I find very difficult to knock given how the weather has played out.

William Haggas' colt has only run four times and his sole start at two came on heavy ground at Newbury, where he overcame inexperience to make a winning debut. He was then thrown straight into the Greenham on his reappearance and shaped with plenty of promise in fourth before the 2000 Guineas proved too much too soon. I'm more than happy to put a line through that Newmarket effort rather than decide after three career starts that he was not up to this sort of level.

His return at Leopardstown last month was far more instructive. Having been off for 96 days, he finished a very good second in the Group 3 Desmond Stakes and there was enough greenness about him to suggest we are nowhere near the bottom of this horse yet. He should strip fitter for that and the five pounds he receives from the older horses is not insignificant in ground that could turn this into a proper slog.

Dancing Gemini is clearly the horse to beat on peak form and has an official rating of 117, but he has become increasingly difficult to trust and was beaten before stamina could be used as an excuse at York last time. Persica is solid rather than spectacular, while The Lost King is hugely likeable after winning back-to-back York handicaps, including on soft last time, but he now has to prove himself against proper Group horses.

Needle Match still has to bridge a ratings gap, but unlike most of these we simply do not know where his ceiling lies yet. He handles deep ground, gets the weight-for-age allowance, comes here off arguably his best performance and should have more to give. I am quite sweet on him at 11/4.

15:05 Haydock - Old Borough Cup

Aegean Prince may turn out to be much better than a handicapper rated 99 and Finalise is another lightly raced four-year-old with obvious upside, but backing horses on what they might become at relatively short prices is not always my favourite way into these big Saturday handicaps.

Give me the battle-hardened STRESSFREE at 7/1 instead.

David O'Meara's six-year-old ran in this very race 12 months ago and finished third from a mark of 102. He returns this year from 97, so is effectively five pounds better treated, and crucially he arrives after showing at York that his ability remains very much intact. He finished sixth of 22 in the Ebor just a fortnight ago from a two-pound higher mark, staying on well in what was obviously a deeper race than this.

The ground is the other major attraction. Stressfree has always looked a better horse when there is juice underfoot and has repeatedly run well in soft and heavy-ground handicaps. Tomorrow will also place the emphasis firmly on stamina and that holds absolutely no concerns given his record around this trip. There are several horses in here whose ability to cope with a genuinely attritional mile and six furlongs has to be taken on trust; his does not.

Aegean Prince commands respect because Charlie Appleby's runner won by eight lengths after a similar absence last year and subsequently finished second in Listed company on soft ground, so I'm not pretending he is merely a bad favourite. My issue is the price. He has been off since October, carries 9st 12lb and is being asked to win a deep handicap on heavy ground at around 11/4. That is an awful lot baked into one relatively short quote.

Stressfree meanwhile has recent big-field form, proven stamina, proven ability with plenty of cut and a handicap mark which gives him a proper chance. Four places are available with some firms at the time of writing and that makes the each-way play straightforward enough for me.

15:40 Haydock - Betfair Sprint Cup

This is a cracking little Sprint Cup despite the relatively small field and I can absolutely understand why punters are gravitating towards Kind Of Blue. He has finished second in this race for the last two years and his biggest career success came when winning the Champions Sprint on soft ground, so if ever a horse was entitled to look at the weather forecast and start licking his lips, it is probably him.

At around half the price of PABORUS, however, I would rather take the latter.

His eighth in the City Of York Stakes last time is much better than it looks on paper. Paborus travelled like one of the likeliest winners for a long way over seven furlongs before his effort petered out late and dropping him back to six on this ground looks almost tailor-made. He has spent much of his career over further, which should be an asset rather than a hindrance when six furlongs at Haydock is going to demand considerably more stamina than usual.

The most compelling piece of form came at Newcastle in June. Dropped to six furlongs for the Chipchase, he beat Marvelman comfortably and the form has strengthened considerably since. Timeform awarded that performance a rating of 119, actually a pound higher than the figure Almeraq achieved when landing the Group 1 Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot a week earlier. Marvelman has subsequently run a cracker behind Notable Speech at York and is shorter than Paborus in tomorrow's market, despite having been comprehensively put in his place by him at Newcastle.

Almeraq is clearly dangerous and his July Cup flop can be forgiven, while Kind Of Blue has perhaps the most obvious conditions angle of anyone. Neither is being missed by the market though. Paborus has already won on soft ground, stays seven furlongs, has relatively few miles on the clock for a five-year-old and trainer Ed Bethell knows exactly what is required here having won this race with Regional in 2023.

Heavy ground can make Group 1 sprints look very different to the ratings beforehand and I want a horse who can travel at sprint pace without his stamina giving way late. Paborus fits that description perfectly and the 8/1 still looks too big to me.

He's the one I most want running for us on Saturday and is my NAP.

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Racing Tips Today - Thursday 3rd September 2026

2026-09-03T08:30:15+01:00

Thursday’s horse racing action features six meetings across the UK and Ireland, with Flat cards at Haydock, Newcastle, Salisbury, Lingfield and Southwell alongside a jumps fixture at Kilbeggan.

We’ve rounded up the leading selections from today’s NAPs Table, the latest picks from RaceOlly and the best bets from newspaper tipsters including Templegate, Robin Goodfellow and Newsboy. You can also find more selections on our horse racing tips today page.

Today’s NAPs Table - Top 3

Newmarket tops today’s NAPs Table and heads to Newcastle with Interstate, while Farringdon looks to Southwell with Prince Of Pillo. Ian Gaughran completes the top three with big-priced Ribble River in the 13:30 at Haydock.

Tipster	NAP	Race & Time	Odds	P&L £
Newmarket	Interstate	Newcastle - 14:52	4/5	+£59.74
Farringdon	Prince Of Pillo	Southwell - 20:10	8/1	+£49.90
Ian Gaughran	Ribble River	Haydock - 13:30	33/1	+£45.14

NAPs Table

Templegate & Other Big-Name NAPs

Three of the most recognisable newspaper tipsters have also published their best bets for Thursday’s racing, with Salisbury and Newcastle providing their selections.

Tipster	NAP	Race & Time
Templegate	Miss Kodi	Salisbury - 16:14
Robin Goodfellow	Nuit d’Eclair	Salisbury - 16:14
Newsboy	Mwafaq	Newcastle - 14:17

The 16:14 at Salisbury has attracted plenty of attention, with Templegate siding with Miss Kodi and Robin Goodfellow taking her on with Nuit d’Eclair. Newsboy instead heads north to Newcastle, where Mwafaq is his strongest fancy of the afternoon.

Racing News Round-Up

Constitution Hill's September Stakes task changes: Bay City Roller has been taken out of Saturday's Group 3 September Stakes at Kempton, leaving Constitution Hill shorter in the betting for his much-discussed Flat appearance. Billy Loughnane is set to take the ride for Nicky Henderson.
Towcester set for racing return: National Hunt racing is scheduled to return to Towcester in 2027 following a lengthy absence, with six fixtures confirmed. The first meeting is set to take place on 20th October 2027.

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