Atom Feed

Silver Trophy Preview: The Mighty Celt Can Land The Chepstow Feature

2026-10-09T15:24:11+01:00

The Wasdell Group Silver Trophy is the feature on Saturday's card at Chepstow and it looks a proper puzzle. Eighteen runners go to post at 4.02pm for £75,000, with the ground currently good to soft.

Masked Man was heading the betting at around 4/1 earlier in the week, but I am happy to take him on. I have gone for a four-year-old from the Dan Skelton yard who looks to have a big handicap in him.

This race has a habit of throwing up a decent-priced winner. Rambo T won it last year at 12/1, Josh The Boss was 11/1 in 2024 and Pyramid Place was a 20/1 shot the year before. Only three favourites have won it in the last 20 renewals, so I am not going to be put off taking on the one at the head of the market.

The market leader Masked Man is certainly one to respect. The five-year-old is lightly raced, won on his hurdling debut at Chepstow 12 months ago and was second in the Grade 2 Newton Novices' Hurdle at Haydock last season. He is rated 132 for Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies, and Nigel has won this twice, so it would not surprise me to see him go close.

The problem for me is the price. His last run was a ninth in the Grade 1 Mersey Novices' Hurdle at Aintree, he is only five and 4/1 about him in an 18-runner handicap does not excite me at all.

THE MIGHTY CELT is my selection. The Skelton four-year-old is rated 131 and carries 10st 9lb, which looks a very workable weight in a race this competitive.

He is an ex-French horse who finished third in the Victor Ludorum at Haydock, then ran two good races in big-field handicaps at the spring festivals. At Cheltenham he was sixth in the Fred Winter. He was held up and met some trouble, and he can be keen. At Aintree he was left with plenty to do after clouting the first, but he settled in among a crowd and stayed on well to finish seventh.

I think the step up to two miles three furlongs will help him settle, and I like the way he has been placed so far. I think there is a big race in him and this looks the one.

The Skelton team have plenty of previous in this race too. Dan won it with Flash The Steel in 2019 and Harry Skelton has ridden two winners of it, more than any other jockey. Dan has three runners this year, with Take No Chances the top weight on 12st and Boombawn the other, but this is the one I like.

He is 13/2 at the time of writing and he was as big as 8/1 earlier in the week, which looks a fair price to me.

Of the rest, Wellington Arch is the one I respect most. Jonjo O'Neill's seven-year-old won at Aintree last time and is rated 144 now, which is 7lb higher, and that is a lot to ask of him back at this level.

Daylatedollarshort is another near the head of the market at around 7/1. Olly Murphy's five-year-old has been progressive and was second at the Punchestown Festival in the spring, but I am not convinced his form is quite strong enough for this, and he has been put up 5lb for it.

Olly Murphy won this last year with Rambo T, who is back to defend his crown, but he has plenty to prove on his recent form. Melon won last time out and is another five-year-old on the up at around 8/1, so he is one for the shortlist.

With eighteen runners and the market likely to move all the way to the off, check the each-way terms with your bookmaker before you have a bet. I am happy to take 13/2 about The Mighty Celt to win, and he looks a decent each-way play too if the terms are right.

]]>

Dewhurst Preview: Darkness Falls Can Upset The Odds-On Favourite

2026-10-09T15:10:53+01:00

The Darley Dewhurst Stakes is the big race on Saturday's card at Newmarket, with just five runners going to post at 3pm for the Group 1 over seven furlongs. Godolphin's unbeaten Desert Castle is the odds-on favourite and the early market leader for next year's 2000 Guineas, but he faces two Ballydoyle rivals, one of whom has already won a Group 1.

Billy Grimshaw thinks the odds-on price is there to be shot at and has landed on the Ballydoyle colt who is already a Group 1 winner.

Desert Castle is a very good horse and I'm not going to pretend otherwise. The Frankel colt is two from two, beat Sergei Diaghilev by three lengths in the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster despite being slowly away, and he heads the betting for next year's 2000 Guineas. Charlie Appleby has won three of the last seven Dewhursts with Pinatubo, Native Trail and Shadow Of Light, so nobody should be surprised if William Buick is celebrating again. The problem is the price. At around 4/5 to 10/11 he is odds-on to win a Group 1 on only his third start, which is a very short price for a horse who has still to prove himself at this level.

That is where I would rather be with DARKNESS FALLS at around 7/4. Aidan O'Brien's Camelot colt has already done what Desert Castle has yet to do, winning the Group 1 Golden Fleece Stakes at Leopardstown last month by four and a half lengths. He had finished third on his debut before winning his maiden at the Curragh, and the manner of that Leopardstown win, with Ryan Moore reporting that the step up in trip was no problem, saw him go to the head of the Derby betting.

The obvious question is whether seven furlongs is too sharp for a horse who won the Golden Fleece over nine, and it is a fair one. But his Racing Post rating of 121 is only two pounds shy of Desert Castle's 123, he has the proven Group 1 class, and Ballydoyle have been clear that the Dewhurst has been the plan for a while as the logical step towards a Guineas campaign next year. O'Brien and Appleby have won seven of the last ten renewals between them, so this really does look like a straight fight between the two big yards.

Great Barrier Reef is the other Ballydoyle runner. He won the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, but he lost his unbeaten record at the Curragh last time and then missed the Middle Park with a poor scope, so he has questions to answer on fitness as well as the step up to seven furlongs. Gentle Hurricane carries the hopes of Andrew Balding, who has won this twice in the last four years with Chaldean and Gewan, but he is 40/1 for a reason. Jassas is Appleby's second string and, as a Haydock novice winner, looks more of a pacemaker than a winner.

With only five runners there are not many hard-luck stories to be had, so I would rather take 7/4 about a Group 1 winner than odds-on about a horse who is yet to try the grade. Desert Castle may well be the next Guineas favourite and could win this impressively, but Darkness Falls looks the value to me and is a fair win bet.

]]>

Cesarewitch Preview: Mullins Mare Can Exploit Her Flat Mark

2026-10-09T15:00:25+01:00

The Club Godolphin Cesarewitch is one of the great betting heats of the Flat calendar, and with 29 runners set to go to post for the 2m2f marathon at Newmarket on Saturday (3.40pm) there is no shortage of angles to chase. Last year's winner Beylerbeyi heads the market, but a big field and a big price are what this race is all about.

Billy Grimshaw has been through the card, the trends and the market, and has landed on a mare with a Cheltenham Festival Grade 1 run on her CV who is lining up off a Flat mark of just 87.

Jumps-trained horses have a strong record in this race and Emmet Mullins has been here before, landing the 2023 renewal with The Shunter, so I'm happy to go down the same road with DREAM ON BABY at 16/1 each-way. The six-year-old mare was backed from 25/1 earlier in the week and it isn't hard to see why. She has been rated as high as 139 over hurdles, finished second in a Grade 2 over three miles at Doncaster, won a Listed at Kempton and took her chance in the Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham in March. Yet here she is, running off 87 on the Flat.

Her Flat form isn't much to look at on paper, to be fair, but that is rather the point. She was third over 1m4f at Tramore in July at odds-on before winning over two miles on the same track in August, and Mullins has made it clear she has been crying out for a step up in trip. This is her first Flat handicap, he thinks she is nicely weighted and, with all that stamina on her hurdles CV, I don't have any worries about her getting the 2m2f. She was beaten at Galway in a big Listed handicap hurdle on 1 August, but I'm happy to overlook that.

The trends are on her side too. Nine of the last ten winners carried 9st 2lb or less and she is on 8st 11lb. Nine of the last ten were rated between 86 and 97, and she sits right in the middle of that on 87. Seven of the last ten were aged between four and six, and she is six, while Irish-trained horses have won six of the last ten runnings. Seven of the last ten winners were 10/1 or shorter, so I'm not pretending a 16/1 shot is a certainty, but I'm happy to take the price.

The stall is the one thing I would change. She is drawn 20 of the 29 runners, which isn't what I would have ordered, but the bias over this trip is only a mild one and Gavin Ryan has plenty of time to find a position.

At the head of the market, last year's winner Beylerbeyi is a perfectly good favourite on 9st 11lb, but he is yet to win this season and is drawn 22, so I'm happy to take him on at around 4/1 to 5/1. Dawn Rising was second here last year and Ryan Moore takes the ride at around 5/1, but no eight or nine-year-old has won this in the last ten years and he is a nine-year-old. Sea Lantern has had just four career starts and connections have said he wants some rain, which makes him a doubt on this ground.

Jim Goldie's Mountain Road is the one most of the pundits seem to like at 10/1 or so. He was second at York last time and Goldie is a master with this type of horse, so he would be the one I would want on my side if I were adding a saver. Mullins' other runner Cock And Bull is also popular at 12/1, but he has gone up 10lb for his win at Galway, has had 73 days off and is drawn 23, so I prefer the stable's other runner.

Dream On Baby is an each-way bet in a 29-runner field, so take the extra places if you can find them. For a mare with her stamina credentials and a mark that looks well below what she has shown over hurdles, 16/1 looks the sort of price that could pay for the day.

]]>

ITV Racing Tips: Two Saturday Fancies On Dewhurst Day

2026-10-09T14:47:37+01:00

Billy Grimshaw returns with his latest ITV Racing tips on Saturday as Newmarket stages Dewhurst Day, with a competitive card at York providing the supporting act.

Eight races will be shown live on ITV1 and STV from Newmarket and York, with the Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes and the Club Godolphin Cesarewitch the headline attractions at Headquarters. Billy has gone through the televised schedule and picked out two bets away from the big two, starting with a lightly raced Gosden three-year-old in the 20-runner handicap at York before siding with a market leader whose ground has finally come right in the Autumn Stakes.

Newmarket is good to firm and York is good to soft at the time of writing.

14:05 York – For The Fans Handicap

Twenty runners, a handful of them with obvious credentials, and a price that isn't going to make anyone's week on its own, but I keep coming back to WATER TO WINE at around 4/1.

John and Thady Gosden's three-year-old has had five career starts and won three of them, including the latest, so this isn't a horse who needs me to talk him up through a big rise in the weights. He makes his handicap debut off 104, which looks a perfectly workable starting point for a colt who is open to more improvement, and I'm always happy to side with a Gosden three-year-old who has more miles in the tank than his rivals.

There is a pulled-up in the form figures, and I'm content to put that down to quick ground, which he certainly won't have to worry about at York with some ease underfoot. He has also been gelded and goes in cheekpieces, which are exactly the sort of changes I like to see on a horse who has already shown plenty at his best.

Stall 20 isn't what I would have ordered, I'll admit, and it is the one thing that stops me being more bullish. Over ten furlongs there is time to find a position though, and Luke Catton's 3lb claim is a useful help.

Grey Cuban is the one at the top of the weights on 107 and he can't be dismissed. Hugo Palmer's five-year-old was my fancy at Ayr last month and, while he didn't oblige, he has run well enough in defeat to stay on the radar. William Haggas's Yabher is another with a fair profile off 102. I would still rather side with the horse who is heading in the right direction, and at around 4/1 he is no gift in a field this big, but I think he's the one with the most to give.

14:25 Newmarket – Emirates Autumn Stakes (Group 3)

Back in August I wrote that I was less convinced Roger Varian's ROCK MONTREAL would thrive if the mud started flying. With Newmarket riding good to firm on Saturday, that worry goes out of the window and I'm more than happy to back him at around 11/8.

The Godolphin colt is the highest-rated runner in the field on 106, seven pounds clear of Notable Dream on 99, and his form figures read 12. He won on his debut at Yarmouth before being beaten a head by Forbidden Fire in the Listed Flying Scotsman at Doncaster, and I think that form looks strong. The third in that race, Nabati, has since gone on to win the Group 2 Mill Reef at Newbury.

Varian described him as shaping a bit like a miler after Doncaster, and connections have swerved the Dewhurst for this step up to a mile. William Buick takes the ride. A colt with the best rating, a perfectly suited trip and the quick ground he wants is a combination I can't really argue with.

There is plenty to respect in behind. Charlie Appleby's Al Jabbar was second on his first start and then won, while Aidan O'Brien's Sergei Diaghilev brings Ryan Moore and the Ballydoyle stamp, so I wouldn't call this a gimme. At around 11/8 you are not going to get rich, but I think Rock Montreal is the most likely winner and a fair win bet.

]]>

Paddy Power Man United v Spurs Offer: Get 50/1 On A Goal To Be Scored

2026-10-09T12:03:16+01:00

Paddy Power is giving new customers 50/1 on over 0.5 goals in Manchester United v Tottenham. The promotion has a maximum qualifying stake of £1, with the enhanced portion of the winnings paid in Free Bet Builders.

United host Spurs at Old Trafford at 5.30pm on Saturday 10 October. One goal from either side is enough for the qualifying selection to win, with ordinary winnings paid in cash at the normal odds and the enhanced reward valid for 14 days.

Offer – Key Details

Offer Detail	Offer Terms
Bookmaker	Paddy Power
Offer	50/1 on over 0.5 goals in Man Utd v Tottenham
Match	Saturday 10 October 2026, 5.30pm at Old Trafford
Eligibility	New customers only
Qualifying selection	Over 0.5 Goals in the Over/Under Goals market
Maximum qualifying stake	£1
Eligible deposits	Cards and Apple Pay
Cash winnings	Paid at the normal market odds
Enhanced winnings	Topped up to the 50/1 price in Free Bet Builders
Reward expiry	Free Bet Builders valid for 14 days
Excluded bets	Multiples and in-play bets

How To Claim The Paddy Power Man Utd v Tottenham Offer

Follow the link for this 50/1 promotion and register a new Paddy Power account.
Make an eligible deposit using a card or Apple Pay.
Open the Manchester United v Tottenham markets and find Over/Under Goals.
Back Over 0.5 Goals as a pre-match single, staking no more than £1.
If the selection wins, receive the normal cash winnings and the enhanced top-up in Free Bet Builders.

Your qualifying bet must be placed before kick-off. In-play bets and multiples are excluded, so adding the selection to an accumulator will not qualify.

How The 50/1 Goals Offer Works

The qualifying market covers the total number of goals scored by both teams. A 1-0 United win, a 1-0 Spurs win or any score draw would all be enough. The selection would lose if the match finishes goalless.

Paddy Power pays the winnings from the original bet in cash at the standard market price. It then tops up the winnings to the advertised 50/1 price using Free Bet Builders. This distinction matters when assessing the offer, because the enhancement is betting credit rather than cash available to withdraw.

You place a normal single on Over 0.5 Goals to qualify. It is the subsequent reward that must be used on Bet Builders, and those free bets are valid for 14 days.

Is The Paddy Power Man Utd v Tottenham Offer Worth Claiming?

The offer has a straightforward qualifying selection: either team needs to score, regardless of who wins or which player gets the goal. The £1 maximum stake also makes the amount needed for the qualifying bet clear.

Its appeal depends on whether you want to use the Free Bet Builders. The reward has a specific use and a 14-day expiry, so those conditions should carry as much weight as the enhanced price when deciding whether to sign up.

For customers who prefer racing or ordinary football singles, the standard Paddy Power sign-up offer is worth comparing before registering. Existing account holders cannot claim this new-customer promotion.

Man Utd v Tottenham Match Preview

Manchester United and Tottenham return from the international break needing to improve on difficult starts. Michael Carrick's side have five points from their opening five Premier League matches, while Roberto De Zerbi's Spurs have collected just two and are still waiting for their first league win.

Tottenham finally scored their first league goals of the campaign in a 3-2 defeat by Aston Villa before the break. United also needed a late response in their last outing, with Matheus Cunha rescuing a 1-1 draw at Fulham after Lisandro Martinez's own goal.

Bryan Mbeumo's record against Spurs is particularly strong, with six goals and an assist across his last six Premier League appearances against them. He scored alongside Bruno Fernandes in United's 2-0 victory in this fixture in February, when Tottenham played most of the match with 10 men following Cristian Romero's red card.

United have attempted a league-high 113 shots this season, but the quality of those opportunities remains an issue. Opta's figures place both clubs among the bottom three for average expected goals per non-penalty shot. Creating better chances is therefore a concern for both managers as they look to restart their campaigns with a win.

]]>

BOYLE Sports Arsenal v Leeds Offer: Bet £10 Get £30 + 50% Bet Builder Boost

2026-10-09T11:04:26+01:00

BOYLE Sports is offering a 50% Bet Builder Boost for Arsenal v Leeds, alongside a welcome offer that gives new customers £30 in free bets when they place a qualifying £10 bet.

The Emirates hosts Saturday's 12.30pm Premier League kick-off, with the boost available to eligible new and existing account holders. The £30 welcome offer is for new UK mobile customers, excluding Northern Ireland, and requires a minimum £10 deposit and a qualifying bet at Evens or greater.

Offer – Key Details

Offer Detail	Offer Terms
Welcome offer	Bet £10, get £30 in free bets
Welcome offer eligibility	New UK mobile customers aged 18+, excluding Northern Ireland
Minimum deposit	£10 using an eligible payment method
Qualifying bet	At least £10 at minimum odds of Evens (2.0)
Time to qualify	Within 30 days of opening the account
Free bet credit and expiry	Credited after the first qualifying bet settles; expires after seven days
Match promotion	50% Bet Builder Boost for Arsenal v Leeds
Boost eligibility	Eligible new and existing online account holders in the UK and Ireland
Minimum Bet Builder odds	3/1 (4.0)
Maximum qualifying stake	£20
Maximum boost payment	£1,000
Boost restrictions	One qualifying Bet Builder single per match; free, void and cashed-out bets excluded

How To Claim The BOYLE Sports Arsenal v Leeds Offer

Open a new BOYLE Sports account on mobile through the offer link.
Deposit at least £10 using an eligible payment method.
Place a qualifying cash bet of £10 or more at Evens (2.0) or greater within 30 days of opening the account.
Receive £30 in free bets once the qualifying bet has settled.

The welcome reward is available whether the qualifying bet wins or loses. Deposits through Skrill/Moneybookers, Neteller, PayPal, Paysafe and prepaid cards are excluded, and account restrictions apply.

To use the separate match boost, select Arsenal v Leeds, create a Bet Builder at odds of at least 3/1 and apply the boost on the betslip before placing your bet. The maximum qualifying stake is £20.

How The £30 Free Bets And 50% Bet Builder Boost Work

The welcome offer provides £30 in free bets after a qualifying £10 bet settles. You have seven days to use the reward, and the free bet stake is excluded from any returns.

The Arsenal v Leeds promotion increases the winnings on a successful qualifying Bet Builder by 50%. All selections must settle before the boost is credited, with a maximum additional payment of £1,000.

Free bets do not qualify for the boost, so you cannot use the £30 welcome reward to claim it. The match promotion applies to a Bet Builder placed as a single, rather than one added to a multiple.

Is The BOYLE Sports Arsenal v Leeds Offer Worth Claiming?

The £30 welcome reward is the main attraction for anyone opening an account. The qualifying process is straightforward, with a £10 stake and minimum odds of Evens, although the seven-day expiry means the free bets are best suited to someone who already has upcoming bets in mind.

For existing account holders, the 50% boost is the relevant offer. It adds value if you were already planning a qualifying Bet Builder for Arsenal v Leeds, but the boosted price is still worth comparing with the odds available elsewhere.

The practical distinction is that the welcome reward follows a qualifying bet's settlement, while the Bet Builder must win to benefit from the boost.

Arsenal v Leeds Match Preview

Arsenal host Leeds at the Emirates Stadium at 12.30pm on Saturday 10 October, with Mikel Arteta's side returning from the international break after a 3-0 defeat at Brighton. That result ended their perfect start to the league campaign, and they now face a Leeds team who arrive fifth and unbeaten.

Arsenal won both meetings last season, scoring five without reply at home and winning 4-0 at Elland Road. Leeds have made a stronger start this time, however, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring three times in his last four Premier League appearances. His form adds to the challenge for an Arsenal defence still missing William Saliba.

Kai Havertz's hamstring injury could give Viktor Gyökeres the opportunity to lead Arsenal's attack. The Sweden striker scored in all four of his country's matches during the international break and found the net three times across last season's two league meetings with Leeds.

Daniel Farke will be without Daniel James and Joe Rodon, while Harry Wilson and Jean-Mattéo Bahoya remain possible inclusions after returning to training. Those fitness checks leave uncertainty over Leeds' attacking options, making the confirmed starting line-ups particularly relevant for anyone considering player selections in a Bet Builder.

]]>

What does unexposed mean in horse racing?

2026-10-08T14:15:01+01:00

Put simply, the term unexposed refers to a horse whose potential is yet to be realised and that is not reflected in their rating. There are several factors that can impact this and whilst being lightly raced can contribute to being unexposed, there is a difference. While it’s a subjective concept, there does need to be a reason to suspect there’s more to come.

Unexposed vs exposed vs lightly raced

An unexposed horse is one whose true ability is potentially unknown and there’s a good chance that their form suggests there’s more to come. It might be that a horse won off a career-high mark on their most recent start, which is a clear and tangible indicator.

Exposed horses are the opposite in that we have already seen what they are capable of in various race types, disciplines and a variety of trips and ground conditions. In this case, we know exactly how good a horse is and they have no secrets from the handicapper.

Lightly raced horses are potentially unexposed but not necessarily and this simply refers to the fact that they haven’t had many starts. Horses do improve with experience and this is particularly prevalent when they switch to handicaps at the start of their careers.

How to spot a genuinely unexposed horse

There are a variety of factors to consider and here are some of the more common ones, such as a step up in trip for the first time. Different horses thrive over different distances, usually due to their pedigree, so a new trip can facilitate further improvement.

If a horse wins very easily in a lower grade and is upped significantly in class next time, there’s a solid chance that they are unexposed and progressive. Sometimes a switch of surface or ground can bring out more, or often a change of headgear.

The betting angle: Ahead of the handicapper

There is some numerical data which supports the assertion that horses with fewer starts in handicaps win more often than those with a vast amount of experience.

When horses are first given handicap marks, usually after three starts, they are allotted on very little evidence, which often means the horse is better than the allotted mark suggests.

Horses who go on long winning streaks in a short space of time often carry penalties instead of running off revised marks and when they win with lots in hand, they’re often well ahead of the handicapper in this situation.

It’s the handicapper’s job to give every horse an equal chance of winning but that can be very hard to do when it comes to unexposed runners.

FAQs

]]>

What does RR mean in horse racing?

2026-10-08T14:11:21+01:00

If you have ever seen RR on a racecard and never understood what that means, this is the article for you. RR stands for refused to race and that is the case on racecards across Britain and Ireland. Some information services might refer to it as race rating but when in relation to form figures, it always means refused to race, which is distinct from the singular R.

A refusal to race is when a horse doesn’t move at the start of the race and that can be standing still when the tapes go up during a jumps race or choosing not to leave the stalls when the gates open. Here we take a look at the impact from a betting point of view.

RR vs the other form letters

Letter	Meaning	Counts as a loss
R	Refused to jump a fence or hurdle	Yes
RR	Refused to race	Yes
PU	Pulled up	Yes
UP	Unseated rider	Generally yes
F	Fell	Generally yes
BD	Brought down	Generally yes

All of the above outcomes occur once the runners are under starter’s orders and from that point on, none of the outcomes result in your stake being refunded, as a rule. Some bookmakers offer special promotions with regards to fallers but that is not industry standard.

What happens to your bet when a horse refuses to race?

Once a horse is under starter’s orders, any outcome after that point is subject to the conditions of the bet. It’s important to note that late non-runners will be settled with a return of stake, provided that the non-runner is declared before they go under starter’s orders.

One exception would be if a runner is declared void. This can be due to an unfair disadvantage, for example, if there’s an issue with the stalls and the gate doesn’t open.

Punters can get caught out, especially when at the course, as it can be unclear if the horse is withdrawn before or after the runners go under starter’s orders. The exact time of withdrawal is the deciding factor on whether or not a horse is a starter or non-runner.

Why horses refuse to race

Among the common causes are temperament; some horses can be highly strung and those who regularly show those traits should generally be avoided from a betting point of view. Horses can also become overwhelmed or distressed and that can be a result of physical discomfort.

FAQs

]]>

How to add HorseRacing.net to your Google News feed as a preferred source

2026-10-06T17:20:14+01:00

You can make Horseracing.net a preferred source on Google in no time at all. Hit the button below, tick the box next to Horseracing.net and Google will push our stories to you when you make relevant searches to our content!

Add Us As A Preferred News Source On Google

Google's Top Stories carousel, the row of news articles above the normal search results, normally decides for you which sites get a look. Preferred sources hand some of that choice back to you. Once we are on your list, our racing tips, race previews and betting news have a better chance of appearing there when you search for a horse, a trainer or a meeting.

That matters most on big days. When you are searching for Saturday's feature race or the Cheltenham Festival, you want the analysis from people who follow the sport closely near the top, not buried under general news sites.

Nobody else gets hidden. Other publishers still appear. You are simply telling Google whose view you would rather read first. You can add as many sources as you like and remove them whenever you want.

How to add HorseRacing.net from a Google search

If the button does not work on your phone or browser, you can do the same thing from any racing search.

Search Google for a racing story or topic, such as a race, a horse or a meeting.
Find the Top stories section and click Customise, next to the heading.
Type "HorseRacing.net" into the Search by name or website box.
Tick the box next to HorseRacing.net (horseracing.net).
Click Reload results.

Horseracing.net On Google News Answers

]]>

Why Bookmakers Restrict Accounts and What You Can Do

2026-10-06T12:40:42+01:00

British bookmakers may restrict accounts of punters who overspend, ignore the rules, or use prohibited practices (collusion, bonus abuse, hacking, scripting, etc.).

We researched the data published by the UKGC’s former Chief Executive, Andrew Rhodes, requested by the Commission from licensed operators for the year 2024, to separate facts from myths.

If you’ve faced a penalty, either in the form of stake factor restrictions or as a permanent ban from your favourite bookie, this guide breaks down the most common reasons why, and what you can do about it.

What the Data Actually Shows

According to Andrew Rhodes’ post, there were 14,923,840 active accounts across major UK online real-event betting providers in 2024. Of these, 643,779 faced some form of commercial restriction: a baseline rate of 4.31%. This means roughly 1 in every 23 active accounts had limits placed on their staking capacity (stake factor reductions), market access (market restrictions), or faced outright account closures.

Winning vs. Losing Account Restrictions

To evaluate why bookmakers apply these limits, the Gambling Commission requested lifetime profit and loss data for both the general active player pool and the restricted subset:

Lifetime position	All active accounts	Restricted accounts
In profit	25.42%	46.78%
In loss	72.54%	51.29%

Note that the figures don’t add up to 100%. According to the Commission’s investigation, two responding operators experienced data issues during reporting, while a segment of active accounts sits at an exact net-zero profit and loss position.

While only 25.42% of all active accounts held a winning lifetime record in 2024, that figure jumps to 46.78% among restricted accounts, confirming that bookmakers focus their commercial limits on profitable bettors. However, 51.29% of restricted players had still lost more than they had won.

An account doesn't need to be in the green to get flagged. Operators rely on automated risk models to profile behavioral patterns rather than just observing your profits. If you regularly beat the closing line, take early market value, or stick to niche events, the system may flag you as a liability.

As the Gambling White Paper highlights, gambling operators are legally entitled to manage their commercial liabilities. However, this creates a tricky balancing act for the regulator. While the Gambling Commission cannot mandate that bookmakers accept every bet, it openly acknowledges the side effects of widespread account restrictions: driving frustrated punters toward the unregulated black market or incentivising dangerous practices like multi-accounting.

The Four Restrictions and How They Escalate

Among the wide range of restrictions that bookies can apply to player accounts, the UKGC’s data highlights stake factor reduction, account closure, withdrawn betting facilities, and market restriction as the most common ones, so let’s see how they work:

Stake factor reduction: This limit reduces the maximum amount of cash you can bet per market. By default, unrestricted accounts have a stake factor of 1.00 (100%). For example, a bettor with a stake factor reduced to 0.90 can only bet 90% of what an unrestricted account can stake.
Account closure: Permanent exclusion from a betting site.
Withdrawn betting facilities: Players whose accounts face this restriction can still access the site but are unable to bet (the staking factor is reduced to 0.00).
Market restrictions: Category-specific exclusion. For example, you may not be allowed to bet on football or basketball, but can still place wagers on hockey, baseball, or horse races.

Consult the table below for more details:

Restriction	Share of active accounts	Share of restricted accounts	What happens	Notified?
Stake factor reduction	2.68%	62.17%	Maximum stake size is limited	No
Account closure	2.23%	51.69%	You can no longer use the bookmaker’s site	Yes, typically via email
Betting facilities withdrawn (0.00 stake factor)	0.83%	19.15%	You can access the site but can’t bet	No
Market restriction	0.25%	5.72%	You can’t bet on specific sports categories	No

The aforementioned table reveals several crucial patterns. For starters, individual restrictions exceed 100% because operators often combine multiple restriction types - for example, you may be hit with a stake factor reduction, then a market restriction, before being completely banned afterwards.

Second, the severity within stake factoring shows that most reductions have significant impacts on an account's utility. Among factored accounts, 36.22% sit in the severe 1-9% band of the standard maximum stake, while a further 22.41% are restricted to 0-1% of unrestricted limits. Additionally, operators double-counted the limits as accounts jumped between bands.

According to the UKGC’s report, several operators noted that they’ve never used account closures for commercial reasons.

What the Profiling Model Is Watching

Major bookmakers rely on different behavioural analysis systems, but their algorithms are all tuned to detect similar signals. Crucially, Closing Line Value (CLV) - consistently beating the Starting Price (SP) or the final show price - is the primary detection metric, far outweighing simple historical profit.

Systems also track how quickly you bet after prices move and pay special attention to the so-called “bonus hunters and bonus abusers.”

Arbitrage bettors are targeted with equal, if not greater, priority. Bettors who exploit price discrepancies across multiple sites to lock in risk-free returns or grind through bonus rollover requirements at net zero are typically flagged immediately and banned outright.

Sportsbooks closely monitor public tipsters and regularly impose restrictions on accounts that follow them. When hundreds or thousands of accounts flock to back a single line (or a specific accumulator), the bookie is exposed to substantial risk.

The Legal Position

The Gambling Commission explicitly stated that there is no “universal service obligation applied to gambling.” Bookmakers are business entities that may look after their profits and liabilities, provided that they don’t break any existing laws or regulations. Andrew Rhodes’ blog expressly stated that “being a successful bettor is not a protected characteristic in discrimination law.”

While the UK leaves commercial liability entirely to the operator's discretion, other tier-one jurisdictions take a starkly different approach. In Australia, principal racing authorities across key states, including Racing NSW, Racing Victoria, and Racing Queensland, enforce statutory Minimum Bet Laws (MBL). Under these frameworks, licensed bookmakers are legally obligated to accept bets to lose up to a prescribed limit (typically AU$500 to AU$2,000 depending on the race and market type) from any customer, establishing a statutory right to bet that the UK currently lacks.

Although the UK Gambling Commission hasn’t moved from the aforementioned stance, the “Next Steps” part of Andrew Rhodes’ blog highlights possible plans to improve transparency regarding account suspensions, limits, and restrictions.

What You Can Actually Do

As long as your profile isn’t permanently banned, the tips below may help you:

Register at multiple operators and spread your bets. Focusing betting volume at one site may trigger automated risk systems and flag you as a high-risk punter. Do this early, not after facing restrictions.
Consider moving from standard race betting sites to betting exchanges like Betfair, Betdaq or Matchbook. This way, you’ll be matched against other players, and betting is limited by liquidity rather than your actual gambling volume and win/loss patterns.
Avoid common behavioural “tells.” Jumping from £1 to £100 in short bursts or solely focusing on early markets may get you flagged quickly.
Take the promos you are offered, but don’t rely exclusively on features like Best Odds Guarantee to abuse the edge you’ve been given. Bookies may look at your account and mark you as a bonus hunter.
Keep tabs on your wins, losses, and balances across all betting sites you’re a member of. Having a documented trail of your finances can be invaluable for verification or defending your position when escalating complaints.

None of the tips above are a “cure” for account limits, or sure-fire methods to avoid facing market, betting, or stake factor restrictions. Read your bookie’s rules and strive to not overstep the outlined boundaries.

If You Have Already Been Restricted

You’re entitled to your money, even if your account has been restricted or blocked. The UKGC license condition mandates that players have to be paid out, regardless of the relationship you have with the bookmaker in question.

Although you’ll almost certainly get your funds back (often without any escalation), appealing existing restrictions is difficult. Getting “unblocked” is nearly impossible, but over time, lighter restrictions may be lifted.

Even if you’ve had a bad experience at one site, we advise you against risking your money (and sensitive information) at offshore and unlicensed bookies. Losing your account or being forced to bet below what you’re accustomed to may feel terribly irritating, but at least UK-regulated sites are legally obliged to return your money afterwards. Offshore sportsbooks are not, and the Gambling Commission’s authority is limited to Great Britain.

If you feel like gambling is becoming more of a chore than a recreational habit, we encourage you to visit responsible gaming authority sites like GamCare and GambleAware.

Frequently Asked Questions

]]>

UK Gambling Laws: What You Need to Know in 2026

2026-10-06T12:29:38+01:00

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) introduced numerous changes to the UK gaming sector in 2026. For one, Andrew Rhodes, the former Chief Executive of the UKGC, departed from the Commission in April 2026, and at this time, the Acting CEO is Sarah Gardner, who’s been with the UKGC since 2009.

From increases in gambling taxes and the continued implementation of the 2023 Gambling White Paper to slot staking limits, affordability checks, and potential talks of crypto’s position in the developing gambling regulations on the horizon, we’re here to address some of the biggest highlights of the UKGC’s 3-year Business Plan.

The 40% Remote Gaming Duty: Why Your RTP is Dropping

The Remote Gaming Duty (RGD) 40% hike represents one of the sharpest tax increases in recent UK gambling history. Bumping the previous 21% rate up to £40 per £100 in gross revenue, this shift is directly compressing operator margins, forcing many to adopt lower Return to Player (RTP) configurations across their slot catalogues.

The impact of this change mainly affects mid-tier operators and white-label casino families, while posing a substantially larger barrier to entry for emerging brands. Local operators and mega corporations (like Flutter, Entain, and Evoke), all of which have in-house software systems, well-established frameworks, and proven track records, have the balance-sheet depth and tech stack ownership to absorb the operational shock.

As a result, mid-tier brands and many companies who don’t belong to household names are faced with difficult choices - exit the market or sell off to big corporations.

So, what’s the primary cause behind Return to Player (RTP) reduction for players? Even the biggest casino companies still have to pay the increased Remote Gaming Duty, and instead of surrendering a considerably larger chunk of their profits, most will agree that dropping to Tier B- and C- RTP configurations would be the most viable path.

The General Betting Duty for sports betting will stay at 15% throughout 2026, but changes to the Remote Betting Duty (25%) are planned for 2027. Meanwhile, bets on UK horse racing events will stay unchanged. According to the Gambling Commission, Bingo Duty was repealed in support of lower risk activities and bingo clubs, as well as to simplify the current tax system.

Tiered Slot Stake Limits: The £2 vs. £5 Divide

Online slot stake limits (£2 vs £5) are part of the latest changes to betting caps introduced by the amended Gambling Act 2005. This change affects only remote (online) slot machines and came into force in April 2025.

According to this rule, the player’s age directly affects how much money they can bet on slots with each spin. Naturally, the UKGC-imposed cap will also be treated as the maximum bet limit by promotions and conditions where staking the highest allowed amount is necessary (e.g., progressive jackpots).

Under this rule, the limits are as follows:

Players aged 18 to 24: Maximum slot bet is £2
Players aged 25 and higher: Maximum slot bet is £5

Frictionless Checks at £150: Success or "Affordability" in Disguise?

According to the UKGC, high-spending customers are “between two and four times more likely to have a debt management plan than consumers in the wider population.” Frictionless financial risk assessments are part of the Commission’s strategy to identify high-spending players and offer support. Below, we’ll talk about the initial tests of Financial vulnerability checks (£150 threshold) and plans for multi-stage implementation of frictionless checks planned for 2027.

Soft Touch Checks - From £500 to £150 to Identify High Spending

A pilot run of financial checks demonstrated that 97% of players who spent above average could be easily assessed “for financial difficulties,” a huge success by all metrics - the 2023 White Paper originally estimated 80%. In 2025, the “soft-touch” checks were initially set to £500 before being lowered to £150.

Three-Stage Financial Scans In the Pipeline

In July 2026, the UGKC decided to implement a staged approach to a new round of financial checks, starting with the largest operators. According to the latest update, Stage I of financial assessments will only affect bettors who are at least 25 years old and who’ve exceeded rolling deposit limits of £1,000 in 24 hours and/or £3,000 over 90 days. Lower limits will apply to bettors aged between 18 and 24 (£750 over 24 hours, and £2,000 over 90 days).

The Black Market Surge: The 9% Shadow Market

Even though the latest developments in the gambling sector aimed to protect the players, illegal gambling is still a major problem in the UK.

According to data sourced from Yield Sac, the percentage of illegal gambling activities in the UK was as low as 0.43% in 2020 and was reported at 9% in 2025. Ismail Vali, Chief Executive of Yield Sac, stated that “the expansion was driven entirely by exploitation of vulnerable groups.”

From offshore operators targeting underage persons to online casinos branding themselves as “Non-Gamstop sites,” these platforms have created a massive shadow market, where unlicensed entities collaborate with influencers, affiliate webs, and virtually anyone immoral enough to push gambling onto at-risk individuals.

Crypto and Innovation: The 2027 Roadmap

The HM Treasury proposed a framework for regulating cryptocurrencies back in October 2023. After three long years, Parliament made the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Cryptoassets) Regulations 2026 in February this year. Crypto is still unavailable in UK online casinos, but this may finally change, as the FSMA Regulations are planned to come into effect on 25 October 2027.

How to Navigate the Regulated Perimeter

The UK gambling market is rapidly changing, and it’s as important as ever to stick to regulated sites and verified affiliates. Look for the UKGC badge on any site you visit before registering, carefully read the (likely updated) terms, and use our guides to learn more about the ever-changing UKGC guidelines and rules.

]]>

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

]]>

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.

]]>

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.

]]>

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.

]]>

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.

]]>

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.

]]>

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.

]]>

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.

]]>

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

]]>

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

]]>

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.

]]>

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.

]]>

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.

]]>

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.

]]>