Butty's Bets: Daily horse racing tips for Thursday January 8th
Thu, 08 Jan 2026
Thu, 08 Jan 2026
Lee Butterworth (@ButtysBets on X) is back to offer his daily betting selections from the National Hunt sphere right here on OddsNow.com.
Lee flags up anything that takes his eye each weekday morning, with all stakes tracked for P/L purposes.
Let's see what he fancies today!
Three Runs Mary makes her handicap debut off what looks to be a workable mark here. She's only had the four career runs to date, twice in bumpers and twice over hurdles.
A winner first time up on bumper debut on ground not dissimilar to what she will face today, she found plenty for pressure on that occasion to fend off Hill In Brazil by just over a length – an impressive and likeable performance. Next up was a respectable second in a Class 2 mares bumper, where she went down two lengths to Heron In The Park having given the winner 4lbs.
Her two runs this term over obstacles have both seen her sent off a warm order. First time up, she obliged with a penalty kick success at this venue (sent off 1/33 favourite in a four-runner maiden) and then ran well enough in defeat six weeks ago at Leicester.
It's fair to say her jumping has left a bit to be desired on both occasions. But she'll be learning all the time and though turned over last time out, she was staying on really strongly in the closing stages, suggesting a step-up in trip may suit. She gets that today, up to 2m4f from 2m. She's a full sister to Henry De Bromhead's She's A Fine Wine, who also improved over a longer distance.
What's more, the form from her last outing reads well. Smart Decision, who she was only four lengths behind back in third, went on to win again next time out and has actually got home in front in five of seven career outings.
A mark of 109 looks workable and I expect her to take the beating here.
At a bigger price, I believe the handicapper has given Time Interval a real chance here.
This horse is now 6lbs lower than the mark he ran off on his seasonal appearance and 7lbs lower than the mark he placed off at Uttoxeter last summer. So while he does have a bit to prove based on three poor runs this term, any kind of improvement will put him bang in the mix in a weaker race than his previous seasonal assignments.
His last win came in this same grade too, off the same mark, where he found plenty for pressure to fend off Tara Iti by just over a length. So we know he can handle the level if firing.
Of course, three flat runs this season do mean you're taking a chance – but there's plenty to like here. Tom Bellamy is booked to ride and the first-time cheekpieces are on, which may well help eke out some improvement.
I think the mark is very workable and at the prices, he's worth getting with.
1pt win- 2.10pm Ffos Las - Three Runs Mary - 2/1 (various)
1pt win - 3.00pm Taunton - Time Interval - 12/1 (Bet365)
Total staked - 2pts
Prices correct as of 11:15am on Thursday, January 8th 2026.
Lee Butterworth, better known as Butty's Bets to his followers on X, has gained a following on social media for his horse racing betting tips which have yielded a strong profit over a number of years.
Now, Lee has joined team Odds Now to offer insight and tips throughout the 2025-26 National Hunt racing season. His daily column will be the home for all fancies Monday to Friday, while you may also see him contributing elsewhere across the site.
Away from the racetrack, Lee is also a big Stockport County fan.
Lee Butterworth, better known as Butty's Bets to his followers on X, has gained a following on social media for his horse racing betting tips which have yielded a strong profit over a number of years.
Now, Lee has joined team Odds Now to offer insight and tips throughout the 2025-26 National Hunt racing season. His daily column will be the home for all fancies Monday to Friday, while you may also see him contributing elsewhere across the site.
Away from the racetrack, Lee is also a big Stockport County fan.
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