Horse racing betting tips for Saturday August 16th 2025

Another busy weekend of racing action awaits, with Newbury and Newmarket towards the top of the bill.

Our Punters Panel are back on duty to mark your card ahead of the action, with plenty of insight and horse racing betting tips.

Introducing the Odds Now Horse Racing Punters Panel

Before we get stuck in, here’s a little bit more on the four men answering our key questions:

SD - The self-proclaimed ‘star of the show’ on Races Now, who has been going viral with his daily tips and betting ring analysis over the past few months.

Harry Fowler - Another of Odds Now’s regular racing contributors currently working in the industry.

Lee Jones - Racing trader at a leading bookmaker and well-respected judge in betting circles.

Dale Nicholls - Long-term friend of Races Now and all-weather lover who tipped a 25/1 winner of the Northumberland Plate on this column recently.

With the intros done and dusted, let's get into the good stuff!

Who wins the feature race of the weekend, the Group 2 Hungerford Stakes (3:35) at Newbury?

SD - Marvelman might just be underestimated. Has threatened to be better than what he is.

HF - Spy Chief is the one for me in here. Ran a good second in the Jersey at the Royal meeting. Then ran a decent race last time in the July Cup, has only had five starts and I'm expecting a big run.

LJ - I wont be having a bet in this as i think its wide open and nothing stands out at current prices.

DN - I think Rage Of Bamby won the Hackford Stakes really well. I can’t see 7f being an issue and surely back at Newbury on the same ground can put up a similar performance. But what purpose does this race now serve?

Any other fancies for Newbury?

SD - No.

HF - In the 4:10pm, I like Wechaad. Really liked that run last time at Ascot. Step up to 7f looks like it’ll be a positive move and this latest outing should go well.

LJ - I've got two strong fancies. Roach Power in the 2.25pm, who should have won at Chepstow last time and is a massive price at 10/1 or bigger. Then, Consolidation in the 3.00pm who has cheekpieces on now and is still well handicapped.

DN - In the 2:25pm, I thought Rhythm N Hooves ran really well at Ascot last time out. Now up 2lb but down in grade ,with the ever impressive Billy Loughnane on, that form is working out okay with a subsequent winner in behind.

It's Great St Wilfrid day at Ripon, who are you backing in the big handicap?

SD - I think Secret Guest can win a below-par renewal. A repetition of his third-placed effort last year maybe enough.

HF - A tentative choice but I'll go with Grant Wood. Won the race prior to this one comfortably last year off a mark of 80. Now rated 84 but Aiden Brookes takes 3lbs off and I think this one could run a good race.

LJ - I've no opinion on Ripon so will happily advise punters to back whatever SD likes!

DN - I think Alzahir, although looking exposed on his last two runs, still retains a class edge on this field. The less aesthetically pleasing style of Luke Morris and a high draw might be enough here. 12/1 5 places is madness.

Any other bets for you this weekend?

SD - Plenty. And you know where to find them – over on the Races Now X feed each morning. If you want one now, I think Gressington looks welll weighted in Newmarket's Grey Horse Handicap (2.05pm, Saturday).

HF - In the 2:05pm at Newmarket, I like Addison Grey. A good run last time on handicap debut in the Racing League to finish third. Went up 1lb for that effort, Jack Nicholls takes 7lbs off and looks a lot more to come from this one.

LJ - As long as Venetian Prince is not a crazy price (7/4 or shorter), I'll be backing him and he should step up on his Newmarket run to win the 4.10pm at Newbury.

DN - Over this weekend, one that sticks out to me is Angel Of Rain in the 4:22pm at Southwell on Sunday, if it can get a run. Landed a touch on stable debut, then on his handicap debut following he really should have won again, indicating a fair opening mark. Back on the AW again this weekend, you can put a line through the latest run at Ascot when short of room at a crucial stage. A likely juicy price will probably be on offer. Riot looks well treated in the 3:07pm at Doncaster on Saturday, too.

For any reason you like, who are your favourite owners in racing?

SD - Ursa Major offer great value; I do like to see the Davenport’s get a winner after the late Malcolm gave me an owners badge out the blue at Catterick 20 years ago.

HF - Absolutely zero points for originality but the whole Godolphin operation is incredible. Newmarket is my home racecourse and you know what happens with Godolphin and HQ.

LJ - Cheveley Park as they had a lot of horses I loved around the time I really got into racing. Russian Rhythm and Medicean to name two.

DN - They are very much at start out point but Quest Thoroughbreds are a good bunch, closely tied in with Dylan Cunha. I have seen their operation first hand and with their model, they are ones to watch over the coming years. At the top table, I think Kia has changed the opinions of a lot of racing fans this year. An honourable shoutout to Tony Brittain also, who pretty much propped up the all weather scene during the covid years and it’s sad to see his stable slowly deplete. Hopefully he can come again.

It's the York Ebor Festival next week. What's your biggest fancy at this stage?

SD - As always, I'll cross that bridge as it arrives.

HF - I’m looking to the new upgraded City Of York stakes, where it's Never So Brave for me. Won the Buckingham Palace at the Royal meeting and looked a horse ready to make the step up. Went into the Summer Mile and won cosily in the end, with Probert not having to ask for everything that day. He looks to have a lot more to come, especially now Rosallion has come out.

LJ - Not sure if it will get in the race but if Ascending gets in (needs nine to come out currently), 25/1 is a big price.

DN - In the Great Voltigeur, I don’t think the top two in the market will run and Amiloc is also a confirmed NR, which opens the door for Stay True. Not seen since his second start at Lingfield where he caught the eye massively, stepped up in trip for the first time and really should have won with a more positive effort. He holds an entry in both St Leger's either side of the Irish Sea, so is clearly held in high regard. Ante post prices of 8/1 were available prior to five-day decs.