Punters Panel: Horse racing betting tips for this weekend

Horse racing

Betting

Fri, 07 Aug 2026

The annual Shergar Cup meeting should attract a bumper crowd to Ascot (Credit: Ascot Racecourse)

The Shergar Cup takes centre stage at Ascot this weekend, while Haydock returns to action following its recent break with the Rose of Lancaster Stakes headlining a competitive Saturday card.

This week's Odds Now Punters' Panel sees our experts tackle the weekend's biggest talking points, sharing their Shergar Cup fancies, best bets from Haydock and Newmarket, before looking ahead to next week's eagerly anticipated Ebor Festival.

Our contributors also give their verdict on this season's fascinating jockeys' title race between Billy Loughnane and Oisin Murphy.

Introducing the Odds Now Horse Racing Punters' Panel

Before we get stuck in, here's a little more on the experts answering this week's key questions. Fancy getting involved in a future Punters' Panel? Be sure to drop Races Now a DM on X!

Adam Smith – A betting industry veteran, Flat racing enthusiast and one half of our Races Now double act.

Harry Fowler – Another of Odds Now's regular racing contributors, currently working within the industry.

Stephen Darbyshire – The self-proclaimed 'star of the show' on Races Now, who has been going viral with his daily tips and betting ring for some time now.

Mark Rogerson – Sports bettor, marathon runner, occasional rails bookmaker assistant and huge racing fan.

Zac Castledine – One of the newest additions to the Races Now team and a passionate student of the sport with a keen eye for value.

Any Shergar Cup fancies?

AS – It really isn't my cup of tea. Three of the 12 jockeys ride regularly in Britain, so I don't think you can have a serious bet under those circumstances. Fair play on the prize money, field sizes and getting people through the gates, but it's just not for me.

HF – In the Stayers' race I like Shrimp Shady. He's been brilliant since stepping up to these sorts of trips and was a good winner at Newbury last time. I think there's even more to come. Ryan Moore is the perfect booking too. It can be tricky for overseas jockeys riding here for the first time, so I'll stick with the best of the best.

SD – Night Breeze should go very well, while Tuco Salamanca also catches my eye back over five furlongs. There looks to be plenty of early pace for him to aim at, which could suit him perfectly.

MR – The race that interests me most is the 2:10pm Stayers'. I'm a big fan of Spirit Mixer, but he'd probably prefer a little more cut in the ground and may have other targets ahead, with the Chester race he's won for the last two years likely the main aim. Instead, I'm siding with Shrimp Shady. He looked a horse to keep onside after winning the Chester Cup consolation race and, although things didn't go to plan in the Northumberland Plate, he bounced back with a gutsy success at Newbury. A 3lb rise looks fair and Ryan Moore taking the ride is another positive.

ZC – Night Breeze would be my strongest selection. He arrives here in the form of his life, as does his jockey, and boasts a course record of 1-2-1. I fancy this partnership to prove much the best in the field.

Haydock returns. Who are you backing in the Rose of Lancaster Stakes?

AS – As detailed on our YouTube preview, this five-runner Rose of Lancaster could become a tactical mess. Sallaal is clearly the likeliest winner, but at odds-on? No bet.

HF – I like Nahraan. He was far too keen at Royal Ascot, but that was his first run since September so I'm happy to forgive it. Go back to his final run last season and he finished just a length and a quarter behind the Arc winner. If he gets anywhere near that level, he'll give the favourite plenty to think about.

SD – I thought Sea Scout could get a very easy lead. It looks a muddling sort of race that may not suit plenty of these, so I'll chance Sea Scout at a big price.

MR – It's great to see my local track back after the recent issues, although the opening couple of cards are pretty forgettable. I can't really see beyond Sallaal, although he wouldn't be a betting proposition at the likely prices. Danger Bay is one I'm happy to oppose and I'd be looking to lay him in the place markets.

ZC – This is all about Sallaal for me. It would be a surprise if he got beaten and, as 10/11 shots go, he's a strong fancy. I'll also be backing Danger Bay to chase him home in a straight forecast. He was a real eye-catcher in the John Smith's Cup and looks more than capable of competing at this level.

Anything else catching your eye at Haydock?

AS – I'll be getting stuck into the Dick Hern Stakes. I'm taking on Fallen Angel at odds-on. She's miles clear on ratings but has only run once this year and surely has bigger targets later in the season. I'll happily take her on, with Alobayyah the likeliest winner for me.

HF – I'll be backing Wechaad in the 3:34pm. I've followed this horse for a while and remain convinced he'll win off this mark. Two solid runs so far this season, the drop back to seven furlongs won't be a problem and hopefully he can repay my faith.

SD – Alobayyah may just cause an upset in the Dick Hern Stakes. Fallen Angel was obviously last time out and it looks worth chancing Alobayyah, who appears to be on an upward curve.

MR – Crimson Spirit looks capable of following up after his well-backed victory in a 20-runner handicap at Goodwood. A 4lb rise shouldn't stop him.

Away from Haydock, Tiger in the 6:30pm at Ayr also interests me. The word around Chester last weekend was that he simply couldn't get beaten and he justified that confidence. He's higher in the weights now but still looks one to include in multiples.

ZC – I think Alobayyah is an excellent each-way bet in the Dick Hern. Her Kensington Palace success has been backed up by the sectionals and she's entered in both the Matron and Sun Chariot later this year, suggesting William Haggas holds her in high regard. At the prices, she appeals.

More Flat action at Newmarket. Who are you backing?

AS – The Sweet Solera doesn't really excite me. I'm more interested in Sunday's first juvenile Group 1 of the season at the Curragh, where Aidan O'Brien relies on Sun Goddess and Carry The Flag. I'll be watching with interest.

HF – In the 3:40pm I'm taking on the Godolphin favourite with Arctic Dawn. He was on the wrong side at Royal Ascot before bouncing back with a good sixth in the International Handicap at Ascot on King George day. Another run like that should see him go very close.

MR – The 4:14pm catches my eye. I'll take a chance on Man Of Vision, who drops in class and steps up in trip. His stable is back among the winners, has a terrific Newmarket record and Toby Moore's valuable 7lb claim is another plus. He looks an interesting each-way play.

ZC – I still think Nuit D'Eclair is backable at around 11/4. The Newbury form has worked out brilliantly, most notably through Avalon Queen, and she enhanced it herself in Group company at Ascot. At the prices, I'd rather be with her than the favourite.

The Ebor Festival gets underway next week. What are you most looking forward to?

AS – All four Group 1s. Ombudsman versus Constitution River, plus Item in the Juddmonte. I've tipped Inis Mor in what could be a below-par Yorkshire Oaks, while I fancy Rayevka in the Nunthorpe at around 7/1. It's all covered in our ante-post previews on Races Now.

HF – It has to be Ombudsman versus Constitution River in the Juddmonte. That's some match-up. The pair of them, complete with pacemakers, locking horns should produce one of the races of the season.

SD – I'm looking forward to... going to Carlisle!

MR – York has never really been one of my favourite tracks from a punting perspective, but the Juddmonte has all the makings of a clash of the titans. That's the race I'm most looking forward to.

ZC – Without question, it's the International. Can the young pretender beat the current champion? I don't think so. Cast your mind back to the Eclipse - Ballydoyle weren't even planning to run Constitution River until Ombudsman skipped Sandown. For me, the champion reclaims his crown.

Billy Loughnane or Oisin Murphy - who wins the jockeys' title?

AS – It's a good narrative, but does anyone really care? It feels more like a war of attrition than a proper championship, while the current season parameters don't help.

HF – I can't see it being anyone other than Billy Loughnane. He's riding everywhere and seems to be on every favourite I look at. I think it means more to him than Oisin and he's clearly getting tremendous support from trainers and owners.

SD – I think Billy wins it. He's riding out of his skin at the moment and his lead looks pretty unassailable.

MR – My heart says Billy, but my head says Oisin. I'd love to see Billy do it because he'll be grafting away at Wolverhampton on a Monday night with a full book of rides, even if some of them are absolute yaks. But Oisin has the experience, the know-how and the support of Andrew Balding. If they both stay fit, it should be a fascinating title race.

ZC – I was watching both of them closely at Ffos Las this week. Billy just seems to be doing everything effortlessly, whereas Oisin looks like he's forcing things a little more. With William Buick sidelined, Billy is also picking up plenty of the Godolphin rides. It has to be Billy the Kid for me.

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