Punters Panel: Horse racing tips

Punters Panel: Weekend horse racing betting advice from our experts

With Epsom taking centre stage this weekend, we've assembled a four-man Punters Panel to tackle the key questions from a betting perspective.

Check out who each of our contributors fancy for the Oaks and Derby, plus where other value may lie this weekend.

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 this week:

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

Adam Smith - A betting industry veteran, flat lover and one half of our Races Now double act.

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

Andy Jones - Describes himself as an "average punter" of 24 years who, quite simply, loves the game.

Liam Firkin - Known by many as @AntepostValue on X, Liam was the winner of the 2024 Racing TV Tipstar competition.

Now, onto the good stuff...

What is your best bet for York on Saturday?

SD - I resolved at the start of the year not to bet at York. I know it’s the in place to go but I can’t stand it. My figures show me I always lose there so what the bloody hell is the point? The track varies in its bias and the results are unfathomable.

AS - Kings's Call in the 3:35 is a whopping price. Running in juvenile Group races last year and not disgracing himself. Gelded over the winter and ran a career best in Meydan in January before being found to be injured on two subsequent starts in the UAE. First start for Seb Spencer, who has had a couple of winners recently. Wants quick ground and six furlongs and that's what he gets here. He's any price you like.

HF - In the 1:50 at York, I deliberated whether I fall into the Blue For You trap as he is getting quite well handicapped. I decided to go against him and I actually think Palmar Bay has a lot of upside. Only a handful of runs over this trip and there is plenty more to come following that victory last time. A three pound rise looks generous and William Buick takes over the ride.

AJ -

LF -

Any fancies over at Sandown?

SD - I’ll dutch Theoryofeverything, who looked like he’d win next time at Haydock and is certainly weighted to do so. Mr Professor will be suited by any rain that falls and palpably looked like he was on stilts tripping around Epsom last week.

AS - I like Theoryofeverything in the 2:05. Hampered at a key stage of his first run of the season at Haydock last month and the jockey dropped the whip. Long been a talented animal and this race could be absolutely perfect for him.

HF - I fancy Town And County in the 2:40. Ran a great race last time behind First Instinct who has since finished a close third in a Group Two and think 9/2 is a decent price.

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LF -

Can you give us your biggest fancy from any of Saturday's other cards?

SD - I think a Jouncy on his a game makes him a certainty at Chester, I really do. He ran in the middle park and whilst not straightforward these are trees in comparison.

AS - Jouncy is a tricky horse that is becoming frustrating to follow, not that I've ever backed him. But I have half an eye on him in the 3:20 at Chester. From the family of Frankel and by Wootton Bassett. Clearly not straight forward but should be better than a mark of 97. I'll be keeping an eye on the market.

HF - In the 6:20 at Leicester, Sirius A I think could take some beating. That debut run just keeps looking more and more useful and expect improvement for that run and up in trip

AJ -

LF -

Who is your favourite flat horse in training right now?

SD - I’ll go Banana, who recently broke his duck after 40 odd runs. He tries so hard and it was lovely to see. He’s surprisingly quick.

AS - Many of us would pocket talk when answering this, which is completely fair enough. But I don't. I have a thing for consistent horses that where I think to myself - wouldn't it be great to own that. And Believing is the one that fits the bill at the moment.

HF - Novus - 2023 Goodwood ran twice and her win was unbelievable. I've never seen a horse hit so much trouble and still win. Loves Goodwood and a slop. Was at Newmarket when she won a Group three, she came swimming out of the fog to hose up at 9/1 and I had a couple mates on her. It was a good day!

AJ -

LF -

The Epsom attendance was a hot topic this week. What would you do to fix the Derby meeting?

SD - I think Wednesday is a red herring. The world has changed. The hill didn’t used to have a blade of grass on it. Not charging for kids, ditching the Victorian dress code, a more sensible admission structure and engaging with Londoners is a start. Marketing it as the greatest flat race in the world is necessary and maybe a 2-day ticket is the third thing. The supporting card is and has always been moderate and requires attention. A day featuring the Oaks, Derby and Coronation Cup would be some spectacle and move the rest to a family day on Sunday, with free admission to those who attended on Saturday.

AS - How good was it when the Derby and Oaks were on the same day during Covid? Excellent. I'd keep it simple and do that. What that means for the Coronation Cup, I don't know. And stop bowing to FA Cup finals and England vs Andorra.

HF - There are many problems. The prices for adults is crazy but to charge what they did for kids was bonkers. Then, put things on in the middle of the track for kids and funnily enough there was no one there. Derby or not, the prices can’t be that expensive.

AJ -

LF -

Finally, what’s your best bet for Royal Ascot next week?

SD - Firstly, much depends on the weather and to a greater degree how much Chris Stickels irrigates. American Affair might not be the outsider some think in the old Kings Stand. I’ve often thought Elmonjed could win a big handicap and the Wokingham looks his cup of tea. Just a note on betting on the handicaps, many horses will be appreciably bigger on the exchange on the day. Don’t get sucked in!

AS - Shadow Of Light would be NAP material but a short price. Trawlerman represents good each way value in the Gold Cup, not because I'm a big fan of him but because the top two have question marks.

HF - The more I look, the more I like Rosallion. Do also want to mention Enfjaar, which has now been priced up for the Wolferton stakes. That’ll take some beating.

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