We’ve got three value picks lined up for Thursday’s flat racing action, with two strong chances at Haydock and a lively each-way contender at Yarmouth. All three fit our usual criteria: recent form, tactical setup, and smart placement in the weights. Let’s dive in. 🏇💥
Newbury 6:05
🏁 Main Selection: SARAFINA MSHAIRI (13/2 1pt e/w 3 places) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Lightly raced, progressive 3yo with speed.
- Drop back to 5f should suit on Good to Firm.
- Looks well placed against exposed rivals off 9-5.
- Back to her winning conditions, stall 8 could allow clean run.
💡 Alternative: ROACH POWER
- Consistent form and handles this sort of test well.
- Low weight, inside draw, and finishing strength could see him nick a place.
Newbury 8:25
🏁 Main Selection: TAPIOCA PEARL (7/2 win) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Lightly raced and shaped well last time.
- Now enters handicaps off a workable mark (OR 71).
- Conditions suit, and there’s likely more to come.
- Strong tactically and unexposed: ticks the ITP profile.
💡 Alternative: TRAVEL AGENT
- Trainer/jockey combo with strong strike rate.
- First-time hood suggests they expect improvement.
- May surprise if settling early and given a chance to build momentum late.
Newbury 9:00
Main Pick: Golden Circet (⭐ 3/1 Win – 1.5pts)
This 5yo is in great shape and remains fairly treated despite a consistent run of form. He stays the trip well, handles fast ground, and Colin Keane is an eye-catching booking. Drawn in stall 3, he should sit handy and could prove hard to pass.
Alternative: Camino De Santiago
Lightly raced and still improving. He ran on well last time and now returns to a track and trip that should suit. A strong pace or good positioning could bring out further progress. Worth chancing each-way at a decent price.
🏇 Haydock – 2:40pm – 5f Yale Smart Stride Apprentice Handicap (Class 5)
🇬🇧 Selection: STREET LIFE 9/2 1pt e/w (3 places)
The 8-year-old has been in cracking form since May, posting two wins followed by a pair of runner-up finishes. He’s running off a light weight (8-13) and remains very competitive at this level. This inner-track 5f suits his tactical speed, and with conditions to suit, he looks the one to beat.
🟨 Alternative: SECRET MISTRAL
Course and distance winner drawn in stall 1. If she breaks well, she could control the rail and prove hard to pass. She’s not as consistent as the favourite but has a solid profile and appeals as a danger.
🏇 Haydock – 5:17pm – 7f Eurocell ‘Grow With Us’ Handicap (Class 5, 3yo)
🇬🇧 Selection: GEORGECANDOIT 9/1 1pt e/w (3 places)
Caught the eye last time at Beverley when denied a clear run in the closing stages. He’s got solid form in stronger company and returns to his ideal trip of 7f. With a smoother passage and no Sunshine Mag to worry about, he looks ready to get off the mark.
🟨 Alternative: CAPTAIN HARRY
Visor goes on for the second time and the Balding/McDonald combo is always worth respecting in these 3yo handicaps. Well drawn in stall 2 and could be dangerous if the headgear sharpens him up.
🏇 Yarmouth – 4:32pm – 1m2f Mark Sumner Handicap (Class 5, 3yo+)
🇬🇧 Selection: GLITTER CODE 8/1 1pt e/w (3 places)
Ultra-consistent filly who’s finished second on her last three starts and is knocking hard on the door. She’s nicely drawn in stall 4, carries a light weight (9-0) and should get a good tow into the race. Conditions suit and she looks a strong each-way player at the current price.
🟨 Alternative: PAY ATTENTION
Won last time out with a bold front-running ride and retains the same apprentice. If he’s allowed to dictate the tempo again, he could prove tough to reel in. Fair price for a repeat.
That wraps up our Thursday selections – three smart betting angles across competitive handicaps at Haydock and Yarmouth. If you’re already looking ahead to the weekend, don’t miss our runner-by-runner preview of the Coral-Eclipse with ratings and tips 👉 Read it here. 🐎🔥
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