Uncovering Saturday's Best Longshots
Saturday, May 9th, brings a stacked racing schedule across nine UK and Irish tracks, offering shrewd punters ample opportunity for value betting. While plenty of focus may go toward short-priced favourites like **Tap Tap Shamie** (Hexham 15:20, 1/1) and **Valkyrie Storm** (Nottingham 14:50, 1/1), our focus shifts to the longshots who could deliver a sizeable return. Standouts include **Siempre Arturo** at 66/1 in Ascot’s 14:55 and **Alpaca's Bullet** at an intriguing 33/1 for Leicester’s 17:25. Let’s dive into the reasoning behind these selections and how they stack up against the field.
Ascot 14:55 – Can 66/1 Siempre Arturo Stun the Field?
With 16 runners set to line up over 1 mile at Ascot, the Class 3 handicap promises to be a highly competitive affair, and while the market leaders look strong, **Siempre Arturo** stands out as a dramatic value play. Priced at 66/1, he represents a classic case of a runner sliding under most punters' radar but boasting solid credentials for a potential shock.
Trained by **Clive Cox** and partnered by **Jason Watson**, Siempre Arturo has been campaigned sparingly, appearing only thrice this season, but his drop back to a mile from 10 furlongs could be key to unlocking confidence. His last run at Newbury over the longer trip left him stuck in mid-division on soft ground; however, his penultimate start at Kempton on a quicker surface was far more promising, finishing fifth in a decent handicap that has worked out well, with three subsequent winners emerging. With the going at Ascot currently described as Good (Good to Firm), conditions should play firmly in his favour. For those looking to place a speculative each-way bet with a fractional gamble, **Siempre Arturo is a must-watch runner**. For the full racecard breakdown, [check Ascot's entries](https://www.racecards.co.uk/racecard/ascot/2026-05-09/1455).
Lingfield 16:00 – Flag of Eva Worth a Market Watch at 40/1
Another fascinating proposition is **Flag Of Eva**, a 40/1 shot in Lingfield's competitive Class 4 handicap over 6 furlongs at 16:00. Trained by the underrated **Heather Main**, this unexposed three-year-old filly could spring a surprise, stepping into handicap company for just the second time. Last seen running a close-up fourth on her return from a break, the reduction in trip to a specialist six-furlong sprint today should highlight her natural speed.
Crucially, Flag Of Eva boasts a breeding pedigree that favours quick going, which aligns well with Lingfield's forecast conditions of Good (Good to Firm). Additionally, her handicap mark remains lenient, and **George Wood** is more than capable of delivering a perfectly-timed ride. In what is likely to be a wide-open betting heat, the 40/1 looks far too big to ignore. [Compare Flag Of Eva and her rivals here](https://www.racecards.co.uk/horse-compare).
Leicester 17:25 – Alpaca’s Bullet a Tempting 33/1 Play
Leicester's Class 6 mile handicap (17:25) is another race brimming with value for punters who dare to look beyond the obvious. One horse decidedly overpriced is **Alpaca’s Bullet**, a 33/1 shot who signalled a return to form last time out when staying on late to finish a respectable fifth in a stronger race than this at Kempton. The switching back from the all-weather surface to Leicester’s turf track, which is riding Good to Firm, could further suit his smooth-actioned style.
More crucially, regular partner **K T O'Neill** gets back in the saddle today, and his synergy with Alpaca’s Bullet is evident, given he rides most of his best races under this jockey. If jockey positioning on the pace-pressing horse goes to plan, Alpaca’s Bullet is capable of springing what would be a surprise to many. A speculative punt here could reap significant rewards. [Explore Leicester's full lineup](https://www.racecards.co.uk/racecard/leicester/2026-05-09/1725).
Naas 13:33 – Value On Offer from 66/1 Abletai
Switching to Irish shores, the Naas 13:33 Maiden provides an ideal profile for a high-upside outsider in the form of **Abletai**, listed at a whopping 66/1. Despite what the odds might suggest, there’s cause for optimism here. The **Billy Lee**-ridden gelding found plenty of trouble-in-running on his last outing, yet still displayed a decent turn of foot in the closing stages against much stronger opposition. Trainer **Willie McCreery’s** sprinters often thrive in these early-season contests, and the sharp 5-furlong dash is unlikely to catch this duo on the back foot.
While undoubtedly needing to post a career-best effort, a reproduction of the fractions Abletai clocked on debut at Cork would surely see him in the mix at the business end of this one. Given the sheer size of the 17-runner field, the odds allow for a strong each-way play, and one that we believe is dripping with value. [View the full Naas 13:33 racecard here](https://www.racecards.co.uk/racecard/naas/2026-05-09/1333).
Each-Way Fancies - High Ceiling, Low Risk
If you're scouring for each-way investments, Saturday's abundant big-price options may boost your bank. In addition to Sempre Arturo and Abletai, you might want to consider 33/1 shot **Able Astra** (Leicester 17:55). She’s shown her best when allowed to dictate on Good ground, a scenario Leicester might well provide today. Meanwhile, **Sixty Seconds**, priced at 20/1 in Ascot’s bustling 14:20, has hinted at untapped potential in big fields and can battle into the places.
Best Bets Summary
- Siempre Arturo – Ascot 14:55 (66/1) Each-Way: Eye-catching second run back, better conditions today.
- Flag Of Eva – Nottingham 14:08 (40/1) Each-Way: A lightly-raced sprinter who could relish the setup.
- Alpaca’s Bullet – Leicester 17:25 (33/1) Each-Way: Serious value from a big outsider showing glimmers of returning form.
- Abletai – Naas 13:33 (66/1) Each-Way: Unlucky last time out and could improve exponentially on expected surface.
For more insight into Saturday’s best tips, head over to our [comprehensive racecards](https://www.racecards.co.uk/racecards), and catch [today’s accumulator suggestions](https://www.racecards.co.uk/accumulator-tips) for higher-return combination bet opportunities.
