Friday’s Big-Priced Fancies: Hunting Value at Ascot, Punchestown, and Beyond
Friday, 1st May 2026, may lack graded races, but there's no shortage of betting intrigue, especially for punters seeking value among longshots. With runners like All Ways Glamorous at 12/1 in Ascot's 16:20 and Ol Man Dingle at an enticing 20/1 in Punchestown's ultra-competitive 17:25, this is a day where thinking outside the favourites could pay dividends.
Let’s dive into five standout longshots across today’s 42 races, identifying cases where outsiders have solid claims based on form, course suitability, and trends. To compare today's runners head-to-head or explore the full racecards, check our racecards page.
Ascot 16:20: All Ways Glamorous (12/1) Holds a Live Chance
In the 16:20 at Ascot, a competitive 17-runner 5f sprint, All Ways Glamorous jumps off the page at 12/1. This lightly raced 4-year-old filly, trained by the shrewd Kevin Philippart de Foy and partnered by experienced jockey Gina Mangan, could offer serious value here.
Why the enthusiasm? All Ways Glamorous ran an eye-catching second last time out at Wolverhampton over 5f, beaten just a neck by the well-fancied favourite. That effort suggested she is returning to peak form. Today’s conditions – good to firm-good in places at Ascot – should suit her better, given her career-best came on quick surfaces. A low draw in stall 3 could also help her secure a prominent position early in the race. For punters seeking each-way opportunities, this looks a cracking option at double digits.
Explore our each-way selections for more picks like All Ways Glamorous.
Punchestown 17:25: Ol Man Dingle (20/1) Looks Overpriced in Big Handicap
Over at Punchestown, the 17:25 is a mammoth 24-runner handicap over 2m 4f 55y, and this is exactly the kind of race where outsiders can thrive. Ol Man Dingle at 20/1 catches the eye amidst the chaos. A progressive 6-year-old gelding trained by the up-and-coming Michael Kenneally, he’s been knocking on the door in similar contests, including a third-place finish at Cork in a 16-runner field earlier this month.
Sean Flanagan, a solid pilot in competitive Irish handicaps, takes the ride today, and he’s no stranger to negotiating large fields. The yielding ground should hold no fears for Ol Man Dingle, who relishes this kind of underfoot condition. While he will need luck in running, his consistency in big fields makes him an excellent each-way play.
Check today’s full Punchestown 17:25 racecard for the complete field breakdown.
Punchestown 19:40: Ajp Falco (100/1) – The Massive Longshot Worth a Punt
Now, this is where it gets interesting. At 100/1, many punters might overlook Ajp Falco, but digging into the form offers some intrigue. Trained by Noel Meade and ridden by amateur jockey Mr P A King, Ajp Falco has been an underachiever so far, but there are reasons to believe he might outrun those odds today in this 23-runner handicap over 2m 2f 181y.
First, Meade’s runners often improve markedly at this stage of the Irish National Hunt calendar, and although Ajp Falco has some disappointing runs this season, his second-place finish on yielding ground at Navan last November suggests he’s not devoid of talent. With field sizes often producing unexpected results in Ireland, this speculative flutter could return huge dividends for the value-hunters.
Want to test potential payouts? Use our betting calculator.
Newcastle 18:30: Billyjoegold (100/1) To Show Something on the All-Weather
Heading to Newcastle, the 18:30 offers a potential plot twist in the form of Billyjoegold at an enormous 100/1. Trained by James Ewart, this unexposed 3-year-old has shown just flashes of ability but is now dropped to an extremely low weight in this low-grade contest over 1m on the Tapeta surface.
The booking of apprentice jockey Kaiya Fraser, whose 5lb claim is an asset in these apprentice events, makes this even more interesting. While Billyjoegold’s past form doesn’t leap off the page, his best finish came under similar conditions, and a better draw could see him stalking the pace before springing a surprise late. At these odds, you’re playing for long-term profit in speculative multiples.
Newmarket 13:45: Anthena (200/1) – A Fantasy Pick with Credentials
If you’re prepared to dream big, Anthena at an astronomical 200/1 is a true wild card in the 13:45 at Newmarket, a 7f straight maiden for 2-year-olds. Grace McEntee takes the ride aboard this debutant from an unfashionable yard, and while her form is obviously unproven, intriguing bloodlines and a pleasing gallop report make her remotely interesting.
Newmarket maidens are often full of unknowns, and while rattling the big yards might seem far-fetched, stranger things have happened in large fields. At 200/1, the smallest stakes can offer maximum entertainment.
Best Bets Summary: Where to Place Your Money Today
- All Ways Glamorous (12/1, Ascot 16:20): Each-way bet on a consistent, improving filly.
- Ol Man Dingle (20/1, Punchestown 17:25): A live outsider in a 24-runner field.
- Ajp Falco (100/1, Punchestown 19:40): Speculative longshot in a big handicap.
- Billyjoegold (100/1, Newcastle 18:30): Potential for all-weather glory at monster odds.
- Anthena (200/1, Newmarket 13:45): Purely for bold punters chasing history.
For more in-depth analysis or to check today's latest results, visit our platform. Or, if you’re planning ahead, explore our early tips for tomorrow. Whether you’re backing favourites or outsiders, remember to bet responsibly and enjoy the thrill of the races!
