Monday’s Longshot Selections: Big Prices Worth the Punt
Monday’s racing across the UK and Ireland brings us action from Southwell, Windsor, Wolverhampton, Catterick, Killarney, and Roscommon. While the day lacks graded contests, there’s no shortage of fascinating betting angles for punters seeking value. With 42 races on the cards, we’ve dug deep to unearth a handful of juicy longshots that are far from no-hopers. Let’s dive in.
Aspire To Glory – Wolverhampton 20:30 at 22/1
If you’re hunting for a big-priced outsider with real bite, Aspire To Glory in Wolverhampton’s 20:30 is worth a serious look. Available at a massive 22/1, this four-year-old gelding trained by Charlie Fellowes has shown flashes of promise on the all-weather and may thrive under today’s conditions on Tapeta.
While Aspire To Glory hasn’t visited the winner’s enclosure recently, he’s got proven track form at Wolverhampton with a second-place finish over this very course and distance back in December. The drop back to 7 furlongs, coupled with the capable George Wood taking the ride, could be the key to unlocking his potential. The field size of nine means there’s no shortage of competition, but the grinding pace here could work to his advantage, particularly if the leaders misjudge fractions. At these odds, an each-way bet screams value. Don’t forget to use our betting calculator to work out your returns.
Rusheen – Killarney 19:07 at 15/2
For punters seeking a more moderately priced runner, look no further than Rusheen in the 19:07 at Killarney. At odds of 15/2, this Philip Enright-ridden gelding has every chance of claiming a maiden victory in this competitive 14-runner handicap.
Rusheen has been steadily knocking on the door, finishing third and fourth in his last two outings over similar trips. A return to 2m 4f 100 yards on good-to-yielding ground should suit, with trainer Declan Queally boasting a strong 20% strike rate at this track over the past two seasons. Killarney often favours a horse who can settle early and strike late, which plays right into Rusheen’s late-closing style. At 15/2, looks an ideal each-way fancies prospect, particularly in a race filled with unreliable favourites.
High Honour – Roscommon 19:53 at 20/1
Over at Roscommon, the 19:53 sees a fascinating 7-furlong contest in which there’s a case to be made for the rank outsider High Honour at a juicy 20/1. Jimmy Dalton takes the ride, and while his mount’s recent form figures (7-9-8) don’t exactly leap off the page, context is everything here.
This six-year-old gelding produced a career-best effort last season on good ground at Galway, finishing second in a competitive handicap. With today’s going listed as good and a likely strong pace set by the prominent runners, High Honour could well pick up the pieces late on. While it’s a speculative shout, the price is simply too big to ignore. Don’t discount a small flutter here and keep an eye on the latest results to see how the field shapes up.
Here I Bow – Windsor 19:47 at 40/1
There’s no denying that the Windsor 19:47 is a tough nut to crack, but at odds of 40/1, Here I Bow might just be worth a nibble. Ross Coakley partners this three-year-old filly who certainly hasn’t been pulling up trees in her short career to date, but this is her first try at a mile, which could be pivotal.
Trainer Ralph Beckett has a knack for extracting improvement from fillies at longer trips, and with little pressure on the market leader, Here I Bow could thrive in this scenario. While it’s a risky play, the enormous price represents the type of value punters dream of — remember, even a place would generate a large return. Doubters can always compare these runners head-to-head to assess her chances further.
Merapi – Wolverhampton 19:30 at 7/1
Returning to Wolverhampton, Merapi lines up in the 19:30 as a 7/1 shot with a strong chance of taking home the spoils. Trained by John Butler and partnered by Darragh Keenan, this lightly raced three-year-old has been knocking on the door with solid runs over shorter distances.
Tonight’s step up to 1m 1f 104y could be just what she needs. Merapi is bred to appreciate this trip, and the standard going on Wolverhampton’s Tapeta surface should suit perfectly. Add to that Darragh Keenan’s knack for delivering well-timed rides, and there’s every reason to think Merapi can finally get off the mark. Perfect for an accumulator or a confident win bet.
Best Bets Summary
To make life easier, here are Monday’s top longshot picks summarised for quick reference:
- Aspire To Glory – Wolverhampton 20:30, 22/1 (view racecard)
- Rusheen – Killarney 19:07, 15/2 (view racecard)
- High Honour – Roscommon 19:53, 20/1 (view racecard)
- Here I Bow – Windsor 19:47, 40/1 (view racecard)
- Merapi – Wolverhampton 19:30, 7/1 (view racecard)
For a complete rundown of today's racecards, or to look ahead to tomorrow's early selections, RaceCards.co.uk has you covered. With smart data-driven insights, finding those big-priced winners has never been easier. Good luck with your punts!
