Benvenuto Cellini 3/10: Chester 15:05 - Unrivalled Confidence
When Aidan O'Brien sends a 3/10 favourite to Chester under Ryan Moore, punters sit up and take notice. Benvenuto Cellini is the red-hot pick in the 15:05, a 1m 4f 63y trip on good ground. Boasting a staggering 95% confidence from our AI model, he looks as close to a sure thing as you’ll find today. With a master of tactics in Moore and O’Brien’s superb 32% strike rate at this track over the past five years, this Derby Trial Stakes couldn’t be more inviting for backers.
The colt’s facile victory at Leopardstown last time (1m 2f, good to yielding) saw him clock an impressive sectional in the final furlong, suggesting the extra yardage here will play right into his hands. With a field of just six runners, Benvenuto Cellini’s class should shine through unopposed. Even at 3/10, he looks like banker material for those seeking a solid single or the base of their accumulator bets.
Dartmouth Castle 5/8: Kelso 13:55 - McCain’s Season Starts Strong
Donald McCain Jnr has his string firing early in the National Hunt season, and Dartmouth Castle brings his yard's momentum into the 13:55 at Kelso. This 2m 4f 189y novice hurdle looks his to lose after a convincing 6-length triumph at Perth three weeks ago on similar good ground. Rated 91% by the AI model, he’s priced at 5/8 and for good reason - Theo Gillard takes the ride again after steering him home with ease last time.
The main danger appears to be Compadre's Glory (7/2), who finished a close second to a subsequent winner at Carlisle, but Dartmouth Castle’s formline is the stronger of the two. Don’t ignore this one if you’re looking for reliable win options today.
Arabian Desert 5/6: Chester 16:10 - Fahey’s Middle-Distance Maestro
Arabian Desert is another short-priced standout at Chester in the 16:10 (1m 2f 70y, good). The AI has flagged him with 87% confidence, and Rossa Ryan on board for Richard Fahey adds further appeal. This colt couldn’t secure a breakthrough in Listed company last year but kicked off his 2026 campaign with a gutsy win in handicap company at Doncaster, overcoming a wide trip.
He’ll face resistance from Kingdom Warrior (9/2), who is stepping up from his win over a mile, but Arabian Desert’s proven stamina should give him the upper hand. At 5/6, he makes for another solid addition to today’s wagers, particularly if parlayed with other short-priced fancies.
Big-Field Puzzles: Chester 14:05 and Kempton 19:30
For those who favour a challenge, the 14:05 at Chester and the 19:30 at Kempton are the sort of races to set the pulse racing. At Chester, the 14-runner, 7f 127y handicap has the looks of a minefield. At odds of 28/1, Al Shabab Storm is intriguing. Jason Watson’s mount caught the eye finishing fast in a similar race at Nottingham last month despite encountering traffic issues. He strikes as an interesting each-way selection.
Over at Kempton, the 19:30 (7f, AW - Polytrack) sees another 14-runner lineup, with current market leader Silver Mirage (4/1) looking vulnerable given a patchy record over this track and distance. At a bigger price, keep an eye on Dream Of Ithaca (200/1), who, while unplaced in three starts at the maiden level, clocked some slick closing splits last week at Wolverhampton. He’s clearly one for the brave punter, but each-way odds of 200/1 could reward a sprinkle.
Walk On Quest 4/5: Solid Favourite in Kelso 14:25
Walk On Quest (4/5) has all the hallmarks of another profitable National Hunt pick in the Kelso 14:25. Trained by Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore, this gelding is stepping up to 2m 7f 96y, a distance expected to bring out the best in him given his grinding staying ability. His last run at Musselburgh was eye-catching as he put 7 lengths into his nearest rival, albeit over slightly shorter.
The ground at Kelso should suit him nicely, and with Jack Power taking the reins for the in-form yard, this is another robust option for those building a banker-heavy bet slip today.
Value Bets and Bigger Prices
For punters who love a big swing, we can’t ignore Blackmore Jack (80/1) in the Fontwell 20:12. He’s done little on paper to justify enthusiasm, but the handicapper is giving him every chance now off bottom weight against inconsistent types. Bryan Carver has proven adept at steering home longer-priced runners for smaller yards, too.
Elsewhere, Alberts Bay (125/1) at Newton Abbot in the 14:15 is another hail-Mary shout. Aided by first-time cheekpieces, the six-year-old could outrun his monstrous odds in this 2m 5f handicap hurdle, especially with Harry Reed, a 12% strike jockey this year, in the saddle.
Best Bets Summary
Here’s a quick recap of today’s top selections:
- Benvenuto Cellini - Chester 15:05 @ 3/10
- Dartmouth Castle - Kelso 13:55 @ 5/8
- Arabian Desert - Chester 16:10 @ 5/6
- Walk On Quest - Kelso 14:25 @ 4/5
- Al Shabab Storm - Chester 14:05 @ 28/1 (Each-way)
To refine your betting angles, compare these runners head-to-head or calculate returns on your selections with our tools. With plenty of exciting racing on offer, ensure you keep up with latest results and check for non-runners before placing bets. Finally, don’t miss tomorrow’s early tips for a head start on Thursday’s action!
