Gowran Park and Aintree Headline a Competitive Thursday Card
Racing fans are in for a treat today, with action spanning across Aintree, Taunton, and Gowran Park. While the day lacks Graded races, there’s no shortage of intrigue, with big-field handicaps at Aintree and longshot value at Gowran Park. Punters searching for standout plays will zero in on AI-highlighted selections such as Deuteronomy at a juicy 25/1 in the 19:15 at Gowran Park, or head to Aintree for the ultra-competitive 15:30 with 24 runners over 2m 5f 19y on Good to Soft ground.
Here’s our detailed breakdown of the day’s best bets and betting angles.
Deuteronomy 25/1 – Gowran Park 19:15
For those willing to back a big-priced outsider, Deuteronomy at 25/1 in the 19:15 at Gowran Park catches the eye. This 1m 1f 130y handicap on soft ground features a field of 16, ideal conditions for finding some each-way value. Deuteronomy’s form figures may not initially inspire confidence, but a closer look reveals potential. Last time out, he ran an eye-catching race in deeper company, finishing 7th in a field of 20 at the Curragh over soft ground. That effort suggested he’s coming into form, and today’s contest represents a significant drop in class.
The booking of Nicola Burns, who rides frequently for smaller trainers delivering surprise results, only adds to the appeal. Trainer Liam Power’s horses have a strong record of outrunning their odds at Gowran Park — backing his longshots here would have yielded a tidy profit over the last three seasons. With the soft ground sure to suit, Deuteronomy could reward each-way backers handsomely.
Holy See 22/1 – Gowran Park 19:45
If Deuteronomy appeals, then fellow longshot Holy See in the 19:45 could also entice punters seeking value. Priced at 22/1, this 7f 180y handicap looks ripe for an upset, with several of the market trends suggesting the shorter-priced favourites might be vulnerable on the stamina-testing soft ground. Holy See, trained by up-and-comer Fiona Shields, steps up in trip from his last outing. That last run on heavy going over 7f at Leopardstown suggested he might appreciate today’s slightly longer distance.
Jamie Orr, who takes the ride, has shown a knack for guiding outsiders into the frame this season, boasting a 40% strike rate for finishing in the top three aboard horses priced 16/1 or greater. With 17 runners in the mix, and the soft ground bound to exaggerate any stamina limitations in this field, Holy See is worth an each-way punt.
Aintree 15:30 – 24 Runners Command Attention
The 15:30 at Aintree is the day’s biggest puzzle, with 24 runners going to post for the 2m 5f 19y handicap hurdle on Good to Soft ground. These big-field handicaps are notoriously tough for punters, but there are angles to exploit. The key here will be identifying a horse with proven form in large fields, a favourable weight, and the right blend of speed and stamina.
One horse fitting the bill is Colonel Radcliffe, currently trading at an appealing 14/1. He was 4th of 22 on similar ground at the Cheltenham Festival last month, beaten just 3 lengths in a highly competitive handicap. With that big-field experience under his belt, he looks well-placed to step forward here. Trainer Alan King has an exceptional record at Aintree (21% strike rate over hurdles in the last five years), and jockey Tom Cannon, who partners the gelding today, has ridden five winners from his last 15 rides at the track.
Aintree 17:15 – Another Big-Field Puzzle
The closing race at Aintree (17:15) is another juicy 20-runner affair over 2m 209y. While it lacks a standout favourite, the presence of several unexposed novice hurdlers gives punters plenty of options. Master Miller, at 10/1, appeals as a value play. The six-year-old bounced back to form last time with a strong third at Haydock, staying on well in testing conditions over a furlong shorter. Today’s slightly firmer Good to Soft ground should play to his strengths, and trainer Emma Lavelle has been in red-hot form this spring with a 25% strike rate in the last three weeks.
Lavelle’s record with runners in this type of low-grade handicap is exceptional, often finding improvement in horses who have been lightly raced in previous campaigns. Master Miller fits that mold perfectly, and with Richie McLernon in the saddle, he has the experience and class to navigate this big field.
Value Bets: Don’t Overlook the Longshots
As we’ve highlighted, Deuteronomy at 25/1 in the 19:15 at Gowran Park and Holy See at 22/1 in the 19:45 are today’s standout each-way options. Both have conditions and profiles suggesting they can outrun their odds. Elsewhere, punters looking for speculative bets in Aintree’s big handicaps might consider Colonel Radcliffe in the 15:30 or Master Miller in the 17:15.
For more each-way suggestions, be sure to check our each-way tips page.
Best Bets Summary
- Deuteronomy – 19:15 Gowran Park – 25/1 (Each-Way)
- Holy See – 19:45 Gowran Park – 22/1 (Each-Way)
- Colonel Radcliffe – 15:30 Aintree – 14/1 (Each-Way)
- Master Miller – 17:15 Aintree – 10/1 (Win & Each-Way)
For a full rundown of today’s runners, including live odds and late withdrawals, visit our full runners list and non-runners page. You can also check today’s detailed racecards or use our betting calculator to plan your stakes.
As always, gamble responsibly and keep an eye on live results for updated information throughout the day. Good luck!
