Big-Field Handicap at Navan Throws Up Value at 16/1
With Sunday’s racing action across Goodwood, Perth, Punchestown, and Navan, there’s no shortage of opportunities to find value. While the handicaps at Navan and Punchestown offer competitive betting landscapes, it's the 16-runner marathon over 1m 5f at Navan (16:37) that catches the eye for punters seeking big-priced selections. At 16/1, Sheikh’s Vision represents serious value. The Peter Fahey-trained gelding has shown glimpses of staying power in recent outings, and this step up in trip on good (good to yielding) ground could unlock further improvement.
For more comprehensive insights, check today's full racecards or dive into our each-way tips. Below, we breakdown the best plays for Sunday's action, including detailed reasoning to help you snare a value winner.
Why Sheikh’s Vision at 16/1 Is Worth a Second Look
Let’s dive into the credentials of Sheikh’s Vision. On paper, the recent form figures—4-7-8—might not scream confidence, but a closer inspection suggests the five-year-old has been building to a performance like this. Last seen running a staying-on eighth over 1m 4f on soft ground at Listowel, Sheikh’s Vision is likely to appreciate both the drier surface at Navan and the added furlong.
Peter Fahey is known for targeting handicaps like this, boasting a 15% strike rate with stayers running under these conditions. Jockey Kevin Sexton, booked for the ride, fares well at Navan, where his 12% strike rate for trainers outside the Mullins-Elliott powerhouse combo is noteworthy. If Sexton can secure a good early position in this sprawling field of 16, Sheikh’s Vision has every chance to outrun his odds. With the strong likelihood of each-way payouts (top four places are widely available), this is a bet that makes both logical and financial sense.
Want to compare Sheikh’s Vision against the other main contenders? Use our horse comparison tool to see head-to-head stats.
Each-Way Angle: Punchestown’s 15:07 Contender at 12/1
Looking slightly further afield, over the jumps at Punchestown, the 16-runner handicap at 15:07 offers another compelling each-way play in the form of Lady Roskva at 12/1. Trained by Gavin Cromwell, this mare has been quietly consistent, finishing 5th of 14 last time out at Fairyhouse over an inadequate 1m 7f. The step up to 2m 3f 12y looks exactly what she needs, and on good ground mixed with yielding patches, she could bounce back to her best.
Lady Roskva has also proven effective in big fields, winning a bumper in a 15-runner affair back in 2025. Cromwell has been getting winners recently (four in the last fortnight), and jockey Simon Torrens has ridden proficiently this season with a strike rate north of 11%. At double-figure odds, she’s well worth an each-way punt.
Another Navan Longshot: 17/12 Handicap Value at 20/1
The final race on Navan’s card (17:12) sees 14 runners compete in another 1m 5f handicap, where Stormy Horizon catches the eye at a juicy 20/1. While the Dennis Hogan-trained three-year-old has been out of the winners’ circle for some time, the gelding has dropped to a career-low handicap mark of 63, and sneaky improvement could be lurking.
The big factor here is the switch back to good ground. On his penultimate start, Stormy Horizon ran sixth in a similarly large field over 1m 2f on softened ground at Cork, but Hogan’s stable form wasn’t firing then. Now with several recent winners under his belt (18.5% strike rate over the last month), there’s reason to believe a bounce could be on the cards, especially if jockey Donagh O’Connor can navigate the field efficiently.
Stormy Horizon is particularly value-packed if betting firms offer an extra place. Check which bookies are paying out on five places for this race via our Non-Runners tracker.
Smart Money: Perth’s Consistent Charlie Royale at 8/1
Flat racing isn’t the only game in town this weekend—there’s plenty to consider over fences and hurdles at Perth. One horse potentially flying under the radar in the 16:50 handicap is Charlie Royale. At 8/1, this 10-year-old gelding looks competitive in a seven-runner field.
Charlie Royale has been remarkably consistent over middle-distance Chase trips, finishing no worse than third in his last four starts. While he carries a bit more weight here, the quicker surface (good ground) plays greatly to his strengths. Additionally, jockey Derek Fox has struck up something of a rapport with the horse, and trainer Lucinda Russell has a fine record when targeting races at this track (21% strike rate over two years at Perth). For those seeking an accumulator builder, Charlie Royale is an attractive component.
Top Selection Recap for Sunday
Here’s our summarised list of the best betting angles for Sunday’s action:
- Sheikh’s Vision (Navan 16:37) – 16/1 each-way value in a 16-runner field.
- Lady Roskva (Punchestown 15:07) – 12/1, each-way pick in a stamina-testing handicap.
- Stormy Horizon (Navan 17:12) – 20/1, longshot potential in an open finale.
- Charlie Royale (Perth 16:50) – 8/1; consistent chaser well-suited to today’s conditions.
If you’re combining these selections, don’t forget to use our betting calculator to work out potential returns. For more accumulator ideas, check out today’s accumulator tips.
With a mix of big-priced outsiders and dependable each-way plays, this Sunday’s racing offers ample intrigue for punters willing to take a calculated risk. For late updates, including market movers and any non-runners, stick with RaceCards.co.uk for the latest breaking news.
