Pierre Bonnard 5/6 Leads Leopardstown’s 15:40 Feature
All eyes will be on Leopardstown’s 15:40 contest as Aidan O’Brien’s Pierre Bonnard (5/6) heads the market in the 1m 2f feature race. With Wayne Lordan booked to ride and the going officially listed as good-good to firm in places, the son of Galileo looks to have ideal conditions for what could be a commanding performance. His recent form reads an impressive 1-2-1, showing a horse in form and capable of delivering against decent company. Moreover, O’Brien’s dominance at Leopardstown – a 24% strike rate in the last three months – only strengthens confidence in this selection.
Of the opposition, Dermot Weld’s Fine Tale (3/1) may provide the stiffest challenge following a game victory over the same trip last month, while Jessica Harrington fields the outsider Soul Flame (12/1), who could surprise after a staying-on fifth over a shorter trip recently.
In truth, this looks like Pierre Bonnard’s race to lose. His proven ability on fast ground and the tactical nous of Lordan in these small-field affairs make this 5/6 shot one of the day’s safest plays.
Verdict: Pierre Bonnard to win (5/6). For added security, consider including him in today’s accumulators.
Ludlow 14:17: Skelton’s Star First Candidate a Banker at 1/5
The opening race at Ludlow sees a supremely confident selection from our AI model in First Candidate. Dan Skelton’s six-year-old is priced at a prohibitive 1/5, but with a 95% confidence rating, he looks as close to a racing certainty as you’ll find today. The 1m 7f 169y trip on good ground should hold no fears – he’s won over similar conditions in the past with authority.
Harry Skelton takes the ride, and the siblings’ Ludlow stats are frankly frightening, boasting a 34% strike rate over hurdles. First Candidate’s latest run was a commanding 12-length demolition job at Warwick, where he barely came off the bridle. The second-place finisher that day has since franked the form by bolting up at Chepstow. Simply put, there’s nothing in this five-runner field that looks capable of troubling him.
For punters, First Candidate could be included as the cornerstone of any bet builder or accumulator. While the 1/5 odds won’t appeal as a single, it’s highly likely to boost any multi-race slip.
Verdict: First Candidate to win (1/5). Consider as part of an accumulator.
Big-Field Minefield: Cork 17:00 Handicap (23 Runners)
If short-priced favourites aren’t your thing, the 23-runner corker at Cork 17:00 is your ultimate test of punting prowess. Run over 3m 80y on good-good to yielding going, this staying handicap is open as they come. Pat Fahy’s lightly-raced stayer Highland Surprise (7/1) heads the early market, but this is a race that screams value further down the betting list.
A notable contender at a larger price is Paul Nolan’s Eton Lass (14/1). A staying-on fourth last time out in a similar contest, she’s the type to relish today’s extended trip, and her mark looks workable based on past performances.
Another to watch is Denise Foster’s unraced handicap debutant Cloud Storm (16/1). Though unexposed, Foster has a knack for readying big-priced runners in these marathon events. Given the large field, consider an each-way bet to secure some returns even if your pick doesn’t quite get its head in front.
Verdict: Back Highland Surprise (7/1) to win, with Eton Lass (14/1) as an each-way alternative.
Value Hunters: Cork 15:15 Fairyland Opera Offers Each-Way Appeal at 9/1
Another Cork contest catching the eye is the 15:15, where Fairyland Opera (9/1) looks a cracking each-way proposition in this 18-runner handicap over 2m 3f 50y. Ridden by 7lb claimer Anna McGuinness, this mare is shrewdly weighted and comes off an eye-catching performance at Punchestown, where she travelled well before fading in the final furlong. The drop back in trip should work wonders, especially on today’s better ground.
At the head of the market, Stand Tall (3/1) has obvious claims for Gordon Elliott, but value seekers will struggle to ignore Fairyland Opera’s current price.
Verdict: Fairyland Opera each-way (9/1) appeals as a smart play in a wide-open affair.
Biggest Longshot of the Day: Cork 15:50 Claude at 40/1
Taking a swing at a big-priced outsider? Look no further than Claude (40/1) in Cork’s 15:50. Jockey Aidan Kelly’s 5lb claim effectively puts this six-year-old on a featherweight. Though his form figures won’t inspire much confidence (0P-7), the gelding’s best performance to date – a strong-finishing second last year over this same trip – suggests he’s capable on his day. The slower surface and big field could bring out the best in him.
Verdict: Claude each-way (40/1) if you’re feeling adventurous.
Best Bets Summary for Sunday 10th May 2026
- Pierre Bonnard (5/6) – Leopardstown 15:40
- First Candidate (1/5) – Ludlow 14:17
- Fairyland Opera (9/1) – Cork 15:15 each-way
- Highland Surprise (7/1) – Cork 17:00
- Claude (40/1) – Cork 15:50 each-way
For a full analysis of today’s top tips, see all our AI selections. Remember, our betting calculator can help you maximize returns across win and each-way wagers. And don’t forget to check for late withdrawals before placing your bets!
