Renoir Looks Well-Handicapped at Fontwell in the 19:10
Thursday's action brings punters a deep dive into value betting, and one horse that stands out is Renoir, currently priced at 10/1 in the 19:10 Handicap Hurdle at Fontwell. With a competitive 12-runner field over 2m 3f on good ground, there's every reason to believe Renoir could run well at rewarding odds.
The David Noonan-ridden 7-year-old has been knocking on the door in recent starts, with a 3rd-place finish two outings ago at Plumpton (2m 4f, good to soft). The drop in trip by a furlong and the switch to faster ground should suit him better, and he’s down 2lb in the handicap to a mark of 98. Trainer Martin Hill has sent just three runners to Fontwell this year, but two have placed, and the yard persists in its methodical targeting.
With the stamina test likely eased by today's conditions and a promising jockey booking, Renoir represents solid each-way value. Explore other each-way selections like Renoir for bigger payouts.
Expound Commands Respect at Clonmel in the 19:50 at 9/1
Over in Ireland, the feature contest on Clonmel's evening card is the 19:50 Handicap Hurdle, run over 2 miles. Here, the 9/1 shot Expound could spring a surprise for Michael Kenneally. A lightly raced 6-year-old, Expound finished a close 4th of 17 at Thurles last month (soft ground, 2m) and showed enough mid-race speed to suggest he would appreciate today's slightly better going (good to yielding).
The horse carries just 10st 9lb and is partnered with promising 7lb claimer Michael Kenneally, meaning he’ll effectively run off a featherweight. Trainer Liam Cusack, known for eking out improvement in young hurdlers, could have the key to unlock this horse's potential. With a strong pace almost guaranteed thanks to several front-runners, Expound might pick them off late. At 9/1 in a field of 18 competitors, he’s well worth a second look.
Away To Paris Poised for a Big Run in Clonmel's 20:20 (10/1)
If you're hunting for bigger prices, look no further than the 20:20 at Clonmel, where Away To Paris lines up as a tempting 10/1 outsider. This Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle over just shy of 3 miles promises to be a stamina-sapping affair, and away from the spotlight, this horse could relish the test.
While his recent form figures of 6-8-6 are uninspiring, the step up to a staying trip and the jockey booking of Mr M J McGrath (riding superbly with 20% strike rate in similar races) suggest today could be the day for a turnaround. Trainer Eoin Doyle’s string has been hitting form in May, with a 25% win rate from his last eight runners. Expect Away To Paris to settle off the pace before coming with a late challenge if the leaders go too hard.
Le Kap Can Capitalise at 17/2 in Clonmel's 18:50
The day’s best blend of experience and value comes in the 18:50 at Clonmel, a 2m 3f Handicap Hurdle where Le Kap runs off a mark of 92, offering juicy odds of 17/2. Once a Listed performer during his early career in the UK, Le Kap showed signs of a revival with a staying-on 5th at Wexford last time, shaping as though he'd benefit from added distance.
With Darragh O’Keeffe booked to ride — a jockey with a knack for placing horses prominently — this 10-year-old could strike gold in this 15-runner heat. Crucially, the better ground is a plus, and while he’s not the most consistent, he’s an undeniable threat at this level.
Best Each-Way Fancies for York’s Competitive Sprints
York stages its first race at 14:20, a 5-furlong dash with 21 runners, and the day’s feature is arguably this ultra-competitive handicap. With sprint handicaps notorious for offering decent each-way terms, it’s worth a plunge on a couple of bookmakers' outside picks. Check live prices as the market settles closer to race time.
Smaller stakes on horses outside of double digits might yield significant returns if you hit the jackpot. Consider splitting bets across York's feature sprints and combining modest each-way plays into a speculative accumulator.
Best Bets Summary for Thursday, 14th May
- Renoir – 19:10 Fontwell (10/1, Each-Way Value)
- Expound – 19:50 Clonmel (9/1, Consider Win)
- Away To Paris – 20:20 Clonmel (10/1, Each-Way)
- Le Kap – 18:50 Clonmel (17/2, Each-Way)
Overall, this Thursday brings a mix of strong form players at rewarding odds. Whether you’re following Renoir's Fontwell claims or taking a punt on longshots at Clonmel, let our tips guide your selections.
Looking Ahead: Tomorrow’s Card
Don't miss the action-packed Friday lineup at Fontwell, Aintree, and Newmarket. Check out tomorrow’s early picks for races that promise dramatic finishes and value aplenty. Plan your weekend punts now.
