Valkyrie Storm (1/1) the One to Beat in Nottingham 14:50
All eyes are on Valkyrie Storm in the 14:50 at Nottingham today, with confidence from our AI tips suggesting this 1m 75y contest on good ground could be his for the taking. The son of Storm the Stars has been rock-solid in his two recent outings, finishing strongly over similar trips and showcasing a turn of foot that should play well here on what looks a fair surface. Trained by Eve Johnson Houghton and with Harry Vigors booked for the ride, everything points to a big run from this even-money favourite.
What’s particularly appealing about Valkyrie Storm is his consistency. He was an eye-catching second at Newbury last month, beaten only by a nose over today’s distance. Given that the field size today is modest, his ability to settle and accelerate late makes him a stand-out. If you haven’t already, be sure to check our Nottingham 14:50 racecard for the latest updates.
Lord Roxby (16/1) a Tempting Each-Way in Ascot’s 16:40
The 16:40 at Ascot, a highly competitive 18-runner sprint over 6 furlongs, offers a tantalising puzzle for punters. At first glance, it looks impenetrable, but Lord Roxby, available at a juicy 16/1, might just sneak under the radar. Drawn favourably in stall 7, the Alex Jary-ridden gelding has the tactical speed to take advantage of the middle-to-low numbers dominating Ascot sprints thus far this season.
Trainer Chris Gordon’s yard has been in flying form lately, operating at a 20% strike rate over the past fortnight. While Lord Roxby’s recent form figures might not turn heads (7430-0), his performances over slightly longer distances suggest he can stay on strongly and pick off tiring rivals in the closing stages. For those looking for an enticing each-way angle, head to our each-way selections page for more insights on runners like Lord Roxby.
Tap Tap Shamie (1/10) Looks Bombproof at Hexham 15:20
Hexham rarely serves up a more straight-forward banker than Tap Tap Shamie in the 15:20, a small-field Novices' Hurdle over 2 miles. At 1/10, the Oliver Murphy-trained gelding is as close to a certainty as you’ll find today. Sam Twiston-Davies is booked, bringing his vast experience around undulating tracks, and the way Tap Tap Shamie demolished a similar field at this track last time out gives supreme confidence that he’ll replicate the feat.
The official going of Good to Soft shouldn’t present any issues, given Tap Tap Shamie’s adaptability and proven cruising speed on soft terrain. If you’re building a weekend accumulator, he’s a cornerstone pick. For inspiration, see our latest accumulator tips page.
Ascot 14:20: Competitive Field but Watch Closely
This 7-furlong handicap has drawn a mammoth 28-runner field, and it’s a race where punters will want to tread carefully. The market leader, Royal Council, currently 5/1, has strong claims, having placed in three of his last four appearances at this trip. However, in a field of this size, it’s worth considering bigger-priced options like Siempre Arturo, who’s available at a staggering 66/1.
While 66/1 shots rarely scream value, Siempre Arturo has shown flashes of ability in large fields and could benefit from a swift pace to aim at here. Jason Watson takes the ride, a notable booking for a horse priced so long. Use our runner comparison tool to see how Siempre Arturo measures up against key rivals.
Big-Price Fancies Worth a Look
High odds often hide genuine chances, and today’s racing offers a variety of speculative plays for the adventurous punter. In addition to Lord Roxby, two long-shots catch the eye:
- Able Astra (50/1) in Leicester’s 17:55. At these odds, the key angle may be the booking of Jack Nicholls, claiming 5lbs, which could make all the difference in this 12-runner handicap.
- Barascaria Ten (18/1) in Warwick’s 20:07. Lorcan Williams has guided this versatile mare to success under similar conditions before, and the stiff Warwick finish could suit her late-running style.
Fancy giving them a spin? Use our betting calculator to map out potential returns from an each-way flutter.
Best Bets Summary
In a busy day of action across nine tracks, here’s where the smart money is headed:
- Valkyrie Storm (1/1) – Nottingham 14:50. Rock-solid favourite with course and distance credentials.
- Lord Roxby (16/1) – Ascot 16:40. A cracking each-way shout in a wide-open sprint.
- Tap Tap Shamie (1/10) – Hexham 15:20. As close to a banker as you’ll find today.
- Barascaria Ten (18/1) – Warwick 20:07. For a speculative punt late in the evening.
- Siempre Arturo (66/1) – Ascot 14:20. A true outsider but not without claims in a chaotic handicap.
For more insights, see all today's tips and check for late withdrawals before placing your bets. With 64 races across nine tracks, there’s no shortage of action to dive into today!
