Yazin 5/8 NAP Heads Southwell’s Afternoon Card
Thursday’s action throws up a well-fancied selection, with Yazin (5/8) dominating the betting in the 16:57 at Southwell. AI analysis has tagged this as the day’s standout bet, with a confidence rating of 91% and an expected value (EV) boost of +17.3%. Partnered by Ryan Moore and trained by the illustrious John & Thady Gosden, this lightly raced son of Frankel looks primed to deliver in the Class 5 contest over 1m 13y. Yazin arrives here after an impressive debut win on the all-weather at Kempton, where he bolted up by four lengths despite showing signs of greenness. The Standard going at Southwell will suit him perfectly, and Gosden’s record with second-time-out runners is superb, boasting a 29% strike rate. Punters should note the Gosden-Moore combination has been firing with a 31% win rate in 2026 so far. Anything upward of 5/8 looks fair value for the win.
Raspoutine 1/1 Looks Reliable in Southwell’s Evening Card
Later on Southwell’s card, Sir Mark Prescott deploys the consistent Raspoutine (1/1) in the 19:00, another 1m 13y contest on the synthetic surface. This gelding is proven on the all-weather, with two wins from four attempts at similar distances. Luke Morris takes the ride, a jockey adept at coaxing the best out of Prescott’s runners on the flat and boasting strong course form. Raspoutine’s last win came at Chelmsford, where he battled gamely to hold off his rivals in a Class 4 race. The Standard going won’t faze him, and the Prescott yard is in flying form, hitting an impressive 22% strike rate across their last 50 runners. At evens, he’s a smart pick, though punters might prefer him in an accumulator — head to today's accumulator tips for more suggestions.
Big-Field Handicaps Offer Each-Way Angles
With no graded or listed races today, value seekers will be eyeing the largest handicaps to find some juicy prices. Among them, Perth’s 16:40 (2m 47y, Good to Soft) headlines with a competitive field of 14 runners. Hidden among the pack is Tigress Lilly (25/1), who looks a tempting each-way play. Jack Power takes the ride on this mare who’s shown promise in similar conditions, particularly over good ground with a bit of cut. While her form figures (P3P7) don’t inspire confidence, those runs were on much firmer ground or over excessive distances she struggled to stay. This drop back to 2m 47y on kinder going could unlock improvement, and at her odds, she’s worth a speculative punt. For more longer-priced fancies, check out each-way selections.
Beverley Offers Value in the 17:25 Handicap
Over at Beverley, the 17:25 provides another 12-runner contest where finding value is key. Amantha (66/1) may seem a rank outsider, but don’t dismiss her lightly. The Ben Robinson-ridden filly has a knack for springing surprises, particularly at this track where course specialists can often outshine their form book. Beverley’s undulating terrain suits horses who can travel strongly downhill before digging in for the uphill finish, and Amantha showed glimmers of late progress in her last outing here. She’ll need plenty of luck in running, but with bookmakers likely offering enhanced place terms, an each-way flutter at 66/1 is justifiable.
Top Trainers Target Dundalk’s Evening Card
Dundalk’s striking Polytrack often becomes a playground for Ireland’s leading trainers, and tonight sees several big names in action. The 20:15 is a hotly contested 12-runner affair over 1m 2f 150y, and while the favourite hasn’t been confirmed yet, smart punters should watch Genecho (6/5) closely in the preceding races at Charles Town. Running over the sharp distance of 4 1/2 furlongs, Genecho is expected to dominate at those odds. You can track real-time updates and check for late withdrawals on our platform.
Value Bets and Long-Shot Fancies
If big prices are your game, today’s cards offer several intriguing outsiders. Aristelle (80/1, Perth 13:40) is the longest-priced recommended pick, though not without merit. Despite modest credentials, this horse’s ability to carry low weight in challenging conditions shouldn’t be ignored, particularly on a tight Scottish track like Perth.
Meanwhile, Ironica De Thaix (28/1, Warwick 16:00) appeals as another lively outsider for Charlie Deutsch, whose front-running tactics could unsettle a packed field.
Best Bets Summary
Here’s a summary of today’s standout selections:
- NAP: Yazin (5/8) – Southwell 16:57. Proven form, powerful connections, and ideal conditions.
- Next Best: Raspoutine (1/1) – Southwell 19:00. Reliable performer in evening action.
- Each-Way Value: Tigress Lilly (25/1) – Perth 16:40. Ground conditions could suit this mare.
- Wildcard: Amantha (66/1) – Beverley 17:25. Course characteristics may bring out her best.
For all today's AI tips and early picks for Friday’s racing, stay tuned to RaceCards.co.uk to get ahead of the market movers. For those building accumulators, be sure to use our betting calculator to confirm potential payouts.
