Spotlight on Sunday: Big Names Ready to Shine
Sunday's racing action may not feature any graded contests, but punters still have plenty to sink their teeth into across four cards at Ripon, Hamilton, Stratford, and Naas. Key trainer-jockey combinations stand out today, with Ralph Beckett and Hector Crouch teaming up to deliver the confident Zen Diva (4/5, 16:20 Ripon), while Scotland’s Hamilton looks primed for an exciting afternoon with the likes of David Tudhope booked on intriguing longshots.
Whether you're after short-priced bankers or big-field each-way opportunities, Sunday’s action offers both standout favourites and value plays. Here’s a deep dive into the key connections and angles to attack.
Zen Diva (4/5) - 16:20 Ripon
Ralph Beckett’s yard can do little wrong of late, firing in winners at an impressive 22% strike rate over the past fortnight. His filly, Zen Diva, has a gilt-edged chance of adding to that tally in Ripon’s Class 4 fillies’ handicap over 6 furlongs. Hector Crouch, who has partnered Beckett-trained runners to multiple victories this year, gets the ride, which is a significant positive.
Zen Diva boasts form figures of 211 in her last three runs and looks well-handicapped off a mark of 84. She took a similar 6f contest at Newbury on good ground just three weeks ago, asserting by 1.5 lengths under hands-and-heels riding. The Ripon going is officially described as ‘good, good to firm in places,’ which should be ideal for the daughter of Zoustar. With pace-laden fields often favouring those who can sit prominently here, Zen Diva’s ability to travel smoothly at the head of affairs looks a key factor.
At 4/5, she’s no price for the value-hunters, but she’s the likeliest winner of the day nonetheless. For those looking to build a Sunday accumulator, Zen Diva should provide a solid cornerstone.
Military Air (33/1) - 16:45 Hamilton
There’s always a temptation to side with class at a price, and David O’Meara doesn’t send no-hopers to the track. Military Air may carry odds of 33/1 into Hamilton’s Class 5 handicap over 1m 5f 16y, but this is a gelding crying out for a stamina test, and under Danny Tudhope, he could surprise a few.
Admittedly, Military Air’s recent form figures (0-9-7) are uninspiring, but his yard is renowned for sparking life into similar types by switching tactics or upping trip. This longer distance should suit the 4-year-old far better after an eye-catching staying-on seventh last time out over 1m 2f at Beverley. Tudhope, often the first-choice rider for O’Meara’s runners, has been riding with his usual aplomb, bagging six winners in the past fortnight.
In a race with 12 runners, many of whom prefer softer underfoot conditions, there’s a decent chance Military Air will relish today's improving surface at Hamilton. With four places available for each-way punters, he’s worth a small play.
Crystal Flyer (28/1) - 17:45 Hamilton
Speaking of longshots, connections must feel they’re due some fortune with Crystal Flyer, who lines up at 28/1 in a competitive Class 6 sprint handicap over 6f 6y. Paul Mulrennan, a jockey known for expert handling of quirky horses, takes the ride, and this gelding has shaped as though better than his bare form may suggest.
Last seen finishing fourth of eight at Ayr in a muddling affair, Crystal Flyer gets a return to Hamilton, where his form reads a respectable 3-2 over today’s course and distance. With a field of 13 runners likely producing a more even gallop this afternoon, the son of Outstrip could easily hit the frame at a tidy price.
If you’re considering a few each-way selections for Sunday’s racing, Crystal Flyer looks one to include.
Trainer Spotlights: Beckett, O’Meara, and Nichols
Much of today’s betting revolves around a handful of key trainers with live chances across the cards:
- Ralph Beckett: We’ve already highlighted Zen Diva at Ripon, but Beckett’s Naas strike rate (15% in 2026) also warrants attention for any late movers in Ireland.
- David O’Meara: Military Air and Aberama Gold (18:15 Hamilton, 16/1) both offer value in wider fields. O’Meara’s yard has been churning out winners in Scotland this season with a hefty 18% strike rate when sending runners north.
- Fergal O’Brien: Stratford plays host to National Hunt fare, and O’Brien fields well-fancied runners in the novice hurdles. His strike rate at Stratford over the last three years hovers an enviable 21%.
Jockeys to Watch
As always, skilled pilots catch the eye, and today includes notable bookings:
- Hector Crouch: On fire partnering Beckett stars like Zen Diva (16:20 Ripon).
- Hollie Doyle: With multiple rides at Ripon, she’s one to follow for her tactical nous on tighter tracks.
- Danny Tudhope: Expect him to shine at Hamilton aboard quirky types like Military Air (16:45 Hamilton).
Value Bets and Each-Way Plays
If you're hunting for a bigger payout, consider mixing these longshots:
- Military Air (33/1, Hamilton 16:45): Stamina test and Tudhope’s booking give hope.
- Crystal Flyer (28/1, Hamilton 17:45): Course specialist with Mulrennan in the saddle.
- Controlla (66/1, Naas 16:26): Big price for David Egan, worth a speculative punt in a wide-open field.
Use our betting calculator to best manage your staking plan if combining these into multiples.
Best Bets Summary
- NAP: Zen Diva (4/5, Ripon 16:20) – Surefire filly for Beckett and Crouch.
- Military Air (33/1, Hamilton 16:45) – Each-way value in a staying handicap.
- Crystal Flyer (28/1, Hamilton 17:45) – Well-handicapped historical course performer.
For today’s top AI-powered tips, latest results, and tomorrow’s selections, head over to RaceCards.co.uk. Play smart and enjoy a fantastic Sunday on the punt!
