Big-Priced Fancies Lead the Way on a Bumper Wednesday Card
While headlines tend to gravitate toward short-priced favourites, today's action across Newton Abbot, Beverley, Cartmel, Hamilton, Kempton, and Wexford rates a feast for punters seeking genuine value among longer-priced runners. With 42 races on offer, including big-field handicaps and competitive contests, the opportunities for savvy bettors are abundant. In particular, Zhang Fei (16/1, 18:38 at Cartmel), Barrister (40/1, 19:30 at Kempton), and Away To Paris (25/1, 20:19 at Wexford) highlight the kind of overlooked runners who could offer excellent payouts today.
Let’s dive into the specifics of why these outsiders stand out and analyse the value opportunities from today’s card. For comprehensive information on every race, you can check today’s full racecards or see all of our AI-powered tips.
Zhang Fei 16/1 Has Strong Cartmel Claims Despite Price
Cartmel's 18:38, a 13-runner Class 3 handicap over 2m 1f 46y on good ground, is a devilishly tricky contest on paper. The market leaders boast solid form, but one horse stands out for value hunters: Zhang Fei, currently available at an enticing 16/1.
Trained by Fergal O'Brien and partnered by his daughter Fern O'Brien, Zhang Fei returns after a five-month break, which could make all the difference. While his most recent runs on soft ground at Ffos Las were unconvincing, he has previously shown strong form on good going, including a victory over this distance at Musselburgh last year. The gelding also has a featherweight of 10st 8lb, a significant perk in this kind of demanding track with its sharp turns and uphill section.
There’s also every reason to believe in a positive tactical ride—Fern O’Brien excels at wringing out finishes from frontrunners, and Cartmel is a venue where bold tactics often pay dividends. At 16/1, an each-way bet looks an enticing proposition with four places likely in most markets. For additional insights into comparable runners, compare these runners head-to-head.
Barrister 40/1 Could Be the Kempton Shock of the Night
Kempton Park's 19:30, a 1m novice stakes under the floodlights, has all the hallmarks of an uncompetitive affair at the top of the market. However, lurking at the periphery is 40/1 shot Barrister, who shouldn’t be dismissed lightly.
This three-year-old colt hails from the late-maturing Richard Hannon yard, a team well-known for producing shock results in these types of middle-distance races on all-weather surfaces. What raises Barrister’s claims is his lightly-raced profile. His debut effort over six furlongs at Lingfield (9th of 14) might look modest, but he shaped well in the latter stages, suggesting more to come over this extended trip. Add in the fact that jockey Sean Hitchcott has ridden several big-priced winners on the Polytrack for Hannon, and there’s reason to nudge him onto the watchlist.
With some bookies paying three places, Barrister could deliver a dramatic payout at the odds. Remember to use our betting calculator to map out your each-way stakes.
Away To Paris 25/1 Is a Sleeper at Wexford
If you're a fan of seeking out potential Irish raiders at high odds, then the 20:19 at Wexford, a competitive 2m 1f handicap hurdle, could be right up your alley. One runner overpriced relative to his ability is Away To Paris, currently trading at 25/1.
Trained by Eugene O’Sullivan and ridden today by amateur jockey Mr M J McGrath, this ten-year-old gelding is no stranger to success at Wexford, having scored here over the same trip back in 2024. Admittedly, his form has tailed off over the winter, but he’s been lightly raced this season and could be primed for a return to form. The drying ground (currently good to yielding) suits his proven preference for less testing conditions, and his handicap mark of 102 is far from insurmountable.
With a likely furious pace up front, Away To Paris’s ability to stay on strongly late could see him rattle into the frame. This one calls for a speculative each-way punt, especially with enhanced place terms in a 14-runner field. Keep an eye on non-runners to ensure full each-way value.
Other Longshots to Watch
- Aqwaam (33/1, 20:30 at Kempton): Lightly-raced four-year-old from Ed Greatrex’s yard looks a potential improver with cheekpieces applied for the first time.
- Riyami (16/1, 19:49 at Wexford): Sean Flanagan teams up with a stayer on a fair mark in a 3m handicap hurdle.
For further options on similarly priced outsiders, check our each-way selections.
Best Bets Summary for Wednesday 27th May 2026
- Zhang Fei (16/1, 18:38 at Cartmel): Each-way value in a wide-open handicap.
- Barrister (40/1, 19:30 at Kempton): Longshot potential in a novice stakes.
- Away To Paris (25/1, 20:19 at Wexford): Could spring a surprise in a big-field hurdle.
- Riyami (16/1, 19:49 at Wexford): A stayer with claims in a competitive handicap.
The day’s racing offers something for everyone, with value bets aplenty across various cards. Whether you’re sticking to shrewd each-way wagers or looking to bundle an accumulator from our shorter-priced AI tips, now is the time to strategise your betting slip. Don't forget to explore today’s accumulator tips or check the latest results.
