Zubaru 5/4 NAP Headlines Saturday’s Racing at Leicester
Saturday, 9th May 2026 serves up an exciting day of mid-tier flat and jumps action across the UK. With no graded contests, it’s all about pinpointing the value in a wide array of competitive fields. Our standout NAP of the day comes in Leicester’s 19:25, where Zubaru looks primed to dominate at odds of 5/4. Trained by George Scott and paired with the ever-reliable Darragh Keenan, the fit looks ideal over seven furlongs on Good to Firm (Good in places) going. AI predictors have marked Zubaru at an 82% confidence level, the highest of the day, supported by an +11.3% expected value (EV), making this a clear bet-to-win recommendation.
Scott's string has been in fine form this season, operating at a solid 22% strike rate over the past fortnight, and Keenan boasts a 19% win rate at Leicester. The added advantage? Zubaru landed a comfortable win over a similar distance last time out and, if reproducing that effort, could prove untouchable in this moderate five-runner field. Don’t miss out—check the full racecard for details on Zubaru’s rivals.
Gentle Warrior Looking Solid at Nottingham
Leading the charge at Nottingham is Gentle Warrior in the 17:10 (1m 6f), where the market has him as a 5/4 favourite. Trained by Karl Burke and ridden by rising star Toby Moore, this three-year-old gelding offers punters a confident bet on what appears to be his ideal surface. The Good (Good to Firm in places) underfoot conditions play to his strengths following an authoritative win on similar ground over 1m 4f at York last month.
With AI confidence pegged at 82% and his trainer hitting a 28% strike rate with runners over staying trips this season, Gentle Warrior’s fitness and pedigree scream value despite the skinny odds. For more information, including recent form figures for the full field, head to the Nottingham 17:10 racecard.
Emperor Caradoc the Pick in Leicester’s 18:25
The 6f sprint at Leicester is always a tricky puzzle, but 7/4 shot Emperor Caradoc looks poised to hit the bullseye in the 18:25. AI gives this P T Midgley-trained runner a 78% confidence rating, with an EV of +8.7% suggesting value despite his status as second-favourite. He’s partnered with D Nolan, whose 15% win rate at Leicester can’t be ignored.
The horse’s last two outings saw him narrowly beaten in high-grade handicaps at Doncaster and Newcastle, but the drop in class today will suit. Emperor Caradoc looks well-drawn in stall 3 and has form figures of 2-1-2 on Good to Firm surfaces. This is one for the win column unless something extraordinary occurs. Dive deeper into the Leicester 18:25 racecard.
Best Value: Up The Jazz at 4/1
If you’re scouting for value, don’t overlook Up The Jazz at 4/1 in Leicester’s 20:25 (1m 53y). Trained by Richard Fahey and ridden by the capable D Nolan, this colt’s current AI confidence of 70% reflects genuine winning potential. His last run over 7f on similar ground saw him grab a respectable third in class company. The step up to a mile should suit him as a galloping type with excellent late-race acceleration. Claiming first-time cheekpieces could also eek out marginal improvement.
The field’s competitive but not overwhelming, and at these odds, an each-way play is shrewd. Be sure to review our each-way selections for Saturday.
Big-Priced Picks: Alpaca's Bullet Worth a Punt
For those who thrive on big-priced fancies, Alpaca’s Bullet is the standout at Leicester’s 17:25. Available at 40/1, and with a 46% AI confidence rating, K T O’Neill rides in a field lacking a clear standout performer. While this four-year-old is yet to trouble the winners’ enclosure, his recent fourth at 50/1 over 6f hinted at untapped potential.
Warwick and Ascot also throw up intriguing outsider options in Barascaria Ten at 18/1 (Warwick 20:07) and Lord Roxby at 16/1 (Ascot 16:40). With both showing glimpses of competitiveness in similar conditions, they make for ideal each-way punts. For others worth backing, explore our full list of today's runners.
Saturday’s Best Bets Summary
Here’s a quick recap of Saturday’s top selections and value bets:
- Zubaru (Luicester 19:25) - NAP, 5/4
- Gentle Warrior (Nottingham 17:10) - 5/4 confident pick
- Emperor Caradoc (Leicester 18:25) - 7/4 to win
- Up The Jazz (Leicester 20:25) - 4/1 each-way value
- Alpaca’s Bullet (Leicester 17:25) - Big-price outsider at 40/1
Whether you're playing singles, each-ways, or stacking your picks into a Saturday accumulator, don't forget to explore our expertly crafted acca options. As always, check the latest non-runners and use our betting calculator for precise returns.
With standout selections like Zubaru and Gentle Warrior, Saturday promises plenty of opportunities to land a winner. Happy punting!
