Our Ascot racing tips cover all 7 races on the card today, Friday 8th May 2026. The action gets underway at 13:50 and runs through to 17:10, with going reported as Straight 8.0, round 6.2) (watered) (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick).
A few names jump off the page from a course-form perspective. Brosay boasts a 25% strike rate from 4 runs at the track, Luke Catton has been in fine form here with 3 wins from 10 rides, William Haggas’s yard sends out runners with a 15.44% strike rate at this venue. Below you’ll find race-by-race breakdowns with our top selections, live odds and tipster picks.
Tipster Performance at Ascot
Here’s how the leading tipsters have fared at Ascot over the last two years (minimum 10 selections):
| Tipster | Source | Selections | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ratings Hub | attheraces.com | 10 | 4 | 40% | 60% |
| Glendale | The Scotsman | 28 | 11 | 39.29% | 64.29% |
| Luke Tucker | Cambridge Evening News | 30 | 9 | 30% | 50% |
| The North | Racing Post | 14 | 4 | 28.57% | 64.29% |
| Lee Sobot | Yorkshire Evening Post | 32 | 9 | 28.13% | 65.63% |
13:50 – Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% Handicap
Race Details: 7f | Class 2 | Going: Straight 8.0, round 6.2) (watered) (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick) | | flat
This is a smart little three-year-old handicap to start the card and, for all there are only 10 runners, it doesn’t look straightforward. The market is understandably focused on Albaydaa and Colori Forever, both of whom arrive with progressive profiles, while May Angel also has the look of one who could easily take a step forward for the Gosdens. The handicapper hasn’t missed much with the principals, though, and that can open the door to something at a bigger price. Ascot’s stiff 7f usually exposes any weak finishers, so this should be decided by who settles best and sees it out strongest rather than by a flashy turn of foot alone. It’s a good race for the grade, but not one to treat as a penalty kick.
Top Selections
1. Albaydaa – 11/4 with Bet365
Jockey: Tom Marquand | Trainer: William Haggas | Form: 321-3 | Rating: 101 | Topspeed: 96
Albaydaa makes plenty of appeal. She signed off last season with a win, returned with a perfectly solid third, and her figures suggest there should be more to come now stepping into a race of this nature. A Topspeed of 96 stands out in this field and, crucially, she gets in here off just 122 despite a mark of 101, which makes her look very well treated on the face of it. Haggas is not in the habit of wasting bullets in races like this and Tom Marquand is an obvious positive booking. At 11/4 she’s no secret, but she still looks the most likely winner.
Bet: WIN
2. Angel Of Anfield – 12/1 with Betfair
Jockey: Rossa Ryan | Trainer: Tom Clover | Form: 52212- | Rating: 98 | Topspeed: 90
Angel Of Anfield looks the each-way angle in a race where the obvious ones are short enough. He was admirably consistent last term, ending the campaign with form figures that read very well in the context of this handicap, and a Topspeed of 90 says he has the raw ability to be competitive at this level. Stall 3 looks no bad place to be, he carries only 124, and Rossa Ryan is exactly the sort you want in a strongly-run 7f handicap at Ascot. There’s a chance he’ll need to find a bit more than the market leaders, but 12/1 feels a touch dismissive for a colt with this profile.
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Albaydaa is the win play because she looks the class act and may still be ahead of the assessor. For an each-way punt, Angel Of Anfield appeals as a reliable, fairly treated sort who should give you a run for your money at double-figure odds. The obvious dangers are Colori Forever, who is thriving, and May Angel, who could improve sharply second time up.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colori Forever | 3/1 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 3/1 (Bet365) |
| May Angel | 5/1 | 5/1 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 9/2 | 11/2 (Paddy Power) |
| Synners Kid | 22/1 | 30/1 | 33/1 | 28/1 | 20/1 | 33/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Angel Of Anfield | 11/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 12/1 (Betfair) |
| Albaydaa | 11/4 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 11/4 (Bet365) |
| Queen Tamara | 9/2 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 7/2 | 4/1 | 9/2 (Bet365) |
| Aqua Bear | 25/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 25/1 | 28/1 | 33/1 (Betfair) |
| Ay Up Duck | 18/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 | 16/1 | 14/1 | 18/1 (Bet365) |
| Goldwork | 12/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 12/1 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| On The Nose | Colori Forever |
| Postdata | May Angel |
| Jason Heavey | Albaydaa |
14:20 – Juddmonte EBF Fillies’ Restricted Novice Stakes (Bands B/C/D) (EBF Restricted Qualifier) (GBB)
Race Details: 5f | Class 2 | Going: Straight 8.0, round 6.2) (watered) (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick) | | flat
This looks a lively early-season juvenile fillies’ sprint rather than a straightforward penalty kick. Bint Archange sets the standard on what we’ve actually seen, having finished third on debut and already posting the standout figures in the field, but there are several completely unexposed types lurking behind her, notably Wondervision and Resemblance, who are prominent in the betting without having shown their hand on the track. Beautiful Rainbow and Miss Moneypit have racecourse experience too, though both need to improve plenty to trouble the principals. Over 5f at Ascot, raw speed and professionalism matter, and in these restricted novice events I tend to side with the filly who has already shown she can handle the occasion. Even so, it is not a race to treat as a certainty.
Top Selections
1. Bint Archange – 9/4 with Bet365
Jockey: William Buick | Trainer: Richard Hughes | Form: 3 | Rating: 87 | Topspeed: 85
She is the one with the most persuasive substance behind her chance. A debut third in a race like this is often worth more than it first appears, especially from a yard that can ready a sharp 2yo without needing to overcook them first time, and her figures stand out in this field. An RPR-style mark of 87 and topspeed of 85 tell you she already has proper pace, and that matters plenty in an Ascot 5f dash. Buick is an eye-catching booking and this looks an obvious target for a filly who should come on for that initial experience. At 9/4, she is short enough, but still the percentage call. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Resemblance – 15/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Kevin Stott | Trainer: Michael Bell | Form: | Rating: | Topspeed:
If you want to play against the obvious one, this is the filly who makes most appeal at the prices. Michael Bell knows the time of day with juveniles and a 15/2 quote looks fair in a race where several of the shorter ones are trading on reputation rather than evidence. Drawn low in stall 2, Resemblance could get a handy tow into the race, and this restricted novice does not look deep with proven talent beyond the favourite. She has to do it on debut, which is never ideal against a filly with Bint Archange’s experience, but as an each-way punt she makes more sense than some of the flashier market rivals. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Bint Archange is the solid win bet because she has already posted the best form and speed figure in the line-up and should know more about the job this time. For an each-way angle, Resemblance appeals as a well-drawn newcomer from a yard capable of landing races like this first time out. Wondervision is the obvious danger if the market confidence proves justified.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Hitter | NR | 14/1 | 14/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 (Betfair) |
| Resemblance | 15/2 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 7/1 | 15/2 | 15/2 (Bet365) |
| Wondervision | 5/2 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 (Betfair) |
| Beautiful Rainbow | 15/2 | 15/2 | 8/1 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 8/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Bint Archange | 9/4 | 15/8 | 15/8 | 15/8 | 2/1 | 9/4 (Bet365) |
| Half A Hoof | 11/1 | 17/2 | 9/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 (Bet365) |
| Magnesium | 33/1 | 22/1 | 25/1 | 20/1 | 28/1 | 33/1 (Bet365) |
| Miss Moneypit | 11/2 | 11/2 | 6/1 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 6/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Romidijo | 25/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 28/1 | 33/1 (Betfair) |
| Tallahassee Lassie | 22/1 | 18/1 | 20/1 | 18/1 | 20/1 | 22/1 (Bet365) |
| Past Passion | 18/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 (Betfair) |
| Summer Triangle | 33/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 28/1 | 33/1 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| Tipman Tips | Bint Archange |
14:55 – Palmer & Co. Champagne Maiden Fillies’ Stakes (GBB Race)
Race Details: 1m 1f | Class 2 | Going: Straight 8.0, round 6.2) (watered) (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick) | | flat
This doesn’t look a deep maiden for the grade, but it is still an interesting little contest because the market has latched firmly onto Gone By, and with good reason. Ralph Beckett’s filly shaped like a useful prospect when runner-up on her sole 2yo start and sets the clear standard on the published figures. Tarrant is the obvious danger after a promising debut third, while Light Of Paris has the Gosden-Buick combination and is entitled to come on from her introduction. The rest have plenty to prove, with a couple of once-raced types and some bigger prices suggesting the principals dominate. In truth, this feels more about which filly improves properly from two to three than a wildly competitive puzzle.
Top Selections
1. Gone By – 10/11 with Bet365
Jockey: Rossa Ryan | Trainer: Ralph Beckett | Form: 2- | Rating: 94 | Topspeed: 38
She’s the one they all have to beat. That debut second already gives her the strongest piece of form in the line-up, and an opening mark of 94 in a maiden tells its own story. Beckett is usually patient with these fillies and they often know their job second time around, while Rossa Ryan is a solid booking to make that experience count. The step up to 1m1f looks a plus rather than a concern, and from stall 1 she should get a smooth run into the race. At 10/11 she’s not a gift, but she is hard to oppose if returning in the same vein. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Tarrant – 7/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Sean Levey | Trainer: Richard Hannon | Form: 3 | Rating: 91 | Topspeed: 51
Tarrant appeals as the each-way angle because that debut third was full of promise and the bare numbers are already pretty useful. A mark of 91 puts her right in the mix, and the Topspeed figure of 51 is the best on offer here, which suggests there was substance to what she achieved first time up. Hannon’s fillies can come forward plenty for an initial run, and Sean Levey is exactly the rider you want on a lightly raced type learning on the job. She may still lack the experience edge of the favourite, but 7/2 is fair if you think there’s natural progress to come. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Gone By is the straightforward win play because she brings the best established form and looks the most likely improver at this trip. For an each-way punt, Tarrant makes plenty of sense in an eight-runner field with three places on offer. Light Of Paris is the obvious danger if the Gosden yard has found the usual improvement from first to second start.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antiquarian | 125/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 125/1 (Bet365) |
| Bintknight | 11/1 | 7/1 | 15/2 | 7/1 | 17/2 | 11/1 (Bet365) |
| Cool Girl | 8/1 | 6/1 | 13/2 | 6/1 | 7/1 | 8/1 (Bet365) |
| Gone By | 10/11 | 10/11 | 10/11 | 10/11 | 10/11 | 10/11 (Bet365) |
| Light Of Paris | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 (Bet365) |
| Pierpoint | 40/1 | 40/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Salamis Bay | 66/1 | 40/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 66/1 (Bet365) |
| Tarrant | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| Ratings Hub | Gone By |
15:25 – Only Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% Handicap
Race Details: 6f | Class 3 | Going: Straight 8.0, round 6.2) (watered) (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick) | | flat
This is a smart little sprint handicap for the grade, with several arriving from different angles and no shortage of pace on paper. Elements Of Fire comes here on a four-timer and is the obvious improver, but life is getting tougher off 106 and this is a deeper race than the ones he has been picking off. Hucklesbrook is solid and likely to be popular after a fair return, while Kodiac Thriller looks dangerously well treated for one who won last time and still carries only 122. Photosynthesis is interesting back at 6f with a big Topspeed figure to his name, and Mandurah is another capable of better than we’ve seen lately. Competitive rather than impossible, but it does look the sort of Ascot sprint where a well-handicapped finisher can swoop late.
Top Selections
1. Kodiac Thriller – 7/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa | Trainer: Mark Walford | Form: 447-01 | Rating: 107 | Topspeed: 99
He makes plenty of appeal in a race where a few of the market principals are now fully exposed by the assessor. That latest win suggested he is coming to the boil at just the right time, and a mark of 107 does not look beyond him given he gets in here with just 122. A Topspeed of 99 stacks up very well in this company and De Sousa is exactly the sort you want on a strong-travelling sprinter around Ascot’s straight track. Available at 7/1, he looks a more attractive betting proposition than some shorter-priced rivals who have less room to manoeuvre. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Photosynthesis – 15/2 with Sky Bet
Jockey: P J McDonald | Trainer: Peter Chapple-Hyam | Form: 971-07 | Rating: 106 | Topspeed: 101
He is the each-way play because there is enough in his profile to think he can bounce back quickly. The bare form of his two runs this season does not scream winner, but that 101 Topspeed figure is one of the best on offer here and his mark has become workable if he can reproduce his better efforts. Peter Chapple-Hyam’s runner has the sort of pace to cope with a well-run 6f and this track can suit one delivered a touch later. At 15/2, he is not being missed entirely, but he still looks a perfectly fair each-way punt in an 11-runner handicap with three places on offer. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Kodiac Thriller is the win bet at the prices; his recent success, low weight and strong speed figure make him the percentage call. Photosynthesis is the each-way option, especially if the race is run to suit a closer. The obvious danger is Elements Of Fire, who is progressive and hard to knock, while Hucklesbrook also has the profile of one likely to be on the premises.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elements Of Fire | 6/1 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 5/1 | 6/1 | 6/1 (Bet365) |
| Toyotomi | 17/2 | 9/1 | 9/1 | 8/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 (Betfair) |
| Brosay | 18/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 | 14/1 | 18/1 | 18/1 (Bet365) |
| Hucklesbrook | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 (Bet365) |
| Bolo Neighs | 11/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Mandurah | 9/1 | 17/2 | 9/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 9/1 (Bet365) |
| Photosynthesis | 6/1 | 13/2 | 13/2 | 15/2 | 13/2 | 15/2 (Sky Bet) |
| Betsen | 7/1 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 13/2 | 13/2 | 7/1 (Bet365) |
| Saint Lawrence | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 (Bet365) |
| Kodiac Thriller | 7/1 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 7/2 | 13/2 | 7/1 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| Moorestyle | Walson’s Law |
16:00 – Ascot Hospitality Handicap
Race Details: 6f | Class 4 | Going: Straight 8.0, round 6.2) (watered) (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick) | | flat
This is a proper Ascot sprint handicap for 3yos: big field, plenty of pace, and not many you can dismiss outright. The market has latched on to the likes of Secret Santa, Moscow Power and Hallo Spaceboy, all of whom bring solid profiles, while Arry Up arrives chasing a hat-trick and looks the obvious improver. Ballybunion is interesting back from a break, Red Snapper is dangerously well treated near the foot of the weights, and Sizzling Seixas could easily have more to offer after winning on just his second start. In truth, though, this looks a tricky puzzle rather than a race to get carried away with. In a 20-runner 6f handicap at Ascot, track position, pace and a bit of luck will matter every bit as much as raw ability.
Top Selections
1. Arry Up – 15/2 with Betfair
Jockey: Lewis Edmunds | Trainer: Rod Millman | Form: 931-11 | Rating: 87 | Topspeed:
He is the one I keep coming back to. Arry Up has done nothing wrong this year, following up his juvenile win with another success on reappearance, and he still shapes like a sprinter on the up rather than one who has hit his ceiling. A rating of 87 looks fair rather than punitive for a colt arriving in this sort of nick, and stall 20 could be no bad thing if the pace develops up that side. Rod Millman knows the time of day with hardy sprinters and at 15/2 he makes more appeal than some shorter-priced rivals in a race where improvement is likely to decide it. Bet: WIN
2. Red Snapper – 16/1 with Paddy Power
Jockey: Laura Coughlan | Trainer: Kathy Turner | Form: 5521-2 | Rating: 83 | Topspeed: 80
If you want one at a price to outrun the market, Red Snapper is hard to ignore. He has a nice racing weight of 120, arrives off the back of a perfectly respectable second, and his Topspeed figure of 80 stacks up pretty well in the context of this race. That suggests he is not short of the raw pace needed for a competitive Ascot 6f. He is not as fashionable as some of these, but 16/1 looks a fair each-way punt with five places on offer, especially in a race where plenty of those above him in the betting still have something to prove in a big-field handicap. Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Arry Up is the win play because he looks a progressive sort who may still be ahead of the handicapper. For an each-way option, Red Snapper makes plenty of sense off a low weight and has the speed figures to be competitive. The obvious dangers are Secret Santa, who has solid form for a race like this, and Hallo Spaceboy, who is consistent and should give his running again.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Secret Santa | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 (Bet365) |
| Sizzling Seixas | 11/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 (Bet365) |
| Star Of Albion | 28/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 28/1 (Bet365) |
| Blue Orbit | 14/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| Rogue Temptation | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
| Moscow Power | 9/2 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 9/2 (Bet365) |
| Wedonttelllies | 9/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 9/1 (Bet365) |
| Hallo Spaceboy | 8/1 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 8/1 | 15/2 | 8/1 (Bet365) |
| Arry Up | 7/1 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 15/2 (Betfair) |
| Afton Down | 11/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 (Bet365) |
| Fair Y Isle | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
| Dublin Bay | 14/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| Night Mission | 28/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 28/1 | 33/1 (Betfair) |
| Twilight Glow | 28/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 28/1 (Bet365) |
| Duskaura | 66/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 (Bet365) |
| Ballybunion | 10/1 | 17/2 | 9/1 | 8/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 (Bet365) |
| Empress Olivia | 14/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| Who Is Alice | 40/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 40/1 (Bet365) |
| Red Snapper | 12/1 | 12/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 12/1 | 16/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Bellini Spirit | 80/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 80/1 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| Whistler | Hallo Spaceboy |
| Lambourn | Sizzling Seixas |
| Rob Wright | Hallo Spaceboy |
| Andrew Mount | Ballybunion |
| West Country | Arry Up |
16:35 – Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% Style Handicap
Race Details: 1m | Class 4 | Going: Straight 8.0, round 6.2) (watered) (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick) | | flat
This looks a proper 3yo handicap rather than a giveaway, with several of these arriving with unexposed profiles and the weights compressed enough to make it competitive. Blue Courvoisier sets the standard on what he has achieved so far and his second on reappearance reads very well in the context of this race, but he is no certainty in a field this deep. King’s Trust is the obvious lurking danger after signing off last season with a win for the Gosdens, while Arbaawy and Luzon Heights both look well treated enough to get involved. Raging Raj is another with handicapping potential now dropping to a tempting weight. It is a race where class should matter, but so will who has improved from two to three, and that makes it a slightly tricky puzzle despite the strength of the favourite.
Top Selections
1. Blue Courvoisier – 11/4 with William Hill
Jockey: Rossa Ryan | Trainer: Clive Cox | Form: 12-2 | Rating: 97 | Topspeed: 90
He is the percentage call. A mark of 97 asks a fair bit in a Class 4, but he has already shown enough to suggest he belongs above this level and that topspeed figure of 90 is the standout on offer. His comeback second confirmed he had trained on, and there is a fair chance a mile around Ascot will suit his style even better now he has that run under his belt. Rossa Ryan is a positive booking for a colt who should travel strongly and, if getting the gaps from stall 10, he looks the one they all have to beat. At 11/4 he is short enough, but still the likeliest winner. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Raging Raj – 16/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa | Trainer: Jane Chapple-Hyam | Form: 2112-7 | Rating: 91 | Topspeed: 86
He is much more interesting than the market suggests. The reappearance seventh can be forgiven if he needed it, and his juvenile form had a solid look to it, with two wins and a second in four starts before that. Off just 126 here, he gets in nicely against some better-fancied rivals and his topspeed of 86 says he has the raw ability to outrun big odds if returning to that level. Silvestre De Sousa is exactly the sort you want on a horse drawn midfield who may need delivering late. In a race with four places on offer, 16/1 makes plenty of each-way appeal. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Blue Courvoisier is the solid win play and the one with the clearest piece of form. For an each-way alternative, Raging Raj looks overpriced off a light weight and could easily bounce back from his reappearance. The main dangers are King’s Trust, who could be a different beast at three, and Arbaawy, whose mark gives him every chance if he gets a clean run.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spirit Of Saxony | 15/2 | 9/1 | 10/1 | 9/1 | 15/2 | 10/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Outback Heat | 9/1 | 17/2 | 17/2 | 8/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 (Bet365) |
| Tiger Power | 22/1 | 20/1 | 22/1 | 20/1 | 22/1 | 22/1 (Bet365) |
| Blue Courvoisier | 5/2 | 5/2 | 5/2 | 5/2 | 11/4 | 11/4 (William Hill) |
| Exotic Baby | 16/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
| Seu Jo | 18/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 | 18/1 | 18/1 | 18/1 (Bet365) |
| Northern Empire | 18/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 | 18/1 (Bet365) |
| Peel Park | 12/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 | 12/1 (Bet365) |
| Arbaawy | 6/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 6/1 | 6/1 (Bet365) |
| Raging Raj | 16/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 12/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
| Luzon Heights | 13/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 13/2 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| Newsboy | Blue Courvoisier |
| RP Ratings | Blue Courvoisier |
| The Punt | Blue Courvoisier |
| The Judge | King’s Trust |
| The Brigadier | King’s Trust |
17:10 – Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% Apprentice Handicap (GBBPlus Race)
Race Details: 1m 7f | Class 4 | Going: Straight 8.0, round 6.2) (watered) (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick) | | flat
This looks a proper staying handicap rather than a weak apprentice affair, with several arriving in form and a few lurking on dangerous marks. Naval Tribute is the obvious starting point after winning two of his last three and he has the profile of a horse still on the move for James Owen. Expressionless is another progressive type who comes here on the back of a win, while Calvert and Circuit Breaker both bring solid recent placed form to the table. Believitanducan is respected after a long absence, but that wide draw asks a question, and Educator is well treated on old form if he can finally put it all together. Tricky enough, but not impossible: recent momentum and proven stamina should decide it.
Top Selections
1. Naval Tribute – 3/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Christian Howarth | Trainer: James Owen | Form: 756171 | Rating: 87 | Topspeed: 69
He is hard to oppose. Two wins from his last three starts tells its own story, and the latest success suggested he is thriving rather than merely cashing in. An 87 rating still looks workable for a 5yo who seems to have found his niche over staying trips, and James Owen’s horses are rarely running without purpose in these races. Christian Howarth is a capable booking in this company and the low draw should help him hold a sensible early position. At 3/1 he is not exactly hidden, but he sets the standard on current form and still appeals as the most likely winner. Bet type: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Calvert – 13/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Taryn Langley | Trainer: Roger Teal | Form: 4444-2 | Rating: 85 | Topspeed: 82
Calvert looks the each-way value in a race where a few of the shorter ones have less room for manoeuvre than the market suggests. He returned with a good second after a string of consistent efforts last term, and that topspeed figure of 82 stands out in this line-up. Roger Teal’s runner has the look of one who will be suited by this test, and stall 2 is no bad place to be if Taryn Langley can keep him in a smooth rhythm. He does not need to improve dramatically to hit the frame again, and 13/2 makes plenty of appeal for an each-way punt in a 13-runner race with four places on offer. Bet type: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Naval Tribute is the win play because he brings the strongest recent profile and looks the most solid stayer in the field. Calvert is the each-way alternative at a fairer price, with his consistency and strong topspeed figure making him attractive for four-place terms. Expressionless and Educator are the main dangers if building extra cover into exotics.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aajej | 10/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 (Bet365) |
| Galactic Charm | 28/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 28/1 (Bet365) |
| Francesco Baracca | 11/1 | 10/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 (Bet365) |
| Gemmari | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 (Bet365) |
| Naval Tribute | 3/1 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 3/1 | 3/1 (Bet365) |
| Circuit Breaker | 15/2 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 13/2 | 7/1 | 15/2 (Bet365) |
| Expressionless | 6/1 | 11/2 | 5/1 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 6/1 (Bet365) |
| Believitanducan | 9/2 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 5/1 (Betfair) |
| Calvert | 13/2 | 13/2 | 13/2 | 6/1 | 13/2 | 13/2 (Bet365) |
| Educator | 17/2 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 15/2 | 17/2 | 17/2 (Bet365) |
| Tarbat Ness | 22/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 22/1 (Bet365) |
| Lusaka | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| Karl Hedley | Educator |
Ascot Course Specialists
Horses To Note
The top course performers among today’s runners:
| Horse | Runs | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brosay | 4 | 1 | 25% | 25% |
| Saint Lawrence | 7 | 1 | 14.29% | 28.57% |
Jockeys To Note
The pilots with the strongest records at the course:
| Jockey | Rides | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luke Catton | 10 | 3 | 30% | 60% |
| Christian Howarth | 5 | 1 | 20% | 40% |
| Saffie Osborne | 116 | 17 | 14.66% | 28.45% |
| William Buick | 741 | 102 | 13.77% | 33.47% |
| Ray Dawson | 67 | 9 | 13.43% | 35.82% |
Trainers To Note
Yards that have done well at Ascot:
| Trainer | Runners | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| William Haggas | 259 | 40 | 15.44% | 33.59% |
| Harry Eustace | 33 | 5 | 15.15% | 51.52% |
| Gemma Tutty | 7 | 1 | 14.29% | 57.14% |
| John & Thady Gosden | 273 | 38 | 13.92% | 34.8% |
| Alan King | 315 | 43 | 13.65% | 41.27% |
Summary & Best Bets
That wraps up our Ascot racing tips for Friday 8th May 2026. We’ve covered all 7 races with our top selections highlighted above. Use the betting strategies as a starting point, always shop around for the best odds, and never bet more than you can afford to lose.
FAQ
What time does racing start at Ascot today?
The first race at Ascot on Friday 8th May 2026 goes off at 13:50, with 7 races scheduled in total.
What is the going at Ascot today?
The going at Ascot is reported as Straight 8.0, round 6.2) (watered) (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick).
How many races are at Ascot today?
There are 7 races on the card at Ascot today, running from 13:50 through to 17:10.
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