Our Ballinrobe racing tips cover all 8 races on the card today, Friday 8th May 2026. The action gets underway at 16:40 and runs through to 20:22, with going reported as YIELDING, Good to yielding in places.
A few names jump off the page from a course-form perspective. Expound boasts a 50% strike rate from 4 runs at the track, Nicola Burns has been in fine form here with 3 wins from 7 rides, P Twomey’s yard sends out runners with a 72.73% 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 Ballinrobe
Here’s how the leading tipsters have fared at Ballinrobe over the last two years (minimum 10 selections):
| Tipster | Source | Selections | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brian Flanagan | Irish Daily Star | 15 | 2 | 13.33% | 46.67% |
| The Irish Sun | The Irish Sun | 16 | 2 | 12.5% | 43.75% |
16:40 – Harrington Concrete & Quarries Optional Claiming Race
Race Details: 1m 1f | | Going: YIELDING, Good to yielding in places | | flat
This looks a fairly ordinary optional claimer on paper, but there is at least one runner bringing solid enough recent handicap form into it. Divelment sets the standard on both rating and Topspeed, and his recent pair of placed efforts suggest he has found a very workable level for this sort of contest. Behind him, it gets much murkier. Teologia is lightly raced and open to improvement for Joseph O’Brien, while stablemate Personified has at least been knocking on the door without looking especially well treated. Moon Aura and Aurevoir Tristesse could step forward from limited starts, but this does not look a deep race. In truth, the favourite has the clearest profile, and the betting angle may be to find the right each-way alternative around him.
Top Selections
1. Divelment – 15/8 with Bet365
Jockey: Gavin Ryan | Trainer: Jack W Davison | Form: 05-633 | Rating: 89 | Topspeed: 81
He is the obvious one, but not without reason. Divelment arrives here off two solid third-place finishes and, crucially, his mark of 89 and Topspeed figure of 81 leave him clear of these on the bare numbers. The drop into an optional claimer looks an uncomplicated move and this 1m1f trip on yielding ground should hold no fears judged on the way he has been shaping. Gavin Ryan is a positive booking and, in a race lacking depth, he simply has the strongest recent substance. At 15/8 he is no giveaway, but he is hard to oppose and still looks the likeliest winner.
Bet: WIN
2. Teologia – 4/1 with Bet365
Jockey: J M Sheridan | Trainer: Joseph Patrick O’Brien | Form: 5-9 | Rating: 68 | Topspeed: 54
Teologia is the one who makes most appeal as the each-way play because there is at least a bit of untapped potential here. He was not disgraced when fifth on debut, and although his reappearance ninth does not leap off the page, he is still just a three-year-old with only two runs under his belt. Joseph O’Brien runs three, which muddies the waters slightly, but this fellow has the profile of one who could improve for experience and this extra yardage may help him settle and finish stronger. At 4/1 with three places on offer, he looks the sensible each-way punt rather than a wild swing at a big price.
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Keep it straightforward: Divelment is the win bet because he brings the best recent form and is clear on the figures. For an each-way alternative, Teologia makes more appeal than some of the exposed types and could improve enough to hit the frame. The main danger is probably Personified, who has been running respectably without quite screaming winner.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aurevoir Tristesse | 17/2 | 9/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Moon Aura | 7/1 | 15/2 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 15/2 | 8/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Personified | 7/2 | 4/1 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 4/1 | 9/2 (Paddy Power) |
| Royal Sapphire | 11/1 | 8/1 | 9/1 | 8/1 | 9/1 | 11/1 (Bet365) |
| Teologia | 4/1 | 11/4 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 10/3 | 4/1 (Bet365) |
| Borora Aura | 50/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 40/1 | 50/1 (Bet365) |
| Schoolyard Days | 28/1 | 28/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 28/1 | 33/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Divelment | 15/8 | 13/8 | 7/4 | 7/4 | 7/4 | 15/8 (Bet365) |
| Incredible Army | 14/1 | 15/2 | 8/1 | 15/2 | 10/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| Lilo Pelekai | 25/1 | 20/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 (Bet365) |
17:15 – Brian Forkan Construction Maiden
Race Details: 1m 1f | | Going: YIELDING, Good to yielding in places | | flat
This looks a fairly ordinary maiden on paper rather than a deep one, and that usually makes recent solid form count for plenty. Glamazon brings the best rating into it and, unlike several of these, has at least been showing up with some consistency. Maxminelli and Priorstown are the two unexposed colts who could easily step forward, while Pass The Buck is respected on connections despite having shown precious little so far. Cascade Canyon has a bit of intrigue at a bigger price after posting a decent topspeed figure on debut, but he needs to leave his second run behind. In truth, this feels like a race where the one with the most dependable profile should come to the fore, though there is enough inexperience here to make it slightly trappy.
Top Selections
1. Glamazon – 5/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Shane Foley | Trainer: Mrs John Harrington | Form: 740-54 | Rating: 75 | Topspeed: 57
Glamazon is the one with the clearest body of worthwhile maiden form and she sets the standard on a mark of 75. Her latest two efforts suggest she is coming to the boil, and in a race where a few of the market principals are still trading on promise rather than achievement, that counts for plenty. Harrington’s filly gets a handy weight allowance from the colts and Shane Foley is an eye-catching booking in a contest like this. At 5/2 with Bet365, she is hardly a secret, but she still makes plenty of appeal because she looks the runner most likely to run her race and see this trip out properly. Bet: WIN
2. Cascade Canyon – 14/1 with Paddy Power
Jockey: Chris Hayes | Trainer: Kevin Thomas Coleman | Form: 60 | Rating: 74 | Topspeed: 73
For an each-way swing, Cascade Canyon is much more interesting than his bare form figures suggest. He has only had the two starts, and that topspeed figure of 73 jumps off the page in the context of this race. Yes, he needs to improve on what he showed last time, but plenty of lightly raced types do exactly that once they settle and get a bit more of a test. Chris Hayes is a positive booking and the colt’s rating of 74 says he has not been missed entirely by the assessor either. At 14/1 with Paddy Power, he looks overpriced in a maiden lacking depth, and he is the sort who could easily outrun those odds. Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Glamazon is the percentage call and makes most appeal as the win bet given her proven level of form and solid rating. For those looking beyond the obvious, Cascade Canyon is the each-way punt at a much bigger price in an eight-runner race with three places on offer. Maxminelli and Priorstown are the obvious dangers if taking a step forward.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avec Grand Plaisir | 8/1 | 17/2 | 10/1 | 9/1 | 17/2 | 10/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Cascade Canyon | 9/1 | 11/1 | 14/1 | 12/1 | 11/1 | 14/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Lord Aus | 18/1 | 20/1 | 25/1 | 22/1 | 20/1 | 25/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Maxminelli | 4/1 | 11/4 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 10/3 | 4/1 (Bet365) |
| Pass The Buck | 4/1 | 10/3 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 4/1 (Bet365) |
| Priorstown | 7/2 | 11/4 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 7/2 (Bet365) |
| Glamazon | 5/2 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 9/4 | 5/2 (Bet365) |
| Premier Princess | 40/1 | 40/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 50/1 | 66/1 (Paddy Power) |
17:50 – SIS, Supporting Irish Racing Maiden
Race Details: 1m 1f | | Going: YIELDING, Good to yielding in places | | flat
This looks a fair maiden rather than a deep one, and the market has probably latched onto the right trio. Mano Chicago sets the standard on official figures after a couple of solid efforts in maidens, while Cracking Cloud immediately commands respect after making a promising debut when third. Navinsky is the slightly awkward one to weigh up: his rating says he belongs at the head of affairs, but that latest duck egg tempers enthusiasm. Wild Sapphire has been knocking on the door and is another with an obvious place chance if reproducing recent form. A few of these have had plenty of chances already, so this may come down to whether the battle-hardened benchmark in Mano Chicago can fend off less exposed types with more upside. Tricky enough, but not impossible to solve.
Top Selections
1. Mano Chicago – 2/1 with Paddy Power
Jockey: Ben Coen | Trainer: J P Murtagh | Form: 355/25 | Rating: 92 | Topspeed: 61
He’s the one with the clearest body of useful maiden form and, in a race where a few still have something to prove, that counts for plenty. Rated 92, he sets the bar on the numbers and his return run when second suggested he was ready to win one of these before not quite backing it up when fifth last time. Even so, that profile is stronger than most of these and Murtagh’s horses are rarely lacking for professionalism in this sort of contest. Ben Coen is a positive booking and 2/1 looks perfectly fair if you believe this step back into a winnable maiden is the key. He holds the strongest claims. Bet type tag: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Cracking Cloud – 5/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Shane Foley | Trainer: Ross O’Sullivan | Form: 3 | Rating: 81 | Topspeed: 59
There was plenty to like about that debut third and he’s the one in here who could improve sharply for the experience. A four-year-old newcomer winning first time is never straightforward, so to run to an opening mark of 81 straight away suggests there is a race in him. Shane Foley is the kind of rider you want on a horse still learning the job, and if Cracking Cloud steps forward in the way many second-time starters do, he could easily make this favourite work. The slight issue is price: 5/2 is short enough in a 10-runner maiden, so he makes more appeal as the solid each-way alternative than as the headline play. Bet type tag: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Mano Chicago is the win play because he brings the best established form and the highest rating into an ordinary enough maiden. Cracking Cloud is the each-way option on the back of an encouraging debut and obvious scope to improve. Navinsky is the danger if bouncing back from that poor latest run, while Wild Sapphire looks the other one for place players to keep onside.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cracking Cloud | 5/2 | 9/5 | 15/8 | 15/8 | 2/1 | 5/2 (Bet365) |
| Glendower | 66/1 | 40/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 (Bet365) |
| Mano Chicago | 15/8 | 15/8 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 7/4 | 2/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Navinsky | 4/1 | 5/2 | 3/1 | 11/4 | 10/3 | 4/1 (Bet365) |
| North Ocean | 13/2 | 4/1 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 5/1 | 13/2 (Bet365) |
| Ryans Hope | 33/1 | 33/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 33/1 | 40/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Wild Sapphire | 13/2 | 13/2 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 7/1 | 15/2 (Paddy Power) |
| Zammawar | 125/1 | 150/1 | 150/1 | 150/1 | 125/1 | 150/1 (Betfair) |
| Marmeladova | 11/1 | 12/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Nelliestar | 125/1 | 150/1 | 150/1 | 150/1 | 125/1 | 150/1 (Betfair) |
18:22 – MG Plant Sales Handicap
Race Details: 1m 1f | | Going: YIELDING, Good to yielding in places | | flat
This is a fairly ordinary 3yo handicap on paper, but it is still a race with a bit of depth and a few different angles. Accelereight and Tenacious dominate the market off marks of 69, though neither has completely frightened the opposition away and both still have a little to prove in terms of delivering off that rating. Balance Of Trade appeals as the unexposed improver lower down the weights after a decent third last time, while A Pretty Penny has hinted at enough to suggest she could outrun bigger odds. The likely key to this will be who sees out the trip best on yielding ground, because a few of these have been running as though this sort of test might bring out improvement. Tricky enough, but not impossible.
Top Selections
1. Balance Of Trade – 5/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Wesley Joyce | Trainer: Michael Mulvany | Form: 47-043 | Rating: 59 | Topspeed: 43
He makes plenty of appeal in a race where the obvious pair are short enough. That latest third reads well in the context of this contest, and the manner of it suggested this step up to 1m1f could unlock a bit more. He is only 3lb higher than some modest enough efforts earlier in the year, but the recent profile is much more encouraging and he gets in here with just 127lb. In a race full of horses who have had chances, Balance Of Trade looks like one still moving the right way, and 5/1 feels perfectly fair rather than cramped. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. A Pretty Penny – 14/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Julian Pietropaolo | Trainer: Mrs Deborah Cody | Form: 580-55 | Rating: 62 | Topspeed: 56
She is the sort who could slip under the radar here. The bare form figures do not scream winner, but her topspeed figure of 56 is one of the better numbers in this field and she has not been disgraced on either start this season. There is a fair chance this intermediate trip on easing ground suits, and from stall 5 she should get a reasonable run of things. In a race where plenty are exposed or disappointing, she does not need to improve a stone to get involved; just a small step forward would do. At 14/1, she looks a proper each-way punt with four places on offer. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Balance Of Trade is the win play, as he looks the one with the most persuasive recent handicap profile and the trip could bring further progress. A Pretty Penny is the each-way alternative at a workable price in a race that should reward a bit of patience. The obvious dangers are Accelereight, who has the classiest connections, and Tenacious, who shaped better last time.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Femme Beauty | 10/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Guildhall Graduate | 16/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 | 18/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Meriden | 14/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| Tenacious | 10/3 | 10/3 | 10/3 | 10/3 | 10/3 | 10/3 (Bet365) |
| Dawson Street | 22/1 | 16/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 22/1 (Bet365) |
| Accelereight | 11/4 | 11/5 | 9/4 | 9/4 | 5/2 | 11/4 (Bet365) |
| Point Cartwright | 16/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
| Hiltons Pass | 12/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Swift Charm | 40/1 | 28/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 40/1 (Bet365) |
| Balance Of Trade | 5/1 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 4/1 | 5/1 (Bet365) |
| A Pretty Penny | 14/1 | 11/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| Coul Dore | 20/1 | 18/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 18/1 | 20/1 (Bet365) |
18:52 – Burleigh Accountancy Group Handicap
Race Details: 1m 1f | | Going: YIELDING, Good to yielding in places | | flat
This is a tight little 10-runner handicap where plenty can be given a squeak, but not many arrive bombproof. Glen To Glen and Lough Leane head the market for good reason, though both come here needing to bounce back from below-par efforts, while Merlin The Wizard has been knocking on the door and looks sure to be popular despite a wide draw. Flying Fortress is interesting on his return for Gavin Cromwell and could be well treated if ready, but this does look the sort of Ballinrobe handicap where recent sharpness and track position matter plenty. With that in mind, I’m inclined to side with a lower-weight runner who has been shaping well enough, while one at a bigger price appeals as the each-way play in a race that feels competitive rather than classy.
Top Selections
1. Lough Leane – 7/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Megan Telford-Kelly | Trainer: Maurice Andrew Ahern | Form: 07-274 | Rating: 85 | Topspeed: 54
Lough Leane makes plenty of appeal from the foot of the weights and looks the one with the strongest recent profile. The last twice suggest he is coming to the boil nicely, with that runner-up effort followed by a respectable fourth, and he doesn’t need to improve dramatically to take a race of this nature. A mark of 85 asks a question, but he’s effectively getting in very light here and stall 3 should allow him to hold a handy pitch if breaking on terms. At 7/2, he isn’t being missed, but he still looks the most solid option in a race full of ifs and buts. Bet: WIN
2. Flying Fortress – 13/2 with Paddy Power
Jockey: Robert Whearty | Trainer: Gavin Cromwell | Form: 32510- | Rating: 84 | Topspeed: 68
Flying Fortress is the one at a fairer price who could easily outrun the market. He signed off last season with a win and, while this is his first start since, Gavin Cromwell’s runners are rarely turned out for the exercise. The draw in stall 1 could be a real asset around here if Robert Whearty can make use of it, and his profile suggests there may still be a bit more to come from him at this sort of trip. He’s not as sexy a pick as some of the obvious ones, but 13/2 makes him a very workable each-way proposition in a race where several of the principals have a question to answer. Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Lough Leane is the percentage call for the win bet, arriving in better nick than most and carrying a very handy weight. For an each-way punt, Flying Fortress appeals at the prices given his draw, unexposed profile and the chance he returns ready to go. Merlin The Wizard looks the obvious danger if overcoming stall 10, while Glen To Glen is talented enough to threaten if leaving his latest run behind.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glen To Glen | 7/2 | 11/4 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 10/3 | 7/2 (Bet365) |
| Expound | 15/2 | 13/2 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 15/2 (Bet365) |
| Flying Fortress | 6/1 | 6/1 | 13/2 | 13/2 | 6/1 | 13/2 (Paddy Power) |
| Merlin The Wizard | 4/1 | 18/5 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 (Bet365) |
| Loingseoir | 16/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 | 18/1 | 14/1 | 18/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Hexagonal | 9/1 | 8/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 (Bet365) |
| Medieval Night | 16/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
| La Tulipe Noire | 10/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 (Bet365) |
| Lough Leane | 7/2 | 10/3 | 10/3 | 10/3 | 10/3 | 7/2 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| Rory Paddock | Hexagonal |
19:22 – McGrath Limestone Works Handicap
Race Details: 1m 1f | | Going: YIELDING, Good to yielding in places | | flat
This looks a typically messy Ballinrobe handicap on paper, but there is a fairly obvious starting point in Majestic King, who arrives off a win and is understandably very short. Whether you want to take cramped odds in a 17-runner race is another matter entirely. Jawhary and Starting Monday also come here in winning form, while She’s Ideal shaped well when runner-up last time and could still have a bit more to offer. Calamint is one of the more interesting each-way angles from stall 1 if getting the right run. It is not the deepest handicap in the world, but with numbers, a few last-time-out winners and some exposed types lurking on workable marks, it is still a race to treat with a bit of respect rather than blind faith.
Top Selections
1. Majestic King – 5/6 with Bet365
Jockey: J M Sheridan | Trainer: Denis Gerard Hogan | Form: 8-8021 | Rating: 64 | Topspeed: 56
He is hard to oppose on the bare form. That latest win was coming, with the previous second showing he was knocking loudly at the door, and a mark of 64 still does not look beyond him in this grade. Hogan has him in the groove now and J M Sheridan keeps the ride, which is another plus. The slight reservation is simply price: 5/6 in a 17-runner handicap on yielding ground is hardly a gift. Even so, he has the strongest recent profile in the field, arrives in form and looks the most solid option if reproducing that last run. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Calamint – 11/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Yudish Geerdharry | Trainer: Adrian Murray | Form: 476-28 | Rating: 61 | Topspeed: 45
At the prices, Calamint makes more appeal as an each-way play than most. The runner-up effort two starts back suggested there is a race in him off this sort of mark, and although he failed to back it up last time, this is not a contest overloaded with unexposed improvers. Draw 1 could be useful around here if he breaks and holds a position, and his rating of 61 leaves him close enough to the principals without needing a career best. Adrian Murray’s runner is not bombproof, but 11/1 looks fair in a race where plenty have questions to answer. He is the one to side with for a sensible each-way punt. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Majestic King is the percentage call and the one to keep on side in win-only terms, even if the odds are on the skinny side for such a big field. For a bit more value, Calamint is the each-way alternative with four places on offer. Jawhary, Starting Monday and She’s Ideal are the obvious dangers if the favourite underperforms.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Majestic King | 5/6 | 4/6 | 4/6 | 4/6 | 4/6 | 5/6 (Bet365) |
| Jawhary | 15/2 | 7/1 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 7/1 | 15/2 (Bet365) |
| In The Minus | 40/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 40/1 (Bet365) |
| Sayidah New Bay | 14/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Miss Australie | 40/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 40/1 (Bet365) |
| Thru The Gap | 50/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 50/1 (Bet365) |
| Deuteronomy | 28/1 | 22/1 | 22/1 | 22/1 | 25/1 | 28/1 (Bet365) |
| Starting Monday | 17/2 | 15/2 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 17/2 (Bet365) |
| Calamint | 11/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 9/1 | 11/1 (Bet365) |
| Ethelwulf | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 (Bet365) |
| Smooth | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 (Bet365) |
| Kartayaz | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 (Bet365) |
| Piatra Neamt | 28/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 28/1 (Bet365) |
| Cuckaloo Hill | 20/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 | 20/1 (Bet365) |
| Tasmanian Girl | 20/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 | 20/1 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| Adrian Wall | Deuteronomy |
19:52 – BOYLE Sports Home Of The Early Payout Maiden
Race Details: 1m 4f | | Going: YIELDING, Good to yielding in places | | flat
This looks a fairly ordinary maiden on paper but it may not take much winning, and the market has understandably latched on to the unexposed 3yos. Diligo and Trojan Fighter bring the most persuasive recent form and, crucially, both have already shown enough ability to suggest this longer trip will suit. Ballyadam has the best recent placings in the book, but he is an 11-year-old having only his third start on the Flat, which tells its own story in a race like this. Chairmanforlife is another who could step forward with experience, while Oust is the sort to outrun bigger odds if seeing this out better than last time. Even so, this looks a race where the younger legs should dominate, and the one with the strongest combination of promise and professionalism appeals most.
Top Selections
1. Diligo – 6/4 with Bet365
Jockey: Declan McDonogh | Trainer: Joseph Patrick O’Brien | Form: 4 | Rating: 68 | Topspeed: 49
Joseph O’Brien’s colt shaped with plenty of promise when fourth on debut and that form sets a fair standard in this company. He has an official mark of 68 already, which ties him with the best of these on figures, but unlike some of his rivals he has the upside of a lightly raced 3yo stepping up in trip. This 1m4f should bring improvement rather than expose him, and Declan McDonogh is the sort you want in a race likely to be decided by positioning and timing. At 6/4 he is no giveaway, but he does look the most solid option in a maiden lacking depth. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Oust – 20/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Rory Cleary | Trainer: Josh Halley | Form: 4-6 | Rating: 60 | Topspeed: 9
Oust is the each-way angle at the prices. He is not in the same league as the principals on bare form, but there was enough in his two runs to suggest he could find his level in a race of this nature. A mark of 60 leaves him with a bit to find, yet this step up to 1m4f could easily be the making of him and he is one of the few at double-figure odds who makes some appeal as a stayer in the making. Rory Cleary can usually be trusted to get one into a rhythm, and 20/1 looks bigger than it should be in a 10-runner maiden that does not have much depth beyond the front pair in the market. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Diligo is the clear win play after a debut that promised more to come, especially now upped to 1m4f. For an each-way punt, Oust makes more appeal than several shorter-priced rivals because he could improve for this trip and doesn’t need to find masses to hit the frame. Trojan Fighter is the obvious danger, while Ballyadam has place claims again.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ballyadam | 9/2 | 4/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 9/2 | 5/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Battling Siki | 10/1 | 10/1 | 12/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Must Meet Cecil | 66/1 | 35/1 | 40/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 66/1 (Bet365) |
| Nothingbutadream | 100/1 | 40/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 80/1 | 100/1 (Bet365) |
| Goodie Girl | 22/1 | 16/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 22/1 (Bet365) |
| Chairmanforlife | 10/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 (Bet365) |
| Diligo | 6/4 | 11/8 | 11/8 | 11/8 | 11/8 | 6/4 (Bet365) |
| Oust | 20/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 12/1 | 20/1 (Bet365) |
| Sir Trancealot | 28/1 | 10/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 16/1 | 28/1 (Bet365) |
| Trojan Fighter | 2/1 | 15/8 | 2/1 | 9/4 | 15/8 | 9/4 (Sky Bet) |
20:22 – KOG Logistics Handicap
Race Details: 1m 4f | | Going: YIELDING, Good to yielding in places | | flat
This is a proper end-of-card handicap, the sort where plenty arrive with a squeak and very few are bombproof. Superficial and Justenzia bring recent placed form and are obvious starting points, while Satono Chevalier comes here off a win and should be competitive again despite another rise. Carthusian is interesting back from a break for a yard that can ready one, and Avondale is the mystery horse after a long absence with winning form in the book. The ground should matter over this trip and Ballinrobe can put a premium on balance and stamina rather than pure speed. It looks a tricky puzzle rather than a strong race, so a bit of value-hunting makes sense instead of simply latching onto the shortest price.
Top Selections
1. Justenzia – 11/2 with Bet365
Jockey: J M Sheridan | Trainer: Denis Gerard Hogan | Form: 1S45-2 | Rating: 81 | Topspeed: 72
Justenzia appeals as the percentage call. She returned with a solid second and that reads well in the context of this race, especially as she has already shown she can be effective in handicaps and her mark of 81 still looks workable. The Topspeed figure of 72 is one of the stronger recent numbers on offer here, and Hogan has his team running often enough to think this one will strip fitter for that comeback. J M Sheridan is a positive booking for a race where positioning will matter. At 11/2 she looks fairly priced rather than flashy, but she has fewer questions to answer than most. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Carthusian – 17/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Shane Foley | Trainer: Mrs John Harrington | Form: 24356- | Rating: 87 | Topspeed: 82
Carthusian is the one at a price who could easily outrun it. He has the highest rating in the field, a standout Topspeed of 82, and his juvenile and three-year-old handicap form suggested he had a race like this in him when things dropped right. The market is taking a chance on fitness after the layoff, but Harrington and Shane Foley are not a combination to dismiss lightly in this grade. If he settles and handles the track, this 1m4f on yielding ground could suit better than some of the sharper contests he was seen in last year. Available at 17/2, he makes plenty of each-way appeal in a 14-runner race with four places on offer. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Justenzia is the win play because she arrives with the cleanest recent profile and looks set for another big run over this trip. Carthusian is the each-way punt at the bigger price, with his class edge and Topspeed figure giving him obvious upside if ready to roll. Superficial and Satono Chevalier are the main dangers, while Avondale is the lurking unknown.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pillar Of Hope | 9/1 | 15/2 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 9/1 (Bet365) |
| Amplitude | 9/1 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 8/1 | 9/1 (Bet365) |
| Avondale | 13/2 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 11/2 | 13/2 (Bet365) |
| Carthusian | 17/2 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 17/2 (Bet365) |
| Eben Zaabeel | 22/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 22/1 | 25/1 (Betfair) |
| Superficial | 5/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 9/2 | 5/1 (Bet365) |
| Granville Street | 7/1 | 13/2 | 13/2 | 13/2 | 13/2 | 7/1 (Bet365) |
| Satono Chevalier | 13/2 | 5/1 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 13/2 (Bet365) |
| Justenzia | 11/2 | 5/1 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 (Bet365) |
| Steps In The Sand | 14/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 | 18/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Liberate | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 (Bet365) |
| Good Onya Mate | 17/2 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 10/1 | 12/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Mr Rango | 18/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 18/1 | 20/1 (Betfair) |
| Migdam | 18/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| The Irish Sun | Pillar Of Hope |
Ballinrobe Course Specialists
Horses To Note
The top course performers among today’s runners:
| Horse | Runs | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expound | 4 | 2 | 50% | 75% |
Jockeys To Note
The pilots with the strongest records at the course:
| Jockey | Rides | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nicola Burns | 7 | 3 | 42.86% | 57.14% |
| Gavin Ryan | 15 | 4 | 26.67% | 46.67% |
| Rory Mulligan | 4 | 1 | 25% | 25% |
| Jack Cleary | 4 | 1 | 25% | 75% |
| Daniel King | 59 | 10 | 16.95% | 37.29% |
Trainers To Note
Yards that have done well at Ballinrobe:
| Trainer | Runners | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P Twomey | 11 | 8 | 72.73% | 90.91% |
| Barry Connell | 11 | 4 | 36.36% | 63.64% |
| Jack W Davison | 4 | 1 | 25% | 50% |
| D K Weld | 54 | 12 | 22.22% | 57.41% |
| Joseph Patrick O’Brien | 71 | 15 | 21.13% | 59.15% |
Summary & Best Bets
That wraps up our Ballinrobe racing tips for Friday 8th May 2026. We’ve covered all 8 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 Ballinrobe today?
The first race at Ballinrobe on Friday 8th May 2026 goes off at 16:40, with 8 races scheduled in total.
What is the going at Ballinrobe today?
The going at Ballinrobe is reported as YIELDING, Good to yielding in places.
How many races are at Ballinrobe today?
There are 8 races on the card at Ballinrobe today, running from 16:40 through to 20:22.
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