Doncaster Racing Tips & Predictions - Thursday 9th July 2026

Our Doncaster racing tips cover all 7 races on the card today, Thursday 9th July 2026. The action gets underway at 14:10 and runs through to 17:40, with going reported as 7.1) (watering) (rail movements (Good to firm (goingstick).

A few names jump off the page from a course-form perspective. Bella Bisbee boasts a 33.33% strike rate from 6 runs at the track, Mr Jack Lander has been in fine form here with 1 wins from 3 rides, Joseph Patrick O’Brien’s yard sends out runners with a 28.57% 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 Doncaster

Here’s how the leading tipsters have fared at Doncaster over the last two years (minimum 10 selections):

14:10 – Betfred Champagne Trial EBF Novice Stakes (GBB Race)

Race Details: 7f | Class 2 | Going: 7.1) (watering) (rail movements (Good to firm (goingstick) | | flat

This looks a smart little novice rather than a simple penalty kick, even if the market is already leaning heavily towards the Charlie Appleby pair. Ottoman Chief is the obvious talking horse on debut and the betting says plenty, but this is not a weak race around him. Amir Lehbab and Bulletsnap both shaped with promise when third first time out, while Night Star has at least seen a racecourse and could improve for stepping up to 7f. With only seven runners, tactical pace and professionalism matter, and that can make life awkward for even a well-bred newcomer. Still, class usually rises to the top in these Doncaster juveniles, and this feels like a race where the most naturally talented colt should win, but there may be value in siding with experience for the supporting play.

Top Selections

1. Ottoman Chief – 7/4 with Bet365

Jockey: Billy Loughnane | Trainer: Charlie Appleby | Form: | Rating: | Topspeed:

The market very rarely underplays a Charlie Appleby juvenile in this sort of race, and Ottoman Chief looks the one they all have to beat. Drawn well enough in stall 2 and partnered by Billy Loughnane, he comes from a yard that excels with polished newcomers over this trip, especially when they are ready to go first time. In a field where the exposed form is useful rather than outstanding, raw ability could easily settle it, and 7/4 with Bet365 is short without being prohibitive. He does not need to be a superstar to take this; he simply needs to be above-average, and the stable’s record suggests he probably is. Bet: WIN

Bet: WIN

2. Bulletsnap – 15/2 with Bet365

Jockey: Cieren Fallon | Trainer: William Haggas | Form: 3 | Rating: 81 | Topspeed: 74

Bulletsnap makes plenty of each-way appeal because his debut third already sets a decent standard in the context of this race. The Topspeed figure of 74 is the best on offer here, which is not something to ignore in a novice full of unknowns, and William Haggas is exactly the type to bring a colt forward significantly from first to second start. Cieren Fallon is a solid booking and stall 3 should allow him to sit handy without fuss. At 15/2 with Bet365, he looks the value alternative to the obvious favourite, especially if experience counts for plenty in the closing stages. He is the sensible each-way punt.

Bet: EACH-WAY

Betting Strategy

Ottoman Chief is the win play because the stable angle and market strength are hard to crab in a race of this nature. For an each-way option, Bulletsnap appeals most on the back of a promising third and the best Topspeed figure in the field. Amir Lehbab is respected, while Night Star could step forward, but the main danger is simply Ottoman Chief being as good as the betting expects.

Live Odds Comparison

14:45 – Betfred St Leger Trial Novice Stakes (Winner Gets Free Initial Entry To St Leger) (GBB/GBBPlus)

Race Details: 1m 3f | Class 2 | Going: 7.1) (watering) (rail movements (Good to firm (goingstick) | | flat

This is a smart little novice rather than a deep one, but it should still tell us plenty. According To Mark, Hatteen and Brave Hunter bring the strongest established ratings to the table, while Count Bezukhov arrives with the most obvious upside after winning on just his second start. That makes for an interesting clash between proven level and potential. The extra yardage is a big part of the puzzle: several have shaped as though 1m3f will suit, and on quick ground at Doncaster you usually need to travel and then see it out properly. Poker is not out of it if forgiven his latest run, but this looks likely to be decided by which of the lightly-raced improvers finds another chunk of progress rather than by any exposed quantity.

Top Selections

1. Count Bezukhov – 9/4 with William Hill

Jockey: Billy Loughnane | Trainer: Joseph Patrick O’Brien | Form: 31 | Rating: 89 | Topspeed: 72

He is the one I want to be with because he looks the most likely to step forward again now moving into a more searching test. The bare figures do not quite match the principals on official ratings, but that misses the point with a colt who has had only two runs and improved from third to first straight away. Joseph O’Brien does well when sending one over with a bit of purpose, and Billy Loughnane is a positive booking for a race that may turn tactical before becoming a proper stamina test late on. At 9/2 or shorter he would merely be respected; at an advertised 9/4 he is short enough, but still the one with the most convincing upside. Bet: WIN

Bet: WIN

2. Brave Hunter – 9/1 with Bet365

Jockey: Kevin Stott | Trainer: Ismail Mohammed & Jose Santos | Form: 8-6272 | Rating: 94 | Topspeed: 88

For an each-way play, Brave Hunter makes plenty of appeal at the prices. He has the joint-highest rating in the field, the best Topspeed figure on offer, and his recent form suggests he is knocking hard on the door rather than standing still. The 8-6272 sequence is a fair reflection of a colt who has been running into decent opposition without quite getting his head in front, and this step up to 1m3f could yet unlock a bit more. Kevin Stott should suit him, especially if they ride him handily and make this a proper test. At 9/1, he looks overpriced against rivals with similar or lower substance to their form. Bet: EACH-WAY

Bet: EACH-WAY

Betting Strategy

Count Bezukhov is the win play because he looks the most progressive runner in the line-up and may have more in hand than his mark suggests. Brave Hunter is the each-way alternative in an eight-runner field, with solid ratings and recent form giving him a strong chance of hitting the frame. According To Mark and Hatteen are the obvious dangers if finding a bit more for this trip.

Live Odds Comparison

15:20 – Betfred Supports Jack Berry House Handicap

Race Details: 1m 6f | Class 5 | Going: 7.1) (watering) (rail movements (Good to firm (goingstick) | | flat

This five-runner handicap may be small in numbers, but it is not short on solid recent form. Tazaman has been knocking loudly on the door and sets a fair standard from a mark of 78, while Golden Flame arrives on the back of a win and looks revitalised for Thomas Faulkner. Lordsbridge Grey has become a little hard to trust, though this longer trip could help, and Twilight Safari and Nanny Park both have bits of staying form that give them outside squeaks. In a race lacking an obvious improver, it could come down to which of the principals gets the run of things and who handles this likely tactical affair best. It is competitive for the grade rather than a strong contest, but the front two in the market do look to have it between them.

Top Selections

1. Tazaman – 3/1 with Paddy Power

Jockey: Joanna Mason | Trainer: Kevin & Lauren Frost | Form: 53-522 | Rating: 78 | Topspeed: 68

Tazaman gets the vote because he is the one bringing the most reliable recent profile into the race. Those back-to-back second places suggest his turn is near, and he is operating from the highest mark in the field for good reason. He does not have much margin for error as a 9yo, but he keeps running his race and this small-field setup should suit if Joanna Mason can keep him handy without forcing it. Golden Flame is an obvious threat, but at 3/1 Tazaman looks the slightly better value given his consistency and proven ability to stay this sort of trip strongly. He holds very solid claims if reproducing either of his last two efforts. End with the bet type tag? No need here: he is a straightforward win play.

Bet: WIN

Betting Strategy

Keep it simple in a five-runner race: Tazaman is the win bet at 3/1. There is no each-way angle worth forcing in this type of field. Golden Flame is the clear danger after that recent success, while Lordsbridge Grey is the one who could outrun his price if the step up in trip sparks improvement.

Live Odds Comparison

Tipster Selections

15:55 – Betfred ‘The Classic Bookmaker’ Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Race Details: 1m 2f | Class 4 | Going: 7.1) (watering) (rail movements (Good to firm (goingstick) | | flat

This looks a tight little 3yo-versus-elders handicap rather than a deep one, and the market has understandably latched on to Room Fourteen, who arrives in winning form and still looks on the upgrade for James Fanshawe. He sets the standard among the younger brigade, though Domination has progressive credentials of his own after a recent success and is not dismissed lightly from stall 1. The older horses haven’t exactly been banging the door down, but Obito is beginning to look well treated again and has the sort of profile that could make him dangerous if this turns tactical. Suddenly I See also has enough ability to get involved if bouncing back. Not a brutal puzzle, but there are enough angles here to stop it being a gimme.

Top Selections

1. Room Fourteen – 11/10 with Betfair

Jockey: Billy Loughnane | Trainer: James Fanshawe | Form: 3-3121 | Rating: 87 | Topspeed: 69

Room Fourteen is the obvious one, but obvious does not mean opposable. He has done little wrong this season, his form figures read well, and that latest win suggested he is still learning his job rather than reaching a ceiling. An opening mark of 87 asks another question, but this doesn’t look a race packed with lurking sharks and Billy Loughnane is a notable booking for a yard that places them shrewdly. The draw in 8 is not ideal if they crawl early, yet his profile is the strongest in the field and 11/10 is fair enough for a colt who still looks a progressive sort. Bet: WIN

Bet: WIN

2. Obito – 8/1 with Bet365

Jockey: Daniel Tudhope | Trainer: David O’Meara | Form: 26-825 | Rating: 84 | Topspeed: 71

Obito makes more each-way appeal than some of the shorter-priced alternatives. His recent form does not scream winner, but it does hint that he is edging back towards a workable mark, and a topspeed figure of 71 stacks up pretty well in the context of this race. David O’Meara’s horses can often come alive when the handicapper gives them a chance, and Daniel Tudhope is exactly the sort you want aboard one likely to be ridden for a late run. Against largely unexposed 3yos he does carry risks, but at 8/1 with three places on offer he looks the value play if the favourite proves merely solid rather than special. Bet: EACH-WAY

Bet: EACH-WAY

Betting Strategy

Room Fourteen is the win play and the one they all have to beat on current trajectory. For a bit of value, Obito is the each-way punt at 8/1, especially if the younger horses fail to progress again. Domination is the obvious danger after his latest win, while Suddenly I See is the one at a price who could outrun market expectations if settling better.

Live Odds Comparison

Tipster Selections

16:30 – Betfred Nifty 50 Handicap

Race Details: 7f | Class 6 | Going: 7.1) (watering) (rail movements (Good to firm (goingstick) | | flat

This looks a fairly ordinary Class 6 but not an impossible one to solve. The obvious starting point is Norcross Brow, who arrives on the back of a win and is the only one in here with any real sense of forward momentum, though he is short enough in the market for a 7-runner handicap. Kiss Me My Love has mixed his form but did win two starts ago and is better judged on that than a lesser effort last time, while Okiru is another 3yo who could still have a bit more to offer. At bigger prices, Celtic Chariot is not without interest from stall 1 if finding improvement. It is not a deep race, but the favourite still has to back up that latest success under a penalty against older opposition.

Top Selections

1. Norcross Brow – 5/4 with Bet365

Jockey: Billy Loughnane | Trainer: Charlie Clover | Form: 246831 | Rating: 68 | Topspeed: 55

He is hard to oppose in a race lacking depth. That latest win suggests the penny may just be dropping, and the overall profile of 246831 is much more appealing than most of these exposed rivals. As a 3yo on a mark of 68, there is every chance he still has a little in hand, and Billy Loughnane is exactly the sort you want aboard in a small-field handicap where positioning matters. The draw in 7 is not ideal on paper, but with only seven runners it should not be a major issue if he breaks on terms. At 5/4 with Bet365, he is no giveaway, but he sets the standard. Bet: WIN

Bet: WIN

2. Celtic Chariot – 10/1 with Bet365

Jockey: David Egan | Trainer: Kevin & Lauren Frost | Form: 3664 | Rating: 69 | Topspeed: 63

For an each-way angle, Celtic Chariot makes more appeal than some of the more exposed older horses. He has only had four runs, his Topspeed of 63 is perfectly respectable at this level, and the inside draw could help David Egan keep things simple over this 7f. His form figures do not leap off the page, but they are not bad for a race of this nature, and there is every chance a mark of 69 proves workable now entering handicap company at the basement end. With three places on offer, 10/1 with Bet365 looks fair for a progressive sort who does not need to find masses. Bet: EACH-WAY

Bet: EACH-WAY

Betting Strategy

Keep it straightforward: Norcross Brow is the win play because he brings the strongest recent form and the most convincing upside. For those looking beyond the favourite, Celtic Chariot is the each-way punt at a double-figure price in a weakish Class 6. Kiss Me My Love is the obvious danger if bouncing back, while Okiru is another with enough potential to threaten.

Live Odds Comparison

Tipster Selections

17:05 – Betfred Play Fred’s £5 Million Handicap

Race Details: 7f | Class 4 | Going: 7.1) (watering) (rail movements (Good to firm (goingstick) | | flat

This is a competitive little 7f handicap rather than a vintage one, but there are several in-form types and the 3yos could easily have the final say getting weight from their elders. Alpha Capture arrives off a win and has the figures to be prominent again, while Wrydcroft has been knocking loudly at the door and is well treated on the balance of recent efforts. Return Of The Gods brings the best Topspeed number in the field and looks particularly interesting off just 130, while Highland Shah is another unexposed 3yo with momentum after scoring last time. King’s School is consistent enough without looking bombproof under top weight. It feels a tricky puzzle, but the younger legs appeal most on quick ground.

Top Selections

1. Return Of The Gods – 9/2 with Bet365

Jockey: Billy Loughnane | Trainer: Edward Bethell | Form: 31-82 | Rating: 86 | Topspeed: 79

He looks the percentage call. That Topspeed mark of 79 is the standout in this field, and his profile suggests there is still more to come from a lightly raced 3yo in handicap company. The recent second reads well enough in the context of this race, and carrying just 130 in a race where some older rivals are lumping plenty more makes him very attractive. Edward Bethell’s horses usually know their job in these races, and Billy Loughnane is the sort you want in a tactical 7f handicap. At 9/2, he makes plenty of appeal as one who could still be ahead of the assessor. Bet: WIN

Bet: WIN

2. Wrydcroft – 11/2 with Bet365

Jockey: Christian Howarth | Trainer: Pam Sly | Form: 8-1123 | Rating: 86 | Topspeed: 71

Wrydcroft has the look of a solid each-way play because he keeps running his race and his current form line is one of the most dependable on offer. Two wins followed by a second and third tell you he’s thriving, and he is another who should be suited by these conditions. Drawn low in 3, he ought to get a sensible stalking trip, and Christian Howarth knows him well enough to keep things uncomplicated. He may not have quite the same upside as the selection, but in a 10-runner race with three places on offer, 11/2 is fair for a horse who holds strong claims of hitting the frame again. Bet: EACH-WAY

Bet: EACH-WAY

Betting Strategy

Return Of The Gods is the win play, with his weight, speed figure and scope for improvement all pointing the right way. Wrydcroft is the sensible each-way punt given how consistently he’s been running. The obvious dangers are Alpha Capture after getting back on the scoresheet and Highland Shah, another 3yo who could still be well ahead of his mark.

Live Odds Comparison

Tipster Selections

17:40 – Betfred Follow Us On X Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap

Race Details: 5f | Class 5 | Going: 7.1) (watering) (rail movements (Good to firm (goingstick) | | flat

This looks a proper sprint handicap for the grade rather than a weak amateur riders’ finale, with several arriving in form and not much between them on official figures. Powernap heads the market after finally getting his head back in front and his profile suggests there could be more to come, while Bayraat is an admirable old sprinter who has been knocking loudly and deserved his recent win. Lieutenant Sir is another 3yo on the up and clearly not here by accident for Archie Watson, while Donald could easily outrun his price from stall 1 if things drop right. It is the sort of race where track position and a clean break over this sharp 5f will matter plenty, so I would rather side with the runners who arrive with momentum than with the more exposed older handicappers.

Top Selections

1. Powernap – 7/2 with Bet365

Jockey: Miss Venetia Thompson | Trainer: Jessica Bedi | Form: -05221 | Rating: 59 | Topspeed: 55

Powernap makes plenty of appeal in a race where recent progress could be the key. That form line of -05221 tells its own story: he had been edging towards a win and duly delivered last time, and a 3yo sprinter finding his feet in low-grade handicaps is often worth sticking with before the assessor catches up fully. He carries just 138 and his Topspeed figure of 55 stacks up well in this field, especially for one of the least exposed runners. Miss Venetia Thompson gets aboard for a yard that looks to have found the right opening, and 7/2 is fair enough given he has the profile of one still going forward. Bet: WIN

Bet: WIN

2. Donald – 10/1 with Bet365

Jockey: Miss Alice Keighley | Trainer: David & Nicola Barron | Form: 42-454 | Rating: 57 | Topspeed: 52

Donald is the each-way angle at the prices. He has not won for a while, but there have been enough decent efforts in that recent sequence to think he can be competitive in a race of this nature, and stall 1 could be a help if he breaks smartly and grabs a handy position. His Topspeed mark of 52 is solid for this level, and the Barron team know exactly how to place this type of sprinter. In an amateur riders’ handicap, reliable pace and a workable mark can count for plenty, and he has both. At 10/1, he looks bigger than he should be against rivals who are not bombproof themselves. Bet: EACH-WAY

Bet: EACH-WAY

Betting Strategy

Powernap is the main play on the basis that he is the progressive one in the field and still looks well treated despite the latest win. Donald is the saver each-way at double-figure odds, with his draw and consistent enough handicap form giving him a decent chance of making the frame. Bayraat and Lieutenant Sir look the obvious dangers if continuing their upward runs.

Live Odds Comparison

Doncaster Course Specialists

Horses To Note

The top course performers among today’s runners:

Jockeys To Note

The pilots with the strongest records at the course:

Trainers To Note

Yards that have done well at Doncaster:

Summary & Best Bets

That wraps up our Doncaster racing tips for Thursday 9th July 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 Doncaster today?

The first race at Doncaster on Thursday 9th July 2026 goes off at 14:10, with 7 races scheduled in total.

What is the going at Doncaster today?

The going at Doncaster is reported as 7.1) (watering) (rail movements (Good to firm (goingstick).

How many races are at Doncaster today?

There are 7 races on the card at Doncaster today, running from 14:10 through to 17:40.

Gamble Responsibly ⚠️

Bet only what you can afford to lose. Set deposit limits, never chase losses, and take regular breaks. Gambling should be entertainment, not income.

Support & Resources: BeGambleAware.org · GamCare.org.uk · National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133

18+ only. Please gamble responsibly. This article contains affiliate links — we may earn a commission if you sign up through our links, at no extra cost to you.