Our Epsom racing tips cover all 6 races on the card today, Thursday 16th July 2026. The action gets underway at 17:45 and runs through to 20:40, with going reported as 5.45, 8.05 & 8.40 +15yds and 6.20, 6.55 & 7.30 +25yds) (Good to firm (goingstick 7.3) (watering) (rail movements).
A few names jump off the page from a course-form perspective. Hello Cotai boasts a 40% strike rate from 5 runs at the track, Mason Paetel has been in fine form here with 3 wins from 7 rides, Julia & Shelley Birkett’s yard sends out runners with a 33.33% 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 Epsom
Here’s how the leading tipsters have fared at Epsom over the last two years (minimum 10 selections):
| Tipster | Source | Selections | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| sportinglife.com | sportinglife.com | 10 | 2 | 20% | 50% |
| Spotlight | Racing Post | 10 | 2 | 20% | 30% |
| Newsboy | Daily Mirror | 12 | 2 | 16.67% | 58.33% |
| Ross Shepherd | Wrexham Leader | 12 | 2 | 16.67% | 41.67% |
| Templegate | The Sun | 11 | 1 | 9.09% | 54.55% |
17:45 – Betfred “The Classic Bookmaker” EBF Maiden Stakes (GBB Race)
Race Details: 7f | Class 3 | Going: 5.45, 8.05 & 8.40 +15yds and 6.20, 6.55 & 7.30 +25yds) (Good to firm (goingstick 7.3) (watering) (rail movements) | | flat
This is a compact but interesting 2yo maiden where the market is understandably focused on the well-bred newcomers, with Ad Lib, Palace Legacy and Jaipur Prince all arriving without a public run. In a five-runner race around Epsom, tactical pace and balance matter almost as much as raw ability, and that makes experience a useful asset for Zarakova and The Balearic Sun. Neither set the world alight first time, but both should know more now and this sort of turning 7f can catch debutants out. Still, the feeling is that the unraced colts could easily raise the standard, especially if ready to go. It looks a race with promise rather than depth, and one where natural class may settle it.
Top Selections
1. Ad Lib – 9/4 with Bet365
Jockey: Jack Mitchell | Trainer: Charlie Johnston | Form: | Rating: | Topspeed:
Ad Lib gets the vote in a maiden that may not take a huge amount of winning. Charlie Johnston’s juveniles are often drilled to know their job first time, and that can be a major edge in a small-field Epsom contest where position and professionalism count for plenty. The market has kept him on the right side of favouritism for good reason, and 9/4 looks fair rather than flashy in a race lacking solid form. Zarakova and The Balearic Sun bring experience, but neither achieved enough on debut to scare off a likely useful newcomer. If Ad Lib handles the track, he looks the one with the most upside. Bet: WIN
Betting Strategy
Keep it simple in a five-runner race: Ad Lib is the win play and the only betting recommendation. Each-way betting makes little appeal in a field this small. Zarakova is the obvious danger after shaping with some promise on debut, while Palace Legacy is respected as another newcomer from a capable yard.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ad Lib | 9/4 | 13/8 | 7/4 | 13/8 | 15/8 | 9/4 (Bet365) |
| Jaipur Prince | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 (Bet365) |
| Palace Legacy | 3/1 | 5/2 | 11/4 | 5/2 | 11/4 | 3/1 (Bet365) |
| The Balearic Sun | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 (Bet365) |
| Zarakova | 11/4 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 11/4 (Bet365) |
18:20 – Steve Donoghue Handicap
Race Details: 1m | Class 5 | Going: 5.45, 8.05 & 8.40 +15yds and 6.20, 6.55 & 7.30 +25yds) (Good to firm (goingstick 7.3) (watering) (rail movements) | | flat
This looks a proper Epsom handicap rather than a penalty kick. Eutropia brings the most persuasive recent profile after a productive spell and arrives as the one they all have to beat, but she is short enough in a race where a few lurk with workable marks. Trio is the obvious 3yo threat with a handy weight and the sort of profile that suggests there is still a race in him, while Hurricane Laughter could easily leave her reappearance behind for a yard that knows the time of day with these types. Penfolds Grange is consistent without looking obviously well treated, and Kitaro Kich has enough back form to make him mildly interesting from stall 1. Tricky enough, then, but not impossible to narrow down.
Top Selections
1. Eutropia – 2/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Tom Marquand | Trainer: Adrian Wintle | Form: 131152 | Rating: 75 | Topspeed: 64
Eutropia is hard to oppose on what she has been doing lately. That form string tells its own story: three wins in her last five completed starts and she backed it up with a solid second most recently, so there is no sign of the run going cold. An official mark of 75 asks a fair question, but not an impossible one given how reliably she is holding her level, and Tom Marquand is an eye-catching booking in a race lacking depth. Around 2/1 is hardly stealing money, yet she looks the runner with the fewest doubts and should be well suited by a soundly-run mile on fast ground. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Hurricane Laughter – 7/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Kieran Shoemark | Trainer: Ed Walker | Form: 569-5 | Rating: 71 | Topspeed: 55
For the each-way angle, Hurricane Laughter makes more appeal than the market may suggest. She shaped with a bit of promise on her return when fifth, her first run since being put away, and it would be no surprise at all if Ed Walker had her sharper now. As a 3yo she gets in here with just 128lb, which matters around this track, and a mark of 71 gives her room to be competitive if she finds the improvement that looked possible earlier in her career. Kieran Shoemark is a positive rider booking and, in a nine-runner race with three places on offer, 7/2 still makes her a fair each-way punt.
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Eutropia is the win play because she brings the strongest, most dependable recent form and looks the percentage call. Hurricane Laughter is the each-way alternative, with the return run under her belt and a light weight making her attractive in place terms. Trio is the obvious danger if bouncing back, while Penfolds Grange is solid enough to get involved again.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penfolds Grange | 11/2 | 9/2 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 11/2 (Bet365) |
| Kitaro Kich | 12/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 (Bet365) |
| Eutropia | 2/1 | 15/8 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 15/8 | 2/1 (Bet365) |
| Bobacious | 12/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 (Bet365) |
| Trio | 10/3 | 11/4 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 11/4 | 10/3 (Bet365) |
| Boston Run | 28/1 | 30/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 28/1 | 33/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Hurricane Laughter | 7/2 | 3/1 | 10/3 | 10/3 | 7/2 | 7/2 (Bet365) |
| Letsbeatsepsis | 12/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 (Bet365) |
| Bennyworth | 50/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 50/1 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| Rob Wright | Eutropia |
| Rory Delargy | Trio |
18:55 – Chantilly Handicap
Race Details: 1m 2f | Class 5 | Going: 5.45, 8.05 & 8.40 +15yds and 6.20, 6.55 & 7.30 +25yds) (Good to firm (goingstick 7.3) (watering) (rail movements) | | flat
This may only be a five-runner Class 5, but it is a pretty tight little handicap rather than a penalty kick for one of the market leaders. Booziebrunch arrives on the back of a win and gets in here with just 9st4lb as the only 3yo in the field, while Tiger and Perfect Scoundrel both come here after solid runner-up efforts and set a fair standard on recent form. Hello Cotai is another with a recent win on the card and is not easy to dismiss from stall 1, especially around this quirky track. The shape of the race matters plenty at Epsom over this trip, and in a small field tactical speed and balance could decide it as much as raw ability. Competitive, but not impossible to solve.
Top Selections
1. Booziebrunch – 5/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Tom Marquand | Trainer: S Woods | Form: -24431 | Rating: 79 | Topspeed: 64
Booziebrunch appeals most because he still looks the one with a bit more improvement to come. His form figures have been heading the right way for a while and he got his head in front last time, which can make a big difference with these younger handicappers. As a 3yo taking on older horses, he receives weight all round and that 9st4lb could be a real asset around Epsom, where agility and rhythm count for plenty. Tom Marquand is an eye-catching booking and this yard can place one well when momentum is building. At 5/2, he is not exactly hiding, but he still makes most appeal in a race where several of these are fully exposed. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
Betting Strategy
Keep it simple in a five-runner race: Booziebrunch is the win bet. The age allowance, recent success and scope for more progress make him the percentage call. There is no each-way angle in a field this small. Tiger and Perfect Scoundrel look the main dangers if this turns into a straight fight on recent handicap form, with Hello Cotai another who should not be underestimated.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tiger | 9/4 | 9/4 | 9/4 | 9/4 | 9/4 | 9/4 (Bet365) |
| Show Biz Kid | 7/1 | 13/2 | 7/1 | 13/2 | 6/1 | 7/1 (Bet365) |
| Perfect Scoundrel | 4/1 | 10/3 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 4/1 (Bet365) |
| Hello Cotai | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 7/2 | 4/1 | 4/1 (Bet365) |
| Booziebrunch | 5/2 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 9/4 | 5/2 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| Fortunatus | Hello Cotai |
19:30 – Betfred Ladies’ Derby Handicap (For Female Amateur Jockeys) (GBBPlus Race)
Race Details: 1m 4f | Class 4 | Going: 5.45, 8.05 & 8.40 +15yds and 6.20, 6.55 & 7.30 +25yds) (Good to firm (goingstick 7.3) (watering) (rail movements) | | flat
This looks a proper little amateur riders’ handicap rather than a messy lottery, with several arriving in form and not much between the principals on the figures. Damascus Steel comes here off a win and remains on the upgrade judged on recent efforts, while Pride Of Nepal is chasing a remarkable five-timer and clearly knows how to get the job done. Carnival Day has bits of form that make him dangerous if bouncing back, and Shahbaz is interesting from stall 1 on just 9st 9lb despite top weight in the ratings. Around Epsom, balance and position matter plenty over this trip, so I’d want a horse who can travel and handle the track rather than one who needs everything to fall right. Tricky, yes, but not impossible to solve.
Top Selections
1. Damascus Steel – 7/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Miss Becky Smith | Trainer: Gihan Arnolda | Form: 123561 | Rating: 77 | Topspeed: 60
He makes plenty of appeal in a race where solid recent momentum counts for a lot. That form string tells its own story, and the latest win suggests he is still thriving rather than merely holding his level. A mark of 77 looks workable enough, especially with just 10st 6lb to carry in this company, and he has the profile of one who should cope with a truly run 1m4f on quick ground. The draw in 8 is not ideal around here, but if Miss Becky Smith can slot him in early, he has the consistency and current sharpness to take beating. At 7/2, he looks the percentage call.
Bet: WIN
2. Shahbaz – 10/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Miss Brodie Hampson | Trainer: Archie Watson | Form: 90-824 | Rating: 80 | Topspeed: 64
He is the one at a bigger price who makes definite each-way appeal. Shahbaz is actually the highest-rated horse in the field, yet gets in here with only 9st 9lb, and that weight edge could be important in the closing stages. His recent 2-4 form suggests he is finding his level again, and stall 1 is a useful berth if Miss Brodie Hampson can hold a handy position and save ground around this idiosyncratic track. He does not win often enough to be a confident win recommendation, but 10/1 is bigger than I expected for a horse with his rating, draw and overall profile. He looks the value each-way punt.
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Damascus Steel is the win bet based on current form and the sense that he is still progressing within handicaps. For the saver, Shahbaz makes plenty of each-way appeal at double-figure odds, especially with three places on offer and a handy inside draw. Pride Of Nepal is the obvious danger given the winning run, while Carnival Day is capable of getting involved if rediscovering his best.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival Day | 7/2 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 10/3 | 7/2 (Bet365) |
| Naval Command | 11/2 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 11/2 | 11/2 (Bet365) |
| Epictetus | 11/2 | 11/2 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 6/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Damascus Steel | 7/2 | 10/3 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 (Bet365) |
| Pride Of Nepal | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 (Bet365) |
| Shahbaz | 10/1 | 17/2 | 9/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 (Bet365) |
| Jodhpur Blue | 12/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| Melissa Jones | Damascus Steel |
| Chris Wright | Pride Of Nepal |
| Lambourn | Shahbaz |
20:05 – Vail Williams Handicap
Race Details: 7f | Class 4 | Going: 5.45, 8.05 & 8.40 +15yds and 6.20, 6.55 & 7.30 +25yds) (Good to firm (goingstick 7.3) (watering) (rail movements) | | flat
This may only be a five-runner handicap, but it is a tight little contest with very little between the principals on official figures. Atmosphere brings the most consistent recent profile, having finished runner-up on his last two starts, while Uppercase arrives on the back of a win and gets in here off just 125lb despite the top rating of 93. Cherry Cobbler also comes here in good order after a solid second, and Dream Of Mischief shaped well enough on his return to suggest he can be competitive from stall 1. Musical Angel has a bit to prove after a few underwhelming efforts. In a race lacking any obvious weak link, track position and who handles Epsom’s quirks best could easily decide it.
Top Selections
1. Atmosphere – 7/4 with Bet365
Jockey: Oisin Murphy | Trainer: Richard Spencer | Form: 13-322 | Rating: 91 | Topspeed: 75
Atmosphere is the percentage call. He has been knocking firmly on the door, his recent 3-2-2 sequence suggesting this mark is workable, and that Topspeed figure of 75 is the best in the field. There is no hiding place around Epsom, but he looks the sort who should be well served by Oisin Murphy in a small tactical race, and stall 3 gives him options. He is not especially well treated if you want to be picky, but he is the one bringing the most solid and repeatable level of current form. At 7/4, he is short enough, yet still the likeliest winner.
Bet: WIN
Betting Strategy
In a five-runner race there is no each-way angle worth forcing, so keep it simple and back Atmosphere to win. He sets the standard on recent form and speed figures and looks hard to oppose. Uppercase is the obvious danger after scoring last time, while Cherry Cobbler also has the profile to make this uncomfortable if the pace collapses late.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Musical Angel | 5/1 | 4/1 | 9/2 | 4/1 | 9/2 | 5/1 (Bet365) |
| Cherry Cobbler | 10/3 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 10/3 | 10/3 (Bet365) |
| Dream Of Mischief | 7/1 | 11/2 | 6/1 | 11/2 | 13/2 | 7/1 (Bet365) |
| Atmosphere | 7/4 | 7/4 | 7/4 | 7/4 | 7/4 | 7/4 (Bet365) |
| Uppercase | 10/3 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 10/3 | 10/3 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| sportinglife.com | Atmosphere |
| Kieran McHugh | Cherry Cobbler |
| Templegate | Uppercase |
20:40 – Betfred Everswift 30 July Handicap
Race Details: 7f | Class 6 | Going: 5.45, 8.05 & 8.40 +15yds and 6.20, 6.55 & 7.30 +25yds) (Good to firm (goingstick 7.3) (watering) (rail movements) | | flat
This doesn’t look a deep Class 6 by any stretch, but it is a race with a fairly obvious focal point. Ice Cube brings the best rating, one of the joint-best Topspeed figures and, crucially, a mark that looks workable if this easier grade does the trick. Around him, there are a few with bits and pieces of placed form rather than solid winning profiles. Piazza has shaped as though a race like this is within reach, while Madman arrives off a better run and could be the one to pick up the pieces if the favourite underperforms. Epsom’s 7f can expose weak finishers, so balance and track position will matter, but this looks more about who is well treated than any hidden depth in the field.
Top Selections
1. Ice Cube – 6/4 with Bet365
Jockey: Oisin Murphy | Trainer: Richard Spencer | Form: -35656 | Rating: 74 | Topspeed: 69
Ice Cube is short enough, but he’s short for a reason and is hard to oppose in a race lacking much strength in depth. He has been running in better company than this without quite getting his head in front, and a mark of 74 in a Class 6 against exposed or limited rivals gives him a major edge on paper. The 7f trip on quick ground should suit well enough, and Oisin Murphy is an eye-catching booking in a race where professionalism could count for plenty around Epsom. At 6/4 he’s no giveaway, but he still looks the most likely winner by some margin. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Madman – 13/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Mason Paetel | Trainer: Rachel Cook & John Bridger | Form: 525692 | Rating: 70 | Topspeed: 59
Madman makes more appeal than several of the similarly priced alternatives because at least he arrives off a run that suggests he’s knocking on the door. That latest second was his best effort for a little while and hinted that this mark of 70 is within range if he can back it up. He doesn’t have the class edge of Ice Cube, but he is battle-hardened and this doesn’t look a race packed with improvers. From stall 5 he should have every chance to get a sensible position, and 13/2 feels fair for a horse with recent placed form in the book. He’s the each-way play in a weak enough affair. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Keep it simple here. Ice Cube is the win bet because he brings the strongest overall profile and drops into a race that should be within his compass. For those playing each-way, Madman is the sensible alternative at a decent enough price after his recent second. Piazza is the obvious danger if bouncing forward from her seasonal return.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piazza | 5/1 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 5/1 | 11/2 (Betfair) |
| Eyes Front | 6/1 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 6/1 (Bet365) |
| Twilight Glow | 17/2 | 13/2 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 15/2 | 17/2 (Bet365) |
| Sun Of Dolly | 15/2 | 15/2 | 8/1 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 8/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Credit Forgedd It | 25/1 | 22/1 | 25/1 | 22/1 | 22/1 | 25/1 (Bet365) |
| Madman | 13/2 | 6/1 | 13/2 | 13/2 | 13/2 | 13/2 (Bet365) |
| Ice Cube | 6/4 | 6/4 | 6/4 | 6/4 | 6/4 | 6/4 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| On The Nose | Ice Cube |
Epsom Course Specialists
Horses To Note
The top course performers among today’s runners:
| Horse | Runs | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hello Cotai | 5 | 2 | 40% | 80% |
| Musical Angel | 4 | 1 | 25% | 25% |
| Dream Of Mischief | 5 | 1 | 20% | 40% |
| Carnival Day | 5 | 1 | 20% | 80% |
Jockeys To Note
The pilots with the strongest records at the course:
| Jockey | Rides | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mason Paetel | 7 | 3 | 42.86% | 71.43% |
| Callum Hutchinson | 24 | 7 | 29.17% | 41.67% |
| Edward Greatrex | 37 | 7 | 18.92% | 54.05% |
| Oisin Murphy | 246 | 43 | 17.48% | 34.96% |
| Rhys Clutterbuck | 78 | 13 | 16.67% | 41.03% |
Trainers To Note
Yards that have done well at Epsom:
| Trainer | Runners | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Julia & Shelley Birkett | 3 | 1 | 33.33% | 100% |
| James Tate | 27 | 6 | 22.22% | 29.63% |
| Richard Spencer | 11 | 2 | 18.18% | 36.36% |
| Harry Eustace | 28 | 5 | 17.86% | 39.29% |
| Rachel Cook & John Bridger | 17 | 3 | 17.65% | 35.29% |
Summary & Best Bets
That wraps up our Epsom racing tips for Thursday 16th July 2026. We’ve covered all 6 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 Epsom today?
The first race at Epsom on Thursday 16th July 2026 goes off at 17:45, with 6 races scheduled in total.
What is the going at Epsom today?
The going at Epsom is reported as 5.45, 8.05 & 8.40 +15yds and 6.20, 6.55 & 7.30 +25yds) (Good to firm (goingstick 7.3) (watering) (rail movements).
How many races are at Epsom today?
There are 6 races on the card at Epsom today, running from 17:45 through to 20:40.
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