Our Epsom racing tips cover all 6 races on the card today, Thursday 30th July 2026. The action gets underway at 17:30 and runs through to 20:25, with going reported as 5.30, 6.40 & 7.15 +12yds, 6.05 & 7.50 +9yds and 8.25 +7yds) (Good to firm, good in places (goingstick 7.4) (watering) (rail movements).
A few names jump off the page from a course-form perspective. Magical Merlin boasts a 33.33% strike rate from 3 runs at the track, Seamus Cronin has been in fine form here with 1 wins from 3 rides, John & Thady Gosden’s yard sends out runners with a 28.95% 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% | 40% |
| Spotlight | Racing Post | 10 | 2 | 20% | 30% |
| Templegate | The Sun | 11 | 2 | 18.18% | 54.55% |
| Ross Shepherd | Wrexham Leader | 12 | 2 | 16.67% | 41.67% |
| Newsboy | Daily Mirror | 11 | 1 | 9.09% | 54.55% |
17:30 – Spillers Future Champions Apprentice Handicap
Race Details: 1m 2f | Class 5 | Going: 5.30, 6.40 & 7.15 +12yds, 6.05 & 7.50 +9yds and 8.25 +7yds) (Good to firm, good in places (goingstick 7.4) (watering) (rail movements) | | flat
This is only a six-runner affair but it is not lacking in depth for the grade, with several of these arriving in decent nick and very little separating the principals on official figures. Golden Circet and Bobacious top the ratings on 86, while Qitaal has the strongest recent speed figure and comes here after a string of solid efforts without quite getting his head in front. Oj Lifestyle is the one with the freshest winning form, though he failed to back it up last time, and Show Biz Kid has become a fairly reliable handicapper at this sort of level. Around Epsom, balance and track position matter, and in a small field this may turn tactical. It is a competitive Class 5, but not an impossible puzzle.
Top Selections
1. Qitaal – 3/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Jack Nicholls | Trainer: Charlie Johnston | Form: 252334 | Rating: 85 | Topspeed: 78
Qitaal is starting to look expensive to follow, but the upside is that his level is very solid for this race and he does not need to improve much to take it. His recent sequence of placed efforts reads well enough in the context of a modest apprentice handicap, and that Topspeed mark of 78 is comfortably the best in the field. Charlie Johnston’s runners are usually straightforward enough in these staying and middle-distance handicaps, and from stall 3 he ought to get a handy position around a track where that counts for plenty. At 3/1 with Bet365, he makes more appeal than most because the form is there every time. Bet: WIN
2. Show Biz Kid – 4/1 with Betfair
Jockey: Luke Catton | Trainer: Julia & Shelley Birkett | Form: -64153 | Rating: 82 | Topspeed: 71
Show Biz Kid looks the each-way value in a race where a few of the market leaders have had chances. He got off the mark earlier in the year and has largely backed that up, most recently finishing a respectable third after not being ideally positioned to strike. An 82 rating leaves him with a little to find on the bare figures, but not enough to put anyone off in this company, especially with his recent form holding together well. Luke Catton takes over for a yard that does well enough when placing these exposed handicappers carefully, and 4/1 with Betfair feels fair in a six-runner race lacking a standout. Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Qitaal is the percentage call and makes the most sense as the win bet given his consistency and clear edge on recent speed figures. For an each-way punt, Show Biz Kid appeals as the one most likely to outrun his price if this turns tactical. Golden Circet is the obvious danger on ratings, while Oj Lifestyle cannot be dismissed if bouncing back to the form of his recent win.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qitaal | 3/1 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 3/1 (Bet365) |
| Oj Lifestyle | 4/1 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 (Betfair) |
| Golden Circet | 10/3 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 10/3 | 10/3 (Bet365) |
| Show Biz Kid | 7/2 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 (Betfair) |
| Magical Merlin | 9/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 4/1 | 9/2 (Bet365) |
| Bobacious | 10/1 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 15/2 | 10/1 (Bet365) |
18:05 – Spillers EBF Restricted Novice Stakes (Bands C And D) (EBF Restricted Race Qualifier) (GBB Race)
Race Details: 7f | Class 4 | Going: 5.30, 6.40 & 7.15 +12yds, 6.05 & 7.50 +9yds and 8.25 +7yds) (Good to firm, good in places (goingstick 7.4) (watering) (rail movements) | | flat
This looks a fairly typical restricted novice where a couple bring solid, bankable form and the newcomers add just enough uncertainty to stop it being a penalty kick. Out Of This World sets the standard among those who have run, having already won before finding one too good next time, while Benefacta has the best rating in the field and arrives on the back of a clear step forward into third. Camarda Rc and Otis Bay are the interesting debutants in a race that may not take much winning, but Epsom’s awkward seven furlongs is no easy place to learn on the job. Aminaty gets plenty of weight and could improve again, though the market principals do look the right ones. Tricky enough, but not impenetrable.
Top Selections
1. Out Of This World – 7/4 with Bet365
Jockey: Rob Hornby | Trainer: James Tate | Form: 14 | Rating: 73 | Topspeed: 41
James Tate’s colt is the one they all have to beat on what we’ve seen so far. A winner on debut and then a respectable fourth under a penalty, he has already shown more than most of these and that experience counts for plenty in a race around this track. The bare figures don’t make him bombproof, but he has the profile of a straightforward, professional juvenile and Rob Hornby is a good booking for a test like this. At 7/4 he is not exactly a hidden gem, but he is still hard to oppose given the balance of proven form versus potential. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Benefacta – 4/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Finley Marsh | Trainer: Richard Hughes | Form: 783 | Rating: 76 | Topspeed: 64
Benefacta appeals as the each-way angle because he brings the strongest set of numbers into the race and has been moving in the right direction. That latest third was easily his best effort yet, and a mark of 76 alongside a Topspeed of 64 says he has already achieved enough to be firmly in the mix if reproducing it here. Richard Hughes tends to do well with this type once they start to learn the job, and stall 1 could be no bad thing if Finley Marsh can secure a handy early pitch. At 4/1, he looks the value alternative to the favourite and a sound each-way punt. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Out Of This World is the win play because he owns the most convincing racecourse form and should be sharper than the newcomers. Benefacta is the each-way option with three places on offer, as his figures stack up very well for this grade and he looks solid to hit the frame. The obvious dangers are Camarda Rc and Otis Bay if either proves above average first time out.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Out Of This World | 7/4 | 6/4 | 6/4 | 6/4 | 8/5 | 7/4 (Bet365) |
| Banged Up | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 (Bet365) |
| Camarda Rc | 4/1 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 4/1 | 9/2 (Betfair) |
| Cool King | 6/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 11/2 | 6/1 (Bet365) |
| Otis Bay | 13/2 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 7/1 | 15/2 (Betfair) |
| Whiskey Galore | 22/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 28/1 | 33/1 (Betfair) |
| Benefacta | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 7/2 | 4/1 (Bet365) |
| Aminaty | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 (Bet365) |
| Secret Flite | 18/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 18/1 | 20/1 (Betfair) |
18:40 – Spillers Handicap
Race Details: 1m 4f | Class 5 | Going: 5.30, 6.40 & 7.15 +12yds, 6.05 & 7.50 +9yds and 8.25 +7yds) (Good to firm, good in places (goingstick 7.4) (watering) (rail movements) | | flat
This looks a small-field handicap that revolves around the thriving Imperial Cult, who arrives in the sort of form that makes him very hard to get away from despite the short price. He has won three of his last four and did it again last time with enough authority to suggest a 4lb rise may not stop him. Two Plus Two is the obvious one to give him most to think about on recent figures, particularly with a standout Topspeed mark in this line-up, while Dream Harder and Twilight Moon need to bounce back from modest recent efforts. Stage Show has at least shown a bit of life this term, but this does not look a deep race and the market has probably got it about right.
Top Selections
1. Imperial Cult – 1/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Neil Callan | Trainer: George Baker | Form: 3-1141 | Rating: 91 | Topspeed: 69
Imperial Cult is the solid one here and, in a race lacking depth, he is hard to oppose. His recent profile is straightforwardly appealing: three wins from his last four starts and he bounced back from a lesser effort with another success last time. An official mark of 91 does not look beyond him in this grade, and while he is not thrown in on the figures, he is clearly the runner arriving with the most momentum. Neil Callan is a positive booking for a race that could get tactical, and at 1/2 he is short but still the most likely winner by some margin. Bet: WIN
Betting Strategy
Keep it simple in a five-runner race: Imperial Cult is the win bet and the only play. Each-way betting makes little appeal with just two places on offer and such a cramped market. Two Plus Two looks the main danger if reproducing his recent speed figures, but the favourite has the clearest profile and the strongest claims.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twilight Moon | 12/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 (Bet365) |
| Dream Harder | 11/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 11/1 (Bet365) |
| Imperial Cult | 1/2 | 1/3 | 1/3 | 1/3 | 4/9 | 1/2 (Bet365) |
| Stage Show | 10/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 (Betfair) |
| Two Plus Two | 4/1 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 (Betfair) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| bettinggods.com | Imperial Cult |
19:15 – Irish EBF Fifinella Fillies’ Handicap
Race Details: 1m | Class 4 | Going: 5.30, 6.40 & 7.15 +12yds, 6.05 & 7.50 +9yds and 8.25 +7yds) (Good to firm, good in places (goingstick 7.4) (watering) (rail movements) | | flat
This is only a four-runner affair but it is a proper little puzzle rather than a penalty kick. Trio comes here on the back of a win and has the best official mark in the line-up, while Chantelle has the profile of a filly who may still be ahead of the assessor for Sir Mark Prescott. Too Hot To Tango arrives in form as well and gets in with just 128lb, so there is no shortage of plausible angles despite the small field. Celestra is the obvious one to forgive after a below-par latest effort, but she has to bounce back quickly. In a race lacking depth, the tactical side around Epsom’s turning mile could easily prove decisive.
Top Selections
1. Trio – 2/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Callum Hutchinson | Trainer: Eve Johnson Houghton | Form: -33571 | Rating: 89 | Topspeed: 80
Trio makes most appeal in a race where recent, solid handicap form may count for plenty. She posted a career-best when getting off the mark last time and the Topspeed figure of 80 is the best on offer here, which matters in a contest where there may not be much between them. Her mark of 89 asks another question, but she is at least coming here match-fit and with momentum, which cannot be said with certainty about all of these. Around Epsom, a straightforward filly with tactical pace is never the worst place to start, and 2/1 looks fair rather than flashy. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
Betting Strategy
With only four runners, keep it simple and stick to a straight win bet on Trio. She brings the strongest recent numbers and arrives here in the best nick. Chantelle is the obvious danger if Prescott has eked out more improvement, while Too Hot To Tango is respected after her latest success, but there is no each-way angle in a race this small.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chantelle | 9/4 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 9/4 | 9/4 (Bet365) |
| Celestra | 11/2 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 11/2 (Bet365) |
| Trio | 2/1 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 6/4 | 2/1 (Bet365) |
| Too Hot To Tango | 9/4 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 9/4 | 9/4 (Bet365) |
19:50 – Spillers Winners Handicap
Race Details: 7f | Class 6 | Going: 5.30, 6.40 & 7.15 +12yds, 6.05 & 7.50 +9yds and 8.25 +7yds) (Good to firm, good in places (goingstick 7.4) (watering) (rail movements) | | flat
This looks a fairly ordinary little 3yo handicap rather than a deep contest, and the market has understandably latched on to Credit Forgedd It after a solid runner-up effort last time. He sets the standard on recent form, but he is short enough in a race where a few of these have bits and pieces of handicap promise. Eyes Front has been knocking on the door without quite getting his head in front, while Real Gold keeps running better than his big price suggests and has the plum inside draw for a track that can reward a handy position. Koffee And Kale and Red Moon have questions to answer after slightly flatter latest runs, so this feels more about who is best treated at the weights than any hidden star. Tricky enough if you take the favourite on at cramped odds.
Top Selections
1. Credit Forgedd It – 10/11 with Bet365
Jockey: Seamus Cronin | Trainer: Simon Dow | Form: 2-5942 | Rating: 74 | Topspeed: 45
He is the obvious one, but not without reason. Credit Forgedd It ran his best race for a while when second last time, and in a weak Class 6 that piece of form reads well enough to make him hard to oppose. His mark of 74 is workable in this company and, crucially, he does not need to improve a stone to win this. The concern is price rather than profile, because 10/11 does not leave much room for error around Epsom, but he looks the runner most likely to get the job done if backing up that latest effort. In a race lacking depth, he holds the strongest claims. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Real Gold – 22/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Kieran O’Neill | Trainer: Rachel Cook & John Bridger | Form: 443333 | Rating: 71 | Topspeed: 22
He is hardly a serial winner, but Real Gold is becoming expensive to ignore from an each-way angle. Those three consecutive thirds show he is holding his form, and from stall 1 he has the chance to get a good stalking trip around this idiosyncratic track. The rating of 71 leaves him with something to find on the bare figures, yet this is not a race packed with reliable finishers and his consistency counts for plenty at this level. At 22/1 with Bet365, he is the one that makes most appeal if you want to play against the short-priced favourite for place money at least. He is not flashy, just solid enough for an each-way punt. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Credit Forgedd It is the win bet, simply because his latest second is the clearest piece of solid recent form in the field. If you want a bit more juice, Real Gold is the each-way play at a much bigger price given his string of placed efforts and useful inside draw. Eyes Front is the obvious danger if again running to his recent level.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Koffee And Kale | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 (Bet365) |
| Eyes Front | 13/2 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 6/1 | 13/2 (Bet365) |
| Credit Forgedd It | 10/11 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 10/11 | 10/11 (Bet365) |
| Sun Of Dolly | 9/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 4/1 | 9/2 (Bet365) |
| Red Moon | 15/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 13/2 | 15/2 (Bet365) |
| Imagine That | 12/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 (Betfair) |
| Real Gold | 22/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 18/1 | 22/1 (Bet365) |
20:25 – Spillers Spectacular Handicap
Race Details: 6f | Class 5 | Going: 5.30, 6.40 & 7.15 +12yds, 6.05 & 7.50 +9yds and 8.25 +7yds) (Good to firm, good in places (goingstick 7.4) (watering) (rail movements) | | flat
This looks a tight little sprint rather than a race packed with upside, and that usually makes Epsom’s idiosyncratic 6f all the more interesting. Lady Gormire arrives with the most persuasive recent profile after a string of solid efforts, while Twirler has the course style and pace angle to be a real player if bouncing back from a lesser run. Sugar Sugar is unexposed and open to a bit more progress, whereas exposed handicappers like Elvetham, Mount Mogan and Harry Brown know the game but don’t look bombproof. Victor Cee is another with a squeak in a race where the handicapper hasn’t missed much. Overall, it’s not a deep Class 5, but it is a tricky enough puzzle with a few of them tightly matched on form and ratings.
Top Selections
1. Lady Gormire – 3/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Sean Kirrane | Trainer: Michael Dods | Form: 28-232 | Rating: 74 | Topspeed: 50
She makes plenty of appeal in a race where most of these come with at least one question attached. Lady Gormire has been admirably consistent this term, the recent 232 figures telling you she’s knocking hard on the door, and this mark of 74 still looks workable judged on the way she has been finishing her races. As a 3yo she gets weight from some battle-hardened older sprinters, which matters in a race of fine margins around here. Michael Dods’ filly isn’t hiding from the assessor, but she is the one bringing the cleanest current form and 3/1 feels fair rather than cramped. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Elvetham – 13/2 with Betfair
Jockey: Jack Gilligan | Trainer: Conrad Allen | Form: 333203 | Rating: 76 | Topspeed: 71
Elvetham is not the easiest horse to win with, but he has become very attractively weighted and his overall profile is solid enough for an each-way play in a seven-runner race paying three places. He’s been running respectably without quite getting his head in front, and that Topspeed figure of 71 is one of the more compelling pieces of raw evidence in this field. Drawn in stall 1, he could get a handy tow into this if things fall right, and he doesn’t need to improve much to hit the frame again. At 13/2, he looks the value against shorter-priced rivals with no obvious edge. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Lady Gormire is the straightforward win play because she brings the most dependable recent form and still has a touch more upside than the exposed older sprinters. For an each-way punt, Elvetham makes more appeal than the market may suggest, especially with three places on offer. Twirler and the unexposed Sugar Sugar are the obvious dangers if the race unfolds in their favour.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twirler | 7/2 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 7/2 | 4/1 (Betfair) |
| Lady Gormire | 3/1 | 5/2 | 5/2 | 5/2 | 11/4 | 3/1 (Bet365) |
| Sugar Sugar | 9/2 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 9/2 | 9/2 (Bet365) |
| Victor Cee | 13/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 6/1 | 13/2 (Bet365) |
| Elvetham | 6/1 | 13/2 | 13/2 | 13/2 | 11/2 | 13/2 (Betfair) |
| Mount Mogan | 6/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 11/2 | 6/1 (Bet365) |
| Harry Brown | 8/1 | 12/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 | 8/1 | 12/1 (Betfair) |
Epsom Course Specialists
Horses To Note
The top course performers among today’s runners:
| Horse | Runs | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magical Merlin | 3 | 1 | 33.33% | 100% |
| Twirler | 3 | 1 | 33.33% | 66.67% |
| Bobacious | 3 | 1 | 33.33% | 33.33% |
| Imperial Cult | 8 | 1 | 12.5% | 37.5% |
| Dream Harder | 3 | 0 | 0% | 33.33% |
Jockeys To Note
The pilots with the strongest records at the course:
| Jockey | Rides | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seamus Cronin | 3 | 1 | 33.33% | 66.67% |
| Callum Hutchinson | 25 | 8 | 32% | 44% |
| Warren Fentiman | 13 | 4 | 30.77% | 53.85% |
| Sean Kirrane | 7 | 2 | 28.57% | 28.57% |
| Ross Coakley | 6 | 1 | 16.67% | 66.67% |
Trainers To Note
Yards that have done well at Epsom:
| Trainer | Runners | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John & Thady Gosden | 38 | 11 | 28.95% | 42.11% |
| Julia & Shelley Birkett | 4 | 1 | 25% | 75% |
| James Tate | 28 | 6 | 21.43% | 28.57% |
| Harry Eustace | 29 | 6 | 20.69% | 41.38% |
| Hughie Morrison | 88 | 18 | 20.45% | 35.23% |
Summary & Best Bets
That wraps up our Epsom racing tips for Thursday 30th 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 30th July 2026 goes off at 17:30, with 6 races scheduled in total.
What is the going at Epsom today?
The going at Epsom is reported as 5.30, 6.40 & 7.15 +12yds, 6.05 & 7.50 +9yds and 8.25 +7yds) (Good to firm, good in places (goingstick 7.4) (watering) (rail movements).
How many races are at Epsom today?
There are 6 races on the card at Epsom today, running from 17:30 through to 20:25.
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