Our Epsom racing tips cover all 6 races on the card today, Thursday 9th July 2026. The action gets underway at 18:05 and runs through to 20:52, with going reported as 7.2) (watering) (Good to firm, good in places (goingstick).
A few names jump off the page from a course-form perspective. Silver Trumpet boasts a 33.33% strike rate from 3 runs at the track, Callum Hutchinson has been in fine form here with 4 wins from 18 rides, Heather Main’s yard sends out runners with a 19.05% 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 % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 10 | 1 | 10% | 50% |
| Matt Polley | Ipswich Star | 10 | 0 | 0% | 10% |
18:05 – Betfred “Follow Us On X” Handicap
Race Details: 1m 4f | Class 5 | Going: 7.2) (watering) (Good to firm, good in places (goingstick) | | flat
This might only be a five-runner affair, but it is not lacking in intrigue. Celestarak sets the standard on the back of a breakthrough success and is the obvious one, while Darkest Red arrives in the sort of consistent nick that makes him dangerous again despite another near-miss last time. Zurna is less exposed than most and shaped as though this trip would suit when runner-up on handicap debut, so there is depth to the contest even if it is not an especially strong Class 5. Epsom’s 1m4f can expose any weakness in balance or stamina, and in a small field tactical speed will matter nearly as much as raw ability. For me, the race revolves around whether Celestarak can back up that latest step forward.
Top Selections
1. Celestarak – 15/8 with Bet365
Jockey: Jack Doughty | Trainer: David Menuisier | Form: 580-91 | Rating: 84 | Topspeed: 77
Celestarak looks the solid call. He had shown very little in three runs last year, but the switch into handicaps and the step up in trip brought immediate improvement when getting off the mark last time. That form reads well enough in the context of this race, and an opening mark of 84 does not look overly harsh given he posted the best rating in the field and matched it with a useful Topspeed figure of 77. Menuisier’s three-year-olds often improve with racing, and this one now has the profile of a progressive sort rather than an exposed handicapper. At 15/8, he is not a giveaway, but he is still the one they all have to beat here. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
Betting Strategy
In a five-runner race, this is a straight win-bet setup and Celestarak is the one I would keep it simple with. He has the strongest recent form and the most obvious scope for another step forward. Darkest Red is the danger if this turns into a tactical scrap, while Zurna is the interesting improver, but neither appeals more than the favourite.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tai Hang Pegasus | 9/2 | 4/1 | 9/2 | 4/1 | 9/2 | 9/2 (Bet365) |
| Zurna | 11/4 | 9/4 | 5/2 | 5/2 | 9/4 | 11/4 (Bet365) |
| Celestarak | 15/8 | 6/4 | 13/8 | 6/4 | 7/4 | 15/8 (Bet365) |
| Society Girl | 15/2 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 15/2 (Bet365) |
| Darkest Red | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 (Bet365) |
18:40 – Betfred “The Classic Bookmaker” EBF Restricted Maiden Fillies’ Stakes (Bands C/D) (Qualifier) (GBB)
Race Details: 7f | Class 4 | Going: 7.2) (watering) (Good to firm, good in places (goingstick) | | flat
This looks a fairly straightforward restricted maiden on paper, with the market understandably centring on Eabha and Minnal after both showed useful ability on debut. Eabha sets the standard on bare form with a pair of placed efforts and an 88 rating, while Minnal is interesting stepping forward from a promising first run and receives 3lb. Behind that pair, the rest have either already shown only modest form or arrive as newcomers who need to be a bit above average to trouble the principals first time out around Epsom’s tricky seven furlongs. That unique track can catch inexperienced fillies out, so balance and professionalism matter, but if one of the two market leaders runs to her figure, this may not take much winning. It’s not a deep race, though there is still room for an each-way angle.
Top Selections
1. Eabha – 6/5 with Bet365
Jockey: Callum Hutchinson | Trainer: Eve Johnson Houghton | Form: 33 | Rating: 88 | Topspeed: 80
Eabha is the one they all have to beat. Two runs, two solid placed efforts, and her figures already give her a clear edge over most of these. An 88 rating and 80 Topspeed are strong numbers in the context of a restricted maiden, and she sets a standard the unraced fillies may struggle to match first time. Eve Johnson Houghton’s juveniles are often streetwise enough for these assignments, and Callum Hutchinson knows how to keep one balanced when things get a bit awkward at Epsom. At 6/5 she is no secret, but she’s hard to oppose on what she’s done and looks the most likely winner if handling the track. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Pearl Grace – 8/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Mikey Sheehy | Trainer: Charlie Johnston | Form: 6 | Rating: 65 | Topspeed: 37
If you want something away from the obvious pair, Pearl Grace makes more appeal than most as an each-way play. Her debut sixth does not leap off the page, but Charlie Johnston’s juveniles often come on sharply for the experience, and this step up to 7f could suit much better than a sharper test. She doesn’t have the raw numbers of Eabha or Minnal yet, but unlike some of the bigger-priced rivals she has at least shown enough to think there is more to come. At 8/1 with three places on offer, she looks the type who can improve into the frame and perhaps give the front two something to think about if finding the expected progress. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Eabha is the sensible win play because her form is already in the book and it’s comfortably the strongest on offer. For an each-way punt, Pearl Grace appeals as one who should step forward for her debut and may be better suited by this longer trip. Minnal is the obvious danger to the favourite and could easily make this a straight fight between the pair.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aminaty | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| Chaise Longue | 18/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 | 12/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 (Bet365) |
| Crown Velocity | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 (Bet365) |
| Eabha | 6/5 | 11/10 | 6/5 | 11/10 | 11/10 | 6/5 (Bet365) |
| Pearl Grace | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 (Bet365) |
| Woodhay Wayfarer | 16/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
| Minnal | 13/8 | 11/8 | 6/4 | 11/8 | 6/4 | 13/8 (Bet365) |
| Summer Triangle | 100/1 | 80/1 | 80/1 | 80/1 | 80/1 | 100/1 (Bet365) |
| Tiora Time | 18/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| Jeffrey Ross | Eabha |
19:15 – Robert Dyas Partnership Handicap
Race Details: 7f | Class 5 | Going: 7.2) (watering) (Good to firm, good in places (goingstick) | | flat
This is a tight little 7f handicap rather than a deep one, and there doesn’t look to be much between the principals on bare ratings. Jersey Maverick heads the market after another solid placed effort, while Panelli arrives in equally respectable nick having filled the runner-up spot on his last two starts. Silver Trumpet is the class angle on figures, boasting the highest rating in the field and a useful Topspeed mark, though he does need to bounce back from a slightly underwhelming latest run. Potomac River and Stenmark have bits of form that give them a squeak, but both need to find more than they have shown recently. In a six-runner race like this, track position and tactical sharpness around Epsom could easily prove decisive.
Top Selections
1. Panelli – 7/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Neil Callan | Trainer: Stuart Williams | Form: 68-422 | Rating: 87 | Topspeed: 82
Panelli makes plenty of appeal in a race where recent sharpness may count for more than reputation. He has knocked on the door with back-to-back seconds, and that Topspeed figure of 82 is the best in the field by some margin, which immediately catches the eye in a Class 5 like this. Drawn in stall 1, he should be well placed if Neil Callan can secure a handy spot and use that turn of foot at the right time. At 7/2 he looks a fair price rather than an extravagant one, but he brings the most convincing blend of current form and speed to the table. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Silver Trumpet – 3/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Callum Hutchinson | Trainer: Eve Johnson Houghton | Form: 5-4376 | Rating: 92 | Topspeed: 73
Silver Trumpet is the obvious danger and, in a bigger field, would probably tempt as the percentage call, but in this six-runner setup he makes more sense as the saver option alongside the main play. He is rated 92, comfortably the highest in the field, and that alone gives him serious claims if returning to the level of his better efforts earlier in the campaign. The concern is that he has been a shade frustrating, with his recent form hinting at a horse who is running well enough without quite getting the job done. Still, 3/1 is perfectly reasonable for one with his back-class and he should be thereabouts throughout. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Panelli is the one to side with outright, chiefly because his recent form is solid and his Topspeed figure gives him a notably strong profile for this grade. Silver Trumpet is the one most likely to make him work for it, so he’s the secondary play. Jersey Maverick is the market danger after another good run, but he looks a touch short enough in a race where Panelli may just be better treated.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Potomac River | 13/2 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 13/2 (Bet365) |
| Stenmark | 5/1 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 5/1 | 5/1 (Bet365) |
| Silver Trumpet | 3/1 | 11/4 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 (Bet365) |
| Panelli | 7/2 | 11/4 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 10/3 | 7/2 (Bet365) |
| Jersey Maverick | 11/4 | 5/2 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 11/4 (Bet365) |
| Dandy Khan | 17/2 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 8/1 | 17/2 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| RP Ratings | Silver Trumpet |
19:50 – Robert Dyas Handicap
Race Details: 6f | Class 4 | Going: 7.2) (watering) (Good to firm, good in places (goingstick) | | flat
This looks a properly competitive sprint for the grade rather than a race full of obvious weak links. Aberama Gold brings plenty of hard-knocking handicap form but is now a 9yo and gives weight away all round, while Rage Of Thunder arrives off a win and has the profile of one still capable of nudging higher. The 3yos Acclaimed Freedom and King Of Chaos are especially interesting getting weight from their elders, and both have recent efforts that make them serious players in a race likely to be decided by pace, track position and who handles Epsom’s idiosyncrasies best. Harry Brown is dangerously well treated on old flashes but does need forgiving, while Twirler has a bit to find unless bouncing back quickly. Tricky enough, but not impossible to narrow down.
Top Selections
1. Rage Of Thunder – 5/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Tom Queally | Trainer: Gary & Josh Moore | Form: 2-0051 | Rating: 81 | Topspeed: 71
He makes plenty of appeal after getting back on track with that latest success, and the overall profile suggests he may just be arriving at this race in better heart than some of the more exposed older sprinters. An 81 mark still looks workable, especially in a race where a few of the principals are either in and out or vulnerable to younger legs. Tom Queally is a positive booking around a track where balance and timing matter, and this 4yo has enough pace to hold a handy position from stall 3. At 5/2, he is no giveaway, but he does look the most solid win proposition in the line-up.
Bet: WIN
2. Acclaimed Freedom – 3/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Neil Callan | Trainer: George Scott | Form: 1-8624 | Rating: 80 | Topspeed: 73
The standout younger horse in the field, Acclaimed Freedom gets in here with just 133lb and already has a topspeed figure of 73, which is right up there in this company. His recent form reads well enough for a race like this, and there is a fair chance a 3yo of his type has not reached his ceiling yet. Neil Callan is exactly the sort you want in a tactical 6f handicap at Epsom, and if he can slot in from the widest stall rather than be trapped deep, this colt should travel strongly into it. Available at 3/1, he is short enough, but as an each-way play in an eight-runner field he still makes obvious appeal.
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Rage Of Thunder is the straight win bet, arriving with momentum and looking the least messy option in a race full of solid but not bombproof rivals. Acclaimed Freedom is the each-way alternative, with his age allowance and upside making him very dangerous if things drop right from stall 8. Main dangers are Aberama Gold on class and King Of Chaos as another unexposed 3yo.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aberama Gold | 11/4 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 11/4 | 3/1 (Betfair) |
| Rage Of Thunder | 5/2 | 9/4 | 5/2 | 5/2 | 5/2 | 5/2 (Bet365) |
| Twirler | 14/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 (Betfair) |
| Acclaimed Freedom | 3/1 | 11/4 | 3/1 | 11/4 | 3/1 | 3/1 (Bet365) |
| King Of Chaos | 11/2 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 5/1 | 11/2 (Bet365) |
| Ancient Times | 18/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 | 18/1 (Bet365) |
| Harry Brown | 25/1 | 20/1 | 22/1 | 22/1 | 22/1 | 25/1 (Bet365) |
20:22 – Betfred “Nifty 50” Handicap
Race Details: 1m | Class 5 | Going: 7.2) (watering) (Good to firm, good in places (goingstick) | | flat
This looks a competitive little mile handicap rather than a race full of hidden depth, and the market has understandably latched on to the progressive 3yo Swiped. Ralph Beckett’s runner arrives on the back of a win and a solid second, and his profile is far more upwardly mobile than most of these exposed older handicappers. Happy Banner is the obvious danger after a string of creditable efforts, while Play Me comes here in winning form for Jim Boyle and is not dismissed lightly. Darvel is a seasoned old hand who popped back up with a better run last time, but stall 8 around Epsom is not ideal. In truth, this is a race where current momentum and tactical positioning should count for plenty.
Top Selections
1. Swiped – 13/8 with Bet365
Jockey: Rhys Clutterbuck | Trainer: Ralph Beckett | Form: 5-5212 | Rating: 78 | Topspeed: 62
Swiped is hard to oppose. He’s a 3yo with a progressive profile, comes here off the back of figures of 1 and 2, and his Topspeed mark of 62 is the best on offer alongside a couple of older rivals who don’t have the same scope. The key point is that he’s still learning his trade, whereas plenty of these know exactly where they stand. Beckett is not in the habit of wasting bullets in races like this, and off 131 he looks attractively treated against exposed elders. At 13/8 he is no giveaway, but he still makes the most appeal as the likeliest winner. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Happy Banner – 10/3 with Bet365
Jockey: Ashley Lewis | Trainer: Ed Walker | Form: 62-332 | Rating: 76 | Topspeed: 61
Happy Banner is the each-way angle in a race where reliability counts for plenty. Ed Walker’s 4yo has been knocking on the door, with recent form figures of 3, 3 and 2, and he’s been holding his level well without quite getting his head in front. Draw 2 could be a help around this track if he gets into a smooth rhythm early, and his 61 Topspeed figure says he has the raw pace to be very competitive in this grade. He does look slightly more exposed than the favourite, which is why he’s second choice rather than first, but at 10/3 he still holds strong claims of hitting the frame. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Keep it simple: Swiped is the win play because he’s the one with upside in a race full of largely exposed types. Happy Banner is the each-way punt given his consistency and handy draw. Play Me is the obvious danger after getting back on the scoresheet, while Darvel is the lurker if building on that much better second last time.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Happy Banner | 10/3 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 10/3 (Bet365) |
| Tronido | 11/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 (Bet365) |
| Darvel | 10/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Prodigal Son | 14/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| Buy The Dip | 14/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| Play Me | 9/2 | 4/1 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 (Bet365) |
| Swiped | 13/8 | 11/8 | 11/8 | 11/8 | 6/4 | 13/8 (Bet365) |
| Ritaal | 11/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 (Paddy Power) |
20:52 – Betfred Play Fred’s £5 Million Handicap
Race Details: 1m 2f | Class 6 | Going: 7.2) (watering) (Good to firm, good in places (goingstick) | | flat
This looks a fairly ordinary 3yo handicap on paper, but it does have a solid shape to it with the market rightly focusing on the two last-time-out winners, Sail On Sailor and Takeitorleaveit. Both arrive in form, both are proven at this sort of level, and they set the standard. Sweep In Time is the intriguing one after a break for a yard that can ready one, while Living In Hope still has a bit to prove despite a fair enough return. The rest need improvement, though featherweight Cormorant Rock is not entirely dismissible in a small field around Epsom. It’s not a deep race, but tactically it could get interesting, and I’d rather side with the runner who still looks to be going the right way.
Top Selections
1. Takeitorleaveit – 15/8 with Bet365
Jockey: Donagh Murphy | Trainer: Jonathan Portman | Form: 4-1722 | Rating: 73 | Topspeed: 63
He’s hard to crab. The profile is solid, the recent form is consistent, and that Topspeed figure of 63 is the best in the field alongside the strongest recent body of work. He has been knocking on the door with back-to-back seconds since winning earlier in the campaign, and a mark of 73 looks workable rather than punitive. In a race where plenty have questions to answer, Takeitorleaveit brings the most dependable current form and should be well suited by this 1m2f test. At 15/8 with Bet365, he is no giveaway, but he still makes the most appeal as the one most likely to run his race. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Sweep In Time – 9/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Daniel Muscutt | Trainer: Tom Clover | Form: 595- | Rating: 71 | Topspeed:
This one is a bit more speculative, but that’s exactly what you want for an each-way play in a seven-runner race with three places on offer. Sweep In Time hasn’t been seen since last year and the form figures don’t leap off the page, yet he starts handicap life off 71 and could easily be capable of better as a 3yo now stepping into this low-grade contest. Daniel Muscutt is a positive booking and Tom Clover’s runners often improve with time. Against rivals who have shown their hand a little more fully, he’s the one with some upside, and 9/2 looks fair if you’re prepared to trust the potential rather than the bare form. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Takeitorleaveit is the percentage call for the win bet given his reliability and strong recent figures. For an each-way punt, Sweep In Time makes more appeal than the obvious alternatives because he has scope to improve from last season’s efforts. The obvious danger is Sail On Sailor, who arrives on a two-timer and won’t be easy to shrug off if getting a smooth lead.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Living In Hope | 8/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 (Betfair) |
| Sail On Sailor | 7/4 | 6/4 | 6/4 | 6/4 | 8/5 | 7/4 (Bet365) |
| Don Pablo Colina | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 (Bet365) |
| Minerality | 14/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| Sweep In Time | 9/2 | 7/2 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 9/2 (Bet365) |
| Takeitorleaveit | 15/8 | 13/8 | 7/4 | 13/8 | 15/8 | 15/8 (Bet365) |
| Cormorant Rock | 33/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 22/1 | 25/1 | 33/1 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| Moorestyle | Sail On Sailor |
Epsom Course Specialists
Horses To Note
The top course performers among today’s runners:
| Horse | Runs | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Trumpet | 3 | 1 | 33.33% | 66.67% |
| Tronido | 3 | 1 | 33.33% | 33.33% |
| Play Me | 5 | 1 | 20% | 60% |
| Buy The Dip | 7 | 0 | 0% | 28.57% |
Jockeys To Note
The pilots with the strongest records at the course:
| Jockey | Rides | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Callum Hutchinson | 18 | 4 | 22.22% | 33.33% |
| Donagh Murphy | 5 | 1 | 20% | 60% |
| Rhys Clutterbuck | 74 | 12 | 16.22% | 39.19% |
| Jack Doughty | 7 | 1 | 14.29% | 42.86% |
| Dylan Hogan | 22 | 3 | 13.64% | 36.36% |
Trainers To Note
Yards that have done well at Epsom:
| Trainer | Runners | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heather Main | 21 | 4 | 19.05% | 38.1% |
| David Menuisier | 37 | 7 | 18.92% | 43.24% |
| Andrew Balding | 132 | 22 | 16.67% | 33.33% |
| Jonathan Portman | 37 | 6 | 16.22% | 43.24% |
| Eve Johnson Houghton | 137 | 22 | 16.06% | 33.58% |
Summary & Best Bets
That wraps up our Epsom racing tips for Thursday 9th 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 9th July 2026 goes off at 18:05, with 6 races scheduled in total.
What is the going at Epsom today?
The going at Epsom is reported as 7.2) (watering) (Good to firm, good in places (goingstick).
How many races are at Epsom today?
There are 6 races on the card at Epsom today, running from 18:05 through to 20:52.
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