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Fontwell Racing Tips & Predictions - Thursday 14th May 2026

Fontwell Racing Tips & Predictions - Thursday 14th May 2026

Our Fontwell racing tips cover all 6 races on the card today, Thursday 14th May 2026. The action gets underway at 17:34 and runs through to 20:10, with going reported as 5.3) (watering) (rail movements (Good, good to soft in places (goingstick).

A few names jump off the page from a course-form perspective. Motazzen boasts a 50% strike rate from 6 runs at the track, Chad Bament has been in fine form here with 4 wins from 9 rides, Richard Hobson’s yard sends out runners with a 37.5% 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 Fontwell

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

TipsterSourceSelectionsWinsWin %Place %
West CountryRacing Post17952.94%88.24%
RP RatingsRacing Post10330%60%
Melissa JonesD Express12216.67%66.67%
Jeffrey RossSporting Times1417.14%85.71%

17:34 – Mercedes-Benz Of Chichester Mares’ Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

Race Details: 2m 1f | Class 4 | Going: 5.3) (watering) (rail movements (Good, good to soft in places (goingstick) | | jumps

This looks a useful enough mares’ maiden for Fontwell, with several arriving after shaping well in bumpers and a couple already setting a fair standard over hurdles. Sorgean is the obvious starting point after winning on debut and she makes immediate appeal for a yard that does well with these types, while Hidden Fortune has twice finished runner-up and sets a solid, if slightly exposed, level of form. Shutfrontdoor has been knocking loudly on the door and brings the best published rating to the table, whereas Secret Des Lune arrives on the back of a win and is another with clear claims. It is not a weak race by any means, but it may hinge on which of the less exposed mares finds the most progress now hurdling or stepping forward again.

Top Selections

1. Sorgean – 5/2 with Bet365

Jockey: Bryan Carver | Trainer: Harry Fry | Form: 1- | Rating: | Topspeed:

Sorgean is the one I want on side. A winning debutant is always worth noting in this sort of race, especially from the Harry Fry yard, and the market has quickly latched on for good reason. She is open to the most improvement of the principals and doesn’t come here with the same sense of having already shown her hand as one or two of these. Fontwell can ask a question of inexperienced hurdlers, but Bryan Carver is a positive booking and this mare looks the type to travel well and keep finding. At 5/2 with Bet365, she is not a giveaway, but she still makes most appeal as the likeliest winner.

Bet: WIN

2. Secret Des Lune – 11/2 with Bet365

Jockey: David Noonan | Trainer: Ben Clarke | Form: 221- | Rating: | Topspeed:

Secret Des Lune looks the each-way value in a race where the obvious names dominate the front of the market. Her 221- profile tells its own story: she improved with racing, got her head in front last time, and arrives with the right sort of momentum. Ben Clarke’s mare may not have the same upside as Sorgean, but she is reliable, clearly knows how to race, and should be suited by a test like this if it turns tactical rather than attritional. David Noonan is a sensible booking for a mare who looks straightforward, and 11/2 with Bet365 feels fair enough for one who can easily hit the frame and maybe better if the favourite underperforms.

Bet: EACH-WAY

Betting Strategy

Sorgean is the win play because she has the most scope to be better than this level and could easily outclass these if taking to hurdles smoothly. Secret Des Lune is the each-way punt at a workable price given her progressive profile and solid recent form. Hidden Fortune and Shutfrontdoor are the obvious dangers, with the latter especially hard to dismiss on consistency.

Live Odds Comparison

HorseBet365BetfairPaddy PowerSky BetWilliam HillBest
Diamond White9/117/29/18/19/19/1 (Bet365)
Flash Bardot15/213/27/113/27/115/2 (Bet365)
Hidden Fortune10/316/510/33/13/110/3 (Bet365)
Queens Up200/1250/1250/1250/1200/1250/1 (Betfair)
Rock Sensation17/28/18/18/117/217/2 (Bet365)
Saffron Belle200/1250/1250/1250/1200/1250/1 (Betfair)
Secret Des Lune11/24/14/14/15/111/2 (Bet365)
Shutfrontdoor4/14/19/24/14/19/2 (Paddy Power)
Sorgean5/22/12/12/19/45/2 (Bet365)
Whodunit40/135/140/133/133/140/1 (Bet365)

Tipster Selections

TipsterSelection
Jeffrey RossSorgean

18:10 – KSR Lighting Handicap Hurdle

Race Details: 2m 3f | Class 4 | Going: 5.3) (watering) (rail movements (Good, good to soft in places (goingstick) | | jumps

This looks a competitive little handicap rather than a deep one, and there are several with solid enough claims if returning in the same mood as when last seen. Oakley arrives on the back of a win and is the obvious one to beat off a mark of 112, while Sun Joy and Taritino also bring recent placed or winning form to the table and don’t look overburdened. Motazzen is interesting too, not least because his topspeed figure stands out in this field, but he does need backing up after that latest success. Bel Ombre is another with a tidy profile, though this may demand a bit more. It feels like a race where current wellbeing and a slick round of jumping will matter more than raw class.

Top Selections

1. Oakley – 5/2 with Bet365

Jockey: Mr B T Stone | Trainer: Mrs C Williams | Form: 1044-1 | Rating: 112 | Topspeed: 96

Oakley makes plenty of appeal after getting his head back in front last time and, in a race where a few have something to prove after a break, he comes here as the runner with the clearest recent positive. An 8yo off 112 is hardly thrown in, but he has been running consistently enough and that latest win suggests he is still capable of defying this sort of mark. The market has him prominent for good reason and the 5/2 on offer is fair rather than flashy. If he jumps with the same fluency and travels as smoothly as he did on that latest start, he holds strong claims. Bet: WIN

Bet: WIN

2. Sun Joy – 6/1 with Paddy Power

Jockey: Callum Pritchard | Trainer: Ben Pauling | Form: /2412- | Rating: 110 | Topspeed: 104

Sun Joy looks the value angle in the race. His recent profile is rock-solid, with form figures of /2412- showing a horse who has found his level in handicaps and keeps knocking on the door. The topspeed mark of 104 is one of the best on offer here, and that matters in a race lacking much depth. Ben Pauling’s 7yo has only 167 to carry and should be well suited by this trip if settling into a rhythm early. At 6/1, he appeals as the one most likely to outrun his price, especially if the principals get involved in a battle from some way out. Bet: EACH-WAY

Bet: EACH-WAY

Betting Strategy

Oakley is the percentage call and makes most appeal as the win bet after scoring last time and arriving with the most straightforward profile. For an each-way punt, Sun Joy stands out at 6/1 given his consistency and strong speed figure. Motazzen and Taritino are the obvious dangers if returning in the same form as when last seen, but Oakley and Sun Joy make the most betting sense.

Live Odds Comparison

HorseBet365BetfairPaddy PowerSky BetWilliam HillBest
Oakley5/29/49/42/19/45/2 (Bet365)
Bel Ombre9/218/54/14/17/29/2 (Bet365)
Motazzen5/14/14/14/14/15/1 (Bet365)
Sun Joy7/211/26/16/111/26/1 (Paddy Power)
Hiconic16/112/114/114/114/116/1 (Bet365)
Belgarum20/116/120/120/120/120/1 (Bet365)
Taritino5/14/14/14/14/15/1 (Bet365)

18:40 – Fontwell Park Half Year Membership Novices’ Handicap Chase

Race Details: 2m 3f | Class 5 | Going: 5.3) (watering) (rail movements (Good, good to soft in places (goingstick) | | jumps

This doesn’t look a deep novice handicap chase, but it is a mildly awkward little race all the same. Thickthorn Tom heads the market on the back of a solid enough third and has the obvious Skelton angle, while Ballyfinn arrives here after getting his head back in front and is entitled to be respected despite top weight. All Authorized has been knocking on the door without quite landing the telling blow, and Misteroddsocks comes here with a recent win of his own, so there are a few plausible cases. Fontwell can reward sound jumping and a willing attitude, and in a seven-runner field there should be no hiding place. I’d be inclined to side with the one who still has a bit more upside than most of these exposed rivals.

Top Selections

1. Thickthorn Tom – 2/1 with Bet365

Jockey: Harry Skelton | Trainer: Dan Skelton | Form: /76P3- | Rating: 99 | Topspeed: 93

There was a fair bit more encouragement in Thickthorn Tom’s latest third than the bare form might suggest, and this looks the sort of ordinary Class 5 where Dan Skelton’s six-year-old can build on it. He is still relatively lightly raced compared to some of these and a mark of 99 gives him room to manoeuvre if his fencing continues to sharpen up. Harry Skelton is an obvious positive in a race where professionalism may count for plenty, and at 2/1 he isn’t exactly hidden from the market, but he still makes most appeal as the runner open to the most progress. Bet: WIN

Bet: WIN

2. All Authorized – 9/2 with Bet365

Jockey: Caoilin Quinn | Trainer: Gary & Josh Moore | Form: 5F344- | Rating: 103 | Topspeed: 88

All Authorized is the one that makes plenty of each-way sense in a race lacking depth. He hasn’t won for a while, but those 3s and 4s in his recent form tell you he has been holding his level, and his mark of 103 is workable enough if this sharper test around Fontwell suits. The Moore team know exactly what is required at this track and Caoilin Quinn is a rider who tends to get the fractions right in these low-grade chases. At 9/2, he looks the value against a few rivals who may be a bit more fashionable than solid. If the front two in the market fluff their lines, he’s the one I can see picking up the pieces. Bet: EACH-WAY

Bet: EACH-WAY

Betting Strategy

Thickthorn Tom is the straight win play here, as he looks the least exposed and the one most likely to step forward again. For an each-way punt, All Authorized appeals as the dependable option in a seven-runner field with three places on offer. Ballyfinn is the obvious danger after his latest win, while Misteroddsocks also enters the discussion off a success.

Live Odds Comparison

HorseBet365BetfairPaddy PowerSky BetWilliam HillBest
Ballyfinn5/25/25/25/25/25/2 (Bet365)
Jaffa Cake14/111/114/114/114/114/1 (Bet365)
All Authorized9/27/218/510/37/29/2 (Bet365)
Lord Maher28/133/133/133/128/133/1 (Betfair)
Thickthorn Tom2/115/815/815/82/12/1 (Bet365)
Misteroddsocks13/26/113/213/213/213/2 (Bet365)
Lunar Ocean13/26/113/213/26/113/2 (Bet365)

19:10 – Southern Cranes And Access Handicap Hurdle

Race Details: 2m 5f | Class 5 | Going: 5.3) (watering) (rail movements (Good, good to soft in places (goingstick) | | jumps

This looks a fairly ordinary Class 5 on paper, but it is not lacking in angles. Jager Time arrives off a win and is the obvious solid one, while For Old Times Sake is interesting on handicap debut despite some messy recent form. Nelson Gate has the profile of a 4yo who could still have a bit more to offer, and Renoir has enough back form to get involved if bouncing back. Plenty of these have questions attached, mind: Lady Henrietta was pulled up last time, Hurst Hill has become expensive to follow, and several others need a revival. In a race where recent consistency is thin on the ground, I’d rather side with the few who still look capable of moving forward than the exposed sorts who keep finding one too good.

Top Selections

1. Jager Time – 7/2 with Bet365

Jockey: Fern O’Brien | Trainer: Fergal O’Brien | Form: 48221- | Rating: 101 | Topspeed: 92

Jager Time makes plenty of appeal in a race where not many arrive with momentum. That 48221 sequence shows a horse gradually getting his act together, and he deserved to get his head in front last time. A 7lb rise asks a question, but this is not a deep race and he still looks the one with the most convincing recent profile. Fergal O’Brien’s runners in these staying handicap hurdles are rarely without a plan, and Fern O’Brien keeps the ride on a horse who should be seen to even better effect if this turns into a proper test from some way out. At 7/2, he is short enough in a competitive field but still the percentage call. Bet type: WIN

Bet: WIN

2. For Old Times Sake – 10/3 with Paddy Power

Jockey: Harry Cobden | Trainer: Neil Mulholland | Form: 7869P- | Rating: 101 | Topspeed: 85

He is not an easy horse to trust after a string of poor efforts, but there is enough intrigue here to make him the each-way play in a race full of flaky candidates. For Old Times Sake is only five, gets Harry Cobden booked, and starts out in handicaps from a mark of 101, which could prove very workable if he has been let in lightly. Neil Mulholland also saddles Tell The Tale, but Cobden’s presence catches the eye and suggests this one may be the stable’s stronger hand. At 10/3 he is hardly thrown in from a value perspective, yet in this company he could easily leave his qualifying runs behind and step forward. Bet type: EACH-WAY

Bet: EACH-WAY

Betting Strategy

Jager Time is the win bet because he brings the clearest recent form and fewer doubts than most. For Old Times Sake is the each-way option, more on potential than achievement, but this is the sort of weak handicap where a well-treated handicap debutant can suddenly look transformed. Nelson Gate is the obvious danger, while Renoir would not be a surprise if rediscovering his better form.

Live Odds Comparison

HorseBet365BetfairPaddy PowerSky BetWilliam HillBest
Renoir8/17/17/16/17/18/1 (Bet365)
Jager Time7/210/310/33/110/37/2 (Bet365)
Tell The Tale15/26/113/26/113/215/2 (Bet365)
Porridge40/140/140/128/133/140/1 (Bet365)
Nelson Gate5/15/15/19/29/25/1 (Bet365)
Hurst Hill9/117/29/18/19/19/1 (Bet365)
Lady Henrietta9/117/29/18/19/19/1 (Bet365)
For Old Times Sake3/116/510/310/310/310/3 (Paddy Power)
Gone Country16/116/116/114/116/116/1 (Bet365)
Anothermanicmonday28/125/125/120/125/128/1 (Bet365)
Counteract10/18/117/215/217/210/1 (Bet365)

19:40 – V2 Radio Handicap Chase (ARC Summer Chase Series Qualifier)

Race Details: 2m 1f | Class 5 | Going: 5.3) (watering) (rail movements (Good, good to soft in places (goingstick) | | jumps

This looks a fairly ordinary Class 5 chase on paper, but it is still a race with a workable shape rather than a complete lottery. Grain Trade sets the standard on the figures and would have gone very close to winning one of these before his final-start fall, while Model Approach arrives on the back of a confidence-boosting success and is the obvious progressive angle in a modest field. Gone In Sixty has been knocking on the door often enough to make the frame again, and Saint Polo comes here after a couple of respectable efforts that suggest he is not far away. The veteran Ballywood is not out of it either if the race falls apart. It is not a deep contest, but there are enough plausible cases to make it slightly trappy.

Top Selections

1. Grain Trade – 9/4 with Bet365

Jockey: Gavin Sheehan | Trainer: Billy Aprahamian | Form: P244F- | Rating: 108 | Topspeed: 95

Grain Trade is the one I want to be with. He has the best official rating in the field, his form reads well enough for this level, and that fall last time is easy enough to forgive given he had been running solid races beforehand. The sequence of placed efforts suggests he has been holding his form well, and in a race lacking much depth that matters. Gavin Sheehan is a notable booking for this sort of contest and if he can get the gelding into a smooth rhythm over these fences, he ought to take plenty of beating. Available at 9/4, he looks the percentage call. Bet: WIN

Bet: WIN

2. Saint Polo – 13/2 with Paddy Power

Jockey: Ian Power | Trainer: Jennie Candlish | Form: 85923- | Rating: | Topspeed:

Saint Polo makes more appeal as an each-way play than some of the shorter ones. His recent form figures suggest he was coming to the boil before the break, and that latest third was the sort of run that gives him a definite squeak in a race of this nature. He is not bombproof, but he does not need to find stacks if reproducing that level here. Jennie Candlish can ready one after a layoff well enough, and with only eight runners there is a fair chance he can sit handy and keep on when others cry enough. At 13/2, he looks a sensible each-way punt.

Bet: EACH-WAY

Betting Strategy

Grain Trade is the straight win bet, as he brings the strongest form and the class edge for this grade. For those looking for a bit more juice, Saint Polo is the each-way option at a fair price in an eight-runner field. Model Approach is the obvious danger after his latest win, while Gone In Sixty looks the type to threaten the places again.

Live Odds Comparison

HorseBet365BetfairPaddy PowerSky BetWilliam HillBest
Saint Polo6/16/113/26/111/213/2 (Paddy Power)
Grain Trade9/413/813/813/815/89/4 (Bet365)
Model Approach11/49/49/49/49/411/4 (Bet365)
Daany11/114/116/116/116/116/1 (Paddy Power)
Gone In Sixty5/111/26/16/16/16/1 (Paddy Power)
Ballywood12/110/111/111/111/112/1 (Bet365)
Holy Legend8/114/110/114/110/114/1 (Betfair)
Millies Mite20/114/118/118/118/120/1 (Bet365)

20:10 – Best Of British Events Open National Hunt Flat Race (Category 1 Elimination) (GBB Race)

Race Details: 2m 1f | Class 5 | Going: 5.3) (watering) (rail movements (Good, good to soft in places (goingstick) | | jumps

This closing bumper is an interesting mix of powerful yards introducing unexposed types and a handful with the benefit of a run. Red One and Short Sell dominate the early market for top stables and neither would need to be anything special to go very close in a race of this depth, but it is not quite the penalty kick those prices suggest. Horethorne at least brings a solid piece of track evidence after making the frame on debut, while Roy’s Jules and My Lady D’Ex have also seen a racecourse already. Fontwell’s sharp nature can reward professionalism in these events, so raw ability matters, but so does knowing the job. That makes this a slightly tricky puzzle rather than a straightforward maiden bumper for the obvious names.

Top Selections

1. Red One – 11/4 with Bet365

Jockey: Nico de Boinville | Trainer: Nicky Henderson | Form: | Rating: | Topspeed:

When Henderson sends one to a modest-looking Class 5 bumper at Fontwell, you sit up and take notice. Red One has been found in the market from the outset and that usually tells its own story with this yard, especially with Nico de Boinville booked. There is no public form to go on, so this is partly a vote for the stable’s bumper record and the likelihood that he has shown enough at home to warrant favouritism. At 11/4 he is not a giveaway, but in a race full of guesswork he looks the one most likely to have the class edge. Bet: WIN

Bet: WIN

2. Horethorne – 11/1 with Bet365

Jockey: Freddie Gingell | Trainer: Joe Tizzard | Form: 3- | Rating: 89 | Topspeed: 49

Horethorne is the each-way play because he brings the one thing plenty of these lack: a credible run on the board. Finishing third on debut gives him a practical edge in a race where several of the principals are entirely unraced, and his rating of 89 is at least a tangible marker in this company. Joe Tizzard’s team can do well with these types once they have had that educational first outing, and Freddie Gingell is more than capable of getting him into a smooth rhythm around here. Available at 11/1, he looks overpriced to hit the frame and could easily do better second time up. Bet: EACH-WAY

Bet: EACH-WAY

Betting Strategy

Red One is the win play on stable power, jockey booking and the strong sense that he has been readied for this. For an each-way punt, Horethorne makes plenty of appeal at double-figure odds because proven racecourse experience counts for a lot in bumpers. Short Sell is the obvious danger, while Dernier Set is another newcomer worth respecting if the market speaks in his favour.

Live Odds Comparison

HorseBet365BetfairPaddy PowerSky BetWilliam HillBest
Lord Forlife20/120/125/120/120/125/1 (Paddy Power)
Red One11/49/49/49/45/211/4 (Bet365)
Short Sell10/311/43/111/43/110/3 (Bet365)
Cameron De Fiacre13/26/113/26/113/213/2 (Bet365)
Dernier Set5/19/25/19/25/15/1 (Bet365)
Horethorne11/19/19/19/110/111/1 (Bet365)
Mysterland15/213/213/213/215/215/2 (Bet365)
Norff N Sauff11/111/112/111/111/112/1 (Paddy Power)

Fontwell Course Specialists

Horses To Note

The top course performers among today’s runners:

HorseRunsWinsWin %Place %
Motazzen6350%100%
All Authorized4250%100%
Belgarum6233.33%66.67%
Millies Mite15213.33%60%
Hurst Hill400%25%

Jockeys To Note

The pilots with the strongest records at the course:

JockeyRidesWinsWin %Place %
Chad Bament9444.44%77.78%
Freddie Gingell301136.67%60%
Harry Skelton1263023.81%49.21%
Gavin Sheehan2766021.74%50.72%
Harry Cobden1693520.71%52.66%

Trainers To Note

Yards that have done well at Fontwell:

TrainerRunnersWinsWin %Place %
Richard Hobson24937.5%70.83%
Anthony Honeyball1524328.29%55.92%
Harry Fry1012827.72%52.48%
Jonjo & A J O’Neill27725.93%59.26%
Nick Scholfield8225%50%

Summary & Best Bets

That wraps up our Fontwell racing tips for Thursday 14th May 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 Fontwell today?

The first race at Fontwell on Thursday 14th May 2026 goes off at 17:34, with 6 races scheduled in total.

What is the going at Fontwell today?

The going at Fontwell is reported as 5.3) (watering) (rail movements (Good, good to soft in places (goingstick).

How many races are at Fontwell today?

There are 6 races on the card at Fontwell today, running from 17:34 through to 20:10.

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