Racing fans have a superb day of action in store on Saturday. The 2000 Guineas takes place at Newmarket, while Punchestown‘s festival concludes with two Grade 1s on the card.
GG tipster Joe Napier has selections at both those meetings to combine for our Saturday lucky 15 tips.
Newmarket Racing Tips (Saturday 2 May)
For 2000 Guineas day at Newmarket, we have two tips on the undercard in the Listed Ellen Chaloner Stakes and Group 3 Palace House Stakes.
1.10 Newmarket – Flora Of Bermuda (1pt win – 7/4)
On form, Flora Of Bermuda is clear of her rivals and can earn a belated third victory. She was placed twice in Group 1 sprints last season, including when clearly best of the Brits in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot. She was also second on return last season, beaten just a neck in a York Group 2. Had she got a clearer run sooner, she would have won that day, so she can clearly perform first time out. Though her season petered out at Ascot on Champions Day, there were numerous false results on that card. Back from a break and against her own sex, she can prove the class act. Her last win came against members of her own sex and these calmer waters can suit again.
2.55 Newmarket – Night Raider (1pt win – 8/1)
Today can be the day Night Raider puts it all together. With Group 1-winning mare Asfoora carrying the maximum penalty, she is a readily opposable favourite. Night Raider has flattened to deceive since making a startling impression on the all-weather early in his career. He is still without a win on turf, but he ran well on his return at York last season in third behind Inisherin and Flora Of Bermuda. That was over 6f though and he subsequently showed more over the minimum trip. His fourth in the Nunthorpe and fifth in the Curragh’s Flying Five Stakes were both bold attempts from the front. Subsequently gelded and with trainer Karl Burke enjoying a swift start to 2026, he will win at this level soon. With a quick start, Newmarket’s stiff 5f finish can suit, as he has got 6f in the past.
Punchestown Racing Tips (Saturday 2 May)
Punchestown’s final day arrives on Saturday. We have two selections at the Irish track, both trained by Willie Mullins.
4.55 Punchestown – Majolique (1pt win – 8/1)
Paul Townend jumps aboard Triumph Hurdle winner Apolon De Charnie. The early signs are not wholly positive for that piece of Cheltenham for, though. Fred Winter winners often struggle to replicate their strong efforts in Grade 1 company, but Saratoga may well threaten. Against both of the aforementioned, Majolique is preferred. Townend jumps ship, but it may not have been a completely straightforward decision for Willie Mullins’ number one. She was a ready winner on debut at Naas, then finished third in a Fairyhouse Grade 2 behind stablemates Proactif and Macho Man last time. However, she was covered up for a long time and did not always get a clear run. She was staying on the most powerfully and emerged as though she was the best horse in that race. She has form with good in the surface from France and should enjoy a stern test at this distance.
5.30 Punchestown – Jump Allen (1pt win – 9/4)
For those who backed Jump Allen in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham, the race was a painful watch. For those who did not, a rewatch makes for fascinating viewing. With absolutely no room to manoeuvre on the run to the last, Jump Allen’s chance of winning the race evaporated. However, in the clear from after the final obstacle, his finishing effort was remarkable. For a horse having his first run for 321 days, it was some run and he will surely strip fitter here. The seven-year-old improved throughout last season, winning at Naas and Sandown for Willie Mullins. He is on his highest ever mark here, but could easily remain on the up. With anything like a smooth passage through the race, he should be contending and is worthy of his skinny odds even in a 19-runner handicap.
GG Lucky 15 Tips – Saturday 2 May
1.10 Newmarket – Flora Of Bermuda (1pt win – 7/4)
2.55 Newmarket – Night Raider (1pt win – 8/1)
4.55 Punchestown – Majolique (1pt win – 8/1)
5.30 Punchestown – Jump Allen (1pt win – 9/4)
Flora Of BermudaGG Lucky 15 Tips – Saturday 2 May
Today’s Meetings & Start Times
- Newmarket – first race 13:10
- Punchestown – first race 14:30
FAQs: Today’s Racing Tips
What are today’s GG Lucky 15 tips?
Joe Napier provides the GG Lucky 15 tips on Saturday 2 May, which include selections at Newmarket & Punchestown.
When were Saturday’s Lucky 15 tips for Newmarket & Punchestown published?
GG’s Lucky 15 tips for Saturday 2 May were published at 2.08pm on Friday 1 May.
Who is Joe Napier?
Joe Napier is the deputy editor of GG who gives tips and opinion throughout the week. He has been writing for GG for over four years and is hugely passionate about racing.
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