Our Newmarket racing tips cover all 6 races on the card today, Thursday 20th August 2026. The action gets underway at 14:00 and runs through to 16:51, with going reported as 7.0) (watering) (Good to firm (goingstick).
A few names jump off the page from a course-form perspective. Cancan In The Rain boasts a 66.67% strike rate from 3 runs at the track, Chloe Lyons has been in fine form here with 3 wins from 10 rides, Charlie Appleby’s yard sends out runners with a 28.49% 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 Newmarket
Here’s how the leading tipsters have fared at Newmarket over the last two years (minimum 10 selections):
| Tipster | Source | Selections | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bettinggods.com | bettinggods.com | 11 | 8 | 72.73% | 54.55% |
| Mercury | Daily Post | 16 | 6 | 37.5% | 62.5% |
| Glendale | The Scotsman | 29 | 10 | 34.48% | 58.62% |
| Newmarket | Racing Post | 27 | 9 | 33.33% | 77.78% |
| Ratings Hub | attheraces.com | 16 | 5 | 31.25% | 68.75% |
14:00 – EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes (GBB Race)
Race Details: 6f | Class 3 | Going: 7.0) (watering) (Good to firm (goingstick) | | flat
This looks a tidy little six-runner novice rather than a deep one, and the market has probably honed in on the right trio. Minkaas brings the most solid profile after a pair of placed efforts, while Grey Tamam has the best Topspeed figure in the field and should be better than she showed on her second start. Zephyra shaped with promise when runner-up on debut and is the obvious unexposed threat if stepping forward. Elpeeare has shown enough to be competitive again, but she may just lack the upside of the principals. The two newcomers, Plastic Dream and Scoot Away, will need the market to speak loudly to make much appeal first time up. In a race like this, natural improvement and track position over six furlongs are likely to prove decisive.
Top Selections
1. Minkaas – 2/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Jamie Spencer | Trainer: T J Kent | Form: 33 | Rating: 86 | Topspeed: 69
Minkaas sets the standard on what we’ve actually seen on the track. Two runs, two thirds, and an official rating of 86 tell you she has already reached a useful level for a race of this nature. There is no mystery angle here, but there does not need to be: she has shown she handles race conditions, she has enough pace for six furlongs, and she looks the one most likely to run her race. Jamie Spencer is well capable of delivering one late off what should be an honest enough tempo, and 2/1 is fair rather than flashy given the solidity of her claims. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Zephyra – 9/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Jack Gilligan | Trainer: Marco Botti | Form: 2 | Rating: 74 | Topspeed:
Zephyra is the one I would want on side at a slightly bigger price because her debut second gives her a proper platform in a small field lacking depth. She is officially a fair bit below the top pair on the numbers, but that is hardly unusual after just one start, and she is open to the kind of improvement that can bridge the gap quickly in fillies’ novices. Marco Botti’s youngsters often know more for the experience, and this looks the sort of race where a straightforward step forward can put her right in the mix. At 9/2, she makes definite each-way appeal with only six runners. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Minkaas is the win play because she brings the strongest established form and the least guesswork. Zephyra is the each-way punt at 9/2, chiefly because her debut effort hinted at more to come and two places are on offer. Grey Tamam is the obvious danger if bouncing back, while Elpeeare looks more likely to run respectably than improve past the principals.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elpeeare | 7/2 | 10/3 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 4/1 | 4/1 (William Hill) |
| Grey Tamam | 5/2 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 5/2 | 5/2 (Bet365) |
| Minkaas | 2/1 | 15/8 | 2/1 | 15/8 | 15/8 | 2/1 (Bet365) |
| Plastic Dream | 25/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 22/1 | 25/1 (Bet365) |
| Scoot Away | 11/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 (Bet365) |
| Zephyra | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 9/2 (Bet365) |
14:35 – Van Buck 50th Anniversary Fillies’ Novice Stakes (GBB/GBBPlus Race)
Race Details: 1m | Class 3 | Going: 7.0) (watering) (Good to firm (goingstick) | | flat
This looks a fairly informative little six-runner novice rather than a deep one, and the market has latched onto the right pair. Missouri Waltz made a winning start and sets the standard on the back of that debut success, while Tie A Navyribbon already brings the strongest bare rating to the table after two runs and should appreciate settling into this mile. Mandolin Rain shaped with enough promise in fourth to suggest she can get involved if improving for experience, while the newcomers Veloria and Voyager One are respected simply because this sort of race can turn quickly if one is above average. Still, on what we have actually seen on the track, this revolves around Missouri Waltz and Tie A Navyribbon, with the former just preferred in a race that looks more straightforward than tricky.
Top Selections
1. Missouri Waltz – 7/4 with Bet365
Jockey: Jamie Spencer | Trainer: Adrian Paul Keatley | Form: 1 | Rating: 77 | Topspeed: 61
A winning debut always catches the eye in a race like this, and Missouri Waltz appeals as the one with the most obvious scope to step forward again. She did what was required first time up, and that opening mark of 77 gives her a solid platform in this company without suggesting she has already shown her full hand. The mile should hold no fears and stall 1 can be a help if Jamie Spencer gets her into a smooth rhythm early. At 7/4 she is no giveaway, but she is still the percentage call against rivals who either need to improve or prove themselves from scratch. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Tie A Navyribbon – 9/4 with Bet365
Jockey: Josephine Gordon | Trainer: William Stone | Form: 36 | Rating: 87 | Topspeed: 50
Tie A Navyribbon is the obvious each-way angle because she has already shown enough to suggest she will be thereabouts again, and her rating of 87 is the standout figure in the field. The form figures of 36 do not scream certainty, but they do tell you she has been learning on the job in better style than some of these. The step to a mile looks a sensible move and could easily bring out a bit more. In a six-runner race where two places are on offer, 9/4 is not the sort of each-way price that makes the pulse race, but she is still the safest alternative to the favourite and should run her race. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Missouri Waltz is the win bet on the strength of that successful debut and the likelihood of natural improvement second time out. Tie A Navyribbon is the each-way play because her experience and rating make her the most solid option to hit the frame. Mandolin Rain is the danger if taking a good step forward, while any market confidence behind Veloria would also be worth noting.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri Waltz | 7/4 | 6/4 | 6/4 | 6/4 | 8/5 | 7/4 (Bet365) |
| Highland Girl | 7/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 15/2 | 7/1 | 8/1 (Betfair) |
| Mandolin Rain | 7/1 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 5/1 | 6/1 | 7/1 (Bet365) |
| Tie A Navyribbon | 9/4 | 15/8 | 2/1 | 15/8 | 9/4 | 9/4 (Bet365) |
| Veloria | 6/1 | 5/1 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 7/1 | 7/1 (William Hill) |
| Voyager One | 12/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 (William Hill) |
15:10 – Come Racing Handicap
Race Details: 1m | Class 5 | Going: 7.0) (watering) (Good to firm (goingstick) | | flat
This looks a fairly tight little 1m handicap rather than a race packed with depth, and the market has understandably latched on to the unexposed 3yo pair Venetian Lion and Mertoun. Venetian Lion arrives off a breakthrough win and is open to more improvement for William Haggas, while Mertoun has already shown he can be competitive after back-to-back wins before a respectable fourth. Glen Nevis is another 3yo with a workable profile, but he does need to find a bit more in the finish. Of the older brigade, Potomac River has become well enough treated to make things interesting from stall 1, and Calyxoh is running consistently without looking especially well ahead of the assessor. Tricky enough, but not impossible: it should be decided by which of the progressive 3yos takes another step forward.
Top Selections
1. Venetian Lion – 15/8 with William Hill
Jockey: Harry Davies | Trainer: William Haggas | Form: 79621 | Rating: 78 | Topspeed: 56
He’s the obvious one, but that doesn’t make him the wrong one. Venetian Lion looked to be learning on the job before getting his head in front last time, and that latest form suggests a 4lb rise to 78 may not be enough to stop him if he’s still progressing. Haggas runners in this sort of late-summer handicap are always worth respecting, and Harry Davies is more than capable of keeping things uncomplicated from a handy draw in 3. At 15/8 he’s not a giveaway, but in a race lacking much solid depth he still looks the runner with the most upside. Bet: WIN
2. Potomac River – 11/2 with William Hill
Jockey: Jamie Spencer | Trainer: T J Kent | Form: 3-6764 | Rating: 79 | Topspeed: 58
Potomac River is the one at a slightly better price who makes some each-way appeal in a field of eight. His recent form doesn’t scream winner, but that latest fourth was a step back in the right direction and he’s now edging down to a mark where he can be seriously competitive again. Stall 1 should suit a patient Jamie Spencer ride, especially if they go a fair clip, and this doesn’t look an especially deep Class 5 for the grade. He does need everything to drop right, as is often the case with hold-up types, but 11/2 is fair enough for a horse with his back-class and a decent draw. Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Venetian Lion is the win play because he’s the most likely improver and still looks ahead of his mark despite the rise for that last-time-out success. Potomac River is the each-way alternative from the inside stall, with Spencer a good fit if the race sets up for a late run. Mertoun is the obvious danger, while Glen Nevis has place claims if settling matters in the right spot.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Potomac River | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 11/2 | 11/2 (William Hill) |
| Calyxoh | 17/2 | 15/2 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 (William Hill) |
| Wield | 40/1 | 35/1 | 35/1 | 28/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 (Bet365) |
| Mertoun | 4/1 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 4/1 | 4/1 (Bet365) |
| Glen Nevis | 4/1 | 10/3 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 4/1 | 4/1 (Bet365) |
| Venetian Lion | 7/4 | 6/4 | 13/8 | 13/8 | 15/8 | 15/8 (William Hill) |
| Legacy Rock | 14/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| Big Alex Walmsley | 20/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 | 18/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 (Bet365) |
15:45 – National Stud Handicap (GBBPlus Race)
Race Details: 1m 4f | Class 3 | Going: 7.0) (watering) (Good to firm (goingstick) | | flat
This is a compact little handicap but not a weak one, with the 3yos getting plenty of weight from their elders and that could prove decisive over this 1m4f. Round The Table arrives on the up after back-to-back wins and looks the obvious starting point, while Be Patient has a similarly progressive profile and should be well suited by a race that may turn tactical. Race To The Stars is the interesting dark horse on his return for Charlie Appleby, though he lacks the recent match practice of the main market principals. First Officer is reliable enough but keeps finding one too good, while Tycoon has been knocking on the door without looking thrown in. Tricky in a small field, but the younger legs appeal most.
Top Selections
1. Round The Table – 9/4 with William Hill
Jockey: Jack Mitchell | Trainer: Tom Clover | Form: 511 | Rating: 96 | Topspeed: 73
He is the one bringing the clearest upward momentum into the race. Two straight wins suggest Tom Clover has found the key to him, and for a 3yo to come here off just 8st 13lb in a six-runner handicap against exposed older horses is a notable edge. His mark of 96 demands more again, but this looks the right time to catch him rather than oppose him. Jack Mitchell is a good booking for a race that could become tactical, and at 9/4 he is short enough without being cramped. The favourite makes plenty of sense and is hard to oppose.
Bet: WIN
2. Be Patient – 7/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Jamie Spencer | Trainer: Edward Bethell | Form: 31-12 | Rating: 98 | Topspeed: 70
There is plenty to like about this colt as an each-way punt, especially with just 8st 12lb to carry. His form figures of 31-12 paint the picture of a progressive sort who has taken well to handicapping, and he still doesn’t look fully exposed at this trip. Jamie Spencer in a small-field Newmarket handicap is never a dull watch, but if they go a sensible gallop he should be finishing stronger than most. He is only 2lb higher than the top-rated older horses once the weight-for-age terms are factored in, and 7/2 looks fair for one who still has more to offer.
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Round The Table is the win play, with his progressive profile and light weight making him the percentage call. Be Patient is the each-way option in a race where the 3yos may simply have the stronger hand. The main danger is Race To The Stars, who could easily be better than this mark if returning fit enough after the break.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Astro King | 16/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
| Tycoon | 6/1 | 4/1 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 11/2 | 6/1 (Bet365) |
| Race To The Stars | 11/4 | 11/4 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Round The Table | 2/1 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 9/4 | 9/4 (William Hill) |
| Be Patient | 7/2 | 10/3 | 10/3 | 10/3 | 10/3 | 7/2 (Bet365) |
| First Officer | 7/1 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 7/1 | 7/1 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| Newmarket | Round The Table |
16:20 – Racing TV Handicap
Race Details: 7f | Class 4 | Going: 7.0) (watering) (Good to firm (goingstick) | | flat
This looks a proper little Newmarket handicap rather than a weak late-card affair, with several arriving from different angles. Cherry Cobbler is the obvious starting point after a rock-solid sequence and a latest success, while Mr Writer remains a progressive 3yo who could easily have more to offer in this grade. Sun Of Dolly is another younger horse of interest now dropped right down the weights, and Paladin has figures that give him a squeak if forgiving the latest run. The pace and draw could matter over this 7f, but just as important is who still has a bit in hand from the assessor. It is competitive without being impossible, and I’d much rather side with the upwardly mobile profiles than some exposed older handicappers.
Top Selections
1. Mr Writer – 7/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Daniel Muscutt | Trainer: James Fanshawe | Form: 421516 | Rating: 81 | Topspeed: 76
Mr Writer makes plenty of appeal back in a race of this nature. He got his head in front two starts ago and his latest sixth is not the sort of run I’d be getting too worked up about, especially from a 3yo in just his first proper run of the second half of the season. Fanshawe’s horses often progress with racing rather than all at once, and an opening mark of 81 still looks workable judged on his best efforts. The balance of form, age and scope makes him very interesting here, and at 7/2 he looks the right one to be with if taking the view there is more to come. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Sun Of Dolly – 9/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Harry Vigors | Trainer: John Gallagher | Form: -64852 | Rating: 81 | Topspeed: 80
Sun Of Dolly is the each-way play because there is enough in the recent profile to think he can outrun market expectations. That latest second suggested he is coming to the boil, and the Topspeed figure of 80 is actually the best in the field, which immediately puts him in the argument if he gets the race run to suit. He carries just 118, has the inside draw in stall 1, and as a 3yo he still has a bit more upside than plenty of these. At 9/1, he looks exactly the sort of horse worth chancing each-way in a 10-runner handicap where the favourite is solid but not bombproof. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Mr Writer is the win play, as he looks the most likely improver in the line-up and still feasibly ahead of his mark. Sun Of Dolly is the each-way alternative at a fairer price, with the low weight and best Topspeed figure giving him obvious place claims. Cherry Cobbler is the danger after that dependable recent run of form, but she is short enough in a race with depth.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry Cobbler | 2/1 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 2/1 (Bet365) |
| Paladin | 15/2 | 13/2 | 13/2 | 6/1 | 15/2 | 15/2 (Bet365) |
| Mr Writer | 7/2 | 11/4 | 3/1 | 11/4 | 7/2 | 7/2 (Bet365) |
| Cancan In The Rain | 8/1 | 13/2 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 17/2 | 17/2 (William Hill) |
| Sunny Smile | 25/1 | 18/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 (Bet365) |
| Here I Bow | 20/1 | 18/1 | 18/1 | 14/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 (Bet365) |
| Piscean Star | 12/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 9/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 (Bet365) |
| Dashing Dick | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 8/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 (William Hill) |
| Sun Of Dolly | 9/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 | 8/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 (Bet365) |
16:51 – Racing Welfare Apprentice Handicap
Race Details: 1m 4f | Class 5 | Going: 7.0) (watering) (Good to firm (goingstick) | | flat
This is a small-field handicap but not a bad little contest for the grade, with most of the focus likely to centre on the unexposed 3yos against a pair of solid 4yo performers. Jack Langley arrives in good nick after a couple of near-misses and looks sure to be popular, while Society Girl got off the mark last time and has a workable weight if building on that. Traveling Man is the other interesting 3yo, stepping into this with less mileage on the clock, but Sibling Rivelry probably sets the most reliable recent standard after stringing together a sequence of competitive efforts. In a race lacking depth, tactical positioning could matter plenty, and I’d rather side with the runner who has been consistently knocking on the door than guess at further improvement from the younger brigade.
Top Selections
1. Sibling Rivelry – 10/3 with William Hill
Jockey: Taryn Langley | Trainer: David Simcock | Form: -17342 | Rating: 76 | Topspeed: 69
Sibling Rivelry looks the percentage call in a race where there are cases to be made for several, but not many bombproof ones. David Simcock’s 4yo has been running with admirable consistency, and that recent sequence of 3-4-2 suggests he’s holding his form well without getting harshly treated by the assessor. His Topspeed figure of 69 is the best in the field, which matters in a race where raw ability may prove more important than untapped potential. He carries top weight, but in a five-runner affair I’d rather trust the horse who has been repeatedly putting himself in the argument. At 10/3, he looks fair rather than flashy, but fair may be enough here.
Bet: WIN
Betting Strategy
Keep it simple in a five-runner race: Sibling Rivelry is the win bet. He brings the most dependable recent form and the best Topspeed figure into the contest. Jack Langley is the obvious danger after back-to-back seconds, while Society Girl has to be respected if progressing again after her latest success, but neither appeals more than the Simcock runner on balance.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sibling Rivelry | 3/1 | 11/4 | 3/1 | 11/4 | 10/3 | 10/3 (William Hill) |
| Expressionless | 11/1 | 14/1 | 10/1 | 16/1 | 11/1 | 16/1 (Sky Bet) |
| Jack Langley | 11/4 | 5/2 | 5/2 | 9/4 | 11/4 | 11/4 (Bet365) |
| Traveling Man | 5/2 | 2/1 | 9/4 | 9/4 | 5/2 | 5/2 (Bet365) |
| Society Girl | 10/3 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 10/3 | 10/3 (Bet365) |
Newmarket Course Specialists
Horses To Note
The top course performers among today’s runners:
| Horse | Runs | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cancan In The Rain | 3 | 2 | 66.67% | 66.67% |
| Cherry Cobbler | 4 | 2 | 50% | 100% |
| Where’s Freddy | 12 | 4 | 33.33% | 50% |
| First Officer | 14 | 3 | 21.43% | 50% |
| Astro King | 5 | 1 | 20% | 40% |
Jockeys To Note
The pilots with the strongest records at the course:
| Jockey | Rides | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chloe Lyons | 10 | 3 | 30% | 40% |
| Mason Paetel | 22 | 6 | 27.27% | 45.45% |
| Toby Moore | 9 | 2 | 22.22% | 22.22% |
| Harry Davies | 189 | 28 | 14.81% | 36.51% |
| Sorin Moldoveanu | 7 | 1 | 14.29% | 28.57% |
Trainers To Note
Yards that have done well at Newmarket:
| Trainer | Runners | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlie Appleby | 1267 | 361 | 28.49% | 53.04% |
| Charlie Clover | 9 | 2 | 22.22% | 55.56% |
| William Haggas | 480 | 69 | 14.38% | 33.13% |
| Tom Clover | 170 | 24 | 14.12% | 34.12% |
| Ed Walker | 416 | 56 | 13.46% | 33.41% |
Summary & Best Bets
That wraps up our Newmarket racing tips for Thursday 20th August 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 Newmarket today?
The first race at Newmarket on Thursday 20th August 2026 goes off at 14:00, with 6 races scheduled in total.
What is the going at Newmarket today?
The going at Newmarket is reported as 7.0) (watering) (Good to firm (goingstick).
How many races are at Newmarket today?
There are 6 races on the card at Newmarket today, running from 14:00 through to 16:51.
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