Our Salisbury racing tips cover all 6 races on the card today, Friday 21st August 2026. The action gets underway at 17:27 and runs through to 19:57, with going reported as 8.2) (watered) (Good to firm, good in places (goingstick).
A few names jump off the page from a course-form perspective. Darvel boasts a 33.33% strike rate from 3 runs at the track, Mr Frederick Tett has been in fine form here with 3 wins from 5 rides, Roger Varian’s yard sends out runners with a 20.77% 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 Salisbury
Here’s how the leading tipsters have fared at Salisbury over the last two years (minimum 10 selections):
| Tipster | Source | Selections | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bettinggods.com | bettinggods.com | 13 | 6 | 46.15% | 30.77% |
| Lambourn | Racing Post | 12 | 3 | 25% | 58.33% |
| West Country | Racing Post | 12 | 3 | 25% | 41.67% |
| racing-daily.com | racing-daily.com | 10 | 1 | 10% | 50% |
17:27 – Taste The World Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap
Race Details: 1m | Class 5 | Going: 8.2) (watered) (Good to firm, good in places (goingstick) | | flat
This looks a fairly tight little amateur riders’ handicap rather than a deep race, and there are solid enough cases to be made for several of them. Thiscouldbefun arrives off a win and is the obvious starting point from a handy low draw, while Marsh Benham also comes here in form after going close and then getting his head back in front. Darvel has been knocking on the door in similar company and his figures make him a player again, while Prince Rasam shaped with promise on his reappearance and could build on that. In a race where plenty have bits and pieces of form, the pace and which amateur settles best could easily prove decisive. Tricky enough, but not impenetrable.
Top Selections
1. Thiscouldbefun – 10/3 with Bet365
Jockey: Miss Scarlett Dorricott | Trainer: J S Moore | Form: -60301 | Rating: 63 | Topspeed: 52
He makes plenty of appeal after getting back on track with a recent win, and that success suggested this mark is still workable despite now sitting near the top of this modest little handicap. The draw in stall 1 should help around Salisbury’s turning mile, and a repeat of that latest effort would make him hard to keep out of the frame at the very least. He is not thrown in on the numbers, but neither are his rivals, and some of the opposition are more exposed than he is. At 10/3, he looks the one with the most solid recent credentials and can follow up. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Darvel – 9/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Mr Frederick Tett | Trainer: Patrick Chamings | Form: 500234 | Rating: 64 | Topspeed: 57
Darvel is hardly hiding from the assessor, but he has been running well enough to think another good effort is imminent. His recent sequence shows a horse holding form, and the Topspeed figure of 57 is the best on offer here, which gives him a very fair chance if this turns into a proper test at the trip. He does not always find much for pressure, which is the slight concern for win purposes, but in an eight-runner race he makes plenty of each-way sense because he tends to give himself a chance. Available at 9/2, he looks a sensible each-way punt in a race lacking depth.
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Thiscouldbefun is the win play after that latest success, with the draw and recent momentum both in his favour. Darvel is the each-way alternative because he is holding his form well and brings the best Topspeed figure into the race. The main dangers look to be Marsh Benham, who arrives in good nick, and Prince Rasam, who could improve for his recent comeback run.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marsh Benham | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 11/2 | 11/2 (William Hill) |
| Kimeko Glory | 6/1 | 5/1 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 13/2 | 13/2 (William Hill) |
| Darvel | 9/2 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 9/2 | 9/2 (Bet365) |
| Prince Rasam | 11/2 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 11/2 | 11/2 (Bet365) |
| Prodigal Son | 9/1 | 17/2 | 9/1 | 9/1 | 17/2 | 9/1 (Bet365) |
| Optimatum | 17/2 | 9/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Palazzo Persico | 17/2 | 15/2 | 8/1 | 15/2 | 9/1 | 9/1 (William Hill) |
| Thiscouldbefun | 10/3 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 10/3 | 10/3 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| RP Ratings | Darvel |
17:57 – Robert Gilbert Birthday Celebration Irish EBF Restricted Novice Stakes (Bands B-D) (GBB Race)
Race Details: 6f | Class 5 | Going: 8.2) (watered) (Good to firm, good in places (goingstick) | | flat
This revolves around a pretty obvious focal point in Spirit Of Lyra, whose win last time and lofty 97 rating set a clear standard in what is otherwise a restricted novice full of guesswork. She looks the class act on what we know. That said, these 2yo races at Salisbury can get messy with 14 runners, several unexposed debutants and a few with bits of form that suggest they are capable of better. Thanks Harry appeals most from the exposed brigade after stepping forward to finish second, while Chan Noir and Fillipas have both shown enough to think there is more to come. Strong race? Not especially. Tricky from an each-way angle? Very much so, because the favourite may simply be better than these.
Top Selections
1. Spirit Of Lyra – 4/5 with Bet365
Jockey: Jack Mitchell | Trainer: William Knight | Form: 41 | Rating: 97 | Topspeed: 79
She is hard to oppose. That 4-1 profile has already turned into a win, and the bare numbers back up the visual impression too: a 97 rating and 79 Topspeed are comfortably the strongest figures in the field. In a restricted novice, that matters. William Knight’s filly gets weight from the colts, has Jack Mitchell up, and looks the one runner with a proper bit of authority to her form. Odds of 4/5 are hardly flashy, but they are fair enough if you think she simply repeats her latest effort. Unless one of the newcomers is well above market expectations, she should take plenty of beating. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Thanks Harry – 9/2 with Paddy Power
Jockey: William Cox | Trainer: Tom Dascombe | Form: 72 | Rating: 82 | Topspeed: 77
If you want to play against the obvious favourite for place purposes, this one makes the most appeal. He improved from debut to finish second last time, and that 82 rating with a 77 Topspeed gives him a solid platform in this company. Tom Dascombe’s juveniles can come forward quickly with racing, and this colt has already shown enough pace to cope with a sharp 6f on quick ground. The slight concern is stall 14, but if he breaks on terms he has the form to get involved. At 9/2 he looks the sensible each-way punt in a race where many of the others are either exposed as ordinary or complete unknowns. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Spirit Of Lyra is the straight win play and the most solid favourite on the Salisbury card. For an each-way angle, Thanks Harry looks the value option with enough substance to hit the frame. The obvious danger is Chan Noir, who could easily bounce back after that last run, while Fillipas is not hopeless if returning to the level of the debut second.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chan Noir | 5/1 | 4/1 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 5/1 | 5/1 (Bet365) |
| Hello You Ten | 11/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Kaboom | 20/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 | 16/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 (Bet365) |
| Thanks Harry | 10/3 | 4/1 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 4/1 | 9/2 (Paddy Power) |
| Lowcountry | 25/1 | 25/1 | 28/1 | 25/1 | 28/1 | 28/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Storm Force Ten | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 40/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 (Bet365) |
| Fillipas | 14/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| Spirit Of Lyra | 4/5 | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1/2 | 4/6 | 4/5 (Bet365) |
| Christmas Is Comin | 50/1 | 50/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Mr Montgomery | 40/1 | 40/1 | 50/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 50/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Inmyopinion | 40/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 (Betfair) |
| Pent Up Charm | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 (Bet365) |
| Vera Lemon | 66/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 80/1 | 100/1 (Betfair) |
18:27 – Andy Hardwick & Clive Leonard Memorial Handicap
Race Details: 6f | Class 4 | Going: 8.2) (watered) (Good to firm, good in places (goingstick) | | flat
This looks a tight little 3yo sprint rather than a deep one, with most of the interest centred on the less exposed pair Zen Diva and Kohana Nation. The former has already shown she can win handicaps but needs to shrug off a poor effort last time, while Kohana Nation arrives after a successful return and could easily have more to offer over this trip. Bintola has useful figures on the clock and Coyy is battle-hardened, but both look a touch more exposed than the principals. Havana Smile is not out of it on the weights either in a race where the handicapper has given plenty of them a chance. Tricky enough because several come here with questions, but it should still pay to side with upside.
Top Selections
1. Kohana Nation – 11/4 with William Hill
Jockey: Jason Watson | Trainer: Charles Hills | Form: 72-1 | Rating: 85 | Topspeed: 32
There may only be three runs on the card, but Kohana Nation is exactly the type to keep on the right side in a race like this. She shaped with promise at two, then returned from a break to get off the mark and did it in the manner of a filly who should cope with a rise in class. Charles Hills does well with sprinters that improve with racing, and Jason Watson is a positive booking for a straightforward six-furlong test. Off 85, she is not obviously thrown in, but she is the one with the most room for progress and 11/4 is fair rather than flashy. Bet: WIN
2. Havana Smile – 15/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Toby Moore | Trainer: Gary & Josh Moore | Form: 4-7165 | Rating: 88 | Topspeed: 72
Havana Smile appeals as the each-way play because the price gives you a bit of cover in a seven-runner race where plenty have a similar level of ability. Her form this season has been mixed, but that topspeed figure of 72 says she has the raw pace to be very competitive in this grade, and she is one of the lighter-weighted runners on 130. The latest efforts have not been sparkling, yet they have come in stronger company than this and she is not short of pace for a sharp 6f on quick ground. At 15/2, she looks the value to nick a place at the very least. Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Kohana Nation is the win play on the basis that she is the least exposed runner and may still be ahead of the assessor after that comeback success. For an each-way punt, Havana Smile makes more appeal than some shorter rivals because her speed figures give her a live chance if things drop right. Zen Diva is the obvious danger if forgiving the last run, with Bintola also respected.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eternal Solace | 14/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| Zen Diva | 10/3 | 11/4 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 10/3 | 10/3 (Bet365) |
| Bintola | 3/1 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 10/3 | 10/3 (William Hill) |
| Inca Heights | 11/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 (William Hill) |
| Kohana Nation | 5/2 | 5/2 | 5/2 | 5/2 | 11/4 | 11/4 (William Hill) |
| Havana Smile | 15/2 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 13/2 | 15/2 | 15/2 (Bet365) |
| Coyy | 6/1 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 13/2 | 13/2 (William Hill) |
18:57 – Cara Glass Handicap
Race Details: 1m | Class 5 | Going: 8.2) (watered) (Good to firm, good in places (goingstick) | | flat
This looks a pretty tight little 3yo mile handicap rather than a deep one, with most of the focus falling on the last-time-out winners Footstepinthewoods and Violet Goldsmith. The latter has a handy racing weight despite the highest mark in the field, while Footstepinthewoods arrives with obvious momentum after getting off the mark. Box Clever also has a solid piece of recent placed form and sets a fair standard on the figures, whereas Thisonesforyou is the type to keep onside in this grade if building on his latest run. Salisbury’s straight mile on quick ground tends to reward those who travel smoothly and see it out properly, so this may come down to who gets the cleanest run rather than raw ability alone. Tricky enough, but not impossible.
Top Selections
1. Violet Goldsmith – 7/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Charles Bishop | Trainer: Eve Johnson Houghton | Form: 87-021 | Rating: 79 | Topspeed: 70
Violet Goldsmith appeals most. She comes here on the back of a deserved breakthrough win and, crucially, she did not need to improve out of all recognition to achieve it. A mark of 79 asks a question, but she is effectively protected by carrying just 123 and her Topspeed figure of 70 says she already has the pace to cope in a race like this. Eve Johnson Houghton’s runners are often well placed in these late-summer 3yo handicaps and Charles Bishop is a positive booking around Salisbury. At 7/2 she is not exactly hidden, but she still makes most appeal as the one with the most persuasive blend of recent form and upside.
Bet: WIN
2. Box Clever – 4/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Jason Watson | Trainer: Jonathan Portman | Form: 3-2903 | Rating: 77 | Topspeed: 70
Box Clever is the each-way angle in an eight-runner race where a few have questions to answer. He has been a bit in and out, but that latest third suggested he remains competitive from this mark and his overall profile is more solid than flashy. The 77 rating looks workable, his Topspeed matches the best in the field, and Jason Watson is the sort you want on a horse who may need delivering late. Jonathan Portman’s runner does not have the sexy improver label attached, but he has enough consistency to nick a place at least and could do better still if the race becomes tactical. Available at 4/1, he makes definite each-way appeal with three places on offer.
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Violet Goldsmith is the win play after her recent success, with her low weight making her especially attractive in a race of this nature. Box Clever is the each-way punt because his figures stack up well and he looks reliable enough to hit the frame. Footstepinthewoods is the obvious danger after winning last time, while Thisonesforyou is not one to dismiss if the market speaks in his favour.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box Clever | 4/1 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 4/1 | 4/1 (Bet365) |
| Court Of Stars | 10/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 (Bet365) |
| Zipwire | 16/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
| Footstepinthewoods | 11/4 | 5/2 | 5/2 | 5/2 | 3/1 | 3/1 (William Hill) |
| Thisonesforyou | 5/1 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 5/1 | 5/1 (Bet365) |
| Crimson Sunset | 6/1 | 5/1 | 11/2 | 5/1 | 6/1 | 6/1 (Bet365) |
| Florizelle | 25/1 | 22/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 28/1 | 28/1 (William Hill) |
| Violet Goldsmith | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 (Bet365) |
19:27 – Signs In Motion British EBF Novice Stakes (GBB Race)
Race Details: 1m 1f | Class 3 | Going: 8.2) (watered) (Good to firm, good in places (goingstick) | | flat
This does not look much of a betting heat on paper, because Bintward absolutely towers over these on what we know so far. Roger Varian’s filly won on debut, brings the standout rating of 82 and is already odds-on to a near comical degree in a five-runner novice lacking depth. Golden Island is the only one with any obvious substance after a fair debut third and a Topspeed figure of 75, while Herstmonceux and Stopherandgo have shown little to suggest they can trouble the principals. That’s All Folks is impossible to warm to on the bare form. In truth, this is more about whether the favourite confirms the promise of that first run than any great puzzle.
Top Selections
1. Bintward – 1/13 with Bet365
Jockey: Ray Dawson | Trainer: Roger Varian | Form: 1 | Rating: 82 | Topspeed:
Bintward is the obvious call and, frankly, the only sensible one in a race of this shape. A winning debut is always a serious asset in these novice events, and an opening mark of 82 leaves her miles clear of what this field has achieved. Varian does well with progressive three-year-olds and the move up to 1m1f looks more likely to bring improvement than expose her. Ray Dawson keeps the ride, which suggests continuity rather than experimentation, and she should have the class to sit handy and put this to bed when asked. At 1/13 you are not shopping for value, just the most likely winner. Bet: WIN
Betting Strategy
There is no clever angle here in a five-runner race: keep it simple and side with Bintward to win. Each-way betting makes little appeal in this small field, especially with such a dominant favourite. If you want a danger, Golden Island is the one most likely to chase her home, but the market has this right and Bintward is hard to oppose.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bintward | 1/13 | 1/20 | 1/20 | 1/20 | 1/20 | 1/13 (Bet365) |
| Stopherandgo | 80/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 66/1 | 80/1 | 100/1 (Betfair) |
| Herstmonceux | 50/1 | 35/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 (Bet365) |
| Golden Island | 11/2 | 4/1 | 5/1 | 9/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| bettinggods.com | Bintward |
19:57 – Edwards Ford, Foray Motor Group Handicap
Race Details: 1m 6f | Class 6 | Going: 8.2) (watered) (Good to firm, good in places (goingstick) | | flat
This looks a tightly-knit little staying handicap rather than a deep one, and the market has understandably homed in on the two progressive 3yos A Daughters Love and Panthere Noir. The former arrives in better recent winning form, while the latter gets in with a feather weight and has been knocking on the door. Moab is respected after shaping well on his return, and Masterdream has enough old ability to make things interesting if building on his latest second, but neither looks especially bombproof. Basilette is not out of it on figures, though consistency has never been the selling point. In a six-runner race where tactical pace and stamina will matter, this is more about who is still improving than who has already shown their hand.
Top Selections
1. A Daughters Love – 5/2 with William Hill
Jockey: Sean Levey | Trainer: David Flood | Form: 115012 | Rating: 69 | Topspeed: 50
She makes plenty of appeal in a race lacking depth. That recent string of figures tells a solid story for a 3yo in a Class 6 staying handicap: two wins, then a second last time, and crucially she is doing her racing with purpose rather than just picking up pieces. An opening mark in this region has not stopped her being competitive and, with Sean Levey booked, there is every chance she gets a tidy stalking ride before being asked to settle it late. At 5/2, she is not wildly overpriced, but she still looks the one with the most obvious upside. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Panthere Noir – 4/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Tyler Heard | Trainer: Luke Dace | Form: 393213 | Rating: 68 | Topspeed: 57
He is the each-way alternative in the sense of being the main saver against the favourite, even in this small field. Panthere Noir has been admirably consistent, his 393213 form reading well for this level, and he gets plenty of weight from the older horses. That matters over 1m6f at Salisbury, where a light weight and a willing attitude can carry you a long way. He has already shown he can win and back it up, and his mark does not look beyond him. Available at 4/1, he looks the value play if the two market principals go toe to toe and this turns into a proper test late on. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
A Daughters Love is the straight win play, as she looks the most progressive runner in the field and the safest option to run her race. Panthere Noir is the each-way punt at 4/1, chiefly because his consistency and low weight make him hard to keep out of the first two. Moab is the obvious danger if building on his comeback third.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moab | 9/4 | 5/2 | 5/2 | 3/1 | 11/4 | 3/1 (Sky Bet) |
| Digger One | 22/1 | 20/1 | 22/1 | 22/1 | 22/1 | 22/1 (Bet365) |
| Masterdream | 8/1 | 13/2 | 7/1 | 13/2 | 8/1 | 8/1 (Bet365) |
| A Daughters Love | 9/4 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 5/2 | 5/2 (William Hill) |
| Basilette | 4/1 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 4/1 | 4/1 (Bet365) |
| Panthere Noir | 4/1 | 10/3 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 4/1 | 4/1 (Bet365) |
Salisbury Course Specialists
Horses To Note
The top course performers among today’s runners:
| Horse | Runs | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darvel | 3 | 1 | 33.33% | 33.33% |
| Masterdream | 4 | 0 | 0% | 25% |
| Marsh Benham | 3 | 0 | 0% | 33.33% |
| Basilette | 4 | 0 | 0% | 50% |
Jockeys To Note
The pilots with the strongest records at the course:
| Jockey | Rides | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mr Frederick Tett | 5 | 3 | 60% | 60% |
| Isobelle Chalmers | 4 | 1 | 25% | 25% |
| Jason Watson | 109 | 20 | 18.35% | 36.7% |
| Mr Patrick Millman | 11 | 2 | 18.18% | 36.36% |
| Rhys Clutterbuck | 62 | 10 | 16.13% | 25.81% |
Trainers To Note
Yards that have done well at Salisbury:
| Trainer | Runners | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roger Varian | 207 | 43 | 20.77% | 50.72% |
| Ralph Beckett | 227 | 47 | 20.7% | 44.93% |
| Emma Lavelle | 15 | 3 | 20% | 33.33% |
| Gary & Josh Moore | 15 | 3 | 20% | 53.33% |
| Clive Cox | 160 | 29 | 18.13% | 40% |
Summary & Best Bets
That wraps up our Salisbury racing tips for Friday 21st 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 Salisbury today?
The first race at Salisbury on Friday 21st August 2026 goes off at 17:27, with 6 races scheduled in total.
What is the going at Salisbury today?
The going at Salisbury is reported as 8.2) (watered) (Good to firm, good in places (goingstick).
How many races are at Salisbury today?
There are 6 races on the card at Salisbury today, running from 17:27 through to 19:57.
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