Our Southwell racing tips cover all 7 races on the card today, Thursday 18th June 2026. The action gets underway at 17:55 and runs through to 21:00, with going reported as Standard (Tapeta).
A few names jump off the page from a course-form perspective. Life After Love boasts a 75% strike rate from 4 runs at the track, Clifford Lee has been in fine form here with 57 wins from 383 rides, Ralph Beckett’s yard sends out runners with a 28.99% 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 Southwell
Here’s how the leading tipsters have fared at Southwell over the last two years (minimum 10 selections):
| Tipster | Source | Selections | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bettinggods.com | bettinggods.com | 19 | 12 | 63.16% | 73.68% |
| Mercury | Daily Post | 10 | 6 | 60% | 70% |
| Ratings Hub | attheraces.com | 12 | 6 | 50% | 83.33% |
| Lee Sobot | Yorkshire Evening Post | 23 | 10 | 43.48% | 69.57% |
| insidetraxs.co.uk | insidetraxs.co.uk | 34 | 14 | 41.18% | 76.47% |
17:55 – VIP Enhancement Packages At Southwell Racecourse Classified Stakes
Race Details: 4f | Class 6 | Going: Standard (Tapeta) | | flat
This is the sort of sharp 4f classified dash where early speed and clean execution matter more than long-term promise, and there isn’t much depth to it. Sir Benedict sets the standard on recent consistency, arriving off a string of solid efforts and looking the most trustworthy option in a race full of opposable types. Uncle Sam has the best Topspeed figure in the field and could be dangerous if returning in the same heart after an absence, while Havin A Flyer is one of the more interesting younger legs, getting weight and coming here off a fair third. Desert Champion is in the mix on figures but hasn’t been finishing off his races with much conviction. It’s not a strong contest, but that does make it a good opportunity for the most reliable sprinter to cash in.
Top Selections
1. Sir Benedict – 9/4 with Bet365
Jockey: Andrew Mullen | Trainer: Ben Haslam | Form: 625434 | Rating: 62 | Topspeed: 46
Sir Benedict is hardly hiding from the assessor, but in a race like this that can actually be a positive because his profile is miles clearer than most of these. He has been knocking on the door in low-grade sprint company, with the recent 5f and 6f form reading well enough for this drop to a bare 4f if he breaks on terms. The standout here is consistency: while plenty of these arrive with duck eggs and question marks, he keeps running his race. Andrew Mullen knows exactly how to ride these Southwell dashes and 9/4 with Bet365 looks fair rather than flashy for the one runner who is genuinely hard to oppose. Bet: WIN
2. Havin A Flyer – 9/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Clifford Lee | Trainer: Rebecca Menzies | Form: 48-843 | Rating: 57 | Topspeed: 48
Havin A Flyer makes more each-way appeal than some of the exposed older sprinters because there is at least a hint of untapped potential about him. He shaped with a bit more encouragement when third last time, and for a 3yo in this sort of classified company the weight concession matters over such a sharp trip. His Topspeed figure of 48 is perfectly competitive and Clifford Lee is a good booking for a race that could be won or lost in the first two strides. At 9/2 with Bet365, he looks the value alternative to the favourite, especially if he can build on that latest effort and ping the lids. Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Keep it simple: Sir Benedict is the win play because he brings the best recent body of form and the fewest doubts. Havin A Flyer is the each-way punt in a weak race, with his age allowance and recent third making him attractive at the prices. Uncle Sam is the obvious danger if fully tuned up after time away, while Desert Champion is another to consider for place players.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Betfair | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bust A Moon | 16/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 | 12/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
| Desert Champion | 10/3 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 7/2 | 4/1 | 4/1 (Betfair) |
| Dottie Diamond | 12/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 | 10/1 | 12/1 (Bet365) |
| Drish Samphire | 28/1 | 22/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 28/1 (Bet365) |
| Highfield Jewel | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
| Posh Maisie | 40/1 | 35/1 | 40/1 | 33/1 | 35/1 | 40/1 (Bet365) |
| Sir Benedict | 9/4 | 7/4 | 7/4 | 2/1 | 7/4 | 9/4 (Bet365) |
| Top Star | 15/2 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 15/2 | 8/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Uncle Sam | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 (Bet365) |
| Blueaway | 28/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 22/1 | 28/1 (Bet365) |
| Havin A Flyer | 9/2 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 9/2 | 4/1 | 9/2 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| Jeffrey Ross | Havin A Flyer |
| Moorestyle | Sir Benedict |
18:30 – Ladies Day Sunday 16th August Fillies’ Handicap
Race Details: 4f | Class 5 | Going: Standard (Tapeta) | | flat
This sharp 4f dash doesn’t look deep, but it is the sort of race where small margins matter and early speed will decide plenty. Life After Love brings the most appealing recent profile after a productive spell, while Fantasy Obsessor arrives on the back of consecutive runner-up efforts and looks sure to be in the firing line again. J Street has the best Topspeed figure in the field and is better than her latest run, so she can’t be dismissed in a race lacking much room for error. La Belle Forest gets weight as a 3yo and could improve for this test, but she needs to bounce back. It’s not a vintage Class 5 by any means, though it is a tricky little sprint with a few holding realistic claims.
Top Selections
1. Life After Love – 11/4 with Bet365
Jockey: Jason Watson | Trainer: Ollie Sangster | Form: 124113 | Rating: 70 | Topspeed: 62
She appeals as the solid one in a race where a few of these have questions to answer. Life After Love has done plenty right in recent starts, winning twice before a perfectly respectable third last time, and that recent form reads well in the context of this modest contest. An opening mark of 70 still looks workable, especially with her receiving weight from several older rivals, and Jason Watson is the kind of rider you want in a sharp Tapeta sprint where decisiveness counts. At 11/4 she isn’t exactly hiding from the market, but she still makes plenty of sense as the percentage call. Bet: WIN
2. Fantasy Obsessor – 10/3 with Bet365
Jockey: Andrew Mullen | Trainer: Michael Appleby | Form: 9-5022 | Rating: 70 | Topspeed: 56
Michael Appleby’s mare is knocking hard on the door and looks the each-way angle in an eight-runner race paying three places. Those last two seconds tell the story: she’s in form, she’s running to a level that should put her bang there again, and a mark of 70 is not beyond her at all. Stall 3 is no bad place to be for a 4f burn-up at Southwell, and Andrew Mullen should be able to keep her handy from the outset. The obvious niggle is whether she finds enough off the bridle to get past one or two of these, but at 10/3 she still holds strong claims of hitting the frame at the very least. Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Life After Love is the win play because she brings the cleanest recent profile and still has scope from this mark. Fantasy Obsessor is the each-way punt in a race where consistency counts for plenty and three places are on offer. J Street is the danger if reproducing her better speed figures, while La Belle Forest is not one to ignore from a handy draw.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fantasy Obsessor | 10/3 | 10/3 | 10/3 (Bet365) |
| Sarafina Mshairi | 15/2 | 15/2 | 15/2 (Bet365) |
| J Street | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 (Bet365) |
| La Belle Forest | 7/1 | 13/2 | 7/1 (Bet365) |
| Life After Love | 11/4 | 5/2 | 11/4 (Bet365) |
| Torfrida | 9/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 (Bet365) |
| Startling | 17/2 | 9/1 | 9/1 (William Hill) |
| Solid Bond | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
19:00 – Lionel Henry James Memorial Handicap
Race Details: 1m 4f | Class 6 | Going: Standard (Tapeta) | | flat
This is only a six-runner affair but it is not completely straightforward, mainly because the market has to weigh potential against evidence. Mountbatten comes from the Prescott yard and is favourite despite a modest-looking 877- profile, which tells you connections are expected to unlock improvement now handicapping over this longer trip. Spirit Dreamer brings the best official rating of 77 and arrives off a runner-up effort, so he makes obvious appeal if building on that. Dalamara is the more exposed option but at least her recent form is solid enough for this grade, and she has already shown she can cope in this sort of company. In a weakish Class 6, the one who improves for 1m4f is likely to take it.
Top Selections
1. Mountbatten – 5/4 with Bet365
Jockey: Stevie Donohoe | Trainer: Sir Mark Prescott Bt | Form: 877- | Rating: 71 | Topspeed: 34
You do not need to be wildly imaginative to see why Mountbatten heads the betting. Prescott is a master at placing this type once they get a mark, and this son of patience-and-distance profile now steps into a Class 6 handicap over 1m4f after three educational runs. The bare form figures are uninspiring, but this looks much more his scene than novice company and a mark of 71 could easily underestimate him if the penny drops now. Drawn in stall 2 and with Stevie Donohoe booked, he has the look of a horse expected to do a lot better at the first serious time of asking. At 5/4 he is short enough, but still hard to oppose. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Dalamara – 6/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Andrew Mullen | Trainer: Ben Haslam | Form: 71-424 | Rating: 67 | Topspeed: 57
Dalamara makes more appeal than the rest for an each-way play because she is at least turning up with a bit of substance to her recent profile. Her form since returning reads well enough for this level, with a couple of placed efforts before a respectable fourth last time, and that Topspeed figure of 57 stands out in this line-up. She is not obviously thrown in off 67, but she is reliable enough and should give herself a chance if Andrew Mullen can get her into a smooth rhythm from the outside stall. In a race where some of these are still guesswork, 6/1 looks fair for a filly with proven competitiveness. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Mountbatten is the win play because this has the look of a Prescott handicap plot finally reaching its proper distance. For an each-way alternative, Dalamara is the sensible option given her solid recent form and stronger speed figure than most of these. Spirit Dreamer is the obvious danger on ratings and latest run, but he is priced tightly enough for a race that still has a bit of guesswork about it.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | William Hill | Betfair | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountbatten | 5/4 | 6/5 | 11/10 | 5/4 (Bet365) |
| Spirit Dreamer | 5/2 | 2/1 | 13/8 | 5/2 (Bet365) |
| Manbearpig | 5/1 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 15/2 (Betfair) |
| Dalamara | 6/1 | 11/2 | 9/2 | 6/1 (Bet365) |
| Echo Valley | 22/1 | 20/1 | 18/1 | 22/1 (Bet365) |
| Project Kinsman | 16/1 | 16/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
19:30 – Southwell Racecourse Conferences And Events Novice Stakes (GBB Race)
Race Details: 1m | Class 4 | Going: Standard (Tapeta) | | flat
This is an interesting novice rather than a deep one, with a few lightly-raced types bringing obvious upside and plenty of the rest looking up against it on what they’ve shown. Centigrade sets the standard on official figures after winning and signing off with a mark of 92, but he returns from an absence and has to concede weight all round as a 4yo. Slalom appeals as the most likely improver after a promising debut third, while Spectical and Sheikhnshah also come from yards capable of finding the necessary improvement second time or after a break. Clatford has the benefit of race fitness and a solid runner-up effort, so this doesn’t look straightforward for the favourite. It’s a race where potential may matter more than bare form, and that makes it a mildly tricky puzzle.
Top Selections
1. Slalom – 3/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Tom Eaves | Trainer: Andrew Balding | Form: 3 | Rating: 81 | Topspeed: 59
Slalom looks the right one to side with. That debut third was a perfectly respectable start, and in this sort of novice you’d expect an Andrew Balding 3yo to take a fair step forward from first to second run. An opening mark of 81 already puts him in the conversation, and there’s enough substance in the bare numbers to think he won’t need to be anything special to win this. Southwell’s mile can suit a colt who travels and settles, and Tom Eaves is more than capable of delivering him late. At 3/1 he isn’t a giveaway, but he still makes most appeal as the likely progressive sort in the field. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Clatford – 12/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Harry Davies | Trainer: Martyn Meade | Form: 42 | Rating: 72 | Topspeed: 62
Clatford is the each-way angle at the prices. He has the benefit of experience, and his latest second reads well enough in the context of this race given plenty of these are still trading on promise rather than delivery. The rating of 72 leaves him with a bit to find on the principals, but his Topspeed figure of 62 suggests he’s already run to a level that can get him into the frame if one or two shorter-priced rivals fluff their lines. Harry Davies is a positive booking and Martyn Meade’s colt doesn’t need to improve dramatically to outrun 12/1. In a 14-runner novice, that makes him a very fair each-way punt. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Slalom is the win play and makes plenty of sense as the unexposed improver in the field. For an each-way alternative, Clatford has the profile of one who should give you a solid run for your money at double-figure odds. Centigrade is the obvious danger on ratings, while Spectical and Sheikhnshah are the other two worth respecting if the market speaks for them.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centigrade | 13/8 | 5/4 | 5/4 | 11/8 | 13/8 (Bet365) |
| Keble Forever | 10/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 10/1 | 12/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Moral Victory | 66/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 (Bet365) |
| Alkaios | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 (Bet365) |
| Burning Impact | 7/1 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 13/2 | 7/1 (Bet365) |
| Clatford | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 (Bet365) |
| Cliff Danger | 22/1 | 22/1 | 25/1 | 22/1 | 25/1 (Sky Bet) |
| Golden Buddy | 33/1 | 35/1 | 40/1 | 33/1 | 40/1 (Sky Bet) |
| Sheikhnshah | 7/1 | 13/2 | 13/2 | 13/2 | 7/1 (Bet365) |
| Slalom | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 (Bet365) |
| Spectical | 5/1 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 5/1 | 5/1 (Bet365) |
| Star Of The Desert | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 (Bet365) |
| Burrows Silver | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 (Bet365) |
| Halimede | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 (Bet365) |
20:00 – Monday 31st August Family Fun Day Confined Handicap (No Win Since The 2025 Flat Turf Season)
Race Details: 7f | Class 5 | Going: Standard (Tapeta) | | flat
This is the sort of restricted handicap that can look ordinary on paper but still takes a bit of unpicking. Star Of Mali makes obvious appeal after returning with a solid third and, with Brunel Nation a non-runner, the race has lost one possible pace angle. Silver Trumpet has been knocking on the door without quite getting his head in front, while Ribenska and Spirit Of Albion are the kinds who can get involved if things fall right. The low draw for Star Of Mali is a plus around here over 7f and his profile is a little cleaner than most in a field full of exposed types or horses returning from breaks. Tricky enough for punters, but not impossible.
Top Selections
1. Star Of Mali – 5/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Jason Watson | Trainer: James Tate | Form: 5216-3 | Rating: 88 | Topspeed: 78
Star Of Mali looks the percentage call. He signed off last year with a poor effort, but that came after progressive enough form, and his reappearance third suggested he has returned in good order. An official mark of 88 is fair rather than lenient, but in a race restricted to horses without a win since the 2025 turf season, he brings a stronger recent line than most. James Tate’s runners on the all-weather always command respect and Jason Watson is a positive booking from stall 2. At 5/2 he is not being missed, but he is still the one with the fewest questions to answer. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Ribenska – 7/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Clifford Lee | Trainer: Charlie Fellowes | Form: 177-29 | Rating: 86 | Topspeed: 78
Ribenska is the each-way play at the prices. Her second on seasonal return was good enough to put her right in the mix here and last time can probably be forgiven rather than taken literally. She has the same topspeed figure as the favourite, races from a handy draw in 4, and this mark of 86 gives her room to be competitive if she can bounce back. Charlie Fellowes is more than capable of placing one to advantage in this grade and Clifford Lee is a strong rider for this sort of contest. Available at 7/1, she makes more appeal than several shorter than ideal each-way fodder. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Keep it straightforward: Star Of Mali is the win bet, as he has the strongest recent form and the best setup from a low draw. Ribenska is the each-way punt at 7/1, with enough ability to hit the frame and possibly better if rebounding from her latest run. Silver Trumpet looks the obvious danger, while Spirit Of Albion is one to note if the market speaks in his favour.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Sky Bet | Betfair | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Trumpet | 7/2 | 10/3 | 4/1 | 4/1 (Betfair) |
| Alfa Whiteburd | 15/2 | 8/1 | 13/2 | 8/1 (Sky Bet) |
| Star Of Mali | 5/2 | 15/8 | 7/4 | 5/2 (Bet365) |
| Ribenska | 7/1 | 6/1 | 11/2 | 7/1 (Bet365) |
| Spirit Of Albion | 7/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 (Betfair) |
| Blazing Son | 11/1 | 10/1 | 9/1 | 11/1 (Bet365) |
| Reds And Wolves | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 (Bet365) |
| Judicature | 8/1 | 8/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 (Betfair) |
| Cy Twombly | 50/1 | 50/1 | 40/1 | 50/1 (Bet365) |
| Macanudo | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
20:30 – Book The Bistro In Seasons Restaurant Fillies’ Novice Stakes (GBB Race)
Race Details: 6f | Class 4 | Going: Standard (Tapeta) | | flat
This revolves around a handful with proper novice form and a few likely improvers lurking in the wings. Town Queen sets the standard on bare achievement after three runner-up efforts and her mark of 88 is the best on offer, but she’s becoming expensive to follow if you keep taking short prices. Planet Seeker appeals as the other solid piece of established form after winning before signing off with a fair third, while Name The Day shaped with promise on debut and should know much more now. The unknowns are the Ralph Beckett pair, especially Star Velocity, and they add a layer of intrigue. It’s not the deepest Class 4 novice you’ll see, but it is a race with enough depth to make favourite-backers work for it.
Top Selections
1. Planet Seeker – 2/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Edward Greatrex | Trainer: Ralph Beckett | Form: 13- | Rating: 85 | Topspeed:
Planet Seeker looks the percentage call. Beckett’s filly already has a win on the board and her closing third last time reads perfectly well in the context of this race. An official mark of 85 leaves her just shy of Town Queen on figures, but unlike that rival she has already shown she can get her head in front, which matters in these fillies’ novices. Draw 7 is fine at Southwell over this trip and Edward Greatrex is a capable booking for a filly who ought to be straightforward tactically. At 2/1 she isn’t a gift, but she does hold strong claims and makes plenty of win appeal.
Bet: WIN
2. Name The Day – 5/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Sean D Bowen | Trainer: Eve Johnson Houghton | Form: 4 | Rating: 78 | Topspeed:
Name The Day is the one I’d want on side each-way because her debut fourth suggested there’s a fair bit more to come. She shaped like a filly who would sharpen up for the experience, and a mark of 78 already puts her in the mix against rivals who have shown more exposed levels of ability. Eve Johnson Houghton’s three-year-olds often improve with racing and this looks a realistic spot to take a step forward. The market has her behind the obvious pair, but 5/1 is fair enough for a filly who may well bridge the gap second time up. She looks the value each-way play in the race.
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Planet Seeker is the main win bet because she brings the right blend of experience, proven ability and a solid mark. Name The Day is the each-way option in a race where improvement could be decisive. Town Queen is the obvious danger on ratings and consistency, while Star Velocity is the interesting newcomer if the Beckett second string is better than the market expects.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Betfair | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Planet Seeker | 2/1 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 2/1 (Bet365) |
| Gardening | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 (Bet365) |
| Mass For Kathleen | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 (Bet365) |
| Material Girl | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 30/1 | 33/1 (Bet365) |
| Mimime | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 22/1 | 25/1 (Bet365) |
| Name The Day | 5/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 9/2 | 4/1 | 5/1 (Bet365) |
| Park Lane Penny | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 (Bet365) |
| Star Trail | 15/2 | 15/2 | 8/1 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 8/1 (Sky Bet) |
| Star Velocity | 13/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 6/1 | 11/2 | 13/2 (Bet365) |
| Town Queen | 11/4 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 5/2 | 2/1 | 11/4 (Bet365) |
| Veil Of Clouds | 13/2 | 5/1 | 11/2 | 6/1 | 11/2 | 13/2 (Bet365) |
21:00 – Golf And Gallop Southwell Golf Club Handicap
Race Details: 6f | Class 4 | Going: Standard (Tapeta) | | flat
This looks a tight little three-year-old sprint handicap rather than a race packed with certainty. Roger Varian’s unexposed Gaurdman is the obvious starting point after winning on his final start last season and returning from an absence off what could prove a fair mark of 84, but he is short enough in a field where several have bits of useful form. Ghisa and Lady Kodiac both have enough ability to get involved if bouncing back, while Bone Marra and Sanaam have ratings that demand respect even if neither arrives with much momentum. Up The Agenda is another with speed figures to recommend him, and this surface could suit. In truth, it is a proper handicap puzzle, with improvement and tactical position likely to decide it.
Top Selections
1. Gaurdman – 5/2 with Betfair
Jockey: Sean D Bowen | Trainer: Roger Varian | Form: 631- | Rating: 84 | Topspeed:
He is the one with the most obvious scope. Gaurdman signed off last year with a win after showing steady progression in three starts, and an opening handicap mark of 84 could easily underestimate him if he has strengthened up from two to three. Varian’s horses are rarely thrown into races like this without a plan, and stall 3 should give Sean D Bowen options in what may not be a strongly run sprint. At 5/2 he is no giveaway, but he does look the runner with the clearest upside in a race where plenty of these have already shown their hand. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Up The Agenda – 15/2 with Betfair
Jockey: Tom Eaves | Trainer: Jack Morland | Form: 113-17 | Rating: 90 | Topspeed: 83
For an each-way play, Up The Agenda makes plenty of appeal at the prices. He already has a strong enough body of work for this level, including a topspeed figure of 83 which stands out in this field, and his reappearance win suggested he had trained on well. The last run can be forgiven if taken as one below par rather than a sign he has gone backwards. He carries only 126, has enough pace for a sharp 6f, and this is the sort of race where a hardy, battle-tested sprinter can pick off less exposed rivals if they are not fully streetwise. At 15/2, he looks the value each-way punt.
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Gaurdman is the win play because he is the one open to the most improvement and could be ahead of his mark. For a bit more value, Up The Agenda is the each-way option in a nine-runner field with three places on offer. Ghisa is the obvious danger from stall 1, while Lady Kodiac is capable of bouncing back if settling better.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Betfair | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lady Kodiac | 13/2 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 11/2 | 5/1 | 13/2 (Bet365) |
| Sanaam | 7/1 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 13/2 | 6/1 | 7/1 (Bet365) |
| Bone Marra | 17/2 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 17/2 (Bet365) |
| Gaurdman | 9/4 | 5/2 | 5/2 | 9/4 | 5/2 | 5/2 (Betfair) |
| Enricher | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| Ay Up Duck | 10/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 9/1 | 8/1 | 10/1 (Bet365) |
| Ghisa | 11/2 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 9/2 | 4/1 | 11/2 (Bet365) |
| Blue Orbit | 8/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 (Betfair) |
| Up The Agenda | 13/2 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 7/1 | 15/2 | 15/2 (Betfair) |
Southwell Course Specialists
Horses To Note
The top course performers among today’s runners:
| Horse | Runs | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Life After Love | 4 | 3 | 75% | 75% |
| Blazing Son | 6 | 2 | 33.33% | 50% |
| Ay Up Duck | 3 | 1 | 33.33% | 100% |
| Star Of Mali | 3 | 1 | 33.33% | 33.33% |
| Fantasy Obsessor | 4 | 1 | 25% | 50% |
Jockeys To Note
The pilots with the strongest records at the course:
| Jockey | Rides | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clifford Lee | 383 | 57 | 14.88% | 38.38% |
| J F Egan | 191 | 28 | 14.66% | 36.13% |
| Jack Nicholls | 21 | 3 | 14.29% | 33.33% |
| Gianluca Sanna | 30 | 4 | 13.33% | 20% |
| Alistair Rawlinson | 617 | 82 | 13.29% | 31.28% |
Trainers To Note
Yards that have done well at Southwell:
| Trainer | Runners | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ralph Beckett | 69 | 20 | 28.99% | 55.07% |
| John & Thady Gosden | 101 | 29 | 28.71% | 59.41% |
| Roger Varian | 140 | 37 | 26.43% | 54.29% |
| James Tate | 200 | 52 | 26% | 55% |
| Richard Hughes | 139 | 29 | 20.86% | 48.92% |
Summary & Best Bets
That wraps up our Southwell racing tips for Thursday 18th June 2026. We’ve covered all 7 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 Southwell today?
The first race at Southwell on Thursday 18th June 2026 goes off at 17:55, with 7 races scheduled in total.
What is the going at Southwell today?
The going at Southwell is reported as Standard (Tapeta).
How many races are at Southwell today?
There are 7 races on the card at Southwell today, running from 17:55 through to 21:00.
Gamble Responsibly ⚠️
Bet only what you can afford to lose. Set deposit limits, never chase losses, and take regular breaks. Gambling should be entertainment, not income.
Support & Resources: BeGambleAware.org · GamCare.org.uk · National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133
18+ only. Please gamble responsibly. This article contains affiliate links — we may earn a commission if you sign up through our links, at no extra cost to you.