Our Southwell racing tips cover all 7 races on the card today, Thursday 7th May 2026. The action gets underway at 18:00 and runs through to 21:00, with going reported as Standard (Tapeta).
A few names jump off the page from a course-form perspective. Popty Ping boasts a 66.67% strike rate from 3 runs at the track, Harry Smith has been in fine form here with 2 wins from 8 rides, Roger Varian’s yard sends out runners with a 27.41% 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 | 17 | 11 | 64.71% | 76.47% |
| Ratings Hub | attheraces.com | 10 | 5 | 50% | 80% |
| insidetraxs.co.uk | insidetraxs.co.uk | 34 | 14 | 41.18% | 76.47% |
| Computeform | The Racing App | 29 | 11 | 37.93% | 62.07% |
| West Country | Racing Post | 14 | 5 | 35.71% | 78.57% |
18:00 – Free Race Replays On attheraces.com Restricted Novice Stakes (Bands B, C & D) (GBB Race)
Race Details: 4f | Class 5 | Going: Standard (Tapeta) | | flat
This sharp 4f novice looks a fascinating little dash rather than a deep contest, with the balance between proven form and early speed likely to decide it. Lauralynn sets the standard on what we’ve seen, having already finished placed twice and bringing the best rating in the field. She is the obvious one to beat. Claret And Blues also has experience on his side after a respectable debut fifth, while Bluestone Lady has had two goes without quite threatening. The unknowns are interesting, though, particularly Dreamlover and Hoosier, both of whom represent yards capable of readying a juvenile for a first run. In a race where raw pace matters more than stamina or streetcraft, the market should be a fair guide, but Lauralynn still looks the one they all have to beat.
Top Selections
1. Lauralynn – 85/40 with Paddy Power
Jockey: Zak Wheatley | Trainer: Declan Carroll | Form: 32 | Rating: 78 | Topspeed:
Lauralynn has done the hard part already by showing useful form in public, and that counts for plenty in a race full of guesswork. Her form figures of 3 and 2 are comfortably the strongest on offer, and a mark of 78 gives her a clear edge on the numbers over the more exposed rivals. From stall 7 she should be able to stay out of trouble if breaking on terms, and this sharp 4f ought to suit a filly who has already shown enough dash to be competitive at this level. She is short enough, but 85/40 still looks fair in a race where most of her rivals are trading on potential rather than substance. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Hoosier – 6/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Edward Greatrex | Trainer: Michael Bell | Form: | Rating: | Topspeed:
If you want to take on the obvious one at a price, Hoosier makes plenty of each-way appeal. Michael Bell is not a trainer to dismiss in a juvenile race like this, and the market has shown enough respect to suggest this newcomer is expected to know his job. In a restricted novice, it does not take a star to hit the frame, and several of these have already shown their limitations to some degree. At 6/1, Hoosier appeals as the type who could break smartly, travel well and make a bold bid before experience tells late on. He is a far more interesting each-way punt than some of the exposed runners. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Lauralynn is the solid play and makes most appeal as the win bet given her clear edge on form and rating. For those wanting a bit more juice, Hoosier is the each-way option in a race where unexposed types could easily outrun their odds. Dreamlover is the obvious danger among the debutants, while Claret And Blues is the pick of the runners with existing form behind the favourite.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dreamlover | 3/1 | 5/2 | 11/4 | 5/2 | 9/4 | 3/1 (Bet365) |
| Claret And Blues | 5/1 | 9/2 | 5/1 | 9/2 | 5/1 | 5/1 (Bet365) |
| Hoosier | 6/1 | 5/1 | 4/1 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 6/1 (Bet365) |
| Mardy Bum | 13/2 | 13/2 | 6/1 | 7/1 | 15/2 | 15/2 (William Hill) |
| Bluestone Lady | 17/2 | 17/2 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 17/2 | 17/2 (Bet365) |
| Lauralynn | 7/4 | 6/4 | 85/40 | 6/4 | 7/4 | 85/40 (Paddy Power) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| Newmarket | Hoosier |
18:30 – Free Bets On attheraces.com Handicap
Race Details: 1m | Class 5 | Going: Standard (Tapeta) | | flat
This is a fairly competitive little mile handicap rather than a race full of lurkers, with several arriving in form and not much separating the principals on ratings. Roaring Ralph is the obvious one after a hat-trick, but stall 11 asks a question and he’s now trying to keep the run going from a wider berth. Holly Mist has been knocking loudly on the door in stronger-looking company and makes plenty of appeal if this is run to suit, while Military Leader is dangerously well treated on old placed efforts and gets in here off just 123lb. Avatar Jet is another with momentum after scoring on return, so there are no freebies for the market leader. In truth, it looks more a race to play value than blindly follow the obvious favourite.
Top Selections
1. Holly Mist – 6/1 with Paddy Power
Jockey: P J McDonald | Trainer: Roger Varian | Form: 3-2334 | Rating: 83 | Topspeed: 56
Holly Mist has become expensive to follow if you’ve been with her throughout the winter, but this does look a workable opportunity. She’s been admirably consistent, her recent sequence reads well enough in the context of this Class 5, and she has the joint-highest rating in the field despite carrying only 133lb. Roger Varian’s filly doesn’t find much off the bridle at times, but she usually travels like the best horse in her races for a long way and this setup could suit if they go a proper pace. At 6/1, she makes more appeal than some of the shorter ones because the level of form is solid and repeatable. Bet: WIN
2. Military Leader – 11/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Rowan Scott | Trainer: Phillip Makin | Form: 43242- | Rating: 82 | Topspeed: 71
Military Leader is the each-way angle in the race because he brings a very likeable profile for this sort of Southwell handicap. He signed off with a string of placed efforts, his topspeed figure of 71 is the best on offer here, and the big thing is the weight: just 123lb from stall 3 gives him a real chance to get into a handy rhythm. He’s the type who keeps running and often gives you a sight, which is exactly what you want for an each-way punt in an 11-runner field. The 11/2 is hardly wildly generous, but with three places on offer he still looks one of the more sensible plays. Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Holly Mist is the win play because her form has more substance than most and this class drop could be enough to tip things her way. Military Leader is the each-way alternative, with a good draw, a feather weight and the strongest topspeed figure in the lineup. Roaring Ralph is the obvious danger if defying the hat-trick tax from stall 11, while Avatar Jet also commands respect after his recent comeback win.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lordsbridge Grey | 10/1 | 17/2 | 17/2 | 15/2 | 17/2 | 10/1 (Bet365) |
| Everyoneknowsadave | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 (Bet365) |
| Holly Mist | 11/2 | 11/2 | 6/1 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 6/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Roaring Ralph | 10/3 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 (Betfair) |
| Gallant Lion | 16/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 | 11/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
| Avatar Jet | 9/2 | 4/1 | 9/2 | 4/1 | 7/2 | 9/2 (Bet365) |
| Give Me The Night | 16/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
| Soames Forsyte | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 12/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
| Bellasio | 17/2 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 13/2 | 15/2 | 17/2 (Bet365) |
| Jamaican Storm | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 (Bet365) |
| Military Leader | 11/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 5/1 | 11/2 | 11/2 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| Moorestyle | Holly Mist |
| RP Ratings | Holly Mist |
| talkSPORT 2 | Roaring Ralph |
19:00 – Free Tips On attheraces.com Handicap
Race Details: 7f | Class 5 | Going: Standard (Tapeta) | | flat
This looks a competitive little 3yo handicap rather than a race packed with obvious future winners, and there are several with plausible cases. Sporting Light arrives on the back of a win and is entitled to respect despite stall 10, while Real Jack has the best Topspeed figure in the field and could be dangerous if building on his seasonal return. Stella Lucente keeps finding one too good but her consistency gives her a solid chance, and Fanjove is another who should be in the argument after a fair comeback. The handicapper hasn’t made life easy for plenty of them, though, and with 11 runners over 7f at Southwell this has the look of a race where track position and a clean trip will matter. Tricky enough, but not impossible to solve.
Top Selections
1. Real Jack – 5/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Sean Kirrane | Trainer: Michael Dods | Form: 572-6 | Rating: 78 | Topspeed: 71
Real Jack makes plenty of appeal in a race where not many arrive with rock-solid handicap form. He shaped better than the bare result when sixth on his return, and that outing should have sharpened him up nicely for this. His mark of 78 is workable enough for a colt who posted the best Topspeed figure in the field, and stall 3 is a handy berth for a race likely to reward those who can hold a position. Michael Dods also saddles Northern Tempest, but this one looks the stable first string on jockey bookings and profile. Available at 5/1, he looks a fair win play in a race lacking a standout.
Bet: WIN
2. Stella Lucente – 17/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Daniel Muscutt | Trainer: Jack Morland | Form: 2-22 | Rating: 77 | Topspeed: 39
There’s a slight frustration factor with Stella Lucente because she has now finished runner-up on her last three starts, but that consistency is hard to knock in this grade. She’s clearly been holding her form well and, unlike a few of these, comes here without needing to prove she’s ready after a break or a quiet reappearance. Daniel Muscutt is a positive booking around here and if she gets a sensible tow into the race from stall 6, she should be finishing off better than most. At 17/2 she makes more appeal as an each-way punt than some of the shorter ones, especially with three places on offer in an 11-runner field.
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Real Jack is the main bet at 5/1, with his return run and strong speed figure suggesting he’s primed to go close. Stella Lucente is the each-way alternative at 17/2, as she keeps knocking on the door and this looks another suitable opening. Sporting Light is the obvious danger after scoring last time, while Fanjove also has the profile of one who could get involved.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sporting Light | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 7/2 | 4/1 | 4/1 (Bet365) |
| Cosmic Man | 13/2 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 5/1 | 6/1 | 13/2 (Bet365) |
| Yorkshire Queen | 14/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 (Betfair) |
| Real Jack | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 4/1 | 7/2 | 5/1 (Bet365) |
| Stella Lucente | 17/2 | 15/2 | 8/1 | 15/2 | 8/1 | 17/2 (Bet365) |
| Fanjove | 5/1 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 5/1 (Bet365) |
| Northern Tempest | 8/1 | 7/1 | 15/2 | 7/1 | 15/2 | 8/1 (Bet365) |
| Popty Ping | 8/1 | 15/2 | 8/1 | 15/2 | 8/1 | 8/1 (Bet365) |
| Jungle Knight | 13/2 | 6/1 | 7/1 | 6/1 | 11/2 | 7/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Secret Testimony | 25/1 | 22/1 | 25/1 | 22/1 | 22/1 | 25/1 (Bet365) |
| Everydaysasaturday | 28/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 25/1 | 28/1 | 33/1 (Betfair) |
19:30 – Follow @attheraces On Instagram Handicap (Div I)
Race Details: 7f | Class 6 | Going: Standard (Tapeta) | | flat
This looks a pretty ordinary Class 6 on paper, but that does not make it straightforward. Fort Augustus arrives here off the back of a win and is the obvious starting point, while Starshot has been knocking on the door often enough to think another solid run is coming. Reputation has plenty of back form for this grade, though the concern is obvious after an absence at the age of 13, and Rambuso Creek keeps threatening without quite getting the job done. There are a few lurking dangers lower down the weights, but several in here are exposed and vulnerable if the race gets tactical. In truth, this is the sort of handicap where current sharpness and track positioning are likely to matter more than raw ability.
Top Selections
1. Fort Augustus – 3/1 with Bet365
Jockey: George Wood | Trainer: Charlie Wallis | Form: 574261 | Rating: 71 | Topspeed: 53
Fort Augustus makes plenty of appeal in a race lacking depth. He got his head back in front last time and, crucially, did it from a mark that suggested he was ready to capitalise. An opening draw in 3 should help George Wood get a handy position over this 7f, and in a contest full of inconsistent types that recent win gives him a clear edge on confidence as well as form. He is not thrown in off 71, but he is one of the few arriving with a convincing recent performance on the board. At 3/1, he looks the percentage call in a weak enough heat. End with him.
Bet: WIN
2. Starshot – 11/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Sean Kirrane | Trainer: Lawrence Mullaney | Form: 842403 | Rating: 65 | Topspeed: 54
Starshot is not the easiest horse to win with, but he has been running well often enough to make plenty of each-way appeal in this company. His recent form figures tell the story of a horse holding his level, and that latest third suggested he remains competitive from this mark of 65. The slight worry is the draw in 9, though he does have the tactical pace to avoid being marooned if Sean Kirrane gets him rolling at the right time. In a race where plenty have questions to answer, his consistency counts for a lot. Around 11/2 looks fair for a horse with solid place claims and a realistic shot at better.
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Fort Augustus is the win bet after finally putting it together last time and looks the one with the fewest negatives. Starshot is the each-way play in a race where reliability is in short supply and three places offer some cover. Reputation is the obvious danger if fit enough after the break, while Rambuso Creek could also sneak into the frame.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Megaphone | 9/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 8/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 (Betfair) |
| Fort Augustus | 3/1 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 3/1 | 3/1 (Bet365) |
| Jet Warrior | 11/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 9/2 | 4/1 | 11/2 (Bet365) |
| Reputation | 13/2 | 13/2 | 13/2 | 6/1 | 13/2 | 13/2 (Bet365) |
| Rambuso Creek | 7/1 | 13/2 | 7/1 | 13/2 | 7/1 | 7/1 (Bet365) |
| Turbo Command | 10/1 | 17/2 | 9/1 | 8/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 (Bet365) |
| Fitzmaurice | 13/2 | 5/1 | 11/2 | 5/1 | 11/2 | 13/2 (Bet365) |
| Little Beck Annie | 22/1 | 22/1 | 25/1 | 20/1 | 22/1 | 25/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Starshot | 11/2 | 5/1 | 11/2 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 11/2 (Bet365) |
| Jubilee Time | 25/1 | 20/1 | 22/1 | 20/1 | 22/1 | 25/1 (Bet365) |
| The Cutest | 28/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 25/1 | 28/1 | 33/1 (Betfair) |
20:00 – Follow @attheraces On Instagram Handicap (Div II)
Race Details: 7f | Class 6 | Going: Standard (Tapeta) | | flat
This looks a pretty ordinary Class 6 on paper, but it is competitive enough for punters because several arrive with bits of recent form that make them plausible. Shades Of May is the obvious starting point after back-to-back wins, although stall 10 asks a question over this sharp enough 7f. Bullington Bry has been knocking on the door without quite getting the job done, while Autumn Angel is one of the more reliable types in the line-up and should give another honest account. On Key is weighted to be involved if building on his latest fourth, and Tickets has the profile of one who can nick a place if the race falls right. It is not a deep race, but it is a mildly tricky little handicap where draw, pace and track position could matter plenty.
Top Selections
1. Shades Of May – 3/1 with William Hill
Jockey: Rose Dawes | Trainer: Mark Usher | Form: -81411 | Rating: 69 | Topspeed: 53
He is the one with momentum and, in this grade, that counts for plenty. Two wins on the spin tell their own story, and while a 3lb rise and the widest draw are not ideal, this is still a race lacking much depth. Mark Usher’s 6-year-old looks like a horse who has found his level at the right time, and he does not need to improve a great deal more to remain ahead of the assessor. Rose Dawes knows him well enough, and if she can get him slotted in without burning too much petrol early, he should take some passing. At 3/1, he is short enough in a 10-runner handicap, but still the likeliest winner. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Bullington Bry – 5/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Daniel Muscutt | Trainer: Joey Ramsden | Form: 353457 | Rating: 67 | Topspeed: 58
He has become a bit frustrating, but there is enough in his profile to make him interesting from an each-way angle. The standout number in this field is his Topspeed of 58, and the inside draw could be a real help if Daniel Muscutt can hold a handy pitch rather than getting shuffled back. The recent form figures are not flashy, though they are better than they first appear in a race of this nature, and this mark is not beyond him if things drop right. He is not one to trust implicitly for win purposes, but 5/1 looks fair in a weak contest where plenty have holes in their case. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Shades Of May is the win play because he is the progressive one in a race full of exposed handicappers. Bullington Bry makes more appeal as the each-way option, especially from stall 1 with Muscutt booked. The main danger is Autumn Angel, who keeps running her race and would not need much more to get seriously involved again.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bullington Bry | 5/1 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 4/1 | 9/2 | 5/1 (Bet365) |
| Shades Of May | 11/4 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 3/1 | 3/1 (William Hill) |
| On Key | 11/2 | 5/1 | 11/2 | 9/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 (Bet365) |
| Our Misty Blue | 9/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 | 9/1 | 8/1 | 10/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Tickets | 15/2 | 13/2 | 13/2 | 11/2 | 13/2 | 15/2 (Bet365) |
| Desert Charm | 12/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Mickey Mongoose | 9/1 | 8/1 | 17/2 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 9/1 (Bet365) |
| Autumn Angel | 5/1 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 4/1 | 9/2 | 5/1 (Bet365) |
| Blue Seeker | 18/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 (Bet365) |
| Evoluir | 22/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 16/1 | 20/1 | 22/1 (Bet365) |
20:30 – Follow @attheraces On X Fillies’ Novice Stakes (GBB Race)
Race Details: 6f | Class 4 | Going: Standard (Tapeta) | | flat
This doesn’t look a deep novice, but it is a fairly intriguing little seven-runner contest with three obvious ones at the head of the market. Enchant sets the standard on official figures after winning on debut and returning with an 86 mark, while Bintaryana and Jumeirah Sands both arrive here on the back of maiden wins and look the pair most likely to give her plenty to think about. The rest need a chunk of improvement, with Always Perfect at least bringing some experience and the newcomers Code Girl and Tommie’s Angel needing to be above average first time out. In a race where the front end of the market makes plenty of appeal, I’d rather side with proven recent progress than just the bare debut promise. It’s not an especially strong Class 4, but it is a race where the winner should be worth following.
Top Selections
1. Bintaryana – 5/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Marco Ghiani | Trainer: William Knight | Form: 5-1 | Rating: 85 | Topspeed:
Bintaryana is the percentage call. She improved exactly as you’d want from her debut to get off the mark on her second start, and that 85 rating leaves her right in the thick of it in a race where there isn’t much between the principals. William Knight’s filly has a handy low draw in stall 2, which should suit around Southwell over this trip, and Marco Ghiani is a rider I’m always happy to see in this type of contest because he tends to keep things uncomplicated. Enchant has the slightly higher mark, but Bintaryana has the recent winning habit and looks the one with a bit more scope for another step forward. At 5/2, she makes the most appeal.
Bet: WIN
2. Jumeirah Sands – 5/2 with Paddy Power
Jockey: Mason Paetel | Trainer: Ismail Mohammed | Form: 5-1 | Rating: 81 | Topspeed: 51
Jumeirah Sands is the each-way angle, albeit in a race with only two places on offer, because she comes here with solid enough credentials and doesn’t have much to find on the figures with the market leaders. Like Bintaryana, she took a clear step forward from first start to second, and the fact she already has a Topspeed figure of 51 suggests there was a bit of substance to that latest success. She’s not obviously ahead of Enchant on raw ability, but she has race fitness on her side and her trainer’s runners can be dangerous when they get into a rhythm on the all-weather. At 5/2 she’s no hidden gem, but she still looks the safest one to hit the frame if the favourite underperforms.
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Bintaryana is the win play because she appeals as the filly most likely to progress again and is drawn to get a good trip. Jumeirah Sands is the each-way alternative in a small field where consistency may count for plenty. Enchant is the obvious danger after that debut win and is hard to leave out of calculations, but she’s short enough given the lack of a recent run.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bintaryana | 5/2 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 9/4 | 5/2 (Bet365) |
| Enchant | 2/1 | 15/8 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 2/1 (Bet365) |
| Jumeirah Sands | 9/4 | 9/4 | 5/2 | 9/4 | 9/4 | 5/2 (Paddy Power) |
| Always Perfect | 11/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 (Betfair) |
| Code Girl | 14/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 | 10/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| Hever Beauty | 125/1 | 150/1 | 150/1 | 150/1 | 125/1 | 150/1 (Betfair) |
21:00 – attheraces.com/marketmovers Handicap
Race Details: 2m | Class 6 | Going: Standard (Tapeta) | | flat
This looks a fairly ordinary staying handicap on paper, but not an impossible one to solve. Captain Robert sets the standard on official figures alongside Dollar’s Dream and Zooks, though the latter pair have questions of their own to answer in terms of getting the job done. Hickton arrives on the up after winning two of his last three, while Charlie Darling comes here in the wake of a deserved success and is another with momentum. The pace angle could matter over this trip at Southwell, especially in a nine-runner field where track position tends to count, and I’d much rather side with runners who are coming here in form than older stayers like Beggarman or Cold Henry, who need a leap of faith. Tricky enough, but not a deep race.
Top Selections
1. Captain Robert – 5/2 with Betfair
Jockey: George Wood | Trainer: James Fanshawe | Form: 21-634 | Rating: 74 | Topspeed: 65
Captain Robert hasn’t quite put it all together this spring, but he’s been running well enough in stronger company than this and a Class 6 staying handicap should be much more his level. He’s one of the few in here with a bit of upside as a 4yo, and that mark of 74 doesn’t look beyond him if this race becomes a proper test. Fanshawe’s runners in these staying all-weather handicaps are always worth respecting, and George Wood should be able to keep things uncomplicated from stall 6. At 5/2 he isn’t exactly hidden, but he still makes plenty of appeal in a race lacking depth. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Zooks – 9/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Edward Greatrex | Trainer: Ian Williams | Form: 2-7853 | Rating: 74 | Topspeed: 68
Zooks is the each-way play because he’s handicapped to be involved and, unlike some of these, he has a solid enough staying profile for this sort of contest. His latest third suggested he was coming back to the boil, and that Topspeed figure of 68 is actually the best in the field, which gives him a major chance if he builds on that. Ian Williams is no stranger to eking improvement out of these staying types, and the inside draw in stall 1 could be a help if Edward Greatrex can hold a handy position without wasting ground. At 9/1, he looks the value against shorter-priced rivals. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Captain Robert is the percentage call and the one I’d want on side for a straight win bet, dropping into a race that should be easier than what he’s been contesting. For an each-way punt, Zooks makes plenty of sense at the prices given his latest effort and strong Topspeed figure. Hickton and Charlie Darling are the obvious dangers if continuing their recent progress.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlie Darling | 4/1 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 4/1 | 9/2 (Betfair) |
| Captain Robert | 9/4 | 5/2 | 5/2 | 5/2 | 15/8 | 5/2 (Betfair) |
| Beggarman | 16/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
| Educate | 16/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
| Hickton | 4/1 | 10/3 | 10/3 | 10/3 | 7/2 | 4/1 (Bet365) |
| Zooks | 9/1 | 17/2 | 17/2 | 8/1 | 17/2 | 9/1 (Bet365) |
| Cold Henry | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 18/1 | 11/1 | 18/1 (Sky Bet) |
| Break Point | 11/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 (Bet365) |
Southwell Course Specialists
Horses To Note
The top course performers among today’s runners:
| Horse | Runs | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Popty Ping | 3 | 2 | 66.67% | 66.67% |
| Roaring Ralph | 8 | 4 | 50% | 75% |
| Hickton | 5 | 2 | 40% | 60% |
| Charlie Darling | 3 | 1 | 33.33% | 66.67% |
| Shades Of May | 3 | 1 | 33.33% | 33.33% |
Jockeys To Note
The pilots with the strongest records at the course:
| Jockey | Rides | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harry Smith | 8 | 2 | 25% | 25% |
| James Doyle | 96 | 21 | 21.88% | 47.92% |
| Paddy Bradley | 53 | 10 | 18.87% | 37.74% |
| Robert Havlin | 353 | 66 | 18.7% | 39.09% |
| Mason Paetel | 40 | 7 | 17.5% | 35% |
Trainers To Note
Yards that have done well at Southwell:
| Trainer | Runners | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roger Varian | 135 | 37 | 27.41% | 56.3% |
| Richard & Peter Fahey | 10 | 2 | 20% | 20% |
| K R Burke | 531 | 103 | 19.4% | 41.05% |
| Hughie Morrison | 261 | 49 | 18.77% | 47.51% |
| Ismail Mohammed | 45 | 8 | 17.78% | 40% |
Summary & Best Bets
That wraps up our Southwell racing tips for Thursday 7th May 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 7th May 2026 goes off at 18:00, 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 18:00 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.
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