Our Stratford racing tips cover all 6 races on the card today, Thursday 20th August 2026. The action gets underway at 17:35 and runs through to 20:06, with going reported as 6.6) (watering) (rail movements (Good to firm (goingstick).
A few names jump off the page from a course-form perspective. Captain Cool boasts a 66.67% strike rate from 3 runs at the track, Harry Skelton has been in fine form here with 71 wins from 282 rides, Belinda Clarke’s yard sends out runners with a 33.33% 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 Stratford
Here’s how the leading tipsters have fared at Stratford over the last two years (minimum 10 selections):
| Tipster | Source | Selections | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bettinggods.com | bettinggods.com | 10 | 5 | 50% | 40% |
| West Country | Racing Post | 21 | 7 | 33.33% | 66.67% |
17:35 – Racing TV Club Day Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race)
Race Details: 2m 6f | Class 4 | Going: 6.6) (watering) (rail movements (Good to firm (goingstick) | | jumps
This is only a match on paper, but it still has a clear shape to it. Porcupine Bank sets a fair standard on the figures and arrives with the stronger body of hurdle form, while Fine Thing has a bit to prove now stepping into deeper water against a rival already operating at a much higher level. Sean Bowen on a Gordon Elliott runner at Stratford is an eye-catching combination in a race like this, and Porcupine Bank’s mark of 135 towers over Fine Thing’s 112. That said, Fine Thing did win last time and represents a yard that places its horses well, so this is not simply a walkover. Even so, the ratings and established hurdle form make it look a pretty straightforward opener rather than a devilish puzzle.
Top Selections
1. Porcupine Bank – 4/9 with Bet365
Jockey: Sean Bowen | Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Form: 3-113 | Rating: 135 | Topspeed: 129
Porcupine Bank is hard to oppose in a two-runner novice with this profile. The form figures are solid, the rating of 135 gives him a sizeable edge, and a Topspeed mark of 129 only underlines that he has already shown a level Fine Thing has yet to reach. His latest third was no disgrace and, set against earlier winning efforts, it reads like the kind of run that keeps him firmly on track rather than knocks confidence. Sean Bowen is exactly the sort you want in a tactical small-field contest, and Gordon Elliott rarely sends one over for the scenery. At 4/9 with Bet365, he is short but still the percentage call. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
Betting Strategy
Keep this simple: Porcupine Bank is the win play and the one to build around. In a two-runner race there is no each-way angle whatsoever, so there is no point trying to get clever. Fine Thing is the obvious danger after winning last time, but on the ratings and overall substance of hurdle form, he looks up against it.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Porcupine Bank | 4/9 | 4/9 | 4/9 | 4/9 | 2/5 | 4/9 (Bet365) |
| Fine Thing | 15/8 | 6/4 | 13/8 | 6/4 | 7/4 | 15/8 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| bettinggods.com | Porcupine Bank |
18:06 – Happy 70th Birthday Helen Handicap Hurdle
Race Details: 2m 6f | Class 4 | Going: 6.6) (watering) (rail movements (Good to firm (goingstick) | | jumps
This is a small-field handicap but not a straightforward one, with just 4lb separating the five runners and plenty of closely matched recent form. Rebel Tribesman brings the most obvious progressive profile after finishing 122-12, while Kittys Glance has been knocking firmly on the door and gets in here with 5lb less than most of these. Notnowlinda and Torrent are more exposed but both are capable at this level, and Kom Tu Voudras is not easily dismissed if forgiven a lesser latest run. In a race lacking any real hiding place, the likely pace and who handles this sound surface best could be decisive. It is not a deep Class 4, but it is a properly competitive little puzzle.
Top Selections
1. Rebel Tribesman – 9/4 with Bet365
Jockey: Jonathan Burke | Trainer: Jamie Snowden | Form: 122-12 | Rating: 120 | Topspeed: 114
Rebel Tribesman is the one I want on side because he still looks a progressive sort rather than a handicapper treading water. His form figures of 122-12 read very well in the context of this race, and a mark of 120 does not look beyond him given how consistently he has been running to a solid level. He is only five, carries the same 11st 7lb as the topweights, and there is a fair chance he has more to offer over this sort of trip. Jonathan Burke is a good booking for a race that may turn tactical, and at 9/4 he makes plenty of appeal as the horse with the strongest upside. Bet type tag: WIN
Bet: WIN
Betting Strategy
Keep it simple in a five-runner race: Rebel Tribesman is the win bet and the only play, as each-way terms are not attractive in this sort of field. Kittys Glance looks the main danger receiving 5lb from most of these, while Notnowlinda has the figures to get involved if building on her latest run. Direct, no frills: win only.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notnowlinda | 10/3 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 10/3 | 10/3 (Bet365) |
| Rebel Tribesman | 9/4 | 2/1 | 9/4 | 9/4 | 9/4 | 9/4 (Bet365) |
| Kom Tu Voudras | 4/1 | 5/1 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 4/1 | 11/2 (Paddy Power) |
| Torrent | 11/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 4/1 | 11/2 | 11/2 (Bet365) |
| Kittys Glance | 7/2 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 10/3 | 7/2 (Bet365) |
18:36 – Brian And Sheila Vaughan Memorial Handicap Chase (GBB Race)
Race Details: 2m 3f | Class 2 | Going: 6.6) (watering) (rail movements (Good to firm (goingstick) | | jumps
This is a tight little Class 2 with only six runners, but there is plenty of depth to it and not much room for error around Stratford. Captain Cool brings the most convincing recent profile, arriving here after another solid effort, while Crebilly is the class act on figures and could easily bounce back from a slightly underwhelming latest run. Bagheera Ginge and Sir Tivo come here on the back of wins, though both now have to prove they can follow up in a stronger race. Magistrato has useful form in the book and Parisencore is not without a chance if things fall right. In a small field on quick ground, sharp jumping and tactical speed are likely to decide it more than brute stamina.
Top Selections
1. Captain Cool – 3/1 with Betfair
Jockey: Sean Quinlan | Trainer: Jennie Candlish | Form: 112213 | Rating: 142 | Topspeed: 128
He is the one arriving with the fewest questions to answer. That form string tells its own story: consistent, progressive and plainly thriving over fences. His latest third was no backward step and, as a 6yo in a race where a few of these are fully exposed, there is every chance he still has another chunk of improvement to come. A mark of 142 looks fair rather than punitive, and he has the tactical pace for a track like Stratford where getting into rhythm matters. At 3/1, he is not a giveaway price, but he still makes plenty of appeal as the likeliest winner. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Crebilly – 4/1 with Betfair
Jockey: Harry Cobden | Trainer: Jonjo & A J O’Neill | Form: 8P5-14 | Rating: 144 | Topspeed:
Crebilly is not quite as straightforward as the selection, but he is too capable to leave out of the equation in a race of this shape. He returned with a win before finishing fourth last time, and that latest effort does not look disastrous in itself. Off 144 he is the highest-rated horse in the field, and if Harry Cobden can get him travelling and jumping cleanly on this sound surface, he has the raw ability to go very close. In a six-runner race there is limited each-way cover with only two places, but at 4/1 he still looks the value alternative to the market leader if you want one against the favourite. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Captain Cool is the solid win play because he brings the strongest current profile and still looks a progressive sort. Crebilly is the each-way option purely on class and upside if bouncing back, though the two-place terms in a six-runner field do limit the appeal. Sir Tivo and Bagheera Ginge are the obvious dangers after recent wins, but both are now being asked a stiffer question.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crebilly | 7/2 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 7/2 | 4/1 | 4/1 (Betfair) |
| Magistrato | 11/2 | 11/2 | 15/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 15/2 (Paddy Power) |
| Bagheera Ginge | 9/2 | 4/1 | 5/1 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 5/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Captain Cool | 11/4 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 (Betfair) |
| Parisencore | 15/2 | 15/2 | 13/2 | 7/1 | 15/2 | 15/2 (Bet365) |
| Sir Tivo | 4/1 | 11/4 | 5/2 | 3/1 | 7/2 | 4/1 (Bet365) |
19:06 – QuinnBet Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)
Race Details: 2m 6f | Class 3 | Going: 6.6) (watering) (rail movements (Good to firm (goingstick) | | jumps
This is only a three-runner affair, but it is no gimme. Dunkerque brings the most persuasive recent profile after reeling off wins before bumping into one too good last time, while Samuel Spade is the highest-rated in the line-up and arrives off a solid second of his own. Krak gets plenty of weight from the pair and has the assistance of Harry Skelton, so he is not easily dismissed, but his form has lacked the same authority. In a tactical little novice handicap chase like this, clean jumping and track position are likely to be decisive. Stratford can punish any hesitation, and this looks the sort of race where the one in the best current rhythm should come out on top.
Top Selections
1. Dunkerque – 6/5 with Bet365
Jockey: Sean Quinlan | Trainer: Jennie Candlish | Form: 1-1112 | Rating: 134 | Topspeed: 126
Dunkerque is the one I want to be with. That form string tells its own story: four wins on the bounce before a perfectly respectable second, and he looks like a novice chaser still going the right way. He has to concede weight all round here, but he is in better nick than Krak and arguably arrives with more momentum than Samuel Spade despite being 4lb lower on official figures. Sean Quinlan should be positive on him, and around Stratford that matters. At 6/5 with Bet365, he is not exactly hidden from the market, but he still makes most appeal in a race where current fluency counts for plenty. Bet: WIN
Betting Strategy
With only three runners, this is a straight win-bet race and Dunkerque is the percentage call. He has the sharpest recent profile and looks the most solid jumper under pressure. Samuel Spade is the obvious danger on ratings and could make this tight if getting into a rhythm, while Krak has weight in his favour but needs to find more than recent form suggests.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dunkerque | 6/5 | 1/1 | 1/1 | 1/1 | 6/5 | 6/5 (Bet365) |
| Samuel Spade | 9/4 | 9/4 | 9/4 | 2/1 | 9/4 | 9/4 (Bet365) |
| Krak | 9/4 | 2/1 | 9/4 | 9/4 | 9/4 | 9/4 (Bet365) |
19:36 – Happy Birthday Sue Handicap Chase
Race Details: 3m 3f | Class 5 | Going: 6.6) (watering) (rail movements (Good to firm (goingstick) | | jumps
This is a small-field staying handicap chase, but it is not a gimme. Glenmalure Flyer heads the market after a winning return was followed by a respectable third, while Yes And Yes arrives on the back of successive wins and looks the obvious progressive angle despite a 9lb rise for the latest of them. Illogical Logic is interesting back in calmer waters with a feather weight and the best Topspeed figure in the field, and Winning Paddy has enough back form to get involved if seeing this trip out strongly. It does not look a deep Class 5 by any means, but the shape of the race is quite appealing: a handful with legitimate claims, and the winner is likely to be the one who settles best and keeps finding late over this demanding trip.
Top Selections
1. Yes And Yes – 11/4 with Betfair
Jockey: Lee Edwards | Trainer: Belinda Clarke | Form: 7F51-1 | Rating: 106 | Topspeed: 95
There is a lot to like about a horse arriving here on the back of two wins from his last three completed starts, and Yes And Yes looks the one with momentum. He signed off last season with a victory and returned with another success, so a mark of 106 may not have him in a vice just yet. He is not thrown in, but he is progressive in the context of this race and his Topspeed figure stacks up well enough against the principals. In a contest where several of these have questions to answer, he makes plenty of appeal at 11/4 and looks the percentage call to keep the run going.
Bet: WIN
2. Illogical Logic – 5/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Jack Tudor | Trainer: Christian Williams | Form: 346P-5 | Rating: 110 | Topspeed: 108
Illogical Logic is the value play. The recent form does not leap off the page, but that latest fifth should have blown away some cobwebs and he now drops into a race where his raw ability gives him a proper chance. He is the top-rated runner on 110, carries only 149, and his 108 Topspeed figure is comfortably the best on offer here. That combination makes him dangerous in a six-runner slog if Jack Tudor can get him into a smooth rhythm early. At 5/1, he looks overpriced against rivals who are shorter in the betting but hardly bombproof. He is the each-way punt in a race lacking depth.
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Yes And Yes is the win bet because he is the one arriving in form and still looks capable of defying his revised mark. Illogical Logic is the each-way alternative at a fairer price, with his rating and Topspeed figures making him hard to ignore. Glenmalure Flyer is the obvious danger, but he is short enough for one with only five completed starts over fences.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glenmalure Flyer | 15/8 | 13/8 | 13/8 | 13/8 | 15/8 | 15/8 (Bet365) |
| Winning Paddy | 13/2 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 15/2 (Betfair) |
| Yes And Yes | 5/2 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 11/4 (Betfair) |
| Illogical Logic | 5/1 | 4/1 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 5/1 | 5/1 (Bet365) |
| Flashy Boy | 6/1 | 6/1 | 13/2 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 13/2 (Paddy Power) |
| The Kings Soldier | 12/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 (Bet365) |
20:06 – Sun Racing Summer Jumps Championship Handicap Hurdle
Race Details: 2m | Class 5 | Going: 6.6) (watering) (rail movements (Good to firm (goingstick) | | jumps
This looks a proper competitive little finale rather than a weak Class 5, with several arriving in decent nick and a few lurking on workable marks. Berry Edge is the obvious one near the foot of the weights for the Skeltons and it is no surprise he heads the market after finishing last season with a win and a solid third. Northern Rose comes here in form figures of 2-9221 and brings momentum, while Reteti has been knocking loudly on the door without quite getting his head in front. Jet Patrol and Mayday Games are also in the mix if the race sets up for them, but this does feel like a contest where recent sharpness over 2m on quick ground could be decisive. Tricky enough, but not impossible.
Top Selections
1. Berry Edge – 5/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Harry Skelton | Trainer: Dan Skelton | Form: 95313- | Rating: 103 | Topspeed: 96
Berry Edge makes plenty of appeal back in this grade. He signed off last season with a win followed by a respectable third, and that form reads well enough in the context of a race like this. The 103 rating is the highest in the field and, crucially, he gets in here with just 10st 13lb, which is a nice position to attack from around Stratford over a sharp 2m. Harry Skelton is exactly the rider you want in a race likely to turn tactical, and 5/2 looks fair rather than cramped. He is the solid one in a race where a few others have questions to answer. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Reteti – 5/1 with William Hill
Jockey: Marc Goldstein | Trainer: Sheena West | Form: 45-232 | Rating: 100 | Topspeed: 93
Reteti is becoming expensive to follow, but this is not the night to abandon him. Those recent figures tell the story of a horse holding his form well and repeatedly getting involved, and his latest second suggests another race of this nature is well within reach. He has one of the better Topspeed figures in the line-up, which matters on quick summer ground, and Sheena West’s runner looks likely to be there pitching from a long way out. At 5/1 he is not exactly hidden from the market, but with four places on offer he makes plenty of each-way sense given his consistency and the fact he rarely runs a bad race at this sort of level. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Berry Edge is the percentage call for the win bet: class, weight and stable all point the right way. Reteti is the sensible each-way punt in a 12-runner race with four places, especially given how regularly he has been hitting the frame. Northern Rose is the obvious danger after that recent win, while Jet Patrol could also outrun his price if building on his latest effort.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reteti | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 5/1 | 5/1 (William Hill) |
| Eyeeye | 40/1 | 35/1 | 35/1 | 33/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 (Bet365) |
| Versatile | 16/1 | 11/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
| Jet Patrol | 7/1 | 13/2 | 13/2 | 13/2 | 15/2 | 15/2 (William Hill) |
| Diesel Line | 14/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| Mayday Games | 13/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 15/2 | 7/1 | 15/2 (Sky Bet) |
| Lord Cauvelliere | 17/2 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 15/2 | 9/1 | 9/1 (William Hill) |
| Clever Relation | 10/1 | 15/2 | 8/1 | 15/2 | 10/1 | 10/1 (Bet365) |
| Berry Edge | 5/2 | 5/2 | 5/2 | 5/2 | 9/4 | 5/2 (Bet365) |
| Glance At Me | 33/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 (Bet365) |
| Northern Rose | 11/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 (Bet365) |
| Angel Of My Dreams | 28/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 28/1 | 28/1 (Bet365) |
Stratford Course Specialists
Horses To Note
The top course performers among today’s runners:
| Horse | Runs | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Captain Cool | 3 | 2 | 66.67% | 33.33% |
| Bagheera Ginge | 5 | 3 | 60% | 60% |
| Sir Tivo | 8 | 4 | 50% | 87.5% |
| Magistrato | 3 | 1 | 33.33% | 66.67% |
| Northern Rose | 9 | 0 | 0% | 77.78% |
Jockeys To Note
The pilots with the strongest records at the course:
| Jockey | Rides | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harry Skelton | 282 | 71 | 25.18% | 59.57% |
| Sean Bowen | 227 | 52 | 22.91% | 49.78% |
| Harry Cobden | 60 | 12 | 20% | 53.33% |
| Sam Twiston-Davies | 422 | 75 | 17.77% | 51.9% |
| Oscar Palmer | 6 | 1 | 16.67% | 33.33% |
Trainers To Note
Yards that have done well at Stratford:
| Trainer | Runners | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belinda Clarke | 3 | 1 | 33.33% | 100% |
| Alan King | 153 | 40 | 26.14% | 60.13% |
| Faye Bramley | 4 | 1 | 25% | 75% |
| Ben Pauling | 90 | 21 | 23.33% | 48.89% |
| Dan Skelton | 358 | 80 | 22.35% | 55.31% |
Summary & Best Bets
That wraps up our Stratford 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 Stratford today?
The first race at Stratford on Thursday 20th August 2026 goes off at 17:35, with 6 races scheduled in total.
What is the going at Stratford today?
The going at Stratford is reported as 6.6) (watering) (rail movements (Good to firm (goingstick).
How many races are at Stratford today?
There are 6 races on the card at Stratford today, running from 17:35 through to 20:06.
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