Our Stratford racing tips cover all 6 races on the card today, Tuesday 16th June 2026. The action gets underway at 14:05 and runs through to 17:08, with going reported as 6.5) (watering) (rail movements (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick).
A few names jump off the page from a course-form perspective. Hooper boasts a 60% strike rate from 5 runs at the track, Bradley Harris has been in fine form here with 8 wins from 26 rides, Emma Lavelle’s yard sends out runners with a 27.78% 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 % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Country | Racing Post | 20 | 6 | 30% | 65% |
| Jeffrey Ross | Sporting Times | 11 | 3 | 27.27% | 90.91% |
14:05 – Racing To School Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race)
Race Details: 2m 2f | Class 4 | Going: 6.5) (watering) (rail movements (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick) | | jumps
This revolves around the obvious one, because Louis Veron brings the strongest profile among the principals and arrives here after getting off the mark. He has solid figures, a high enough mark for this level and the Skelton team rarely waste a Stratford novice hurdle. That said, this is not entirely a procession. Maskarvel has been knocking on the door in better company than some of these and looks the clear form threat, while Take The Boat gets a healthy chunk of weight as a 4yo and shaped with promise on debut over hurdles. Behind those three, the rest need chunks of improvement. Penzance has a little ability, but several others look up against it. It is a race where the favourite is hard to oppose, but there may still be some each-way value around him.
Top Selections
1. Louis Veron – 1/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Harry Skelton | Trainer: Dan Skelton | Form: 2-21 | Rating: 117 | Topspeed: 97
Louis Veron is the one they all have to beat and there is no point getting too clever about it. He has done little wrong in four starts, his 2-21 formline reads well in the context of this race and a mark of 117 gives him a clear edge over most of these. The Skelton yard targets this track effectively, and Harry Skelton aboard only adds to the confidence. At 1/2 he is no hidden gem, but he does look the most likely winner by some margin. If he runs to the level of his latest success, the others are probably scrapping for minor money. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Take The Boat – 11/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Harry Bannister | Trainer: Georgina Nicholls | Form: 2 | Rating: 116 | Topspeed: 75
Take The Boat makes plenty of each-way appeal in a race where only a few look genuinely likely. The 4yo receives weight all round, and that matters over this trip when taking on older novices. He was runner-up on his sole completed start in this sphere and that opening effort already puts him in the mix, especially with a rating of 116 suggesting there is substance to it. Harry Bannister is a positive booking for a yard that can place one sensibly, and 11/2 feels fair in a contest where a place looks well within reach. He may not have the favourite’s ceiling, but he is a progressive sort. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Keep it simple: Louis Veron is the win play and looks the most solid favourite on the Stratford card. For those wanting a bit more juice, Take The Boat is the each-way punt, helped by the weight-for-age allowance and a promising profile. Maskarvel is the obvious danger if the market leaders underperform, but he makes more appeal as a saver than a main bet.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louis Veron | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1/2 | 2/5 | 1/2 (Bet365) |
| Black Dakota | 50/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 (Bet365) |
| Colibri Bleu | 50/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 (Bet365) |
| Maskarvel | 4/1 | 10/3 | 10/3 | 10/3 | 4/1 | 4/1 (Bet365) |
| McGrath From Clune | 100/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 80/1 | 100/1 (Bet365) |
| Penzance | 10/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 (Bet365) |
| Usyk | 33/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 28/1 | 33/1 (Bet365) |
| Tequila Star | 66/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 50/1 | 66/1 (Bet365) |
| Angel Of My Dreams | 50/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 40/1 | 50/1 (Bet365) |
| Take The Boat | 11/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 9/2 | 11/2 (Bet365) |
14:40 – Stratford Supporting Racing Staff Week Novices’ Limited Handicap Hurdle
Race Details: 2m | Class 5 | Going: 6.5) (watering) (rail movements (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick) | | jumps
This doesn’t look a deep novice handicap, but it is the sort of race where a few arrive with just enough to recommend them. Northern Rose sets the standard on recent placed form and has the look of a solid favourite in a race lacking many convincing finishers. Dublinofficecallin is a bit more volatile but has at least shown he can get his head in front, while Buxted Reel and Estate Planning have bits and pieces of form that make them competitive in this grade. Lower down, Kotgar is interesting off a light weight if building on his latest effort. Quite a few of these have patchy profiles or have been hard to trust, so while the market should be a useful guide, this still feels more a winnable Class 5 than a strong piece of form.
Top Selections
1. Northern Rose – 7/2 with William Hill
Jockey: James Davies | Trainer: Gary Hanmer | Form: P8232- | Rating: 95 | Topspeed: 90
Northern Rose makes plenty of appeal in a race where consistency counts for a lot. Those last three completed starts read very well for this level, especially the pair of seconds before the break, and a mark of 95 looks workable given she’s already shown she can run right up to it. James Davies is a positive booking for this sort of test and, in a field full of unreliable types, she’s one of the few you can see travelling and finding off the bridle. Available at 7/2, she isn’t exactly hidden, but she still looks the percentage call and the one with the strongest claims if returning in the same nick. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Kotgar – 9/1 with William Hill
Jockey: Conor Ring | Trainer: Mrs C Williams | Form: 647P5- | Rating: 95 | Topspeed: 97
Kotgar is not straightforward, but there’s enough buried in his profile to make 9/1 interesting in this company. He posted the best topspeed figure in the field and his latest fifth suggested there might still be something to work with now dropping into this modest novice handicap. Carrying 152, he gets in lightly enough for a horse rated 95, and if this sharper 2m helps him travel a bit sweeter, he could easily outrun his price. He’s no banker and you’d want to forgive one or two untidy efforts, but this isn’t a race packed with solid alternatives. As an each-way punt in a 12-runner field with four places, he makes sense.
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Northern Rose is the win play because she brings the most dependable recent form and sets a fair standard for a race of this nature. Kotgar is the each-way alternative at the bigger price, with his light weight and strong topspeed figure giving him sneaky appeal. Dublinofficecallin is the obvious danger if bouncing back, while Buxted Reel has enough ability to get involved.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buxted Reel | 13/2 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 7/1 | 7/1 (William Hill) |
| Dublinofficecallin | 9/2 | 18/5 | 18/5 | 7/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 (Bet365) |
| Mayday Games | 10/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 (Bet365) |
| Giddyupadingdong | 13/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 5/1 | 13/2 | 13/2 (Bet365) |
| Estate Planning | 6/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 6/1 | 6/1 (Bet365) |
| Hellion | 13/2 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 7/1 | 7/1 (William Hill) |
| Papa Oscar | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 14/1 | 18/1 | 18/1 (William Hill) |
| Northern Rose | 10/3 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 7/2 | 7/2 (William Hill) |
| Kotgar | 17/2 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 (William Hill) |
| Cosmic Spirit | 66/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 (Bet365) |
| Hopjes | 40/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 (Betfair) |
| Pink Walls | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 (Bet365) |
15:15 – Karen Poulter Handicap Chase (GBB Race)
Race Details: 2m | Class 4 | Going: 6.5) (watering) (rail movements (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick) | | jumps
This looks a tight little 2m handicap chase rather than a race packed with secrets, and the market has probably latched onto the right horses. Lheur De Gloire arrives off a win and gets in here with just 10st 9lb despite the best mark in the field, which makes him the obvious starting point. Whatyouwaitingfor also makes plenty of appeal as an unexposed 5yo who has been admirably consistent, while Nibras Gold brings a strong topspeed figure and shaped well enough on his latest start to suggest he’s ready to strike. Seeyouinmydreams is solid but doesn’t look thrown in, and Not So Sobers has to prove that recent revival can be backed up. In a seven-runner field, this feels competitive but not impossible to solve.
Top Selections
1. Lheur De Gloire – 2/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Ben Jones | Trainer: Ben Pauling | Form: 566-41 | Rating: 128 | Topspeed: 107
He’s the one I want to be with. Lheur De Gloire looks a progressive young chaser and his latest win suggested things are beginning to click in this sphere after a slightly mixed spell beforehand. The key point here is that he’s a 5yo carrying just 149lb despite having the highest rating in the race, and that weight-for-age edge can be potent in these summer handicap chases. Ben Pauling’s runners are usually well prepared for this sort of assignment and Ben Jones is a positive booking. At 2/1 he isn’t exactly hiding, but he still looks the percentage call in a race where a few rivals have questions to answer. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Whatyouwaitingfor – 4/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Gavin Sheehan | Trainer: Charlie Longsdon | Form: 1223-3 | Rating: 125 | Topspeed: 117
If you want one at a fairer price to hit the frame and possibly do better, Whatyouwaitingfor makes plenty of sense. He’s another 5yo on the upgrade, and his form figures tell the story of a horse who keeps running his race. That latest third was perfectly respectable, and a mark of 125 still gives him room to be competitive in this grade, especially with only 154lb on his back. Gavin Sheehan is an eye-catching jockey booking in these sharp, tactical chases and this trip around Stratford should suit a horse with his profile. At 4/1 he looks the value each-way alternative to the favourite. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Lheur De Gloire is the win play because he has the best mix of recent form, upside and a very workable weight for a horse rated 128. For an each-way punt in this seven-runner field, Whatyouwaitingfor appeals most as a reliable, progressive type. Nibras Gold is the danger if building on that latest second, while Seeyouinmydreams is solid without screaming value.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seeyouinmydreams | 6/1 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 6/1 | 6/1 (Bet365) |
| Nibras Gold | 4/1 | 16/5 | 16/5 | 3/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 (Bet365) |
| In The Air | 8/1 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 7/1 | 17/2 | 17/2 (William Hill) |
| Not So Sobers | 6/1 | 13/2 | 13/2 | 6/1 | 13/2 | 13/2 (Betfair) |
| Whatyouwaitingfor | 4/1 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 4/1 | 4/1 (Bet365) |
| Lheur De Gloire | 2/1 | 13/8 | 13/8 | 13/8 | 2/1 | 2/1 (Bet365) |
| Boom Boom | 28/1 | 28/1 | 28/1 | 28/1 | 28/1 | 28/1 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| Computeform | Lheur De Gloire |
| West Country | Not So Sobers |
15:50 – Clear Insurance Management Handicap Hurdle
Race Details: 2m | Class 3 | Going: 6.5) (watering) (rail movements (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick) | | jumps
This is only a three-runner handicap, but it is not completely devoid of interest because the market leaders arrive here as progressive sorts from good yards. Edelak sets the standard on a mark of 120 after getting off the mark last time and his topspeed figure of 110 gives him a very solid edge on paper. Machete Beach is the obvious threat after back-to-back wins and Jamie Snowden’s five-year-old is clearly still going the right way, though he does have to concede weight all round. Hooper looks up against it on recent evidence and needs a revival at the age of 10. In truth, this looks more like a match between Edelak and Machete Beach than a deep handicap, with class and pace likely to decide it.
Top Selections
1. Edelak – 8/11 with Bet365
Jockey: Harry Skelton | Trainer: Dan Skelton | Form: 6-21 | Rating: 120 | Topspeed: 110
Edelak is hard to oppose in a race of this shape. He is the highest-rated runner in the field, carries less weight than Machete Beach despite that superior mark, and his latest form figures suggest there is more to come from this four-year-old. That recent win was a straightforward step forward from his previous second, and the Skelton team are always dangerous in these small-field summer hurdles where tactical pace matters. The standout topspeed figure also backs up the visual impression that he has a bit more class than these. At around 8/11, he is no giveaway, but he still looks the most likely winner by some margin. Bet type tag: Win bet.
Bet: WIN
Betting Strategy
Keep it simple in a three-runner race: Edelak is the win bet and the only sensible play. Each-way betting is pointless with just one place on offer, and Machete Beach is the clear danger if the favourite underperforms or the race becomes tactical. Hooper looks the outsider for good reason.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machete Beach | 11/8 | 11/8 | 11/8 | 11/8 | 6/4 | 6/4 (William Hill) |
| Hooper | 11/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 (Bet365) |
| Edelak | 8/11 | 4/7 | 4/7 | 4/7 | 8/11 | 8/11 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| bettinggods.com | Edelak |
16:30 – Happy 80th Birthday David Handicap Chase (GBB Race)
Race Details: 2m 6f | Class 4 | Going: 6.5) (watering) (rail movements (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick) | | jumps
This may only be a five-runner handicap chase, but it is not lacking for interest. Two To Tango sets the standard on the figures and arrives on the back of a solid second, while Tamarind Bay has been knocking on the door often enough to make him an obvious threat despite top weight. Harry’s Hope is respected for the Pauling yard if returning in the same nick after signing off with a lesser effort, but the market understandably centres on the front pair. Mix Of Clover and Grillon De Monty both come here with bits and pieces of form that give them squeaks, though they probably need the principals to underperform. In a small field like this, tactical sharpness and accurate jumping are likely to matter as much as raw ability.
Top Selections
1. Two To Tango – 13/8 with Bet365
Jockey: Charlie Todd | Trainer: Emma Lavelle | Form: 2213-2 | Rating: 122 | Topspeed: 113
Two To Tango makes most appeal in a race where there are not many secrets. He is officially the best treated of these on 122, arrives race-fit after a runner-up effort, and his profile over fences suggests he is the one most likely to run his race again. The form figures are solid rather than flashy, but in a small-field Class 4 at Stratford, reliability counts for plenty. Charlie Todd should be able to keep things uncomplicated, and if this turns into a test of who jumps cleanest from the front end or close to it, this one has the look of the safest conveyance. At 13/8, he is short enough, but still the percentage call.
Bet: WIN
Betting Strategy
Keep it simple: Two To Tango is the win bet in a race where the small field kills any each-way angle. Tamarind Bay looks the obvious danger if coping with top weight and again finding a bit more than he has on recent starts, while Harry’s Hope is the one to note if the market speaks in his favour on reappearance.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tamarind Bay | 5/2 | 5/2 | 5/2 | 5/2 | 9/4 | 5/2 (Bet365) |
| Two To Tango | 13/8 | 11/8 | 11/8 | 11/8 | 8/5 | 13/8 (Bet365) |
| Mix Of Clover | 17/2 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 15/2 | 17/2 (Bet365) |
| Grillon De Monty | 9/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 | 17/2 | 10/1 (Sky Bet) |
17:08 – 19th July Is Ladies Day Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle
Race Details: 2m 2f | Class 5 | Going: 6.5) (watering) (rail movements (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick) | | jumps
This has the look of a tight little Class 5 in which a couple arrive with less mileage than the rest and that may prove decisive. Backer Bilk is the obvious starting point after finishing second and third in his first two handicap hurdles, while Ocean Heights also makes plenty of appeal after a solid comeback third for David Pipe. Raffles Nobu is another with a squeak off a fair mark and receives plenty of weight from the older pair at the top of the handicap. Hiconic and Saint Polo are not hopeless, but both need to bounce back from slightly underwhelming latest efforts. It is not a deep race, but it is a trappy one, and in a six-runner field tactical positioning could matter nearly as much as raw ability.
Top Selections
1. Backer Bilk – 5/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Nick Slatter | Trainer: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson | Form: 7-23 | Rating: 109 | Topspeed: 101
Backer Bilk looks the percentage call. He is a 4yo taking on older handicappers, but he has shaped like a progressive sort in both runs since entering handicaps, finishing second and then third, and that Topspeed figure of 101 is a perfectly solid number in a race like this. Carrying just 10st 13lb is no bad thing around Stratford, where a handy, uncomplicated type can be very dangerous. The market has him towards the head of affairs at 5/2, which feels fair rather than extravagant, but he still makes plenty of appeal because there should be a bit more to come from him yet. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Ocean Heights – 7/2 with William Hill
Jockey: Paddy Hanlon | Trainer: David Pipe | Form: 33/6-3 | Rating: 109 | Topspeed: 105
Ocean Heights appeals as the each-way play, especially now the field has thinned. He returned from a break to run third last time and that was a respectable effort from a 9yo who has not had many chances over hurdles in recent seasons. The standout figure in this line-up is his 105 Topspeed, and if he can build on that latest comeback run he is right in the mix. David Pipe’s runners in this sort of summer handicap always command respect, and off 10st 11lb he is weighted to be competitive throughout. At 7/2 he is not a wild price, but he does look one of the more solid options for those wanting a safer each-way punt. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Backer Bilk is the win play because he looks the one open to the most improvement and arrives with the strongest progressive profile. Ocean Heights is the each-way alternative in this six-runner field, with his comeback run and best Topspeed figure giving him obvious place claims. Raffles Nobu is the danger if building on his latest fourth, while Saint Polo needs a sharper showing than last time.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hiconic | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 9/2 | 9/2 (William Hill) |
| Saint Polo | 9/2 | 18/5 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 (Bet365) |
| Backer Bilk | 5/2 | 85/40 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 5/2 | 5/2 (Bet365) |
| Ocean Heights | 10/3 | 16/5 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 7/2 | 7/2 (William Hill) |
| Raffles Nobu | 7/2 | 16/5 | 18/5 | 3/1 | 7/2 | 18/5 (Paddy Power) |
Stratford Course Specialists
Horses To Note
The top course performers among today’s runners:
| Horse | Runs | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hooper | 5 | 3 | 60% | 60% |
| In The Air | 3 | 1 | 33.33% | 66.67% |
| Ocean Heights | 3 | 1 | 33.33% | 66.67% |
| Boom Boom | 10 | 2 | 20% | 60% |
| Mix Of Clover | 6 | 1 | 16.67% | 33.33% |
Jockeys To Note
The pilots with the strongest records at the course:
| Jockey | Rides | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bradley Harris | 26 | 8 | 30.77% | 61.54% |
| Tom Broughton | 10 | 3 | 30% | 50% |
| Harry Skelton | 262 | 63 | 24.05% | 59.16% |
| Harry Bannister | 134 | 30 | 22.39% | 50% |
| Luke Scott | 9 | 2 | 22.22% | 44.44% |
Trainers To Note
Yards that have done well at Stratford:
| Trainer | Runners | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emma Lavelle | 54 | 15 | 27.78% | 61.11% |
| Ben Pauling | 87 | 21 | 24.14% | 48.28% |
| Gary Hanmer | 108 | 24 | 22.22% | 55.56% |
| Dan Skelton | 334 | 71 | 21.26% | 54.79% |
| Daisy Hitchins | 26 | 5 | 19.23% | 53.85% |
Summary & Best Bets
That wraps up our Stratford racing tips for Tuesday 16th June 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 Tuesday 16th June 2026 goes off at 14:05, with 6 races scheduled in total.
What is the going at Stratford today?
The going at Stratford is reported as 6.5) (watering) (rail movements (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick).
How many races are at Stratford today?
There are 6 races on the card at Stratford today, running from 14:05 through to 17:08.
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