Punters Panel: Weekend horse racing betting advice from our experts

Another busy weekend of racing is on the horizon, with Sandown's Coral Eclipse day taking centre stage alongside supporting action from the likes of Haydock

We've assembled five racing brains to help mark your card by answering six key questions ahead of the action.

Introducing the Odds Now Horse Racing Punters Panel

Before we get stuck in, here’s a little bit more on the four men answering our key questions this week:

SD - The self-proclaimed ‘star of the show’ on Races Now, who has been going viral with his daily tips and betting ring analysis in recent weeks.

Adam Smith - A betting industry veteran, flat lover and one half of our Races Now double act.

Harry Fowler - One of Odds Now’s regular racing contributors, currently working in the industry.

Joe O'Donnell - Racing lover and a long-term Races Now viewer

Kieran Cook - Horse racing tipster, journalist and pundit.

Now, onto the good stuff...

Who wins the Eclipse at 3.35pm?

SD - The way Ombudsman was ridden was conducive to the result last time and he faces a different test, should jockeys behave.  His position in the market is justified but his odds not so. Maybe Sosie and Ruling Court are the value, who are both class horses.

AS - I think Ombudsman will win. I don't like the Aidan O'Brien two and have question marks over the French horse. I'll be backing Ruling Court in match bets versus the other three year olds, and without the favourite.

HF - Incredibly boring but I do think simply Ombudsman gets the job done. 

JOD - A previous quality race. I remember Nashwan winning in 1989 in "the race of the century", up against Warning and Indian Skimmer. My favourite ever horse! Ombudsman won well at Ascot. But did it beat proper Group One ten furlong performers? Los Angeles went too quick and is a really tough horse – but he is a stayer. If betting, I would concentrate on the three year olds. They have an excellent record in the last 10 years. Camille Pissarro by Wooton Bassett, who can do no wrong. Hotazhell has good two year old form and ran very well in the Irish 2000 Guineas. Ruling Court has a good profile for this, however, is a breeze up horse and I don't like backing them long term and he looked upset at Ascot.So, I will put up a small stakes forecast perm on; Camille Pissarro, Delacroix and Hotazhell.

KC - What a fantastic race this is. From a betting perspective, I’m keen to take on the fav with Ruling Court.

Any other bets for you on Saturday's Sandown card?

SD - There’s plenty. The best one of all might just be Supermodel. She was very sexy at Nottingham last time in a good race for the grade and can take the step up in class in her stride.

AS - Greek Order in the 2:25 looks the one to beat and is a bet. Big run in the Hunt Cup last time, his first run in the UK for ages, Ryan Moore now booked. Wins.

HF - I really fancy Greek Order in the 2:25. On his first run in the UK for a couple years, he ran a stormer at the Royal meeting to finish 4th. Only up 2lbs and with Ryan booked, I think he could take some beating.

JOD - No, I dont see much that grabs my attention I'm afraid.

KC - ⁠Saratoga Special looks to be a nice each way price in the Coral Charge (1:50). There's currently double figures available paying four places.

What is the best bet from Haydock's Saturday offering?

SD - Estrange is prohibitively short in The Lancashire Oaks and showed last year at Yarmouth that she can throw in the odd foible. Scenic is a viable alternative.

AS - Nothing for me at Haydock. My second bet at Sandown, though, is Queen All Star in the opener (1:50). Won a course and distance handicap with ease on her last start. This is a jump in quality, but I think a few in here might have an Ascot hangover whilst the selection has been aimed at this.

HF - Mearall was another who ran a great race at Royal Ascot last time out, finishing sixth. Looked like was going to fall away before sticking on well. Dropped 2lbs for that, Warren Fentimen takes over the steering, removing an additional 5lbs and he is well worth that claim.

JOD - The Old Newton Cup (3.15pm) is a race for tough five and six year old horses, who have won six out of the last seven runnings and usually this proves a good race for weight carrier too. The two that stand out to me are Stressfull and Chillingham. A small bet on a reverse forecast and two each way singles at the odds.

KC - I'll keep it simple with Scenic in the Lancashire Oaks (2:40pm).

Is there anything else you fancy this weekend?

SD - Oh yes. As always, all will be revealed at 8am on raceday over on the Races Now X feed.

AS - A third and final bet at Sandown, which is my least confident one. Victory Queen in the 3:00. Not my usual type of race but she is bred to be a good one and looks overpriced for powerful connections.

HF - At the time of writing, I'm unsure whether he will be declared but Eve’s Boy at Ayr in the 3:30 on Sunday is one I’ve had my eye on. The step up to a mile and returning back to a track where he won last season are both big positives.

JOD - The 2.05pm at Haydock. Again, a good race with horses improving for the trip and asking horses to do what they have not done before. Last year, William Haggas had the 3/1 fav and it slipped up. Andrew Balding had the second fav and finished nearer last. I am interested in the Johnston horse, Novelist, each way. The yard won it last year with Align the Stars. A solid each way bet.

KC - Vincenzo Peruggia at Beverley (2:13pm). Shaped with plenty of promise on debut and it would come as no shock to see him progress enough to take this.

Who wins the UK trainers title? O'Brien 2/5, Gosden 7/1, Appleby 8/1, Balding 16/1

SD - It’s not who wins it, more who’s overpriced. The Gosden contingent arguably are, still, with their firepower spread across a few divisions.

AS - I've backed Gosden and still think the 7/1 as of right now is too big. I fancy Ombudsman to win this weekend. Then he's got Field Of Gold, Trawlerman and even has a leading contender for the Ebor at this early stage. 

HF - O’Brien of course is a force to be reckoned with and is obviously the most likely winner. If I was having a bet though, I’d be with the Gosden’s at 7/1. It looks too big considering they are the current leader and have a good chance to extend in the Eclipse.

JOD - Aidan O'Brien but I hope big John runs him bloody close. It would be good for British racing.

KC - Given the firepower at his disposal, I'd still be siding with Aidan O’Brien.

Should Oisin Murphy still be riding horses in the UK? 

SD - I don’t believe so, but the media hanging around him like a bad fart and celebrating him between his crash and now was a bad look.

AS - He's been a naughty boy on multiple occasions now. Apologises and does it again. However, I wouldn't be for stopping him from riding on this current incident. I'm sure the BHA are looking very closely at it.

HF - I'm no expert on this, but no. It’s a terrible look for racing. It has been allowed to go on for far too long this with everyone pretending the incident didn’t happen. Riding winners a day or two after, as if it was business as usual, was a really poor choice from all concerned.

JOD - For me, it's a case of forgive and forget!

KC - It’s a tough one that many people will have an opinion on, but for me personally, I think so. He’s made mistakes and is the first to admit to them. Hopefully he gets himself on the straight and narrow.

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