Punters Panel: Weekend horse racing betting advice from our experts
Ahead of another busy weekend of racing action, we’ve assembled a team of experts to mark your card – introducing our Odds Now Punters Panel!
Introducing the Odds Now Horse Racing Punters Panel
Before we get stuck in, here’s a little bit more on the five men answering our key questions:
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 - Another of Odds Now’s regular racing contributors currently working in the industry.
Jay Dutton - Haydock member and huge racing fan.
Dale Nicholls - Long-term friend of Races Now and all-weather lover.
Now, onto the fun stuff!
Horse racing betting tips and insight for Friday May 2 and Saturday May 3, 2025
Give us your best bet for Friday at Newmarket?
SD - I’m writing this Thursday night but by the time you read this, all will have been revealed via the Races Now X feed.
AS - I fancy two. La Botte in the 2:20, which is a hot race – but he’s a big price and won very well last time. Possibly under the radar. And Jumby in the 3:30, who was tentatively ridden on seasonal reappearance, has close form behind the favourite from last August and is now 12lbs better off and five times the price of that rival.
HF - Alpine Trail (1:45) is two from two so far in his career. The horse in second last time has since gone in and this step up in trip looks to suit.
JD - Brave Mission in the 2.55. Frankel colt who shaped like he would make a better 3yo last season and now up in trip to a mile on handicap debut. A mark of 91 looks lenient. Well found in the betting in all three runs as a 2yo.
DN - Nebras in the 1:45. Hollie will have learnt a lot from the failures of previous ride where she left it too late. In the following race, Diego Ventura probably wasn’t seen to best effect at Doncaster last time when an awkward start left him out of position. He has been held by the Waco kid previously, but now is in receipt of 5lb.
Onto Saturday, who is your idea of the 2,000 Guineas winner?
SD - Not Field of Gold. I’d marginally prefer Ruling Court over Expanded. I’m sure our garrulous correspondent Mr Smith will give some superfluous claptrap about the latter not being ready, but it’s not a concern.
AS - I’ve never been this undecided this close to the 2,000 Guineas, a race I absolutely love. My heart says Expanded, now he’s come back into the picture, as he was my long-term fancy. But my head is worried he won’t be fully tuned up.
HF - Ruling Court, Will Buick's selection. Super impressive on debut, I think they expected more from him in the Acomb as opposed to simply being beaten by better horses. He showed his class in Meydan on reappearance and I think he’s in for some season.
JD - Ruling Court. The choice of Buick and likely to be the strongest stayer in the field. I expect he might be the one running on late. Only 11 runners and a couple of these are no-hopers.
DN - Field Of Gold will take all the beating. Ruling Court obviously appeals at a more juicy price and could be the dirty each way play, especially if four places are available.
Away from the big race, what is your best bet for Saturday?
SD - It’ll be at Hexham. All will be revealed Saturday morning. That said, at current odds, dutching Crimson Advocate and Arisaig at Goodwood in the 2:00 looks smart. There will be other days for Sirona.
AS - I’m giving Indian Run (1:45 Newmarket) another go. First run of the season already in the books to blow the cobwebs off. Back on quicker ground here, trainer in good form. Small each way at 33/1.
HF - Two Tribes (1:45 Newmarket) was second in this race last year off 2lbs higher and that form has worked out well. He has been unlucky in races on several occasions but I think Saturday could be his day.
JD - Hand Of God (2:20 Newmarket). First run since being gelded and he could be the obvious group horse in a handicap here. Ryan Moore back on shows they mean business here, before going onto better things.
DN - Run Boy Run (1:45 Newmarket). The stable runs two, but this one looks well treated and had dual listed winner Marshman well held last time.
The ladies take centre stage on Sunday. Who wins the 1,000 Guineas?
SD - I don’t know yet. I’ve yet to decide. Best to look at the final field rather than come up with some smart arse comment on how she looks fantastic in her coat in the clement weather.
AS - I think Desert Flower will take all the beating, but this race has been a favourites graveyard in recent years. Lake Victoria won’t be fit enough. So I’m taking an each way swing on Remaat, who ran well in difficult circumstances in her trial and is a massive price.
HF - Red Letter was my fancy for the race but participation looks somewhat doubtful. Lake Victoria has been confirmed to run and whilst there are question marks over her prep, I’d sooner back her at 7/2 than the fav at 10/11.
JD - Lake Victoria has the highest OR and RPR and she is a three-time Group 1 winner at three different distances. She will be undefeated in six after she lands this.
DN - Red Letter has obvious potential but has suffered from not much luck – my view is it’s too short to play. Lake Victoria was the superstar juvenile for me last year, but we have seen AOB superstars struggle in the first Classic of the year the last two seasons, so obvious reservations apply. I expect Desert Flower to take this but cannot seek out any value in this race.
Speaking before declarations, do you fancy anything else running on Sunday?
SD - Much will depend on the ground but Spanish Hustle might just be ready at a price in the 4:53 at Hamilton and loves this sort of race. It’s been great to see big Jim Goldie firing in a couple this week.
AS - Twilight Star (4:10 Newmarket) got bashed about all over the place on debut and ran no race at all. He went straight in my notebook as one to back next time.
HF - Liam Swagger (2:55 Newmarket) made a good return to the flat at Chelmsford last month. Now comes here on the same mark and I think can go well off this low weight.
JD - That’s Amore in the Pretty Polly. Lofty reputation and sold to Lady Bamford, I’m hoping she’s declared and not Revoir for the Beckett yard, who do amazing with 3yo fillies.
DN - Nothing of note but Falakeyah (1:45 Newmarket) was impressive on debut and may be worth a play at anything over 4/1.
Will Aidan O'Brien manage to retain his UK Trainers Championship crown this year?
SD - I neither know nor neither care.
AS - I’d be a layer at 4/6. Balding has got off to a flyer. Gosden looks fairly strong, too.
HF - Yes. The flat and the jumps games are in a similar spot, with an Irish trainer coming to the UK for big races with a ridiculous armoury and sweeping up.
JD - Quite simply, yes.
DN - Balding has been a busy bee but it’s unlikely to see him land any of the classics. AOB has a replenished arsenal for this year and should retain, although I do expect a strong showing from Charlie Appleby this year. His boys in blue have already started off the campaign well.