Leicester, Monday 8 June 2026: Tips & Selections

Leicester, Monday 8 June 2026: Tips & Selections

Eight races at Leicester on a card that looks competitive throughout. The official going is Good To Firm, but rain is in the forecast and that could play into the hands of one or two horses in the later handicap. George Boughey’s 24% strike rate at this track is the standout trainer stat today, and his runner in the feature handicap demands close attention. Jack Callan’s 29% course win rate (A/E 2.27) is outstanding for a claimer, so when he takes a ride at Leicester, you pay attention.

2:00 — Div I Maiden Stakes (7f)

Kach Above (11/4, Boyle Sports/Betfred) is the logical choice to set the standard. Billy Loughnane takes the ride on this well-bred David Loughnane colt who has two runs under his belt and is progressing. The Windsor run behind a useful field reads better in context than the bare form suggests, and the step up to 7f should suit. RPR of 72 is comfortably the best figure in this division.

The each-way value lurks with Better Nature (11/2), who was only beaten around 5 lengths on debut behind Kach Above at Windsor. Jonathan Portman’s yard is ticking over reasonably and the trip extension to 7f is a positive on pedigree. If Kach Above picks up from the front, Better Nature could chase him home at a decent each-way price with only three places on offer.

Avoid the Parioca hype. Switching from Southwell AW to turf in blinkers after a modest fifth in a weak race is not a compelling narrative at 5/1.

2:30 — Div II Maiden Stakes (7f)

Jazzy Bay (11/4, Boyle Sports) gets the nod here. Eve Johnson Houghton’s gelding is the most exposed runner with two runs, but both have been encouraging: a decent sixth on debut at Chepstow, then a close third over course and distance five days later. He has seen this track before, he handles Good To Firm, and the yard is running at 19% with juveniles this season. C&D form in a field of ten 2yos is hard to argue against.

Mottaret Each-Way (6/1, Boyle Sports) is a genuine each-way play. Tim Easterby’s colt ran a big price debut at Redcar over this same 7f trip and posted a credible fourth, achieving an RPR of 75 which is competitive at this level. The stamina on dam’s side suits the trip, and Easterby’s yard is churning out runners. At 6/1 in a ten-runner maiden, three places at 1/5 odds gives real value if he builds on that debut.

Celtic Charioteer at 9/4 is too short given the slow start and novice experience. James Ferguson has a 16% course record here so it is not a reason to dismiss him, but the price needs to be bigger for a horse that has had one run and still showed significant greenness.

4:35 — Mesothelioma UK Handicap (1m2f)

This is the race of the day, and the angle is clear: Zatsgood (13/8, Boyle Sports/Betfred) represents the most compelling case on the card. George Boughey sends this ex-French gelding to Leicester with an excellent 24% course win rate and an A/E of 1.11 at this track. The horse landed his handicap debut at Lingfield last month with authority, winning from off the pace and looking well within himself doing it. Yes, he goes up 4lb, but the RPR of 100 suggests there is more to come, and this 1m2f trip on turf is unexplored territory that his pedigree actively encourages. Billy Loughnane, who partnered him at Lingfield, keeps the ride.

The one worry is the rain. Zatsgood has run exclusively on the all-weather and this is his turf debut. The going is Good To Firm but softening, and that is a small unknown. However, Boughey does not send horses here for fun given his record, and the stable has gone 5/26 in the last 14 days. Strongly respected.

Noble Horizon Each-Way (8/1, Boyle Sports) is the each-way play of the race. Oli Rix’s gelding won a C&D novice on Good To Firm for William Haggas last July, then ran a smart third of 19 at York in the autumn. His Lingfield return was poor but the Spotlight notes that the form has been well advertised by the first two since. If he gets back near that York level, he is well ahead of this field on ability. The course form is a huge plus, and 8/1 is a price worth having a saver on.

The Green Mile is an interesting shortlist entry given his recent Chepstow win, but Neil Mulholland’s 1/14 strike rate in the last 14 days is a cooler. Tipsy Tiger is worth noting if the rain comes hard and fast, since that Sandown soft-ground win shows he handles testing conditions. Keep an eye on conditions before the off.

Today’s NAP

Zatsgood — Mesothelioma UK Handicap (4:35, Leicester)
Odds: 13/8 — Boyle Sports (others: 13/8 Betfred, 6/4 LiveScore Bet)

George Boughey’s 24% win rate at Leicester is the best trainer stat on the card, and Zatsgood arrives as a horse still learning his trade with an RPR of 100 already on the board. The Lingfield handicap win last month was visually impressive and the form has held up. Billy Loughnane stays on board, the 1m2f trip suits on pedigree, and a 4lb rise is not enough to stop a horse who won with something in hand. Turf debut is the only caveat, but Boughey clearly has him ready.