Nottingham Tips: Saturday 9 May 2026

Nottingham Tips: Saturday 9 May 2026

Good ground at Nottingham on Saturday, and three races worth having a proper look at. The card is headlined by a wide-open 13-runner handicap over a mile and half a furlong, a small-field staying apprentice race that is more interesting than it looks, and a 2yo fillies' novice that could throw up something useful for the notebook. Let's get into it.

1:38 — Family Funday 31st May Fillies' Novice Stakes (6f)

Seven runners, but this is effectively a two-horse race on form shown, and the market reflects that. The selection is Bayside at 9/4 with Boyle Sports and Betfred.

Rod Millman's Cracksman filly has done nothing wrong in two starts. Third on debut at Bath on good ground, she then stepped forward to win a Beverley novice on good to soft ten days later, finishing well and suggesting the longer trip suited her. Today's step up to 6f from what was presumably a sharper test at Beverley is the right move, and good ground at Nottingham is ideal. She carries a penalty, but she deserves to be market leader on what she has shown.

The danger is Angel Sense for Marco Botti at 5/2. She ran green on the Kempton all-weather on debut, missed the break, and still finished second. There is clearly ability there, and Benoit De La Sayette takes over in the saddle. She will improve sharply for that experience. But Bayside already has a win under her belt and looks a yard ahead of the rest right now. The Botti filly is one to watch for future entries.

Knock Three Times is an intriguing debut runner at 13/2. A 95,000 guineas yearling and half-sister to the smart Khaadem, there is obvious speed in the family. Monitor her market move. If she drifts, leave her alone. If she firms up, the pedigree gives every reason to think she could run a big race first time out.

Selection: Bayside, 9/4 (Boyle Sports/Betfred)

3:25 — Boosted Odds Every Race At Betano Handicap (1m½f, 13 runners)

Thirteen runners, a mile and a half on good ground, and a race that has several genuine contenders. This is the most competitive event on the card, and it rewards a closer look.

Youarenotforgiven Each-Way at 8/1 across the board is the most interesting profile in the field. Tony Carroll's stable has been firing at 5/49 over the last 14 days, which is a decent enough clip for a volume yard, and this horse has rattled off a hat-trick on the all-weather this spring, including a clearcut win at Wolverhampton last month. He is now 9lb higher for that sequence, which is a chunk, but his old turf form suggests he has a ceiling above his current mark. He is a five-time winner on grass and was competitive at a higher level before losing his way. Good ground suits, this trip is fine, and Paul Mulrennan rides. At 8/1, there is each-way value with four places on offer at 1/5 odds.

Asteverdi is interesting at 11/2 for James Owen, whose yard is running at a sharp 15/58 strike rate over the last two weeks. The mare won over course and distance for Alice Haynes in a previous life and reappeared with a creditable third at Musselburgh last month on good ground. She is only 2lb above her last winning mark, which gives her a live chance if she has come forward from that comeback run. The concern is she went wrong for Hugo Palmer across five runs last season, so there is an element of faith required. Still, the trainer form is strong and the course form is there.

Winston's Warrior at 9/2 is the market mover to watch. Charles Hills' 4yo won on the Southwell all-weather on reappearance after gelding and has gone up 4lb, but he showed enough promise on turf last season that this trip is no issue. Toby Moore claims 7lb, which helps offset the rise in the weights. Not the strongest trainer 14-day record (1/17), but this horse deserves respect.

Selection: Youarenotforgiven each-way, 8/1 (Boyle Sports/Betfred) — 4 places at 1/5 odds

5:10 — Safer Gambling With Betano Apprentice Handicap (1m6f, 4 runners)

Only four go to post, but this race is a proper puzzle. Gentle Warrior heads the market at 5/4 after being tailed off on reappearance at Musselburgh, which is a short price for a horse that blew out last time. The going there was soft, and today's good ground should suit him better. Karl Burke's yard is ticking over at 7/51, which is respectable, and Toby Moore claims 5lb. If the Musselburgh run was purely ground-related, he bounces back and wins. That is the bear case for opposing him.

The selection is Russian Rumour at 13/8 with Boyle Sports, Betfred, and LiveScore Bet. The Jonathan Portman yard has been in cracking form at 5/20 over the last fortnight, and this 9yo mare won this exact race on good ground on her reappearance in 2024. She then ended last season with a 12-length romp at Ffos Las on heavy ground, so she handles any conditions. She is 7lb higher than last year's win here, but Portman is clearly sweet on her for this spot. Course form, trainer form, trip form. All the boxes are ticked.

Dino Bellagio at 10/3 is the each-way alternative in such a small field, though with only four runners, place terms are reduced and there is less appeal. Back Russian Rumour to win at 13/8.

Selection: Russian Rumour, 13/8 (Boyle Sports/Betfred/LiveScore Bet)

Today's NAP