Explore top UK horse racing tips for Haydock Park’s Temple Stakes, Goodwood May Festival, and more with expert picks and value bets for key races this week.
This week, some of the best UK racing will take place at Haydock Park and Goodwood, including Group 2 sprints and key trials for upcoming classics. Whether you’re looking for value in high-profile events or hoping to catch a long-shot winner, these races promise plenty of excitement.
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Haydock Park – Temple Stakes Day (Saturday, 24 May)
- Betfred Temple Stakes (Group 2, 5f)
Haydock’s Temple Stakes is a fast-paced sprint that often attracts some of the top speedsters in Europe. The key contenders this year include Live In The Dream, the 2023 Nunthorpe winner, and Kerdos, the defending champion.
Betting Tip: Live In The Dream each-way. This sprinter is well-suited to Haydock’s fast ground, and his form in Group 1 sprints makes him a strong contender for the win. He has shown consistency and speed in recent outings and will be hard to beat. - Betfred Sandy Lane Stakes (Group 2, 6f, 3yo)
This is a crucial Commonwealth Cup trial for three-year-olds, and Inisherin has been impressive in recent months. However, Vandeek, last year’s runner-up, will be looking to make up for his recent loss.
Betting Tip: Inisherin to win. The form he showed last year was top class, and his strong finish in earlier races makes him the one to beat in this field.
Goodwood – May Festival (Friday, 23 May – Saturday, 24 May)
- Cocked Hat Stakes (Listed, 1m3f, 3yo colts)
This race is an important Derby trial for three-year-old colts. A colt with a strong finish here may be supplemented for the Derby, so look for any standout performances.
Betting Tip: If Godolphin’s colt wins impressively, consider a Derby flutter at long odds. A strong performance here could signal a top contender for the Epsom Classic. - Height of Fashion Stakes (Listed, 1m2f, 3yo fillies)
The Height of Fashion Stakes is one of the key Oaks trials, with fillies looking to secure their place in the Classic. Historically, fillies who perform well here go on to success at Royal Ascot.
Betting Tip: Look out for an unbeaten filly from a top yard. If one such filly is in the lineup, backing her to win is reasonable, as she could be a real contender for the Oaks.
Other Notable Races
- Festival Stakes, Goodwood (Listed, 1¼m, Friday 23 May)
Aafoor, a Qatari raider, could make a splash at Goodwood, and his odds will likely attract attention.
Betting Tip: If Aafoor runs and is well-backed, that confidence could be telling. Look for market moves on raceday. - Haydock Silver Bowl Handicap (1m, 3yo, Saturday 24 May)
This is one of the most competitive handicaps of the week, featuring a large field of three-year-olds.
Betting Tip: Consider backing a progressive horse carrying around 8-7 or 8-10 for an each-way bet. Trainers like Richard Fahey and William Haggas often perform well in these races.
Betting Strategy for Horse Racing
The Group 2 events at Haydock are a great focus for serious punters, especially the Temple Stakes and Sandy Lane Stakes. With the right mix of experienced and emerging talent, these races often provide great betting opportunities. Don’t overlook the Cocked Hat Stakes and Height of Fashion Stakes at Goodwood—these are classic trials where winners can go on to great success.
