Today's Horse Racing Tips (July 17th)

Today's Horse Racing Tips (July 17th)

Check out today's tips from meetings at Hamilton, Leicester, Chepstow, Worcester, Epsom, Killarney and Leopardstown.

3:22 Hamilton

Wellman Cars Private Hire Almada Mile Handicap

SALLAAL - 10/11

Sallaal looks the one to beat in this Class 2 handicap on his first run in such company. Beautifully bred and with a C&D novice win already under his belt, he arrives with serious potential and a profile that suggests better is yet to come. That form has since been boosted by the placed horses and this lightly raced colt who still holds a Great Voltigeur entry, should relish a return to a mile, especially with conditions likely to suit. His opening mark looks fair and this could be a stepping stone to bigger targets.

Theoryofeverything made a sharp return to form after wind surgery when winning at Ayr earlier this month and is respected under a 5lbs penalty. He’s already a winner at this track and remains well treated if reproducing that soft-ground effort. Rhythm Master continues to run well in defeat and rarely finishes far away, but his strike rate tempers confidence for win purposes. Sailthisshipalone arrives off a solid third in the Carlisle Bell but will need a career best off a higher mark, while Brave Emperor remains something of a wildcard returning to British handicaps after globe-trotting exploits.

Verdict: SALLAAL looks a colt of real promise and can make a successful transition to handicap company. Theoryofeverything rates the clear danger if the ground eases, while Rhythm Master should again be in the mix without necessarily finding the winning edge.

3:33 Leicester

Private Boxes For Best View @leicesterraces Classified Stakes

B ASSOCIATES - 11/4

B Associates could prove the answer in this low-grade 6f classified, particularly with the return to turf and a more favourable draw. He was a dual 6f winner for James Owen earlier this year and shaped better than the result on his recent return to the yard, when drawn wide and never landing a blow on the all-weather. Now back on grass and reunited with Paddy Bradley, he looks well placed to bounce back in a modest contest lacking standout rivals.

Malham Tarn Cove returned to form when staying on for third over 5f here last month and could go well again back up to 6f, while Rock Master is consistent at this level and holds form lines with a few of these. Sugar Kane has fewer miles on the clock and wasn’t disgraced at Brighton recently, suggesting she could be in the shake-up again. Long-term maiden Miss Cast has shown flashes but remains opposable for win purposes.

Verdict: B ASSOCIATES makes appeal back on turf and could return to winning ways with conditions to suit. Malham Tarn Cove and Rock Master are the obvious threats, while Sugar Kane remains a lively each-way option in an open affair.

3:45 Chepstow

Bailey Family Handicap

PAPABELLA - 7/2

Papabella was a smooth winner over C&D last month when collaring Connie’s Rose late on and she’s fancied to confirm that form back on turf with Oisin Murphy taking over in the saddle. Things didn’t go her way at Kempton last time when pulling hard early, but that effort is easy enough to forgive given her recent progress on grass. Now returning to a favoured trip and track, she has strong claims in a race where most hold chances.

Saffredi is 2lbs well-in under a penalty and has produced two solid turf runs since cheekpieces were applied, including a career best when a close third at Newbury last week. He looks sure to go well again. Rory Rocket makes his handicap debut after three runner-up finishes in novice company and could easily take a step forward with that experience under his belt. Em Four continues to shape as though his current mark is within reach, while course specialist Connie’s Rose can’t be dismissed, especially now 3lbs better off with Papabella.

Verdict: PAPABELLA can bounce back from her Kempton run with conditions in her favour and a top jockey booked. Saffredi looks the main danger on recent evidence, while Rory Rocket is respected on handicap debut.

4:50 Chepstow

Trade Centre Wales Handicap

SPIRIT OF THE BAY - 4/1

Spirit Of The Bay looks well positioned to strike in a race where many rivals arrive with something to prove. She’s now 18lbs below her last winning mark and shaped with plenty of encouragement when second to a progressive three-year-old at Redcar in May. That was her first start in over six months, so natural improvement is expected and it’s worth remembering her only previous run at Chepstow resulted in a commanding win. With conditions to suit and Luke Morris booked, she holds strong claims in a winnable race.

Forest Hills arrives in decent nick and is effective at the trip. A solid second at Ffos Las last month behind an improver suggests he’ll go close if the pace is honest. Cotswold Cottage is the most intriguing contender, returning from a break for a new yard after scoring impressively on handicap debut last autumn. Market support would be significant. Cloudside Rock remains a maiden but has shown enough at Kempton to suggest he could play a part if things fall his way, while Carp Kid won this race in both 2022 and 2023 but looks vulnerable based on recent form and a quick turnaround.

Verdict: SPIRIT OF THE BAY can capitalise on her falling mark and build on a promising reappearance. Forest Hills is respected, while Cotswold Cottage could be the joker in the pack on stable debut.

5:40 Worcester

eventmasters.co.uk Royal Ascot 2026 On Sale Handicap Chase

HENRY BOX BROWN - 10/3

Henry Box Brown is taken to turn the tables on King Of The Story after finishing runner-up to that rival over C&D two weeks ago. He was doing all his best work late that day and now meets the winner on 6lbs better terms. A dual course winner over this trip, he’s proven under these conditions and looks primed to go one better with that recent run under his belt.

King Of The Story looked a different horse when powering clear here last time and is respected despite the 6lbs rise, though consistency hasn’t always been his strong suit. Deal Em High carries a penalty for winning over C&D just 10 days ago and is effectively 1lb well-in despite that, but his profile suggests he's not the most reliable. Rathmacknee hinted at a revival last time and could sneak into the frame if building on that effort, while Sir Jack West is entitled to improve for his return run here.

Verdict: HENRY BOX BROWN was finishing strongly behind King Of The Story last time and can reverse the placings on better terms. Deal Em High is a threat if backing up his latest effort, while the improving King Of The Story is respected.

6:30 Epsom

Steve Donoghue Handicap

JIFF’S ARMY - 9/4

Jiff’s Army has shown a clear liking for this unique track and looks poised to strike after a close third over C&D just last week. That effort signalled a return to form and with the addition of cheekpieces today, he may find the extra spark needed to go one better. Stuart Williams’ three-year-old is on a fair mark and having run well here as a juvenile too, has more going for him than most in a wide-open handicap.

Tex shaped well when fourth over 1m2f here recently, travelling strongly before fading late. This return to 1m1f should suit and he remains a threat in first-time cheekpieces. Buy The Dip can be forgiven a poor effort last time when hampered at the start and has solid C&D form in the book. Local Bay and Platinum Prince are capable on their day and both have past form at the course, while Royal Pleasure is risky but not without a squeak if breaking on terms.

Verdict: With Epsom experience and recent C&D form, JIFF’S ARMY can go one better. Tex is a serious danger with conditions to suit, while Buy The Dip appeals as a bounce-back candidate.

6:45 Worcester

eventmasters.co.uk Supporting Prostate Cancer UK Handicap Hurdle

KOPA KILANA - 11/8

Transferred to the Olly Murphy yard after a consistent spell with Maurice Barnes, Kopa Kilana makes plenty of appeal off a workable mark. He ran with credit on his return in a Hexham seller and now debuts for a yard adept at improving new recruits. Still a maiden over hurdles, he placed regularly last season and has form that suggests a race of this nature is within reach. With Sean Bowen booked, connections look to mean business.

Ez Tiger arrives in top form, having made all over C&D last month. He had things his own way that day, but clearly retains plenty of ability and should give it another bold go from the front. Zafaan is lightly raced over hurdles and followed up a strong runner-up finish at Southwell with a win on the Flat. He must be respected if turning out quickly after a respectable effort at Bath yesterday. Mix Of Clover has bits of form that would make him a player, especially back over hurdles, while Play Pretend hasn’t built on his debut success and now has a bit to prove.

Verdict: KOPA KILANA can make a winning start for Olly Murphy in a race lacking depth. Ez Tiger should ensure a solid pace, while Zafaan is an intriguing contender if the quick turnaround suits.

7:10 Killarney

Dr. Ivo O'Sullivan Memorial Handicap Hurdle

THE BANGER DOYLE - 5/2

The Banger Doyle is knocking firmly on the door and can gain a deserved reward back over hurdles. He’s been runner-up on his last three starts, including a narrow defeat at Tipperary where he finished strongly behind a useful type. Although yet to win over timber, he's now operating from a significantly reduced hurdles mark compared to his chase rating and has shown he handles varied ground. With Patrick M O'Brien claiming 7lbs, this looks an ideal opportunity to get off the mark in this sphere.

Sharetheknowledge has been consistently knocking on the door in handicap company and should appreciate the drop back in trip. He was an unlucky loser at Limerick and looks the main danger. Star Official arrives in solid form and is holding his mark well, while Miss Maxfort showed signs of a revival at Tipperary last time and has previous winning form in similar conditions. Granpa Ger ran a career best last month but needs to prove himself on slower ground.

Verdict: THE BANGER DOYLE is a well-handicapped chaser returning to hurdles and can finally get his head in front. Sharetheknowledge looks the one to chase him home, while Star Official and Miss Maxfort could also be involved in the places.

7:25 Leopardstown

Dublin To Bahrain Handicap

ESHERANN - 2/1

Esherann is open to significant improvement on handicap debut and looks well placed to follow up his Naas maiden win now tackling a longer trip. He was strong at the finish that day, reeling in a hot favourite with the pair pulling clear and the form has a solid look to it. With a workable opening mark and cheekpieces retained, this unexposed three-year-old should have more to offer over 1m1f.

Onemoredance arrives in top form having won two of her last three starts over this trip, including an authoritative success at Tipperary a fortnight ago. She’s been hit with a 10lbs rise but remains a danger with Rory Mulligan’s 7lbs claim offsetting most of the damage. Dancing Teapot was pitched into deep waters at Royal Ascot last time but is better judged on her maiden win at Gowran and the return to calmer waters could bring a better showing. Molto Amichi is still a maiden but has gone close in handicaps and maidens alike this summer and makes some appeal back at Leopardstown, where he’s run well before. Longbourn, last year’s winner of this race, has been below par in 2025 but lurks just 1lb above that winning mark.

Verdict: ESHERANN created a good impression at Naas and appeals as a well-handicapped improver now stepped up in trip. Onemoredance and Dancing Teapot are the pick of the other three-year-olds, while Molto Amichi has claims if repeating recent form.

7:35 Epsom

Miles Andrews Ladies' Derby Handicap (For Female Amateur Jockeys)

SECRET BEACH - 11/8

Secret Beach stands out at the weights and looks hard to oppose after winning well at York just six days ago. He escapes a penalty for that success and is effectively 7lbs ahead of the handicapper, giving him a clear edge in this Ladies' Derby. This longer trip holds no fears and with Lauren Frost booked again, he has a strong chance to go back-to-back. Stablemate Gordon Grey, who landed this race last year, returned to winning ways over hurdles last month and is second on the shortlist. One Cool Dreamer could also figure if building on his Newbury effort in May and recent runner-up effort over hurdles, while Pride Of Nepal is no stranger to this type of contest and often runs well for Sarah Bowen.

Verdict: SECRET BEACH arrives 7lbs well-in and is difficult to oppose in this amateur riders' event. Gordon Grey and One Cool Dreamer rate the most serious threats.

8:05 Epsom

Miles Commercial Handicap

CRIMSON SPIRIT - EVS

Crimson Spirit arrives in flying form and looks primed to complete a hat-trick after wins at Salisbury and Brighton. He showed plenty of tenacity last time and still appears to be improving, despite climbing the weights. With proven form over this C&D and Richard Kingscote back in the saddle, he holds strong claims of going in again.

Mafnood has found consistency this season and finished a close second over C&D a fortnight ago. He’s been edged out more than once but should be in the mix again. Brave Empire was just behind Mafnood in that race and is 2lbs better off here, so he could get even closer with Silvestre De Sousa taking over. Revolutionise is a reliable old hand who returned to form with a near-miss at Brighton and should run another honest race.

Verdict: CRIMSON SPIRIT is thriving and looks capable of completing the three-timer. Mafnood and Brave Empire are closely matched on recent Epsom form, while Revolutionise is never far away.

8:30 Leopardstown

Irish Champions Festival Handicap

OB LA DI - 11/2

Ob La Di has been shaping better than her form figures suggest and looks ready to strike now stepped back up in trip. She wasn't beaten far in a stronger contest at Down Royal last time and this return to 1m5f could unlock more, having won over a similar distance at Bellewstown last season. With cheekpieces now removed and conditions to suit, she’s an appealing option in a wide-open finale.

Tatum has hit form this summer with a C&D win followed by a runner-up effort at Fairyhouse. She remains fairly treated and is expected to be thereabouts again. Miss Nifty caused a stir with a wide-margin 66/1 win at Naas last time and has been hiked 11lbs as a result, she’s respected but now faces a deeper field. La Dame Blanche was unlucky at Tramore and is back on her last winning mark, while Los Toldos could go well at a price if rediscovering the form of his novice win for Godolphin.

Verdict: OB LA DI has more to offer at this trip and can bounce back in calmer waters. Tatum is rock-solid, while Miss Nifty and La Dame Blanche bring recent winning and placed form to the table.