Get fresh daily selections and a standout Nap of the Day from our in-house racing expert, Alan Kelly.
Looking to boost your bets? Discover the latest betting offers from the UK's best betting sites.
For live TV action, head to our ITV Racing Tips hub for expert picks on the biggest races, and explore Ryan Moore booked rides for detailed insights on one of flat racing's most successful jockeys.
Latest Profit & Loss Figures
A frustrating end to last week with narrowly beaten seconds at 11/1 (backed into 9/4), 5/2, 11/1 (Nap) and 20/1. Winners at 15/2 (Nap) and 13/2 helped to end the final week before the Cheltenham Festival with a small profit of +£4.90, although things could have been so much better.
- P/L for the week ending Sunday, 8 March: +£4.90
- P/L for the year 2026 to date: +£70.17
- P/L for the year 2025: +£22.38
- P/L for the year 2024: +£200.42
- P/L since 1st September 2022: +£570.83
Stable Stars
The new and exciting fantasy horse racing game STABLE STARS is now live on Free Bets!
Click below to play, or visit the Stable Stars hub for game information, plus terms and conditions!
Alan Kelly's Tips - Monday, 9 March
Cheltenham Festival week gets off to a quiet start with the afternoon jumps cards at Taunton, Plumpton and Stratford. Decent jumping ground is expected at all three venues.
3:20pm Stratford - Let It Rain (Nap)
In what is a big week for the Dan Skelton stable in their quest for a first trainers’ championship, the Warwickshire trainer can get his Cheltenham Festival week off to a good start with a victory for LET IT RAIN (Nap) in this Challenger Two Mile Series Qualifier.
The lightly-raced daughter of Kayf Tara, following a cracking effort when finishing a close third in a handicap at Ascot just before Christmas, was sent off the 5/2 market leader for Newbury’s historic William Hill Hurdle (Premier Handicap) last month off today’s mark of 124, only for Harry Skelton’s mount to be pulled-up after failing to handle the heavy conditions at the Berkshire racecourse.
Today’s ground (soft, good to soft in places) will suit the unexposed seven-year-old much better. I will be disappointed if this promising mare is unable to outclass her 13 rivals in a race lacking any great depth. Warren Greatrex handicap debutante Looping d’Arc is second choice ahead of Comanche Magic from the Stuart Edmunds stable.
Recommendation: Let It Rain (Nap) - 5/2 with bet365
4:10pm Taunton - Walkinthepresent
A winner on his first two starts over fences at Exeter and Wincanton towards the end of last year before finishing a creditable 5th of 16 in an extended 3m 4f handicap at Windsor in January, all with jockey Dylan Johnston in the saddle, the Sam Thomas-trained Special John reverts back to the smaller obstacles for this Class 5 contest, on this occasion with Matt Griffiths doing the steering.
Special John’s regular partner switches to Neil Mulholland’s WALKINTHEPRESENT, and on his third outing in handicap company, the Walk In The Park gelding is expected to take plenty of beating. After three runs in novice company at odds of 100/1, 125/1 and 250/1, the seven-year-old was sent off the 5/2 market leader on his handicap debut at Uttoxeter in January.
After weakening to finish third on the soft ground, Walkinthepresent filled the same position at Chepstow three weeks later, this time going down by just over length to Katy Price’s Face d’Music with the fourth horse home some 16 lengths away. The winner went on to be beaten narrowly at Ffos Las last week, while the runner-up, Lightonthewing, went one better with a comfortable success in a chase at Exeter three days ago.
Off a 2lb higher mark, and in receipt of weight from all but two of his rivals in this modest contest, Walkinthepresent is fancied to provide another winner for a stable having a decent season. Today’s forecast good ground is yet another plus for the selection.
Recommendation: Walkinthepresent - 3/1 with bet365
* Betting odds correct at the time of publication. All odds are subject to changes.
Latest Horse Racing Tips, Stats & Trends
Check out more from the Freebets horse racing hub, including tips, stats, market movers and today’s racecards!
About Alan Kelly
A passionate follower of horse racing for over 50 years, Alan has enjoyed a 40-year career in the betting industry, 28 of which he spent running his betting shop as an owner/manager.
A successful punter with a keen eye for value, Alan has had many betting highlights, including a Scoop 6 win and has shown a consistent profit in the battle with bookmakers since joining Freebets.com in 2008.
You can follow Alan Kelly on X for more racing insight.
Latest Horse Racing News
