Horse Racing Tips Today – Ed Quigley’s Best Bets for Saturday 9 May

Written By Gareth Hinton | Published at May 9, 2026

The finish of a race at Nottingham Races in front of a crowd shouting the racehorses home : Colwick Park, Nottingham Racecourse, UK : 28 June 2018 : Pic Mick Atkins

We have some cracking Racing in-store, and Ed Quigley is back with his best bets on what should be an action-packed Saturday...

Haydock 12.45 - Harbour Lake e/w

I think this could go the way of last year's winner Harbour Lake, who thrives with the combination of a flat, left-handed track and spring ground. He scrambled home by a neck in this contest last year, so we know he operates at this track, and he gets to race this time around off just a 1lb higher mark. The Alan King team have been ticking over nicely, and with conditions to suit once again, he looks more than capable of getting involved at the business end of proceedings. He has performed well in defeat this season, and looks as though he will have been geared towards defending his crown here. Tom Bellamy takes the ride on this evergreen 10-year-old who I think could be the value option to run a big race once again for the Barbury Castle outfit in what looks a fairly wide-open looking contest.

Haydock 1.15 - Tellherthename

The combination of spring ground and a flat track look ideal for the enigmatic Tellhername, who looks as though he has been primed for this assignment. The horse is now with his third yard under rules, having made his debut for the Dan Skelton team in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham last month. In a race where it appeared that there seemed to be a bit of a pace bias towards those at the head of affairs, he produced an eye-catching performance after being held-up. He was only beaten 8 lengths at the line, and that race gave the indication that he could be well handicapped given he is in the right scenario. This type of race should suit better, and he should be spot-on for this encounter. The hood that was worn down to post at Prestbury Park is retained here, and that should allow him to switch off in this big field. I expect Harry Skelton to play his cards late, and from a mark of 133, this lightly-raced 7-year-old has the scope to improve beyond that rating. He gets the nod from me for the Warwickshire handler.

Lingfield 1.58 - Maltese Cross

As ever, this race is full of unexposed sorts who will be looking to lay down a marker and throw their hat in the ring as a potential Classic winner, with the Epsom Derby only 3 weeks away. Maho Bay is bound to be popular defending an unbeaten record, and there is more than likely plenty of improvement in the locker for Isaac Newton. However, I am siding with the William Haggas trained Maltese Cross. The son of Sea The Stars has won his last two starts, and tasted success when tackling 10f for the first time at Newbury when last seen. He needed every yard of the 10f to get up and land the glory on that occasion, and from both a visual perspective and on pedigree, he looks a natural fit to blossom now stepping up in distance once again. The Haggas team are in fine fettle at the moment, and the excellent Tom Marquand will be in the saddle on board this promising type who has the tools to deliver at this level. He looks to have major claims of making it three wins on the spin on ground that should suit.

Ascot 2.20 - The Wizard Of Eye e/w

As ever, the Victoria Cup is a trappy encounter, with many individuals in with a decent chance if they can produce their best on the day. With that in mind, I am looking at an each-way play to get in the mix, and I wouldn't rule out a big run from previous winner The Wizard Of Eye. Victorious in this race in 2024, he has been a bit underwhelming in his most recent efforts, but he goes well fresh so arriving here after a 187-day layoff looks like good preparation. It is also worth noting that off a BHA rating of 99 he is now back on the same mark as when landing this two years ago, so he is being given a chance by the assessor. Neil Callan takes the ride, and The Wizard Of Eye should enjoy the switch back to turf after plying his trade on an artificial surface when last seen. He gets the vote from me as an each-way player where he could easily get involved at the business end of proceedings at an attractive price.