The cold snap has arrived, but racing still goes ahead.

With a massive weekend of racing, let’s warm-up for the weekend with my best horse racing betting tips and the best online horse racing bookmakers to make your Thursday betting tips a winning one.

Best bets for Thursday horse racing

• Thurles 12:35 Caesar Rock 15/8
• Thurles 1:05 Baltinglass Hill 9/2 each way
• Thurles 2:05 Grooveykindoflove 2/1

Thurles 12:35 – Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase (2m6½f)

He may have yet to win in 17 attempts over fences, but this could be the day that CAESAR ROCK finally gets his head in front.

He has plenty of chasing experience and was a good second last time out at Limerick. He may get his own way up top here, and if he can get into an early rhythm early on, he may be able to put Jigoro’s jumping to the test on his first chase start.

Yes, Jigoro will likely end up doing much better things than Caesar Rock, but race fitness and chasing experience can be valuable here.

• Current Betting: Jigoro 4/6, Caesar Rock 15/8, Drumgill 9/1, That’s About Right 25/1, Haveuseentherain 100/1

Bet on Caesar Rock with Paddy Power

Thurles 1:05 – www.thurlesraces.ie Handicap Chase (2m½f)

In a wide-open handicap, a chance is taken that the lightly weighted BALTINGLASS HILL.

He performed well behind Ceanndana last time at Sligo on only his second chase start.

With Tiernan Power Roache’s seven pounds removed from his back, Balingglass Hill officially has a racing weight of ten stone four pounds.

It is likely that he can progress even more over fences on just his third start over the larger obstacles and take full advantage of his racing weight.

• Current Betting: Someone’s Wish 10/3, Baltinglass Hill horse 9/2, Must Be Dreaming 5/1, Freddiw Robdal 7/1, Andyuorbirdcansing 8/1, Itsalinglongroad 8/1, 10/1 bar.

Bet on Baltinglass Hill each way with bet365

Thurles 2:05 – Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle (2m7f)

GROOVEYKINDOFLOVE has finished second on her last three outings, but the perfect race may have finally been found to get off the mark.

She has done very little wrong in her last two starts as she just looked to stay on at the one pace in the closing stages.

The step up in trip here should help, as should the addition of first-time cheekpieces, which may eke out that extra bit more needed.

Being a non-winner means that she will also have the benefit of receiving up to eight pounds off six of her rivals, and if she can’t put her rivals away today, she may find it hard to get off the mark anytime soon.

• Current Betting: Grooveykindoflove 2/1, Reina Del Mar 9/4, Meet My Loreley 4/1, Filusin 9/2, Ad Caelum 16/1, Paudies Wings 14/1, 40/1 bar.

Bet on Grooveykindoflove with Betano

About the author

Andrew Halligan

My name is Andrew Halligan, horse racing pundit and founder of YouTube’s The Finishing Line Podcast. Horse racing is a thrilling spectacle that captivates audiences around the world with its blend of drama and excitement. Whether you’re a jumps or flat fan, I will use my experience of working within the horse racing industry to bring the best of what this sport has to offer.

You can follow Andrew on X (@Halligan88).

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