Thursday Lucky 15 Tips: Fingers crossed for a Phoenix Night

A cracking winner to report from yesterday, advised at 5/1 but returned at a whopping 17/2, plus a placed horse. Our e/w Lucky 15 return didn't quite cover our outlay (£5.78 against a stake of £7.50), but we were right in the thick of it.

Today's action comes from Hereford (jumps), and there's all-weather racing from Lingfield and Newcastle. It's to the Tapeta surface in the north-eat that I'm going for today's Lucky 15 suggestion.

This is an example of how to put together a Lucky 15 - if you can improve upon my selections (of course you can), then go for it!

The odds can fluctuate between publishing our pieces and race-time. As a guide, a £0.50p win Lucky 15 on today's selections, at the prices, and assuming all four won, would return around £860 for your total £7.50 stake.

Popular legend confirms that Fred, 'The Bonus King,' invented the 'Lucky' series of bets and their bonuses. Want the lowdown - all the ins and outs? My colleague Adam has set out all you need to know with this handy guide - take a look by clicking here.

17.10 - Hale End @ 5/2

Hale End won impressively at Hamilton in June and has probably been paying for the subsequent 10lb hike ever since.

The 4-yr-old gelding is trained by the superb Michael Dods, and Cliff Lee is on board. Hale End is extremely consistent at this trip and grade, and is down now to a more workable mark of 71 from that high of 74.

Last time at Wolves under this jock he was beaten less than 2l, enduring a difficult passage up the home straight. Dropped a pound for that, for me he's bang there on his first visit to Newcastle - but has shown Tapeta mastery at the aforementioned Midlands venue so I don't envisage any issues there. Terrific chance.

18.10 - Mereside Madness @ 11/2

A 6f sprint, and a 3-yr-old gelding in the yard of David and Nicola Barron. The great D Barron has been synonymous with good horses, especially sprinters, for decades. He now operates from his base near Thirsk with daughter Nicola on the training ticket, and runners from this address are always worthy of the mightiest respect.

Mereside Madness ran in three summer maidens, was gelded, and now reappears on a lowly initial mark of 60. His sire Buratino won the Coventry at Royal Ascot at today's trip, and given the connections I'd like to be on the right side of this one.

19.10 - Phoenix Star @ 13/2

A vastly-experienced 8-yr-old sprinter who's won here before.

Scored off a mark of 55, claimer-ridden, back in September, and lines up here off 57. Equally-experienced Lewis Edmunds is in the plate, and this one rings the changes between 5f and 6f - it's six today.

Last time over five at this track he was tardily away and finished well. I don't think he's enjoyed the rub of the green in recent outings and can be very competitive tonight.

Drawn nine, he can be buried away and challenge late and hopefully fast up the stands' rail, where he'll need that little bit of luck to secure a clear passage.

Cracking basement-level sprint handicap.

19.40 - Ignac Lamar @ 4/1

Division 2 of the previous sprint, and a selection in the care of noted East Renfrewshire trainer Jim Goldie.

A 4-yr-old son of the speedy Dandy Man, Ignac Lamar only joined Goldie from Rod Milliman in October, and has had three spins for new connections. They'll know more now.

Travelled beautifully last time, and finished a solid third. The handicapper has helpfully dropped him a pound too, which is certainly no hindrance.

A year ago he won off 68 at Southwell, and lines up off 60 today. The superb Cliff Lee is in the plate, and has in my book an excellent chance of success.

Lucky 15 tips, from Betfred Insights.