Friday's racing action comes from Carlisle and Chepstow, with several horses catching the eye for smaller stakes. At Carlisle, Kode Grey appears worth a punt despite his modest form. Tim Easterby's three-year-old showed little as a juvenile but ran well on handicap debut at Ripon, leading for much of the way before being beaten just over two lengths into third. That effort can be marked up given the lack of money for him, and his pedigree suggests the stiffer 6f at Carlisle may suit.
At Chepstow, Alpine Sierra arrives in cracking form for trainer Jim Goldie. The eight-year-old won easily over 1m3f at Hamilton earlier this month and followed up over 1m4½f at Musselburgh last time, unchallenged. Despite a 4lb penalty, he looks worth following over this stiff 1m3f.
Glorious Kitty, trained by Mick and David Easterby, finally broke her maiden at Ayr last time, tanking along up front over 1m. The four-year-old filly is unpenalised for that apprentice handicap win and has the same apprentice, Lewis Chalkley, claiming 7lb. Conditions are similar and the stiff uphill finish at Chepstow should suit.
In the novices' contest at Chepstow, preference is for Alfaraz, Andrew Balding's three-year-old who has progressed with each start. He finished second at Goodwood and Epsom last season, and despite a sixth on reappearance at Newbury, he may have improved after being too keen there. Kept to 1m2f, he can take advantage of more pace in this race.
