Friday's Newbury Horse Racing Tips: Expert Analysis and Best Bets
The Independent's journalism receives support from readers, and commission may be earned from links to other sites. Our horse racing correspondent Jonathan Doidge provides detailed analysis for Friday's card at Newbury, focusing on the final four races of the day. Here are the expert tips for April 17th, 2026, with betting odds and insights.
Newbury Tips Overview for Friday 17th April
Friday's racing at Newbury offers a thrilling day on the level, with significant potential value across betting sites. The card features competitive fields, and our correspondent has identified four key selections with attractive odds. Below is a breakdown of each pick, including reasoning and recommended stakes.
Super Shabab Can Take Turf by Storm
A compelling novice event highlights the Newbury card, and while caution is advised due to several interesting runners, SHABAB AL AHLI stands out as a promising contender. This Godolphin colt, purchased for 500,000gns as a yearling, boasts an impressive pedigree by Frankel and out of Group 3 winner Koora.
On his debut at Southwell in February over 1m3f on the All Weather, he dominated by more than eight lengths under Conor Planas. With William Buick now taking the ride and Charlie Appleby's team in strong early-season form, this three-year-old is poised for a winning turf debut. The odds of 5/4 from bet365 reflect his potential.
Newbury tip 1: Shabab Al Ahli – 1pt win @ 5/4 (bet365)
Sweet Smell of Success for Lavender Hill Mob
This stayers' contest features a dead eight declaration, creating opportunities for value bets. While Classical Allusion is the pre-race favourite due to his unexposed and improving form, LAVENDER HILL MOB offers more attractive prices at 16/1 from BOYLE Sports.
Trained by James Owen, this five-year-old has proven ability over 1m4f on good ground, winning a decent Newmarket handicap last May and performing well in Listed company later in the season. He enters Friday's race just 2lb higher than that win, with the handicapper giving him a chance. Despite a less impressive run at Kempton last time, the 5lb claim by his pilot adds appeal for a small each-way play.
Newbury tip 2: Lavender Hill Mob – 0.5pts each-way @ 16/1 (BOYLE Sports)
Astrazar Suits Handicap Test
The 7f handicap appears wide open, and ASTRAZAR emerges as a value pick at double-figure odds on certain betting apps. Trained by Ed Walker, this son of Starman was gelded post-season and showed positive form at the end of last campaign.
After breaking his duck at Ffos Las over 7.5f on heavy ground in September, he followed up with a win in the British EBF £100,000 final at York over 7f on good ground, despite traffic issues. Conditions and trip suit him well, and with his trainer's string in reasonable form, he is expected to perform strongly first time out at odds of 10/1 from William Hill.
Newbury tip 3: Astrazar – 1pt each-way @ 10/1 (William Hill)
Change Sings Can Hit the Right Notes
The final race of the day features a big field, and CHANGE SINGS is selected to deliver a strong performance. Trained by Eve Johnson-Houghton, this gelding has been consistently competitive on both turf and All Weather without frequent wins.
His recent reappearance at Kempton over 6f on the All Weather was encouraging after a 229-day break, and he should now be fully fit. He has a good record at Newbury, including a third over 7f on good ground and a close second in this race last year from a 2lb higher mark. At odds of 6/1 from BetMGM, he is well-treated and worth an each-way bet for added security.
Newbury tip 4: Change Sings – 1pt each-way @ 6/1 (BetMGM)
Gamble Responsibly: Essential Advice
If you are placing bets on Friday's racing, it is crucial to practice responsible gambling. Betting can be addictive, so always stay in control whether using online bookmakers, casino sites, or other platforms. Never view gambling as a way to make money, avoid betting more than you can afford, and stop when the fun ends.
Gambling sites provide tools such as deposit limits, profit and loss trackers, and self-exclusion options to help maintain control. Be cautious with free bets or casino bonuses, and seek help if needed from organisations like the NHS, GamCare, or Gamblers Anonymous.
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