Friday's UK racing action is headlined by the opening day of the prestigious Coral Gold Cup meeting at Newbury, where our tipster Newsboy has identified his best bets across the cards.
Newbury's Feature Races Analysed
The spotlight falls on Newbury for a quality afternoon of jumps racing. In the feature Grade 2 Coral Long Distance Hurdle (3.00), Newsboy believes Impose Toi is ready to make his mark at this higher level. The seven-year-old, trained by Nicky Henderson, comes into this race off the back of a career-best performance, defying top weight in a three-mile handicap hurdle at Aintree just 20 days ago.
Having shown progressive form over staying trips last season, there is a strong conviction that there is more to come from the horse. Ridden by Nico de Boinville, Impose Toi gets the nod to prevent Strong Leader from securing back-to-back victories in the contest.
Confident Chasers and Handicap Prospects
The supporting card at the Berkshire track also offers compelling betting opportunities. Regent's Stroll is fancied to make a winning debut over the larger obstacles in the Grade 2 Coral John Francome Novices' Chase (1.50). This selection is based on a promising end to his hurdling career, where he was only beaten a half-length when second in Aintree's Mersey Novices' Hurdle.
In the "Join Coral Bet £10 Get £50" Handicap Chase (2.25), Heltenham is put forward as the best bet of the day. A significant factor is the horse's slip down the weights, making him an attractively handicapped runner. Meanwhile, I'm A Lumberjack is tipped for the Coral "Pipped-At-The-Post" Payouts Handicap Hurdle (3.35), with his excellent record when fresh suggesting he will run a big race.
All-Weather Action at Southwell
The focus shifts to the all-weather at Southwell for the evening fixture. Newsboy agrees that Shader is a worthy favourite for the Listed Midnite Churchill Stakes (2.40). However, in the Listed Midnite Golden Rose Stakes (3.15), the market leader Marshman is considered vulnerable, with Royal Zabeel tipped to cause an upset.
Friday's Full Selection List
Here is Newsboy's complete rundown of selections for Friday's UK racing:
NEWBURY
12.15 Harbour Island
12.45 Captain Bellamy
1.15 Highland Crystal
1.50 Regent's Stroll
2.25 Heltenham (Next Best)
3.00 Impose Toi (Nap)
3.35 I'm A Lumberjack
SOUTHWELL
2.40 Shader
3.15 Royal Zabeel
3.45 Raging Raj
4.15 Frantic
4.45 Moon Beginnings
5.15 My Fermoy
5.45 Vince Lombardi
6.15 Tryfan
6.45 Blinky
MUSSELBURGH
12.05 Arctic Voyage
12.35 Heaven Smart
1.05 Chanonry Point
1.38 Parisian Fashion
2.13 Independent Jimmy
2.48 Purple Gown
3.20 Snow Dragon
DONCASTER
11.55 Doctor Kildare
12.25 Aqua Bleu
12.55 Gillespie
1.27 Bugise Seagull
2.02 Tapley
2.33 Inion Tiogair
3.08 See The Green
DOUBLE: Impose Toi and Heltenham
