There have been some positive signs in recent days that, although it has taken until halfway through April, spring is finally about to land. We’re now starting to see some ‘good’ in the going descriptions at various courses and it’s a most welcome development.
There’s some excellent racing action on Friday, with Ayr and Newbury taking centre stage and horse racing tips from all three racecourses this afternoon. We’ve taken a close look at Friday’s cards and picked out three strong fancies, including an eye-catchingly well-handicapped horse running at Ayr.
2.50 Ayr – Hillhouse Quarry Handicap Chase
It’s Day 1 of Ayr’s Scottish Grand National meeting and there’s plenty of competitive handicap action to sink your teeth into. Both Dan Skelton and Paul Nicholls will be seeking prize money to fight back against Willie Mullins in the trainers’ title, and it’s the former that is expected to come out on top in this £50,000 event.
JET PLANE (2.50) is chasing a hat-trick, having been a comfortable winner in his last two starts. It was a little perplexing that the handicapper only put him up 2lb for winning at Sandown in March and he made no mistake when following up in dominant style at Market Rasen next time.
The handicapper has attempted to rectify his mistake with a 9lb rise due, but Jet Plane instead runs under a 5lb penalty here. It’s very difficult to take him on with that in mind and it could be a while before the assessor catches up with him at this rate.
3.45 Newbury – Compton Beauchamp Estates Ltd Silver Bar Handicap
Newbury’s Guineas trials take place on Saturday but there’s some very competitive action to savour on Friday first. This is a fascinating staying handicap with a fairly sizable prize pot on offer. There are numerous form lines to consider as Flat specialists clash with dual-purpose horses.
METIER (3.45) has produced some high level form across both codes and was victorious in the prestigious Chester Cup over an extended 2m2f when last seen in handicap company on the Flat. A 4lb higher mark shouldn’t be too taxing and it would be a surprise if he isn’t bang in the mix once again.
Harry Fry’s gelding was a little disappointing when a well-beaten seventh in the Group 1 Prix Royal-Oak at Longchamp in October but a return to handicaps should suit. Fitness won’t be an issue for him as he warmed up for this with a spin over hurdles in the Imperial Cup at Sandown last month.
While a mark of 101 certainly isn’t a freebie, the evidence suggests that he should be very competitive and a return to winning ways is anticipated at Newbury.
5.45 Bath – Whitsbury Manor Stud / British EBF Lansdown Stakes (Listed)
The racing at Bath on Friday is overall a mixed bag, but the feature race of the day has to be the Listed Lansdown Stakes. With the going description currently good, there should be no excuses with regards to underfoot conditions.
One horse that seems to go on almost any ground is ADAAY IN DEVON (5.45) and Rod Millman’s three-year-old was a very easy winner over course and distance in a handicap last time out. The ground was heavy that day, but she has won on good to soft before and isn’t expected to be inconvenienced by the faster going here. Her 10lb allowance could make all the difference at Bath and it’s an important factor to consider.
She was a clear second to a smart Charlie Appleby prospect in a Listed race at Newmarket in November and seems to have improved as a three-year-old. There could be loads more to come from her and she has more than earned another shot at this level.
Friday Horse Racing Tips
2.50 Ayr – Jet Plane
3.45 Newbury – Metier
5.45 Bath – Adaay in Devon
Please note that the information provided in this article is for entertainment purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided. Any action you take upon the information on this article is strictly at your own risk, and we will not be liable for any losses and damages in connection with the use of our article. We do not encourage gambling and remind you to gamble responsibly.
18+ | BeGambleAware.org
Supercharge your bets with kwiff.
