Nap of the day: best horse racing tips for the day's five meetings

Thursday's best bets from the Racing Post's unbeatable Spotlights team

Carlisle

2.10: Royal Arcade

The step back up in trip could be just what the lightly raced Royal Arcade needs, and he's taken to add to last March's novice hurdle win here. The mare Without Conviction retains potential and is next on the list ahead of last-time-out Kelso winner Upandatit.
Ben Hutton

Newcastle

7.30: Blackcurrent

Another competitive sprint. Amasova, Porfin and Tanasoq all come into the reckoning but Blackcurrent showed a willing attitude to win here two weeks ago and for a 5f sprint this doesn't look overloaded with early dash. A 2lb rise may underestimate what he achieved last time.
Paul Smith

Southwell

3.30: Western Music

The sole 3yo Thatsthefinest has shown that he knows how to win which is more than can be said for many of these. He is worthy of respect, but preference is for Western Music who won well over C&D on his penultimate start and looked unlucky not to go closer in a 0-60 at Newcastle last time. Arzaak and Jack Ryan are hard to win with, but both have been running with credit in similar events lately.
David Bellingham

Thurles

1.50: Explosive Boy

A bang average contest but a few with chances. Yabo might not be far away if returning to her Fairyhouse form, while Galon De Vauzelle should be thereabouts. The one that makes most appeal is Explosive Boy who would have finished closer with a bit more luck at Fairyhouse and can land this.
Justin O'Hanlon

Wincanton

4.55: Lanspark

If one or two with points to prove can bounce back this could develop into a very competitive race for its grade. However, the way Lanspark won last time suggests that an 8lb rise may not prevent him from completing a hat-trick. Nickelsonthedime looks a potential improver over this trip, while Flowing Cadenza is a player if matching her latest effort. Of the remainder, handicap debutant Rideau Canal looks interesting.
Jonathan Doidge

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