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

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

Ascot

3.45: Carolus Magnus

Andrew Balding would appear to be sitting pretty with the standout contenders. As he showed at the Shergar Cup, Carolus Magnus is not held back by his tough mark in these classified races and he can have the measure of stablemate Al Marmar, who has perked up in a big way since being gelded. Alistair Jones

Down Royal

6.10: Sheishybrid

A 2m Tramore handicap run can provide the key Sheishybrid enjoys a slight edge over Dark Voyager and has won over hurdles since. Scenic Look is a recent course winner over hurdles and now bids to supplement a Flat success gained at Galway. Another versatile type Rich Belief is also worth considering in this test of stamina. Alan Sweetman

Haydock

5.18: Desert Quest

Most of these hold plenty of interest. Desert Quest can complete the hat-trick, though, by finding further improvement following the 1m5f and 1m6f wins on his last two outings. The fitness of Melakaz is a question following his 202-day layoff but he's feared most given what he showed for his Lingfield AW hat-trick. Shibuya Song has been on the up recently, is likely to stay and represents Ed Walker who won this race in 2018, 2019 and 2021. Richard Austen

Kempton

8.55: Mercian Hymn

Dropped 6lb off the back of three turf starts this summer and now only 5lb higher than when bolting up over C&D last winter, Mercian Hymn is fancied back on the AW. The unexposed Shared should appreciate the stiffer test now handicapping back from a break, likewise Taskheer as long as he settles better than has often been the case. Graham Wheldon

Kilbeggan

5.30: Carrarea

This looks like a good opportunity for Carrarea who was running well in competitive/valuable handicaps when last seen over jumps and his recent Flat outing was probably just a tune up for this. High City Roller could be an improver stepping up in trip and he's the main danger to the selection. Phill Anderson

Newcastle

4.01: Rocket Rod

Although the latest rise in the handicap asks more of him, it should still be worth sticking with Rocket Rod to complete a four-timer. Desert Land could emerge as his most serious opponent, while Hear Me Roar and Billy Wedge can battle for minor honours. Jonathan Doidge

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