Sweetspots: Normandy Barriere looks set to repeat Ascot win

Normandy Barriere (7.40 Ascot) won this race last year off 96 and is back down to the same mark in his repeat bid. William Buick, who rode him to success 12 months ago, is on board again.

Roger Varian’s overall strike-rate of 20 per cent is solid, but that rises to 24 per cent with those running for the first time since being gelded. Daira Prince has his first run since the operation in the 6.45 at Nottingham.

Friday cards

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Warren Greatrex has a 29 per cent with bumper debutants and is 1-1 with such runners at Market Rasen. Encore Champs looks worthy of support on his bumper debut in the 5.30.

Charlie Appleby boasts an impressive 32 per cent strike-rate with three-year-old newcomers and is 9-17 (53 per cent) with those making their debut on Lingfield’s turf track. Duchess Of Berry goes in the 2.15 at the Surrey track.