The Punt Daily: Tom Collins' free horse racing tips on Friday afternoon

BANKER

(12.30 Newcastle)

Flat-bred gelding who shouldn't mind the conditions of this jumpers' bumper at Newcastle. Showed little on debut in October 2018 but put in a much improved effort in a similar race to this last February (only runner with form here), finishing well to take second at 33-1. Has continued his upward curve since then and won readily on hurdling debut last time despite not jumping with much fluency. Still has an entry in the Ballymore at the Cheltenham Festival next month and this can put him spot on for a bid at the Grade 1 novice contest, albeit he looks to have a slim chance if making the trip.

EYECATCHER

Sir Hector (4.00 Lingfield)

Finished second seven times compared to just three wins, but is all heart and was well worth stepping up to 6f last time given he was struggling to reach the leaders over the minimum trip on his previous couple of outings. Showed grit and determination to hang on last time over this course and distance (good time for the grade) and is up just 2lb. Drawn to attack again and might get the jump on his main market rivals.

DARK HORSE

It'llcomein (2.40 Newcastle)

There isn't much to go on in this jumpers' bumper but I'll take a chance on the Richard Fahey-trained It'llcomein, who finished fifth on his sole career start. That came in a Market Rasen bumper, where he wasn't exactly unfancied and made a rather taking move from the back of the field to challenge inside the final furlong. He weakened close to home that day but is bred to run on the Flat and should appreciate these conditions.

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