Potential stars on show at Newmarket as Cheltenham makes jumps history

The third and final day of Newmarket's Craven meeting and the race of that name takes centre stage.

Backed by bet365, the Craven Stakes (3.35) is a Group 3 and recognised trial for the Qipco 2,000 Guineas, although no horse has done the double since Haafhd in 2004.

The one to beat – according to bookmakers at least – is Roaring Lion, second in the Racing Post Trophy on his last appearance.

Thursday cards

He is far from the only potential star on the card as Le Brivido, off since winning the Jersey Stakes in fine style 302 days ago, returns in the Connaught Access Flooring Abernant Stakes (3.00).

"I'm happy with his work and he's done enough for a first race of the year," said his trainer Andre Fabre.

"He's doing well, any ground will suit him and he's going to run a good race. He has some speed and I'd be more concerned by a mile than by six furlongs."

It is another day with the best of both worlds as Cheltenham also races, making jumps history by staging a fixture restricted to fillies and mares.

Going report

Newmarket (first race at: 1.50)
Good (from good, good to soft in places) (GoingStick: 7.4 at 7.15am on Thursday).

Cheltenham (2.05)
Good (from good, good to soft in places) (GoingStick: 7.7 at 5am on Thursday). Rail movements: R1 & 3 +28yds, Race 2 -35yds, R5 & 7 +19yds.

Ripon (2.15)
Soft, heavy in places (from heavy, soft in places) (GoingStick: 5.6 at 6am on Thursday). Rail movements: +12yds to all races on the round course.

Fairyhouse (4.40)
Soft to heavy.

Newcastle (5.40)
Standard.

Key non-runners

3.00 Newmarket
6 Perfect Pasture (going)
10 One Master (going)

Market movers

3.35 Newmarket 3 Masar 5-1 (from 15-2)
5.10 Ripon 5 Regular Income 9-2 (from 10)
5.35 Cheltenham 14 Tashunka 17-2 (from 16)
5.55 Newmarket 16 Echo Cove 12-1 (from 40)
* with Paddy Power

What to back

Tom Segal is on hand with some midweek Pricewise pearls, while Paul Kealy offers his best bets.

Alan Sweetman has the Irish angles covered and Signposts and Tips Box also provide pointers.

What to read

We have extensive previews of the Craven and Abernant plus Punchestown countdown.

And there's a cracking stable tour with Richard Fahey.

What to watch

Lewis Porteous gives his verdict on the action at Newmarket on Wednesday . . .

. . . and don't miss a Masterminded with footballer and racehorse owner Charlie Austin

. . . while we also have a video of this cutie!

The best of Racing Post Sport

Burnley v Chelsea comes under the spotlight, as does Blackburn v Peterborough and Real Sociedad v Atletico Madrid.

Final thought

It's interesting that Cheltenham are putting on a card for just fillies and mares, but it won't be for everyone and spreading the opportunities through the season might be preferable.

Read The Briefing from 8.30am daily on racingpost.com with all the day's latest going, weather, market moves and non-runner news