All the morning news as Stradivarius makes his return to action at York

The star stayer of last season, Stradivarius, is the feature name on an excellent day of racing as he makes his return at York. Bjorn Nielsen's five-year-old returns in the Group 2 Yorkshire Cup (3.00) on the Knavesmire, in which he recorded the first of five wins in a dominant campaign last year.

Elsewhere at York, there are two Listed contests on the card with a huge field hoping to follow in the footsteps of Signora Cabello, who won the Marygate Fillies' Stakes (1.50) before scoring at Royal Ascot.

Newbury stages the first day of the two-day Lockinge meeting with plenty of smartly bred unexposed types heading to the Berkshire venue. Subsequent Group 1-winning juvenile Advertise made a winning debut on the card last year.

Quality Flat racing also comes from Newmarket, Leopardstown and Hamilton while there is no shortage of jumping with meetings at Kilbeggan and Aintree.

Going report

Newbury (first race at 1.35)
Good, Good to Firm in places (mainly back straight) (Watered) (GoingStick: 8.0)

York (1.50)
Good to Firm, Good in places (Watered) (GoingStick 7.3 overall, in home straight 7.3 stand side, 7.2 centre, 7.3 far side)

Newmarket (2.00)
Good to Firm (Watered) (GoingStick: 7.6)

Kilbeggan (5.10)
Good (Watering)

Leopardstown (5.25)
Good (Watered)

Aintree (5.35)
Good (Watered) (GoingStick: 7.0 Chase and 7.4 Hurdle)

Hamilton (5.55)
Good to Firm (Watered) (GoingStick: 8.8)

What to back

Paul Kealy explains his best bets for Friday's racing while Tom Park gives his three fancies in the ten-second tips.

What to read

Read John Gosden's plans for Too Darn Hot after he finished second in the Dante Stakes at York yesterday.

You can also look ahead to Friday's racing with previews of the Yorkshire Cup and the Marygate.

What to watch

Racing Post TV talked to founders Gary and Craig Witheford about the process of a barrier trial.

The best of Racing Post Sport

Bruce Millington, Mark Langdon, Dan Childs and Paddy Power's Brian McDonnell look ahead to the weekend's football action.

Final thought

On a day with plenty of good Flat racing, it is interesting to see leading Irish rider Colm O'Donoghue pick up a good book of rides at Newbury. He rides Heaven Forfend (2.45), Sufi (3.20), Jubiloso (3.55) and Sash (4.55).

For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster every afternoon. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app