Race on: Newton Abbot passes inspection after wind causes concern

There was good news for jumps fans on Friday morning as Newton Abbot got the green light to stage its best card of the year after high winds had caused concern.

At Newmarket the Dubai Future Champions Festival begins and will dominate the headlines, with the Fillies' Mile (3.35) likely to provide plenty of early Classic clues. Aidan O'Brien would have won four editions of the race in a row had Laurens not narrowly beaten September last season and he is represented by Hermosa and Zagitova.

Antonia De Vega and Pretty Pollyanna look set to lead the British challenge and the winner will likely shoot towards the top of the ante-post market for the 1,000 Guineas. The Oh So Sharp Stakes (2.25) will also have an impact on the Guineas market, while the Old Rowley Cup (4.10) is a fierce betting heat.

It is not all about Newmarket, however, as there is plenty of action to savour elsewhere. York hosts a seven-race card with plenty of runners, Downpatrick provides jumps action in Ireland, while Dundalk and Wolverhampton steer us towards Saturday with some all-weather action in the evening.

Going report

Newton Abbot (first race at: 1.40)
Passed precautionary 8am inspection due to high winds
Heavy, soft in places (GoingStick: 6.6 at 6.15am on Thursday)

Newmarket (1.50)
Good to firm (GoingStick: 7.6 at 3.00pm on Thursday)

Downpatrick (2.00)
Good

York (2.05)
Good (GoingStick: 6.8 at 4.00pm on Thursday)

Dundalk (5.30)
Standard

Wolverhampton (5.45)
Standard

Market movers

2.05 York - Princess Power 7-1 (from 8-1)
5.30 Dundalk - Chutzpah 40-1 (from 22-1)
6.15 Wolverhampton - Ramsbottom 11-1 (from 14-1)

What to back

Pricewise picks out some selections from the opening day of the Dubai Future Champions Festival at Newmarket, including one in the Fillies' Mile.

There are six meetings in Britain and Ireland and to help you along our regional experts have picked out their best bets in the daily Tips Box.

What to read

There are plenty of previews available to read and they cover action from Newmarket, York and Dundalk. The Fillies' Mile is the feature race of the day and looks a red-hot renewal, so it may be worth reading what connections say here.

In response to criticism about long queues on Arc day France Galop has indicated it will send a customer satisfaction survey to every British and Irish racegoer who bought a ticket online for last Sunday's big meeting. The full story is available to read here.

What to watch

Want a last bit of insight into the Fillies' Mile contenders? Say no more. Watch as Michael Bell and Ralph Beckett provide an update on their runners in the Group 1.

The best of Racing Post Sport

It is the international break but there is no need to despair as Dan Childs has previewed England's trip to Croatia. The Nations League clash kicks off at 7.45.

Northern Ireland are away at Austria in the Nations League. A preview for that match is available here.

Final thought

It is a little bit of a shame that Newton Abbot's biggest raceday has to play second fiddle to the superb Newmarket card. There will be plenty of winners emerging from the meeting in Devon in the coming months, regardless of how many eyes are on it.

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