ITV Racing tips: one key runner from each of the four races on ITV4 on Friday

Mucking Brilliant Paddy Power Handicap Chase, 2m

Last year's winner Magic Saint returns to defend his title at top weight and shoulders 7lb more than Stolen Silver [taking his rider's allowance into account], who opened the season in impressive fashion at Market Rasen last month. Editeur Du Gite should be prominent for trainer Gary Moore, while Kap Auteuil seeks a fifth successive win.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: STOLEN SILVER

Made all at Market Rasen last month; open to further improvement over fences; big player

2.20 Cheltenham
SSS Super Alloys Novices' Chase, 2m4f

Only two line up for this novice contest, won last year in style by Protektorat en route to Grade 1 success in April. Dan Skelton fields yet another Grade 1 star this time in My Drogo, who makes his chasing debut after a dazzling hurdling campaign last season. Gin On Lime, winner of four of her last five races for trainer Henry de Bromhead, is the only challenger.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: MY DROGO

Very smart novice hurdler last term; G1 winner at Aintree; exciting prospect for chasing

Friday's free tipping:

Paul Kealy's Friday banker at Cheltenham

Friday's free racing tips: six horses to consider putting in your multiples

2.55 Cheltenham
Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase, 3m6f

The first race of the season over the cross-country fences features Grand National runner-up Balko Des Flos, who steps up a mile after an opening run at Galway last month. Potter's Corner, third in this race last year, is set to oppose while Talkischeap and Diesel D'Allier both start for new yards.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: VOLCANO

Four wins last year at up to 3m5f; could be well suited by demands of today's assignment

Ballymore Novices' Hurdle, Grade 2, 2m5f

The Irish launch another challenge at Cheltenham with the Gordon Elliott-trained Off Your Rocco, a comfortable winner in Listed company last time and Davy Russell's only ride of the day. Gelino Bello heads the British fancies for Paul Nicholls in a fascinating novice race featuring six last-time-out winners in a field of seven.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: CURRENT MOOD

2-2 as hurdler and did it very readily at Ludlow; could have lots more left in the locker

ITV Racing free bets

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ITV7 tips and predictions

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Race 1, 1.45 Cheltenham: STOLEN SILVER
Race 2, 2.10 Worcester: BLACK POPPY
Race 3, 2.20 Cheltenham: MY DROGO
Race 4, 2.45 Worcester: SOME SPIN
Race 5, 2.55 Cheltenham: VOLCANO
Race 6, 3.20 Worcester: FLOY JOY
Race 7, 3.30 Cheltenham: CURRENT MOOD

Friday's race previews:

De Bromhead leads the invasion again as Irish head to Cheltenham en masse (Members' Club)

1.45 Cheltenham: He'll be back in the mix again' - Paul Nicholls on last season's winner

2.20 Cheltenham: 'I'm really looking forward to it' - Skelton excited as he unleashes My Drogo

2.55 Cheltenham: Can Balko Des Flos emulate cross-country stalwart Balthazar King?

3.30 Cheltenham: How good is Off Your Rocco? Hyde test next for exciting novice hurdler

Win the ultimate Cheltenham Festival experience in the Racing Post Christmas Countdown. You and three friends could travel to the festival in style with helicopter transfers from your hotel. Simply place a bet on the Racing Post app this Friday to be entered into the prize draw, plus there are weekly prizes to be won. Find out the full details here.