All you need to start your day as classy novice chasers do battle at Newbury
A fine end to the week as Newbury welcome racegoers to the first day of its Ladbrokes winter carnival, the highlight of which is a classy renewal of the Ladbrokes Trophy tomorrow.
Today's card contains two Grade 2s, with La Bague Au Roi and Lostintranslation renewing rivalry in the Ladbrokes Novices' Chase (1.50), and three classy stayers in Sam Spinner, Wholestone and Unowhatimeanharry doing battle in the Ladbrokes Long Distance Hurdle (3.00).
We don't often see 1m4f conditions races at Southwell (1.00) and the presence of the 102-rated My Lord And Master and the George Strawbridge-owned Corelli make this contest one to savour.
Further afternoon jump racing takes place at Doncaster and Limerick and the party rolls on into the evening with all-weather cards at Newcastle and Dundalk.
Going report
Southwell (first race 11.20)
Standard to slow
Doncaster (12.00)
Good (GoingStick: 7.8 on the chase course, 7.6 on the hurdles track at 6.45am on Friday)
Newbury (12.10)
Good to soft on the chase course, soft on the hurdles track
Limerick (12.15)
Good to yielding
Newcastle (5.15)
Standard
Dundalk (5.30)
Standard
Market movers
11.20 Southwell - Furni Factors 11-1 (from 14)
12.45 Newbury - Knocknanuss 9-2 (from 5)
5.45 Newcastle - Tucson 12-1 (from 16)
What to back
James Hill supplies the ten-second tip for Friday's racing and our regional experts take aim once more on the day's action in our daily tips box.
What to read
There will be one notable absentee ahead of the Ladbrokes Trophy as Kemboy, who was among the market principals for the race, will not be travelling to Newbury as a cancelled ferry scuppered prospective travel plans.
What to watch
Watch what Colin Tizzard had to say about his two King George hopefuls – Native River and Thistlecrack – who finished second and third respectively in last weekend's Betfair Chase at Haydock.
The best of Racing Post Sport
Bruce Millington, Mark Langdon and Dan Childs are joined by Paddy Power's Jason Murphy for a quick round up on the week's Uefa Champions League action and a look forward to this weekend's Premier League fixtures. Arsenal V Tottenham and Liverpool V Everton are the standout matches.
Final thought
Chelkar caught the eye in no uncertain terms when fourth at Royal Ascot on his first start for Willie Mullins and we may not have seen the best of him yet. Tailed off in his last three starts in premier handicaps, perhaps a Dundalk debut over 1m4f (8.30) can spark him back into life for the master trainer.
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
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- 7.07 Sandown: 'The trip will really suit him' - is a new staying star about to emerge in the Henry II Stakes?
- 6.37 Sandown: 'He should have a big chance' - can the Hannon yard add to outstanding record in National Stakes?
- 7.37 Sandown: 'This is not the be-all and end-all' - will hot favourite Royal Rhyme see off his Brigadier Gerard Stakes rivals?
- 8.12 Sandown: 'The idea is for this and then Royal Ascot' - Heron contenders on trial for big-thinking connections
- 3.20 Ayr: 'He won't be sending her up there for no reason' - Red Danielle could be the answer to competitive Listed race