Aidan Coleman replaces Robbie Dunne on Cheltenham mount in ITV4 opener

Aidan Coleman will replace Robbie Dunne on his intended mount Pretty Little Liar in the 2m4½f mares' handicap chase (1.50).

Dunne was on Thursday banned for 18 months, the last three of which have been suspended, after he was found guilty of bullying and harassing Bryony Frost.

Pretty Little Liar, trained by Dunne's brother David, is a 14-1 chance in the first of four races from Cheltenham shown on ITV4.

Attack new Cross Country favourite

Plan Of Attack has replaced fellow Irish contender Midnight Maestro at the head of the betting for the Cross Country Chase.

The Henry de Bromhead-trained eight-year-old is as short as 10-3 (from 9-2) and was a two-length fourth behind the reopposing Back On The Lash around this unique course last month.

Midnight Maestro, a general 4-1 second favourite, is Enda Bolger's sole runner in the race and the trainer landed this contest with Josies Orders in 2015 and Cantlow the following year.

Mark Walsh's mount finished second in a race on the Punchestown cross country course on his return last month.

Mister Fogpatches is the only Irish runner in the Grade 3 Betfair Handicap Chase (2.25) and has attracted support. The Pat Fahy-trained seven-year-old is now 9-2 joint second favourite (from 6) with bet365 behind 11-4 market leader Enrilo.

The hat-trick-seeking Quinta Do Mar has been backed into 4-1 second favourite (from 13-2) with William Hill for the 2m handicap hurdle (1.15).

He is up 6lb for a 31-length success at Fontwell last time and is ridden by Kielan Woods, who returned from injury at Warwick on Thursday.

The Brian Ellison-trained Punxsutawney Phil has also been popular in the same race and is now 11-2 (from 9).

Market movers

1.15 Cheltenham
Quinta Do Mar 4-1 (from 13-2)
Punxsutawney Phil 11-2 (from 9)

2.25 Cheltenham
Mister Fogpatches 9-2 (from 6)

3.00 Cheltenham
Plan Of Attack 10-3 (from 9-2)

Cheltenham to trial new Covid protocols

Cheltenham will be trialling new Covid-19 protocols for the two-day International meeting starting on Friday, but will not refuse entry to racegoers without the NHS Covid pass or proof of a negative lateral flow test.

Instead, racegoers without the pass or negative lateral flow, which becomes mandatory at racecourses in England from Wednesday, will be told they will need to bring them along for the track’s next meeting on New Year’s Day.

Jon Pullin, who is overseeing his first meeting as clerk of the course at the track, said: “While the government guidance issued on Wednesday doesn’t become mandatory until next week, we thought we would go a step above so that our racegoers can get used to the procedures that will be brought in.

Cheltenham Friday card

“Anyone turning up without the necessary NHS Covid pass or proof of a negative lateral flow test will not be turned away at this meeting, but will be informed they wouldn’t be allowed entry if doing the same from our New Year’s Day fixture onwards.”

The going has improved to good, good to soft in places (from good to soft, good in places) for day one of the meeting.

Pullin said: “We had a drying day on Thursday with just a couple of light showers, so the going has changed to good, good to soft in places. We are forecast a dry and bright day today, while tomorrow there is a risk of light showers late morning and in the afternoon but only one or two millimetres.”

Going updates

Bangor – Soft, heavy in places (from soft)
Cheltenham – Good, good to soft in places (from good to soft, good in places; GoingStick 6.4 at 6.30am)
Doncaster – Good to soft (GoingStick 6.5 chase, 6.3 hurdle at 6.45am)
Dundalk – Standard
Southwell – Standard to slow

Non-runners

Cheltenham
12.40 Barnaviddaun (going)
2.25 Potters Legend (going)
3.00 Talkischeap (knocked joint)

Read more previews:

Is Warwick the key form line? Analysis and quotes for a competitive mares' chase

'He's enjoying Devon life' - Santini faces Enrilo on debut for Polly Gundry

Who will be competing in their very own 'Gold Cup'? Graeme Rodway has the answer

Stayers' Hurdle contender Sporting John sticks to 'unorthodox' handicap route

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