Going news, market movers and key punting pointers

Ascot's high-quality card takes centre stage on an action-packed day featuring six meetings.

Subsequent Gold Cup winner Big Orange landed the Listed Londonmetric Noel Murless Stakes (3.35) in 2014, while the six-furlong handicap that precedes it – the Original Harrogate Water Handicap (3.00) – has been won by the likes of Laddies Poker Two and The Tin Man. Will another star emerge?

It says plenty about the time of the year that the balance of the action is three to one in favour of the jumps in the afternoon, with Fontwell, Hexham and Gowran Park all racing. All-weather fans are not disregarded as Wolverhampton and Dundalk both race under lights on Friday evening.

Going report

Ascot (first race at: 1.50)
Good (GoingStick: straight: 8.1, round: 7.1)

Gowran Park (1.55)
Good

Fontwell (2.05)
Good, good to firm in places (GoingStick: 6.1)

Hexham (2.15)
Good, good to firm in places (GoingStick: 7.7)

Wolverhampton (5.45)
Standard

Dundalk (6.00)
Standard

Market movers

1.50 Ascot Lush Life 4-1 (from 6-1)
3.00 Ascot Tabdeed 9-4 (from 3-1)
4.45 Ascot Cliffs Of Capri 15-8 from (9-4)
2.05 Fontwell Cubswin 3-1 (from 5-1)
3.15 Fonwell Bodes Well 11-2 (from 8-1)
2.50 Hexham Theatre Act 11-2 (from 7-1)
5.45 Wolverhampton Charleston Belle 4-1 (from 5-1)
6.15 Wolverhampton Fantasy Justifier 7-2 (from 11-2)
7.45 Wolverhampton Great Beyond 13-8 (from 5-2)

What to back

Paul Kealy has pinpointed three horses worth backing at Ascot this afternoon, one of which he believes will benefit from a return to sprinting.

Elsewhere, our regional experts have provided their best bets across the six cards in the daily Tips Box.

What to read

Members can read Tom Kerr's latest column on James Doyle's rise to the top before the rider gets in the saddle on Sunday to ride Sea Of Class in the Arc.

As we look ahead to a sensational weekend of racing, check out these five stars who might shine.

What to watch

With Sunday's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe edging ever nearer, get the latest update on Godolphin's French-trained hopes Talismanic and Cloth Of Stars.

There is also key information on Longchamp as the Arc meeting returns to the Parisian track after two years at Chantilly.

The best of Racing Post Sport

There is a rare Friday night match in the Premier League and Mark Langdon has previewed the clash between Brighton and West Ham.

In this week's football Postcast the team ponder who will eventually replace Jose Mourinho at Manchester United.

Final thought

It's always tricky working out where the best ground is on the straight track at Ascot, but Friday 's meeting could provide crucial pointers ahead of Saturday's big heritage handicap, the Challenge Cup. Four of the six races at Ascot on Friday are scheduled to be run on the straight course.

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