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

bet365 Esher Cup Handicap, 1m

In a competitive start to the action on ITV4 it could pay to keep tabs on Rifleman now his main market rival Ilza'Eem is out. He was last seen winning a novice race at Kempton in November and has the potential to surpass that on turf. Naamoos, Dingle, Quintillus and Melody Of Life all boast unexposed profiles.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: TAWAAREQ

Maiden form has worked out well; gelded since last run; remains of major interest

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

bet365 Gordon Richards Stakes, 1m2f, Group 3

A top-class running of this Group 3 with three horses of real potential at the head of the market. The most interesting looks to be the John and Thady Gosden-trained Waldkonig, who rediscovered the winning thread at Pontefract last time. That is not to discount last season's Dante second Highest Ground or Hukum, who was sent off 7-2 for the St Leger before finishing fifth behind Galileo Chrome.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: HIGHEST GROUND

Got the better of Waldkonig at Haydock then was collared late by Thunderous in the Dante

William Hill Highland National Handicap Chase, 3m6½f

Sandy Thomson has had fine season and could cap it another big success here with Duc De Grissay. The eight-year-old was third to leading bet365 Gold Cup contender Kitty's Light at Kelso last time and could yet have more to offer over this trip. However, plenty of others hold strong claims including Boyhood, Gran Paradiso and Tea Time On Mars.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: BIG DIFFERENCE

Rallied when second over 3m at Kempton; could be unexposed over this longer trip

The Punt Daily: Tom Collins' free horse racing tips on Friday afternoon

bet365 Mile, 1m, Group 2

Palace Pier begins this season as perhaps Europe's pre-eminent miler and bids to get his season off to a bang ahead of next month's Lockinge Stakes at Newbury. All three of his rivals have plenty to find with the dual Group 1 winner but Khuzaam could yet step up further following his victory on All-Weather Finals day. Happy Power won a Group 2 at the end of last season, while Bless Him needs to find six lengths on Khuzaam.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: PALACE PIER

Lost a shoe when losing unbeaten record in QEII; two Grp 1 wins previously; strong claims

bet365 Classic Trial, 1m2f, Group 3

Etonian failed to land a blow in a soft-ground Dewhurst last season but was an impressive winner of the Group 3 Solario over this course prior to that. He needs to bounce back from that but the step up in trip should draw out more improvement. Of the other likely candidates, Yibir holds obvious claims for Charlie Appleby and Lone Eagle looks the type to improve at three after closing his juvenile season with a Group 3 success at Newmarket.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: BELLOCCIO

2-2 as a 2yo, with strong-staying wins over 1m; trainer does very well at this course

ITV7 tips and predictions

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Race 1, 1.50 Sandown: TAWAAREQ
Race 2, 2.15 Doncaster: SEVEN BROTHERS
Race 3, 2.25 Sandown: HIGHEST GROUND
Race 4, 2.40 Perth: BIG DIFFERENCE
Race 5, 3.00 Sandown: PALACE PIER
Race 6, 3.15 Perth: KAKAMORA
Race 7, 3.35 Sandown: BELLOCCIO

ITV Racing free bets

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If you want more on Friday's racing . . .

2.25 Sandown: can the Gordon Richards Stakes be the launchpad for yet another Group 1 winner?

3.00 Sandown: Britain's top miler Palace Pier returns in small but select bet365 Mile field

3.35 Sandown: Graeme Rodway believes speed could be the key to solving Classic Trial puzzle

For all our exclusive free bet offers and must-have daily promotions click the free bets button or go to racingpost.com/freebets