Latest going news and expert advice as racing returns to Cheltenham

There are two classy Flat turf cards at Group 1 tracks, but for most Cheltenham's first meeting of the season will really signal a move to the jumps code.

The fixture looks well up to scratch as well with youngsters to the fore in a novice hurdle and brace of novice chases, while there are decent fields for the bill's three handicaps.

If Flat is your thing though, do not despair as Doncaster and Newbury kick off their weekend action with interest-packed races, including one in which Frankie Dettori will sport the famous maroon and white silks of his former employer Sheikh Mohammed.

The evening entertainment comes on the all-weather at Dundalk and Wolverhampton.

Going report

Newbury - 1.10 first race
Soft (GoingStick 5.3 at 7.45am on Friday)

Doncaster - 1.20
Good, good to soft in places on the round course (GoingStick 7.5 at 6.15am on Friday)

Cheltenham - 2.00
Good, good to soft in places (watered) (from good) (GoingStick 6.6 at 6am on Friday). Rail movements: Races 1 & 3 +37yds, Races 2, 6 & 7 +42yds and Races 4 & 5 +84yds

Dundalk - 5.25
Standard

Wolverhampton - 5.45
Standard

Market movers

1.20 Doncaster: Character Witness 5-1 (from 13-2)

1.40 Newbury: Salute The Soldier 4-1 (from 7)

4.35 Newbury: Alaadel 5-2 (from 3)

8.15 Wolverhampton: Passing Star 11-2 (from 7)

What to back

Paul Kealy steers the tipping ship and Alan Sweetman provides the best bets from Ireland, while our regional tipsters supply their naps.

What to read

The best things about Australian racing? David Jennings fills you in here, while he has also caught up with Winx's rider Hugh Bowman.

Tom Kerr is also on hand with his not-to-be-missed column and previews for Friday's racing can be found here.

What to watch

You only need ten seconds to see who Nick Watts fancies at Cheltenham ...

although it will take a little longer to watch our preview of Dundalk's card ...

and Mark Langdon is on hand with The Assist ...

The best of Racing Post Sport

Dan Childs is on hand with expert advice for tonight's Yorkshire derby in the Championship as Leeds host Sheffield United at Elland Road.

Final thought

Novice races at Cheltenham and maidens on the Flat; there should be something to take away from today even if you don't manage to bag a few winners.

Read The Briefing from 8.30am daily on racingpost.com with all the day's latest going, weather, market moves and non-runner news