The Briefing: all you need to know including going from the tracks

The weekend kicks off early with Newbury's two-day fixture beginning on Friday, so Thursday's action registers only lightly on the Richter scale ahead of the fireworks to come.

There is plenty on offer, though, as the afternoon boasts four turf fixtures – Warwick, Ayr, Thurles and Taunton. Then in the evening, all-weather watchers have Kempton and Chelmsford to keep them entertained well past sundown.

Going report

Warwick (first race at: 12.05)
Good to soft, soft in places

Ayr (12.10)
Soft (hurdle), Soft, good to soft (chase)

Thurles (12.15)
Good to firm, good in places (chase), good. good to firm in places (hurdle)

Taunton (12.25)
Good (GoingStick: 6.0 at 6.00 on November 29)

Kempton (4.30)
Standard to slow

Chelmsford (5.45)
Standard

Market movers

1.25Thurles Exceeded Brief 11-2 (from 6-1)
2.25Ayr Red Indian 6-1 (from 9-1)
2.50Warwick Goosen Maverick 9-1 (from 12-1)

What to back

James Hill picks out his best bet at Taunton this afternoon.

What to watch

Aintree staged a well-received trial for the City Racing project being launched in 2019. Among those giving positive reports was a Classic-winning jockey.

Final thought

Yes, we are all excited about Saturday, but try to get your affairs in order so you are able to get a good seat for Friday's action at Newbury. The Long Distance Hurdle is an obvious must-watch, but the first four races on the card last year were won by Lostintranslation, Bigmartre, Santini and Willoughby Court respectively.

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