The Lowdown: going updates, racecards, news and tips for today's racing

Today's news

• TOP PROSPECT: 2018 Ballymore Novices' Hurdle winner Samcro produced a stellar chasing debut at Down Royal yesterday and was shortened to 7-1 (from 10) for the JLT Novices' Chase by Betfair.

• MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: Last season's Stayers' Hurdle second Sam Spinner retained his unbeaten chase record with a straightforward victory over the Dan Skelton-trained Ardlethen at Wetherby.

• JOY FOR BALDING: The Andrew Balding-trained Kameko upset the Ballydoyle applecart with a scintillating Group 1 Vertem Futurity victory last night.

• WETHERBY THRILLER: Grade 1 winner La Bague Au Roi and Welsh National hero Elegant Escape clash in a thrilling running of the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby this afternoon.

Key links

Today's racecards
Today's non-runners
Today's free racing tipsLatest free bets

Today's meetings

**STAR MEETING**
Down Royal (first race 12.40)
The first Grade 1 of the British and Irish jumps season has attracted a stellar field with stars Clan Des Obeaux, Delta Work and Road To Respect among the five declared for the Ladbrokes Champion Chase. (2.25). Read the preview here.
Going Yielding to soft, yielding in places

Newmarket (11.45)
Going Soft

Ascot (12.25)
Going Good to soft, good in places

SPOTLIGHT TIP: On The Slopes (1.35)

Ayr (12.35)
Going Chase; Soft, Hurdle; heavy in places

Wetherby (12.50)
Going Soft, good to soft in places

Chelmsford (4.30)
Going Standard

Key non-runners

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Today's tips

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Today's video

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