Top jumps trainers target valuable Flat pots - Chris Cook's three things to note on Friday

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1. Mullins and Moore take aim with Mr Escobar

Willie Mullins alert! The dominant jumps trainer will be in the headlines next week, of course, but he also has a chance of raiding a decent pot today. That's because Mr Escobar has joined his Carlow yard from the low-profile operation of Joseph Murray, for whom he scored at Dundalk in January. Cheaply bought as a yearling but from quite a talented family, Mr Escobar starts in handicaps from a rating of 80 which doesn't look at all harsh on the limited evidence of that last-time success. Ryan Moore (7/31 for Mullins in Britain) is booked for a marathon race at Lingfield. Could Mullins pull off a double with Mr Escobar today and Mr Incredible at Aintree?

Mr Escobar14:05 Lingfield (A.W)

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Jky: Ryan Moore Tnr: W P Mullins

2. Well-bred gelding makes debut for Henderson

Nicky Henderson doesn't do much on the Flat these days (five winners over the last four years) but it's interesting to see he now has King Eagle, a runner in a middle-distance handicap at Bath. Carrying the cherry colours of Lady Bamford, he was arguably a bit disappointing in his first two handicaps last term but has been gelded and had his wind done since he was last seen, so there will be no shortage of available explanations if he shows improved form here. A son of Frankel, he's the second foal out of The Lark, third in Talent's Oaks and a winner of the Park Hill. The first foal was Magical Morning, who was a fixture in valuable handicaps while with the Gosdens. It's a talented family - The Lark is a half-sister to Eagle Top, who was beaten a nose in the King George, while her dam is a half-sister to dual Oaks winner Sariska, who became temperamental.

King Eagle15:25 Bath

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Jky: Hector Crouch Tnr: Nicky Henderson

3. Cammidge winner Vadream is back in action

Vadream makes a quick return to the track at Newcastle, having won the Cammidge Trophy on Lincoln day on Saturday. The five-year-old mare had three quick races on the all-weather in February and March to qualify her for All-Weather Finals day but is reckoned to thrive on her racing, so she was tried at Doncaster and it duly paid off with a career-best performance and her first success since 2021. She had an entry today over 7f but sticks to 6f, even though it means connections can't use Kieran Shoemark this time. Hollie Doyle is booked, having partnered her into sixth in the Sprint on Champions Day.

Vadream16:45 Newcastle (A.W)

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Jky: Hollie Doyle Tnr: Charlie Fellowes

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The Front Runner is our unmissable email newsletter available exclusively to Members' Club Ultimate subscribers. Chris Cook, a four-time Racing Reporter of the Year award winner, provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday. Not a Members' Club Ultimate subscriber? Click here to join today and also receive our Ultimate Daily emails plus our full range of fantastic website and newspaper content.