Key going details and market moves on a busy day of sport

A huge day in the sporting calendar has finally arrived as the World Cup in Russia kicks off tonight with the hosts facing Saudi Arabia at the Luzhniki Stadium.

Three meetings in Britain will already be off and running by then, however, with Newbury, Nottingham and Yarmouth offering sporting entertainment before the the whistle blows in Moscow at 4pm.

There is Listed action at Newbury, with possible Classic clues on offer in the Johnnie Lewis Memorial British EBF Stakes (2.55), as recent course winner and Irish Oaks possible Sea Of Class bids to follow up.

The big match will be wrapped up by the time Leopardstown, Uttoxeter and Haydock kick-off in the evening, with the Group 3 Ballycorus Stakes (7.05) in Ireland bringing a touch of quality to the late action.

Going report

Newbury - first race 1.20
Good to firm, good in places (watering) (GoingStick: straight course 7.2, round course 7.4 on Wednesday at 7.45am)

Nottingham (1.40)
Good to firm, firm in places (watered)

Yarmouth (2.00)
Good to firm (GoingStick: 7.5 on Thursday at 7am)

Leopardstown (6.00)
Good to firm (watering) (from good to firm, good in places)

Uttoxeter (6.10)
Good, good to firm in places (watering) (GoingStick: 8.8 on Wednesday at 7.45am)

Haydock (6.20)
Good to firm (watered) (GoingStick: 8.2 on Thursday at 6.30am)

Market movers

2.10 Nottingham: Ajddarr 15-2 (from 10)

3.15 Nottingham: Bumble Bay 9-2 (from 11-2)

4.00 Newbury: Agar's Plough 9-2 (from 15-2)

5.20 Yarmouth: Counter Spirit 9-1 (from 12)

6.20 Haydock: Archipeligo 11-2 (from 8)

What to back

It takes Adam Maidment only ten seconds to make a case for his banker at Nottingham.

Our correspondents dotted around the key training centres offer their expert insight in Tips Box.

What to read

The Coral-Eclipse, not the Irish Derby, is to be Derby winner Masar’s next target, trainer Charlie Appleby revealed on Wednesday.

Martyn Meade is hoping that Eminent, the star of his Manton stable, will head to Royal Ascot and a clash with Cracksman next week with memories of his Chester disaster firmly behind him.

What to watch

The World Cup is finally here and the Racing Post's team of experts have previewed all 16 fixtures in the opening round.

The best of Racing Post Sport

There was drama on the eve of the World Cup when Spain sacked manager Julen Lopetegui less than 24 hours before the start of the tournament.

England have checked in at their World Cup base in Repino, north of St Petersburg, and bookmakers expect their stay in Russia to last a lot longer than the 2014 team's mini-break in Brazil.

World Cup host nations have regularly risen to the occasion with 20 of 21 making it past the first round and Dan Childs expects Russia to start with a win in their opening match.

Final thought

All eyes on Moscow then as the World Cup cranks into gear and, aided by the Racing Post's Betting Guide, there are plenty of markets to get involved in over the next month.

However, anyone looking for a World Cup inspired punt closer to home may wish to consider a Lucky 15 on the day's racing, consisting Keeper's Choice (3.30 Newbury), The British Lion (4.10 Yarmouth), Aguerooo (4.20 Nottingham) and Glorious Player (8.55 Haydock).

For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app