Hi all,

It’s a case of quality action on the flat and over jumps today. At Sandown we have the Group 2 bet365 Mile (3.00), the Group 3 bet365 Gordon Richards Stakes (2:25) and there could be classic clues on offer in the Group 3 bet365 Classic Trial (3.35).

It’s day four of the Punchestown Festival and we have two Group 1’s. The Paddy Power Champion Hurdle (5:25) and the Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle (6:00). It’s the final day of Perth’s three day BetVictor Festival with the feature race being the BetVictor Highland National Handicap Chase (2:05).  

The ITV Racing cameras are covering four races from Sandown and two from Perth on a six race programme this afternoon.

Inside today's main piece I look ahead to the best of Friday's action.

Punchestown Festival – Day 4

Not the best of betting cards for me anyway with just one handicap on an eight card.  The highlights are two Grade 1’s and a Grade 2 Mares Chase (4:50).  The latter races see’s Impervious bid to follow up her Cheltenham Mares’ Chase success.

Champion Hurdle runner-up State Man face five rivals Paddy Power Champion Hurdle (5:25). A reproduction of his Cheltenham performance should be good enough for him to gain a fifth Grade 1. Vauban has finished behind State Man on all three starts this season and has 6 ½ length to find on their running in the Champion Hurdle. Although I don’t expect him to beat State Man, I think this previous C&D winner could get much closer than he has done previously.

The Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle (6:00) looks a penalty kick for impressive Ballymore winner Impaire Et Passe. He’ll be long odds on to follow up his Cheltenham success and I will be mazed if he’s beaten here.

Sandown

It was described as heavy, soft in places on Thursday for Sandown’s first flat fixture of the season and because of uncertainty about overnight rainfall there will be a precautionary 7am inspection to see if racing can go ahead.

The forecast testing ground has lead to just 39 horses being declared for a seven race card.

Just four were left in the bet365 Gordon Richards Stakes (2:25). Adayar a top class colt when winning the 2021 Derby & King George VI and Queen Elizabeth at Ascot. He only ran twice last season but was an excellent ½-length 2nd of 9 to Bay Bridge in Champion Stakes at Ascot on the second of those runs. He get’s 5lb from the progressive Anmaat who completed a hat trick when winning the Group 2 Prix Dollar at Longchamp last October. It won’t be easy to give Adayar 5lb but could make up to Group 1 performer this season.

Seven have been declared for the Group 2 bet365 Mile (3:00). This looks a good opportunity for the Group 1 placed 4-year-old Light Infantry to add to his two juvenile successes. He has to concede race fitness to recent Lincoln winner Migration. The latter will like the ground but does have 10lb to find with Light Infantry on Official Ratings.

Possible Derby clues

I’m not sure if there will be many classic clues on offer in the Group 3 bet365 Classic Trial (3:35). Just five have been declared for the race which was won Westover last year.

Juddmonte who own Westover have this year’s likely favourite in Arrest. The son Frankel ended last season with an improved head 2nd of 9 to Dubai Mile in the Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud.  Capable of further progress this season. He could emerge as a serious Derby contender should he win this in good style.

All four of Arrest’s rivals are open to further improvement including Group 3 Zetland Stakes winner Flying Honours and Salt Bay.

Salt Bay who impressed when winning his racecourse debut at Haydock. He ended last season with an improved 1 ¾ length 3^rd of 7 in the Group 1 Criterium International at Saint-Cloud. Handled heavy ground at Saint-Cloud and shas the scope to do well as a 3-year-old. Trainer Ralph Beckett who won last year’s race.

Circle Of Fire looked a nice prospect when winning at Salisbury last September. It was quick ground when he won last time and today’s underfoot conditions are unknown territory for the son of Almanzor who’s bred to appreciate middle distance as a 3-year-old.

Friday Selection:

I’m loving those Punchestown Handicap Hurdles. I advised both winners to Victor Value subscribers on Thursday. Its just a shame there isn’t a handicap hurdle on the Friday card.

Despite the amount of good racing on offer. Good betting opportunities are few and far between on Friday. There’s just one handicap on the Punchestown card and Sandown’s Esher Handicap has attracted just five runners. The two Perth races on ITV have got decent sized fields including the Highland National which has 13 runners.

I’m off to Sandown and the Classic Trial in the hope that meeting survives the weather.

Sandown

3:35 – Salt Bay.

Good luck with your Friday bets.

John