There are seven meetings scheduled on Friday, spread across four countries and comprising four Flat and three National Hunt cards.
The action gets under way at Sandown (1.15-4.45pm), where there are three group races, with Doncaster (1.23-5.30), Cork (1.40-5.35) and Newcastle (5.25-9.00) completing the Flat fare. Perth (1.30-5.00), Downpatrick (4.20-7.20) and Chepstow (4.39-8.15) provide the jumps action.
Among our Friday fancies is one for trainer Sir Michael Stoute, who bids to enhance his excellent record at Sandown with the returning Nostrum.
Horse racing tips today – Sandown and Doncaster
Lee Sharp’s picks for Friday are below. Scroll down to read the expert analysis behind them.
Odds correct at time of publishing and may be subject to change.
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Horse racing tips: Sandown 2.25
NOSTRUM may be able to bag his first group-race win since his two-year-old days in the Group 2 bet365 mile. The lightly raced son of Kingman appeals as having more to offer this season.
Having made an impressive winning return at Listed level last year, Nostrum had excuses for two subsequent defeats, possibly failing to handle soft ground and finishing lame on his final start.
He remains relatively unexposed at the age of four, having raced just six times, but has on occasion looked potentially top class and trainer Sir Michael Stoute’s runners tend to improve with age.
The weather may play a part, with any further rain tempering enthusiasm, but he has won on all his seasonal debuts so returning from a break holds no fears.
Despite reaching the age of eight, Lord North is an obvious danger as the top-rated horse in the field, while Charyn proved his well-being with a comfortable winning return in a Listed contest at Newbury and may be the main threat to the selection if the rain arrives.
Selection: Nostrum @ SP with BetMGM
Horse racing tips: Doncaster 5.30
James Fanshawe’s ASIMOV can make a winning handicap debut in this one-mile contest. He has shaped with promise in all three of his qualifying starts, including on his racecourse debut in a hot Newmarket maiden that has thrown up plenty of subsequent winners.
His recent return on the all-weather suggested he would benefit from the outing, and a mark of 76 looks fair. He seemed to handle heavy ground well enough on his debut to give hope that conditions will not be a problem today.
Asimov’s career seems to be following a similar path to that of his half-brother Intergalactic (also trained by Fanshawe), who broke his maiden at this course from a similar mark as a three-year-old venturing into handicaps. Watch for positive market signals about the selection.
Selection: Asimov @ SP with BetMGM
Horse racing tips: Sandown 4.45
This 1m 2f handicap looks very competitive, with a number of potential improvers. The eye is drawn to Richard Hannon’s FIHRAYN, who showed plenty of ability in maiden and novice company last year.
His best run came when finishing fourth in a Newmarket maiden behind a trio of colts with Classic entries. The winner, Bellum Justum, boosted that form in the Blue Riband Trial at Epsom last week.
Fihrayn’s opening mark of 79 should be within range. His dam was a sprinter and has produced a number of speedy operators, but he appears to have taken after his sire Waldgeist and shapes as if this step up in trip can bring about some improvement.
Selection: Fihrayn @ SP with BetMGM
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