We’re all set for a big Good Friday on Sky Sports Racing, headlined by Newcastle’s All-Weather Finals Day.
4.10 Newcastle – Improving Regal Ulixes take on Gaucher
A cracking renewal of Midnite All-Weather Easter Classic Middle Distance Handicap looking Regal Ulysses heading a field of 16 runners.
Andrew Balding’s four-year-old comfortably saw off Beylerbeyi to land a strong Lingfield Handicap in his penultimate race, marking himself out as a handicapper to track. He followed that with a consistent sixth in the Lincoln Trial at Wolverhampton and will appreciate stepping back in the distance.
Willie Mullins saddles Gaucher, who tops the scales under Billy Loughnane. A four-time hurdles winner, he has welcomed all weather, winning his last two outings at Dundalk. He should be given chances despite a 5lb increase in the weights.
An open race sees many having each-way shouts, including Duke’s Commandwhile Bragg drill makes his debut for the Fahey team.
4.42 Newcastle – Top stayers Duke Of Oxford and Beylerbeyi clash
Distinguished guests Duke Of Oxford and Beylerbeyi do battle in a great looking Midnite All-Weather Easter Plate Marathon Handicap at 4.42pm.
Duke of Oxfordwho finished fourth this past season, looks to be at the peak of his powers right now and after winning the trial for this race in January, he should be in the mix. Up 6lbs he has the size and scope to improve and he could give another good account.
The Ian Williams-trained one Beylerbeyi will head the betting under Loughnane and rates the one to beat after putting together a portfolio of placed bets. In money on his last three starts again much shorter, he is expected to enjoy the return to further.
Of the others, Dramatic star guarantees respect for his strong connections, while Berkshire Dancer is another to note with first time cheekpieces fitted.
3.35 Newcastle – Sir Les Patterson popular to defy rise
A competitive Midnite All-Weather Sprint Handicap sees Sir Les Patterson bid to continue the winning streak.
Stephen Thorne is a trainer on the way, and he has high hopes for that Sir Les Patterson can follow up his Dundalk success and complete the hat-trick under 3lb claim Jack Kearney.
Pocklington has finished in the top two on all of his all-weather starts and looks set for another gutsy bid after chasing The Caltonian home in the January trial over course and distance.
The Karl Burke graduate Marshman has plenty of back-class and it’s wonderful to see Clifford Lee back in the saddle, while Sarab star is an unexposed type that can promote its form again.
Best of the rest
The Gosforth Park card kicks off Billecart, Andab and New Monarch headline the listed BetMGM Burradon Stakes at 13.15, before Al Najashi goes to the five o’clock i BetMGM All-Weather 3 Year Old Championships Handicap.
Stateira has obvious claims to Andrew Balding and Oisin Murphy in the BetMGM Filly and Hopper’s Championships Handicap before Chancellor and Blue Rc lock horns in BetMGM All-Weather Championships Mile Handicap at 15:00.
In Lingfield, Dark ace and Apache Outlaw feature for Adrian McGuinness in Midnite All-Weather Vase Sprint Handicap (14.40) before San Andreas and Unterberg take each other on Midnite All-Weather Vase Middle Distance Handicap at 3:15 p.m.
Later in the evening, Keeneland hosts the Grade 1 Ashland Stakes (10:16 p.m.), with the Kentucky Oaks fancy Zany the heading of a quality field.