Friday racing tips
ASCOT: 12.40 Kapal Layar, 1.15 Crystal Island, 1.50 Stencil, 2.25 Let It Rain, 3.00 No Questions Asked, 3.35 Bass Hunter.
NEWCASTLE: 3.15 Machete, 3.45 Harlequin Bay, 4.15 Watchdog, 4.45 Great Success, 5.15 Dandy Magic, 5.45 Volenti, 6.15 Sherlock, 6.45 Wee Mary, 7.15 Chief Of State.
SOUTHWELL: 1.05 Riley Rocks, 1.40 Edwardtheninth, 2.15 My Shagaf, 2.50 Safe Harbor, 3.25 Imola, 3.55 Latin, 4.25 Towelands, 4.55 Far Ahead, 5.25 Ay Gee Ell.
UTTOXETER: 11.43 Largy Force, 12.18 Minella Jury, 12.53 Sallyville Lady, 1.28 Fat Faced Columbo, 2.03 Thankyouandplease, 2.38 Drayton Flyer, 3.08 I Ain't Your Mate.
DUNDALK: 4.30 This Guy, 5.00 Wearing Stars, 5.30 Pralognan, 6.00 Nikki Swango, 6.30 Pretty Omagh Girl, 7.00 Fixation, 7.30 Aingeal Dorcha, 8.00 Take Heart.
Key races and best bets
CRYSTAL ISLAND - 13:15 Ascot
An interesting maiden. CRYSTAL ISLAND saw off a recent Wincanton bumper runner-up when winning his Irish point in the spring and is selected to make a winning start to his hurdle career for new connections, with confidence in his chance increased should the betting vibes be strong. Big Ticket, Off The Jury and Gaelic Pride are all pretty useful and should be on the premises, while Ben Pauling's Dig Deep looks capable of better again.
STENCIL - 13: 50 Ascot
On the back of an encouraging chase debut at Cheltenham, STENCIL is expected to take a step forward and in receipt of a handy 4-y-o allowance, he could be the way to go. Excelero and Bluey look the main dangers.
LET IT RAIN - 14:25 Ascot
An interesting race for the grade, with plenty of pace likely. The returning LET IT RAIN appeals most, his bumper/hurdle form has plenty of substance and he's likely to prove better than his opening mark. Dance and Glance has been shaping well in higher grades and will be suited by a greater emphasis on stamina here, while strong-travelling Walkadina can be seen to better effect in a big-field 2m handicap.
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