It’s all about the all-weather racing now as we head into the Winter.
The dirt throws up different challengers to punters. Some horses race on it for the first time and thrive, while some don’t fancy it all.
Here’s a few selections for tonight’s action and a couple of steers on what to look for when trying to pick a winner under the Friday night lights in the weeks ahead.
First Nation, Wolverhampton, 4.45pm
This half-brother to a Leger winner made a decent effort on debut at Leicester when sixth to the Red Label. He started at 16/1 so he obviously wasn’t fancied but Charlie Appleby’s runners take a massive step forward after their first run.
Tip 1: Always keep an eye on horses who have a top-class pedigree.
What about Bob, Dundalk, 6.05pm
A 33/1 winner at Gowran Park in the blinkers last month and it won’t be any fluke if he follows up here.
Tip 2: The sire Big Bad Bob has a great strike-rate on the all weather at Fundalk.
Gallop over to all the latest odds on PP.com
Key Sera, Wolverhampton, 6.20pm
Being drawn down on the paint will help as it’s the shortest way around. Eoin Walsh’s runner looked all over the winner last time at this track when third to Gracesome but didn’t see out the 12f trip. He drops back to 9f tonight so that will suit and he may try to burn them off from the front.
Tip 3: Be quick on the draw and know the course bias. It saves time. And money.
Udogo, Dundalk, 7.35pm
The O’Brien brothers’ runner bolted up here of a mark of 70 last season and doesn’t look badly treated off 77 now. He won in August of a rating of 75 and this 1m 4f trip looks perfect. Donnacha takes over in the saddle again for the first time in seven so it should be all systems go.
Tip 4: Take the hint at a jockey upgrade or when a winning rider returns to take the mount.
Lydiate Lady, Wolverhampton, 7.50pm
First try here for Paul Green’s runner who looks well handicapped off a mark of 55. Luke Morris makes his return to action after breaking his collar bone and his eye on the All Weather champion jockeys title.