There are five meetings across England and Ireland on Friday, featuring three Flat races and two National Hunt events.
The Flat racing takes place at Southwell (11:00am-3:27pm), Dundalk (4:15pm-7:45pm), and Wolverhampton (4:30pm-8:30pm), while the jump cards are at Uttoxeter (11:45am-3:15pm) and Ascot (12:45pm-3:40pm).
Our selections include a novice chaser from the Jonjo and AJ O’Neill yard who looks poised for a second win of the season at Ascot.
Horse Racing Tips for Ascot and Southwell
Laurence Morter’s picks for Friday are below. Scroll down for expert analysis of each selection.
Nap: Jonnywho (Ascot, 3.05) @ SP with BetMGM
Next best: Kitty Furnival (Southwell, 1.42) @ SP with BetMGM
Other: Belliano (Ascot, 1.20) @ SP with BetMGM
Odds correct at time of publication and subject to change.
Horse Racing Tips: Ascot 3:05
JOHNNYWHO has always looked suited for chasing and made an impressive start with a successful debut over fences in October at Carlisle (2m 4f, good to soft).
He stepped up in class for the Grade 2 John Francome Novices’ Chase at Newbury the following month, finishing a creditable third in a competitive race won by The Jukebox Man, last season’s Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle winner.
Returning to Grade 2 company against seemingly weaker opposition, the seven-year-old appears to have an excellent opportunity in this 2m 3f novices’ chase.
With valuable experience and favorable conditions, Johnnywho looks ready for a big performance.
Selection: Johnnywho @ SP with BetMGM
Horse Racing Tips: Southwell 1:42
The Simon and Ed Crisford-trained KITTY FURNIVAL was a strong contender for a hat-trick last time out at Wolverhampton (1m 4f, standard).
However, he faced interference early in the race, leaving him with significant ground to make up.
Despite the setback, he stayed on well to dead-heat for third.
The handicapper has left his mark unchanged, offering a good chance for redemption over the same trip here.
With a smoother run, Kitty Furnival is well-placed to return to winning ways.
Selection: Kitty Furnival @ SP with BetMGM
Horse Racing Tips: Ascot 1:20
The form of BELLIANO stands out in this 2m 5½f maiden hurdle, which features 12 runners.
He finished second on his only outing under Rules, beaten by The New Lion, a highly promising prospect who has since maintained his unbeaten record.
The New Lion is arguably among the top three novice hurdlers in the country, so Belliano’s runner-up finish is no disgrace.
With no apparent rivals of similar quality in this race, Belliano looks like the one to beat.
Selection: Belliano @ SP with BetMGM
