Sky Sports Racing turns north to Sedgefield for a day of jumps action before moving back to Wolverhampton for an evening all-weather card. Here are the key races to watch on Friday.
4.50 Wolverhampton – Sirius A and Anthelia head a competitive Conditions Stakes
The Free Bets On attheraces.com Conditions Stakes promises an intriguing clash between Anthelia and Sirius A. Anthelia, unbeaten on the all-weather and fresh from a standout two-year-old season that included five wins and the Group 3 Dick Poole Stakes at Salisbury, tackles the surface for the first time and arrives with strong claims.
Sirius A brings consistent high-class placed form and looks a major player for trainer James Horton and jockey Jack Mitchell. The race is wide open, though: top-rated Tadej is expected to be competitive, while Ten Carat Harry, Comical Point and Lady Kodiac are possible threats in what reads as an open contest.
3.38 Sedgefield – Goodoldbill and Jongleur d’Etoiles expected to fight it out
The bet365 Handicap Chase at Sedgefield features just four runners, headlined by Goodoldbill and Jongleur d’Etoiles. Goodoldbill returned to form with a win over this course and distance in February and followed up at Newcastle; he carries a 5 lb penalty but appeals under Peter Kavanagh.
Jongleur d’Etoiles was beaten only a head at Doncaster last month and looks to be back to his best, with the seven-year-old potentially capable of more. Mobile Mamma is likely to be a bit behind Goodoldbill on recent form, while Defence Witness completes the small field.
10.16 Keeneland – Notable Speech and Rhetorical renew rivalry in Grade 1
Across the Atlantic, the Grade 1 Maker’s Mark Mile at Keeneland features Notable Speech for Godolphin. Trained by Charlie Appleby, the five-year-old is a four-time top-level winner who closed last season with victory in the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Del Mar, making him the one to beat.
Rhetorical, trained by William Walden, adds depth to the line-up after winning the Coolmore Turf Mile at Keeneland over this trip last season and shapes as the main danger should the favourite underperform.
Keep an eye on these contests as Sky Sports Racing covers a varied Friday of jumps and all-weather action, with strong matchups and several horses carrying genuine claims in each race.