Friday 27th March 2026
NAP (Best Bet)
My best bet of the day on Friday comes from Wetherby, and in the 5.22, which is a Class 5 National Hunt Flat Race over two miles. The Skeltons could have another decent one on their hands here with A SIGHT TO SEA, who currently heads the betting on his rules debut here at the time of writing. He was a six-length winner of a point back in November, and was subsequently purchased for £190,000. This is far from the deepest of contests for him on his stable bow, and it would be no surprise to see him post a bold bid here for his all-conquering connections.
5.22 Wetherby – A SIGHT TO SEA – (5/4) (Win) (NAP)
NB (Next Best Bet)
I turn to the all-weather for my next best bet of the day, and the 4.12 at Lingfield, which is a Class 5 maiden, which is ridden over a distance of seven furlongs. I’m quite strong on the chances of THUNDERHOOF here for the team of Harry Eustace and Kaiya Fraser. He posted a very encouraging effort on his debut at Southwell last month, where he finished third of eight, just a length and a quarter behind the winner. He also didn’t get a clear run on that occasion, so you could mark the run up further, and he should naturally take a big step forward coming into his second start here.
4.12 Lingfield – THUNDERHOOF – (11/8) (Win) (NB)
3B (Third Best Bet)
My third best bet of the day on Friday comes back at Wetherby, and within the 3.20, A Class 4 handicap hurdle over two miles and five and a half furlongs. I think that BRAS D’OR can have a big say here for David Pipe and Jack Tudor, who’s currently trading at a best price of 11/2. He makes his handicap debut here, and I think he could be a fair bit better than his opening mark of 114. He has some solid form in maiden and novice company, despite not getting his head in front. He was fifth behind Soldier Reeves at Cheltenham and November, and followed up when second behind the useful Un Sens A La Vie at Ludlow. He could be well in here, and has every chance of going close.
3.20 Wetherby – BRAS D’OR – (11/2) (Win) (3B)
Each-Way Bet
I’m heading to Fontwell for my each-way bet of the day, and the 4.30, where we have a Class 2 handicap chase over two miles and three and a half furlongs. I like ALIEN STORM here for Charlie Longsdoen and David Bass. He comes into the race in fantastic form, having won his last two outings, which came in the form of a six-length success at Plumpton, before following up at Doncaster the following month. He hasn’t been seen since; however, he’s likely been waiting for better ground, which he should get here. He’s also just three pounds higher than his Doncaster success, and could still be on the upgrade.
4.30 Fontwell – ALIEN STORM – (6/1) (Each-Way)
Longshot
My longshot on Friday comes within the 7.00 at Newcastle, which is a Class 3 handicap on the all-weather over six furlongs. I’m taking a chance on SERGEANT WILKO in this competitive-looking affair for Kevin Ryan and Kevin Stott. He’s currently trading at a best price of 12/1, which could be a tad on the big side. Just a couple of starts ago, he finished fourth of fourteen over course and distance in a Class 2 event off a two-pound higher mark, and he was only a length and three-quarters behind the winner on that occasion. He’s also four pounds below his last winning mark, and has won over track and trip previously. I think that he’s got a solid chance to outrun his price.
7.00 Newcastle – SERGEANT WILKO – (12/1) (Each-Way) (4 places)
