FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

Rory Paddock looks ahead to the best of Friday nights all-weather action and pinpoints his best bets.

16:13 DUNDALK

Despite not winning in thirteen previous races on the all-weather Half Nutz hasn't been far away in his last two starts. At the age of eight he's probably past his prime but in such a low grade contest he's got enough to make the frame.

Course and distance winner Fly To Glory is aiming to make it three wins in a row and looks the most obvious danger.

HALF NUTZ (E/W)

16:45 DUNDALK

As the first reserve, Tam Lin needs one of his rivals to withdraw from the race to get a spot but based on his last two starts he's got a chance. He'll appreciate the drop in trip back to seven-furlongs and has a low enough weight to ensure he'll be in contention.

Movin And Groovin has the best form on offer and the likely market favourite ticks the most boxes.

TAM LIN (E/W)

18:15 DUNDALK

Course and distance winner Punk Poet hasn't tasted success since 2023 but a trio of runs in October and November last year showed that, even at the age of eight, still has enough in the tank to compete. With the interesting jockey booking of Chris Hayes this veteran can roll back the years and do far better than the bookies might have you believe.

In such an open contest a case could be made for several of the runners but the most notable challengers come in the form of Tribal Moon, Morning Approach, Fivecromwellplace and Cousin Shay.

PUNK POET (E/W)

19:00 SOUTHWELL

Zooks went mightily close when filling the runners-up spot at Chelmsford last time out and it looks like Rossa Ryan can stir the five-year-old to success and go one better this time around.

ZOOKS (WIN)

19:15 DUNDALK

Despite still being a maiden at the age of seven Is She Now produced her best recent effort to date when third over this course and distance two starts back. A repeat of that effort, especially with less weight to carry, should be enough to see her finish in the money once again.

Ranko Express also holds a strong chance and should make any punters shortlist.

IS SHE NOW (E/W)

20:30 SOUTHWELL

The final race on the card at Southwell looks very open, and it'll be hard to disregard any of the ten runners. Nevertheless, Richard Fahey's Ziggy's Condor has been ultra-consistent on the all-weather and is now on an attractive mark. With the promising up-and-coming claiming jockey Warren Fentiman (who's had three wins from his last 12 rides) taking more weight off the horse's back he can pick up the pieces if some of the more well-fancied runners fail to deliver.

ZIGGY'S CONDOR (E/W)

written by Rory Paddock