TODAY'S TIPS (FRIDAY)

Dean Kilbryde takes a look through the best of Friday's action and finds three runners from Wetherby worth following to round off the working week with some winners. 14:25 WETHERBY

Just the four runners yet an intriguing contest. Service Minimum could only manage third on seasonal reappearance, travelling nicely into the race but finding little when asked and finishing eight lengths behind the eventual winner. He carries top-weight again here, however is aided by the 10lbs claim of jockey Dominic Lewis and should strip fitter. That said, preference is for Handlethekettle who went unbeaten in three over hurdles in 2025 and returned with an encouraging second at Worcester last month, giving weight to all and battling all the way to the line, the winner only getting the upper hand in the final 50 yards. With that under his belt and his favoured good ground forecast, he can get the better of the Dan Skelton runner.

HANDLETHEKETTLE (WIN)

15:00 WETHERBY

Trainer James Owen has been vocal about the potential of Charles Darnay and that hasn’t gone unnoticed in the early markets, yet a short price on hurdling debut against potentially progressive rivals doesn’t appeal.

Better was expected of Sacre Chef on debut at Chepstow, supported into 9/4 but beaten fifteen lengths into third, and while the experience should stand him in good stead he looks like a horse already wanting more of a trip.

Preference is for Vietnorm who got up late to beat an in-form 4/6 favourite when last seen, showing plenty of grit and battling qualities, the pair over twenty lengths clear of third. Likely to progress further and with ground to suit, he gets the nod.

A final mention goes to Wicksey beat two next time out winners when successful on debut and followed up with another solid victory at Cartmel next time out but takes a big jump in class so may have to settle for some place money today.

VIETNORM (WIN)

15:35 WETHERBY

Last year’s renewal was won by Dan Skelton & Triston Durrell with Thistle Ask and they team up with Kingston Narcissus this year, who should be capable of going one better than his neck defeat at Market Rasen when last seen. The selection was only beaten in the final strides but did finish ahead of multiple subsequent winners and this slightly shorter trip should suit, as will the good ground.

Crebilly has been in good form since switching back to fences and could get involved, however the bigger danger could be Breaking Cover who arrives here having won his last three, still looks capable of more and runs for a trainer who continues in excellent form, posting eight wins from his last twenty runners. He needs to prove his stamina over the longer trip but if seeing it out should be thereabouts at the finish.

KINGSTON NARCISSUS (WIN) written by Dean Kilbryde