TODAYS TIPS (FRIDAY)

Liam Hall gives his best bets for Friday as he heads around the courses across UK and Ireland. 12:18 MARKET RASEN

The Resdev Tyke got off the mark when winning at Wetherby last time out, that form reads well with the second already being a novice hurdle winner. Bluenose Belle has won twice and been second once from three handicap starts, has been a non-runner due to ground the last twice so this good to soft ground could leave her vulnerable. Drivers Pick has struggled since joining Donald McCain from France, is starting out in handicap hurdles at a low level so should go close if able to recapture his form shown in France. 

DRIVERS PICK (E/W)

16:30 NEWCASTLE

Storm Star has been a revelation in 2025 after winning three at Newcastle over this course and distance, could only finish third last time when dropped back to 7fs, handicapper may have caught up now, this leaves the door open to the classy Witch Hunter, has won off a higher mark before and although his days of being placed in Group 1s and winning a Group 2 may be behind him, he has no excuses here and should be landing this with comfort. 

WITCH HUNTER (WIN) 

17:00 WOLVERHAMPTON

Francesi has looked very good of late and although without at win at Wolverhampton before, has ran nice races here before, apprentice has struck up a rapport with him it seems but the 4lb penalty might be too much this time around. Dingwall is another who has run consistently but the handicapper has continued the rise accordingly, this makes life tough again but is still capable. Prince Ali has looked out of form of late but has won round here before, is a kean going sort but when he settles he's more than capable, has dropped to a very competitive mark if all falls right. 

PRINCE ALI (E/W) 

18:15 DUNDALK 

Bella Colombia was disappointing on stable debut but fired up last time out when finishing a strong second, the drop back in trip should suit but could still be vulnerable up 1lb. Tortola had struggled for her previous yard but took a huge step forward on stable debut for Andrew Slattery when finishing fast to place third, should be very dangerous back into handicap company off an unchanged mark. 

TORTOLA (WIN) 

written by Liam Hall