Horse racing correspondent Jonathan Doidge has provided his expert selections for Friday's race cards across Newbury, Pontefract, and Hamilton. The tips feature a blend of promising debutants and in-form contenders, with particular attention paid to horses from Charlie Appleby's highly successful stable.
At Newbury, Doidge highlights Force Of Light in the Ire-Incentive, It Pays To Buy Irish EBF Novice Stakes at 15:00. Despite being a debutant, Force Of Light is backed to justify its ante-post favouritism. Its strong pedigree, being a full brother to a Group 1 winner and related to another Group 1 juvenile sprint winner, coupled with Charlie Appleby's impressive 45% strike rate with juveniles this season, makes it a compelling choice. Opposition with prior experience is noted as not having shown exceptional form, further boosting Force Of Light's prospects.
Later at Newbury, in the Apple Print & Creative Rose Bowl Stakes (Listed Race) at 16:10, Nabati is tipped to deliver a quick double for the Appleby yard. Nabati, who won comfortably on its Yarmouth debut, is expected to step up significantly in form despite facing a field of experienced winners. The continued excellent form of Charlie Appleby's string is a key factor in this selection, with Nabati seen as another two-year-old with considerable potential.
Moving north to Pontefract, Hover On The Wind is the selection in the Sky Bet Go-Racing-In-Yorkshire Summer Festival Handicap at 19:07. Representing the in-form Paul Midgley yard, Hover On The Wind boasts two previous wins over the course and distance this season. Despite carrying a penalty from a recent victory, its proven affinity for Pontefract and past indications of further capability make it an attractive each-way bet, offering potential value on betting apps.
Finally, at Hamilton, Ferrous is put forward as an each-way contender in the 19:15 race. While the full details for Ferrous were not provided, its inclusion alongside the other strong selections indicates a belief in its potential to perform well and offer value to punters.