Clear angles, value plays, no waffle
The Big Picture
Friday gives us a proper split card:
Jumps: Windsor (Winter Million Day 1) & Market Rasen
All-Weather: Newcastle (AWC Trials) & Wolverhampton
Soft ground dominates Windsor, stamina matters everywhere over obstacles, while Newcastle and Wolves are all about track specialists and trainer intent.
WINDSOR – Winter Million Festival (Soft)
13:50 – Lightning Novices’ Chase (Grade 2, 2m)
Be Aware (5/6)
Best form (2nd in Henry VIII, Grade 1)
But jumping isn’t bombproof and he’s short enough
No Questions Asked (11/4) – VALUE PLAY
Travels strongly
Drop back to 2m is ideal after fading at Ascot
If ridden positively, can put pressure on the favourite’s fencing
Alnilam (8/1)
Honest and tough
Looks just short of top class
Verdict:
👉 No Questions Asked is the bet at the prices. Be Aware most likely winner, but poor value.
12:40 – Novices’ Hurdle (3m)
They Call Me Hugo
Grade 2 form at Cheltenham
Proven stamina
Clear class edge
Verdict:
👉 Hard to oppose. Proper staying novice.
14:25 – Mares’ Handicap Chase
Alfie’s Princess
Won well at Wincanton on return
Handles soft ground
5lb rise looks fair
Main danger: Hollygrove Cha Cha
Verdict:
👉 Alfie’s Princess still looks ahead of the handicapper.
15:00 – Weatherbys Hurdle
Nemean Lion
Class horse
Soft ground suits
Likely short price
Note: Could be a prep run, but class often carries them through here.
Other Windsor Notes
13:15: Gamesters Guy looks progressive in a limited handicap
16:05: Westerninthepark a solid O’Neill/Bowen chance; Margaret’s Legacy well handicapped
MARKET RASEN – Sharp Track, Veteran Focus
Feature Veterans’ Chase
Filanderer (5/1) – STRONG PLAY
Progressive for a veteran
Course form
Front-running style suits Market Rasen
Bill Baxter (9/2)
Talented but risky jumper
Avoid:
Minella Drama / Two For Gold – class but enthusiasm questionable
Verdict:
👉 Filanderer best balance of form, track, and attitude.
12:53 – Novices’ Hurdle
Hold The Serve (10/11)
Penalised on soft ground — vulnerable
Shotgun Rider (3/1)
Gets weight
Solid alternative
Verdict:
👉 Favourite looks opposable.
NEWCASTLE – All-Weather Championships Trials
16:30 – AWC Mile Trial (Class 2)
Storm Star (7/4) – NAP
Won this race last year
Outstanding Newcastle record
Balding + Oisin Murphy combo screams intent
Main danger: Apiarist
Verdict:
👉 Everything lines up for Storm Star.
15:55 – AWC 3yo Trial
Ten Carat Harry
5 wins, but fully exposed now
Monarch’s Gold (5/1) – VALUE
Handicap debut
Unexposed
Could be well ahead of his mark
Verdict:
👉 Side with upside: Monarch’s Gold.
14:15 – Marathon Trial (2m)
Duke Of Oxford
Track suits
Has gears others lack
WOLVERHAMPTON – Friday Night Angles
The James Owen Angle
25% strike rate at Wolves
His runners demand respect
17:30 – Latin
C&D winner
Likely to follow up
18:00 – Mythical Bay
Course experience
Market support strong
Final Shortlist (For Busy Punters)
NAP: Storm Star (Newcastle 16:30)
Best Value Jumps: No Questions Asked (Windsor 13:50)
Veterans’ Play: Filanderer (Market Rasen)
AWC Upside: Monarch’s Gold (Newcastle 15:55)
Trainer Angle: Latin (Wolves 17:30)