The rain has arrived and the goings are extreme. For some it may not be welcomed but for the jumps trainers it’s like heaven.
This is always a hard time of year to get the form right with the changing of going, to horses coming to the end of their seasons.
But there are some today who clearly like to get their toe in and may well be able to capitalise on ground conditions.
Get the best odds on all of Friday’s racing with the top horse racing bookmakers right here.
Friday horse racing betting tips
Get a full preview of each selection below:
Listowel 2:05 Irish Panther 13/8
Listowel 2:40 Helvic Dream 14/1
Newmarket 3:35 Poker Face 6/1
Listowel 5:00 Jetara 2/1
Listowel 2:05 – John J. Galvin Maiden Hurdle (2m2f)
Once touted as a potential Graded horse after finishing 2nd to now Brown Advisory winner Fact To File and 3rd to Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle winner Ballyburn in his bumper days, IRISH PANTHER may never get a better opportunity to break his maiden over hurdles than today.
He has so much in his favor — from the ground to the trip — everything seems to be in place for him.
Granted, he has been disappointing since switching to hurdles and was given a poor ride last time out after a 164-day break, I find it hard to see him not having more than enough to win today.
If he can’t get the job done here, he’s one I wouldn’t consider backing again.
Current Betting: Irish Panther 13/8, Stormbreaker 9/4, Mr Escobar 11/2, Ask The Bookie 10/1, Nowwhatdoyouthink 10/1, Shantou Proncess 12/1, 14/1 bar.
Bet on Irish Panther with Paddy Power
Listowel 2:40 – Listed MCG Handicap Hurdle (2m)
HELVIC DREAM looks well-handicapped in this race.
Another horse who will relish the current conditions, and coming off a good run in a Premier Handicap at The Curragh, Helvic Dream has all the tools to run a massive race here.
With a flat rating of 101 and a hurdle mark of 124, it suggests there might be a bit of wiggle room for him to capitalize on, especially with conditions in his favor.
No stranger to big-field races on the flat or over jumps, there’s a sense that we have yet to see the best of Helvic Dream over hurdles.
A very lively player at the current odds.
Current Betting: Tounsivator 4/1, Risk Belle 8/1, Man O Work 9/1, Frankendael 10/1, Anotherway 12/1, Helvic Dream 14/1, Mighty Tom 14/1, 14/1 bar.
Bet on Helvic Dream with bet365
Newmarket 3:35 – Group 2 Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Joel Stakes (1m)
Ice Max has been well-supported here, but I’m taking a chance that POKER FACE can reverse the placings from their clash in the Group 2 Celebration Mile Stakes at Goodwood.
Sent off as the well-backed 5/4 favorite that day, Poker Face had to give the 3-year-old Ice Max 6lb. However, today he only has to concede 1lb.
While Ice Max won comfortably in their last meeting, I believe that wasn’t a true reflection of Poker Face’s ability.
He ran a strong race to take 4th, only fading late behind Diego Velazquez in the Solonaway Stakes at Leopardstown. Now back on soft ground, and with a track that favored front-runners yesterday, there’s a good chance Poker Face may secure an easy lead.
At 6/1, he looks like a solid betting option here.
Current Betting: Ice Max 7/2, Lead Artist 7/2, Prague 7/2, Task Force 11/2, Poker Face 6/1, Dancing Gemini 7/1.
Listowel 5:00 – Listowel Races Supporters Club Failte Abhaile (1m6f)
Sometimes things seem too good to be true, but JETARA at 2/1 for her flat debut looks like an opportunity too good to pass up.
A dual bumper winner (including her debut) and a Grade 3 winning hurdler, she also finished 2nd in a Grade 1 behind Ballyburn, making her a very attractive betting proposition here.
This is her first run of the season, but she has previously won twice after a break. Conditions are very much in her favor today, and if she’s ready to go, she should have more than enough class to take care of her rivals under Harry Swan.
Current Betting: Jetara 2/1, Seddon 9/2, Weston 5/1, Omniscient 7/1, Ascending 10/1, Cougar 10/1, Karl Des Tourelles 14/1, 20/1 bar.
About the author
Andrew Halligan
My name is Andrew Halligan, horse racing pundit and founder of YouTube’s The Finishing Line Podcast. Horse racing is a thrilling spectacle that captivates audiences around the world with its blend of drama and excitement. Whether you’re a jumps or flat fan, I will use my experience of working within the horse racing industry to bring the best of what this sport has to offer.
You can follow Andrew on X (@Halligan88).
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