ITV Racing Tips: Harry Wilson’s picks for Cheltenham and Doncaster

Harry Wilson is is back with his tips for all seven races live on ITV from Cheltenham and Doncaster on Friday. . .

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1.50 Cheltenham
William Hill Top Price Guaranteed Novice Chase 2m

Harry’s tip: Trail d’Or

Gavin Cromwell has had great success at the Showcase meeting and looks to have found Path D’Oroux the perfect opportunity to open his account over fences. He was second to Madara in a Listed Handicap Chase at the Dublin Racing Festival in February, before going to the Grand Annual and Red Rum at the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals. He is well liked by Libra and can use his experience to his advantage.

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2.08 Doncaster
British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Fillies’ Stakes, 1m

Harry’s tip: Queen of Thieves

Janey Makers sets the standard for the in-form but was beaten by the John and Teddy Gosden-trained Oppenheimer-owned Yarmouth newcomer three weeks ago, and it looks like a similar result here as Queen Of Thieves catches the eye. She is a sister to dual Champion Stakes winner Cracksman and comes from a yard that took it in 2022 with Oaks follow-up heroine Soul Sister.

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2.25 Cheltenham
squareintheair.com Handicap Chase, 2m

Harry’s tip: Elderberry

Calico was out of form in the second half of last season but has been heavily handicapped and will no doubt be fit for this contest having finished second at Cheltenham for the first time in two seasons. He could have won last year’s Paddy Power if he hadn’t pressed as well early on and was just beaten by Triple Trade, who is 6lb off him here, although his best form is in good form so the conditions should be perfect.

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2.43 Doncaster
William Hill commits himself to the handicap of the highest prices, 1 m

Harry’s tip: Harper’s Ferry

Harpers Ferry was keen on his handicap debut at Doncaster last month, but very few have been in that race and I’m willing to give him another chance. He showed plenty of promise on his only juvenile start, finishing second over a mile with the now 116-rated Almacam five lengths behind in fourth and off the mark at third attempt at Windsor in April over 1m2f. He won that day with places to spare and the form looks good, with second and sixth now rated in the low 90s while third has won since then. The soft ground could be a bonus, as is the mile drop, and it would be disappointing if it didn’t go better than the 93 mark.

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3.00 Cheltenham
Sky Bet Novice Hurdle (Grade 2), 2m½ft

Harry’s tip: Gail Mahler

Gail Mahler will be a low price, but deservedly so considering she is 8lbs higher than her nearest rival, but she is getting weight all round and her form couldn’t be better. Her victory at Uttoxeter in June was hugely complimented when runner-up Flying Fortune was more than two lengths behind to win the Persian War, and she was hugely impressive, winning a Listed race by ten lengths when last seen in July, of which the fourth has since won grade 3. She is the one they all have to beat.

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3.18 Doncaster
William Hill More Top Price Handicap, 6f

Harry’s tip: A magical spirit

0009’s recent form doesn’t inspire much confidence, but Magical Spirit is now just 1lb higher than when winning over the course and distance in April and there’s every chance a return here could spark a revival. He has recorded his three best RPRs over the track and distance on soft ground, including finishing second in a Listed event, and his good record here also includes a win in this race in 2021.

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3.35 Cheltenham
Glenfarclas Amateur Jockey, Handicap Pursuit, 3m1f

Harry’s tip: Strict dancer

I was really impressed with the way Strictlydancer came through a veteran chase on his return at Chepstow a fortnight ago and although he was well beaten in the end after being asked for his efforts, he generally needed his first run in season, and he has a right to go for it. He used this contest as a stepping stone to finish nearly fourth in this race last year and this distance and distance winner should be a big player at 2lb lower this time (9lb if the jockey’s statement is taken into account).

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Read more Friday previews:

‘He’s been in some tough races and has a lot of experience’ – can Pat D’Oreux finally open his account over fences?

‘We Go There With High Hopes’ – Key Quotes and Analysis of the Handicap Chase for Amateur Racers

“She’s got a very bright future” – who rates her chances highly in the handicap chase?

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