Friday's Best Bets: Exquisite Ruby can shine at Lingfield

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Tippin' Jimmy talks us through his fancies from Friday's racing, including a run-down from the first day of the Open Meeting at Cheltenham.

Cheltenham

12:40 - Dueling Banjos (6/1),  Sugar Baron (9/1)

Kim Bailey is expecting a good season with Dueling Banjos, a seven-year-old chaser on a very workable mark this season. He shaped really well when second at Exeter a month ago, and there's no reason why he can't improve from that run.

Sugar Baron represents Nicky Henderson and although carrying top weight can go very well for the champion trainer. He wasn't that far off in the Bet365 Gold Cup, and didn't get the chance to show much when unseating his rider in the Scottish National. He's on a good mark, and there should be more to come.

1:15 - Counter Shy (9/2), Or De Vassy (9/1)

Jonjo O'Neill's Counter Shy has been given a very fair opening mark for his handicap debut this afternoon, and looks like an improving type to follow this season. He won, as tipped at 16-1, before a strong second place finish at Uttoxeter last time out. There should be a lot more to come as the conditions of the race are set to suit him.

Or De Vassy is well regarded in Dan Skelton's yard and should go well following his encouraging victory at Sedgefield last month. He won pretty well that day and I don't think he will stop improving yet.

1:50 - Kapstadt (7/2)

Ian Williams is in fantastic form this season and Kapstadt can utilise his handy riding weight to seek glory here. He deserved to win at Ludlow last time but was narrowly beaten, he likes running here, and is the type to continue improving over fences.

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Finian's Oscar is currently a 9-1 chance for the JLT at the Cheltenham Festival

2:25 - Finian's Oscar (Evs)

I really rate this horse and like many I can see him rising right to the top of the novice chasing ranks this season. He won well at Chepstow, but that race wasn't very strong after Alcala slipped up. He jumped pretty well and this dual Grade One scorer should be the one to beat in this tight contest. It's a very hot race, and worth watching in the future.

3:00 - Cause Of Causes (5/1)

This was one of my best bets and biggest wins from last year's Cheltenham Festival and I am really hoping he can do it again for me. Cause Of Causes is an excellent horse around Cheltenham and jumped like a superstar to win at the Festival in March. The reports from home are very encouraging and I do think he's capable of winning off top weight here.

3:35 - On The Blind Side (10/3)

I was impressed with this horses' victory at Aintree on his hurdling debut for Nicky Henderson and I really think, and hope, he can come good this season. He picked up very strongly at the end, and I don't think was in any real trouble. The form of the race wasn't too strong but he should improve and this race may suit him much better.

Best Of The Rest

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Charlie Hills' Exquisite Ruby could break her losing run at Lingfield

12:30 Newcastle - Joke Dancer (20/1)

I fancy two of Sue Smith's this afternoon and this very well bred four-year-old is one of them. He is from a very good family of hurdlers. He was a tad disappointing on his two outings when sixth on two visits to the races. He could run a much bigger race this afternoon for a trainer who thinks highly of him.

1:40 Newcastle - Cracking Find (11/8)

This is a chaser who has certainly got a few wins in him as a novice this season. He raced against some good opposition, but was very poor when third on his return at Wetherby last month. He may have needed it and he should run much better here this afternoon.

3:25 Newcastle - Ballinslea Bridge (9/4)
I have to admit every time I have tipped an Olly Murphy horse they have lost! But that has to change one day, and that day could well be today. Ballinslea Bridge is one of the reason Richard Johnson is bypassing Cheltenham and he can finish his bumper career with a victory today. He ran pretty well on his rules debut when second and deserves to go one better here.

3:45 Lingfield  - Exquisite Ruby (10/3) 

I cannot believe that this horse hasn't won yet because she has the potential to be so much better than a 59-rated horse. This three-year-old daughter to a listed winner, shaped very well when a narrow loser at this track a few months back. She was a bit keen when fifth last time and if she can settle then has to go well here.

8:45 Chelmsford- Netley Abbey (14/1)
This horse is included in my dark horses for the season, but actually runs on the flat for Henacre Racing Club. He finished third on his last outing at Wolverhampton but connections believe there is more to come from him.