RACE PREVIEWS & TIPS (FRIDAY)

16:10 Newbury Legendary trainer John Gosden’s runners are always ones to take note of at major meetings and especially at Newbury where he has a sterling record. He lines up Chessman who comes here off the back of an easy debut win at Kempton over 7f back in November. He beat a subsequent winner that day and when you factor in the trainer’s record of three wins from his last six runners in this race, he looks a strong candidate. Frankie Dettori takes the mount and the former champion jockey has been among the winners already this week for the yard and he can add to that tally here so Chessman gets the nod. It is a race full of unexposed runners and as such dangers are a plenty. Sir Michael Stoute sends the twice-raced Pivoine here today after he ended last year a 1m maiden win in October. The step back in trip would be a slight worry for this Dante and Derby entrant, but he could easily have the class to feature for his top yard. Similarly, Abatement for the Roger Charlton yard stepped up on two average runs in his first two visits to track when scoring over 7f at Lingfield in January, but much more is required here despite that impressive turn of foot to win that day. CHESSMAN (WIN)

16:40 Newbury A tricky looking 5f handicap here with a select field full of talented sprinters. Roger Varian’s Double Up is the likely favourite and he has a fantastic record when fresh with two wins and a third to his name when first time up for the season. Last year, the horse failed to get in the winner’s enclosure with reports of breathing issues leading to another wind operation for the horse. He would have a leading chance and looks well treated now on old form, but his issues are a major worry at the likely price. It may pay instead to opt for the each way value selection in the race of Mick Easterby’s Bowson Fred. The horse has conditions to suit and will strip fitter for some recent outings on the all weather. The latest race was a solid second behind the in-form Kimberella, who has came out and franked the form with another victory since then, so he is the solid each way pick. Mick Appleby’s Poyle Vinnie is another who is back on an attractive mark having been runner up in the Ayr Gold Cup off this mark previously, but a major worry that the horse has never won from such a lengthy layoff from the track and he is not getting any younger either. BOWSON FRED (E/W)