‘Further progress can’t be ruled out’ – 28/1, 25/1 and 20/1 ITV Outsiders for Friday

National Hunt racing has returned! This is great news for many fans of the sport and Cheltenham’s first fixture of the season takes place on Friday. The ITV cameras are out once again and seven races from Cheltenham and Doncaster will be shown live.

We’ve selected three outsiders that may have been overlooked and can outrun their odds. Why not check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

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2.25 Cheltenham

Royal Mer (28/1, bet365) had a very productive season over fences last term, winning five times over various trips. He might have been over the top after a long season when pulling up at Ayr in April and you can forgive that effort. Completing his hat-trick at Wincanton before that, further progress can’t be ruled out and it might be dangerous to overlook him, despite being 2lb out of the handicap.

14:25

Cheltenham

Royal Mer

Analysis

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3.18 Doncaster

Eminny (25/1, Coral) looks set to appreciate the return to handicap company, after struggling in a Listed race at Redcar when last seen. She was a good winner of a 6f handicap at Hamilton before that and the drop back in trip might also help her chances. It’s hard to know what to make of her mark but she’s worth giving a go here.

15:18

Doncaster

Eminny

Analysis

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3.35 Cheltenham

Jimmy The Digger (20/1, bet365) won this very race back in 2022 and currently finds himself on a 5lb lower mark. Last season was a little underwhelming, as was his seasonal reappearance, but the handicapper is responding accordingly. A better jumping performance is required here but he’s more than capable. Henry Daly’s veteran isn’t getting any younger but he could have one more victory in him.

15:35

Cheltenham

Jimmy The Digger

Analysis

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If you back any of our selections you can watch them live on the free Racing Post app or racingpost.com. Simply log in to one of your bookmaker accounts and click ‘Watch live’ on the racecards.

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