‘Now’s the time to strike’ – Four horses who are ahead of the handicapper on Friday

There’s no such thing as an easy winner in this game and punters need to be on the lookout for all the advantages they can get. Handicaps are deliberately designed to be competitive so those with a bit of an advantage can grasp the opportunity. As such, we’ve selected four runners across the cards on Friday who have something in hand with the handicapper so now is the time to strike. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

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2.15 Sandown

Novelette initially went up 6lb for winning on handicap debut over course and distance last time out, but the runner-up boosted the form by winning next time and that lead to another 2lb rise from the handicapper. Running off an unchanged mark here however, that couple of pounds could make a difference and she’s progressing nicely.

2.45 Sandown

Savannah Smiles has been admirably consistent of late and she should go close again. Second by a neck at Chepstow when last seen, the handicapper has pushed her up 2lb as a result. Now is therefore a good time to catch the five-year-old, as she runs off 62 once again.

3.38 Thirsk

Eternal Sunshine was a short head away from winning a valuable prize at the Ebor Festival last week and a reproduction of that form would give her every chance. You can forgive her run over 7f the next day and this looks like a much better opportunity.

7.00 Newcastle

Head For Freedom is officially 3lb ahead of the handicapper and the Michael & David Easterby-trained gelding was second by a narrow margin at Southwell earlier this month. Clearly going the right way, a return to winning ways could be on the cards here.

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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18+. New customers Only. Opt-in required. Min deposit: £20. Min Bet: £20. Maximum 2 free bets credited per user. Maximum winnings from each free bet: £150. Min odds: Evens (2.00). Only horse racing single bets qualify (E/W markets excluded). Free bet 1: 50% of your stake back, up to £10, if your first qualifying bet loses. Free bet 2: 50% of your stake back, up to £10, if your second qualifying bet loses. Paid as free bet token. Free bets min odds: 3/2 (2.50). Free bets are valid for single selections only & are not valid for E/W markets. http://www.gambleaware.org. T&Cs Apply

CLAIM

Bet £20, Get £20

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