Horse Racing Tips: Balding on a mission at York on Friday

Flat racing holds sway across the UK and Ireland on Friday with seven meetings taking place across the afternoon and into the evening.

First they go at Newmarket, then at York and Newbury, before late afternoon action comes from Kilbeggan and Aintree, with racing at Leopardstown and Hamilton to follow. Among our Friday fancies is one for trainer Andrew Balding who will be hoping his filly can kick off her season in style.

14:20 York - Pacific Mission @ 5/1

The final day of York's Dante Meeting is this Friday and the second race of the day is a listed event for three-year-old fillies.

Many arrive here in good form, highlighting the deeply competitive race on show and Andrew Balding’s PACIFIC MISSION looks set to kick off her season and can do so in style on the Knavesmire.

The three-year-old filly arrives here off the back of a good second place finish in the Group 1 Juvenile Fillies Turf at the Breeders Cup in October.

Balding's charge is superior in ratings for this event and, if she's race fit, she has a great chance of winning here this afternoon.

14:55 York - Tony Montana @ 4/1

TONY MONTANA is an interesting runner at York as he's long without a win but often shows signs of promise in defeat.

The Amo Racing owned six-year-old holds a good record here, including a narrow second place finish in this race last year off his current rating of 96; suggesting he remains competitively handicapped coming into this contest.

His most recent run came at Newbury, where his performance was better than his finishing place suggested, with him just three lengths off the winner.

He will come along well with that run under his belt and the step up back in trip to 1m 2f will play to his strengths - he's well drawn for this competitive affair and can go well.

19:22 Leopardstown - Scandinavia @ 1/6

SCANDINAVIA looks set to dominate the Group 3 Saval Beg Levmoss Stakes at Leopardstown this Friday.

Following a brilliant three-year-old campaign that included a St Leger victory and a Goodwood Cup win, the Aidan O'Brien trained colt made a seamless transition to life as a four-year-old with an effortless win in the Vintage Crop Stakes last month.

With Ryan Moore in the saddle, his tactical speed and stamina make him the one to beat in this contest.

Ultimately, this race will serve as the ultimate springboard for the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, where a heavyweight clash with the likes of Trawlerman awaits.