Horse Racing Tips: Nobel Champion can bounce back

There is some top level racing across the UK and Ireland this Friday, highlighted by the Irish Champion Hurdle from Punchestown and the Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket.

Newmarket kicks the afternoon off at 13:10 before they go at Goodwood and Musselburgh. Punchestown starts at 15:40 before the evening action takes place at Cheltenham and Newcastle. Amongst our Friday fancies is one for trainer Ed Walker who will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing start to the season.

14:00 Goodwood - Nobel Champion @ 3/1

Only starting his juvenile career in November, Nobel Champion showed that he could potentially be smart.

He was a bit keen early on his debut at Newmarket but challenged for the lead before weakening in the closing stages. It was a good start to his racing career and he proved too good for his opposition when next seen on the all-weather at Lingfield. He did not get out of the stalls perfectly, but showed his ability to pull clear of the field when asked for some effort and was eased down on his way to a five-and-a-half-length win.

He was put away for the winter after that and made his reappearance last month in the Group 3 Greenham Stakes at Newbury. Things did not go to plan and he made little impression on the race, finishing a distant seventh, it is possible that he was not match fit and should come on for that run.

He is related to a number of smart performers and this looks to be an easier task. The step up to a mile should suit and he has a strong chance of bouncing back.

16:05 Newmarket - Bellum Justum @ 5/1

A classy performer on his day having placed in some big races and winning the Nashville Derby in August, Bellum Justum had a disappointing start to his four-year-old season when finishing some way back in a Group 3 at Newbury three weeks ago.

He got off to a slow start and while he made some headway two furlongs out, he weakened in the closing stages. It is possible that he needed the run as it was his first outing since winning in America in August, but with that effort now under his belt, he should come on.

Bellum Justum does have a course win to his name, winning a Maiden at the track in September 2023 to suggest he is able to handle the dip at the Rowley Mile.

The addition of cheek pieces is also interesting and if they have the desired effect, a much improved performance can see him challenge for honours.

18:05 Punchestown - The Yellow Clay @ 11/8

A narrow defeat last time out to The New Lion in the Turners’ Novice Hurdle is the only blot on what has been a superb season for The Yellow Clay.

He had won four straight before heading to the Cheltenham Festival, which included an eight-length victory in a Grade 1 at Naas in January. He ran with credit at Cheltenham and showed determination to get to the front in the closing stages in a sustained duel with The New Lion, only to come up just short in what was arguably one of the best races of the Festival.

There is no shame in that defeat and the slight drop back in trip should play to his strengths. He looks the one to beat and should go one better today now back on home soil.

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