US Horse Racing Tips: Paul Quigley’s best bets for Friday night

Unfortunately, racing was abandoned at Sunland Park on Thursday, meaning our US horse racing tipster Paul Quigley's tips were rendered irrelevant.

However, he returns on Friday with three selections - from Fair Grounds, Oakland Park and Tampa Bay Downs.

19:15 Fair Grounds (Race 2) - Went West @ SP

Most of these have been tackling much tougher company. The biggest class-dropper is American Know How (7). He ran well when facing a stiff task last time out in December. The five-year-old has been freshened up and has been working well. He looks a very logical favourite running first time for sale.

Eye Dee Kay (6) trounced a starter field at Delta Downs at the start of the month. He is competitively spotted so the double up is not out of the question. Mahoney Road (4) and French Composer (5) are others in here who get class relief along with WENT WEST (1).

The rail-drawn runner may offer a bit value against American Know How and Eye Dee Kay. He ran third for twice today’s claiming price last time. Things didn’t pan out for this stalker/closer as the first two were in van throughout. He should get some pace to chase down. Not only does he drop in class but now runs for in form trainer Larry Rivelli.

21:12 Oaklawn Park (Race 6) - Boat Song @ SP

A full field here, but there may be a clear-cut favourite in Express Cruiser (4). He returned to form first time out for his trainer when a neck second in a slightly cheaper claimer. Being in good hands, there is a good chance he can repeat that run. He obviously deserves maximum respect.

So too does Guided Arrow (10), who finished behind him last time. He has some speed in a race that lacks much early zip.

Moon Over Egbert (8) made his comeback over a mile. He has form sprinting in Canada so enters calculations.

However, my two against the field are Ravin's Town (6) and BOAT SONG (5).

The former faded badly when facing much better rivals last time. His runs in claimers at a higher level than this one make him dangerous on or close to possible modest early fractions.

Boat Song has been freshened up and gets class relief. His trainer McLean Robertson made a slow start to this meet. He has now won with three of his last seven starters. Go to jockey for him Emmanuel Esquivel now takes the ride.

21:50 Tampa Bay Downs (Race 9) - Altamira Sur @ SP

Hopefully this race runs as carded on the turf. There are fillies with form in similar events locally and down state.

I think the Gulfstream shipper ALTAMIRA SUR (5) will come out on top. She has won back to back starts since her debut. Last month, she was victorious at today’s level. The second and third franked the form by running one-two next time. That win was on Tapeta but her maiden win came on the turf.

The selection will have to be on her game as some of the locals have decent form. Dynamic Actress (9), Hidden Recipe (10) and Skipwineyesterday (3) filled the places in a similar event to this with Rocio (1) a below par sixth. The quartet have to be reckoned with.

So too do a trio of last time out maiden winners Soul Secret (2), Sparkling Ruby (4) and Notable Exchange (8). Any of them may be able to beat winners at first asking.

The 2025 Cheltenham Festival is right around the corner - check out the latest Gold Cup Betting Odds over at betfred.com

Paul Quigley is a long-time US racing fan and tipster. He provides US Horse Racing Tips for Betfred Insights as well as working for Betfred TV...