Day one of the 2026 Berkshire Winter Million festival at Windsor is covered in our ITV racing tips for Friday, alongside action from Market Rasen and Newcastle.
The Grade Two Lightning Novices’ Chase kicks off a cracking afternoon on ITV4, which features competitive contests over jumps and on the Flat.
WINDSOR 13:50 – BE AWARE
WINDSOR 13:50 – BE AWARE
The Lightning Novices’ Chase has been won by some star performers down the years, including the likes of Deep Sensation and more recently Shishkin.
Dan Skelton scored with Third Time Lucki in 2022 and the title-chasing trainer returns with Be Aware, who has an obvious chance on official ratings.
The seven-year-old, who won well on his debut over fences at Stratford, has had the misfortune to bump into July Flower at Cheltenham and Lulamba at Sandown when runner-up on his last two outings, but meets nothing of that calibre on this occasion.
MARKET RASEN 14:05 – MAHONS GLORY
MARKET RASEN 14:05 – MAHONS GLORY
If Dylan Cunha’s 10-year-old can transfer his form over the National fences back to regulation obstacles in this veterans’ handicap chase, he should go close.
Mahons Glory performed with great credit to finish fourth in the Grand Sefton and fifth in the Becher at Aintree.
WINDSOR 14:25 – HOLLYGROVE CHA CHA
WINDSOR 14:25 – HOLLYGROVE CHA CHA
Jamie Snowden has high hopes for his charge over fences and after a good run behind Resplendent Grey on her chasing debut, she opened her account next time against two rivals she will meet again here.
Hollygrove Cha Cha is worse off at the weights with both Bluey and All The Glory, but stepping back up in trip is sure to suit her and as a Grade Two winner over hurdles, there should be more to come.
WINDSOR 15:00 – TAKE NO CHANCES
WINDSOR 15:00 – TAKE NO CHANCES
Team Skelton could pick up another valuable pot in the £100,000 Weatherbys Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide Hurdle.
Take No Chances is without a win since this exact weekend a year ago, when landing a Grade Two event at Ascot, but she has run some sterling races in defeat in the interim.
Third to Lossiemouth at Cheltenham and Aintree, this season she gave Strong Leader a real fright at Wetherby and was less than four lengths behind subsequent Long Walk winner Impose Toi at Newbury.
Nemean Lion won this race last year and is back for more having run a blinder in the Fighting Fifth behind Golden Ace, but the 7lb mares’ allowance Take No Chances receives could tip the verdict in her favour.
NEWCASTLE 15:20 – POCKLINGTON
NEWCASTLE 15:20 – POCKLINGTON
Having got his head in front last time out following a series of near-misses, Geoff Oldroyd’s dual course and distance winner could well kick on again in this AWC Sprint Trial Handicap.
WINDSOR 15:35 – SALIGO BAY
WINDSOR 15:35 – SALIGO BAY
Has been a revelation for the Sam England team, scoring off a mark of 105 in September but now flying high on 125 following a Wetherby double and last month’s Haydock strike.
This will obviously be Saligo Bay’s toughest task to date, but he bolted up last time and there is no knowing where the improvement will end.
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