ITV Racing Preview: Can Ghaiyyath fend off Stradavarius in the Coronation Cup?

Racing resumes on ITV this Friday – here’s what to expect…

UK Horse racing returns to the screens on Friday, with ITV covering action from both Newmarket and Lingfield – including the Group 1 Coronation Cup Stakes.

Here’s what’s on and who’s in the running in the day’s biggest races:

Newmarket

13.50 The Race Five Handicap Stakes

14.25 The Abernant Stakes (Group 3)

15.00 The Paradise Stakes (Listed)

15.35 The Coronation Cup Stakes (Group 1)

Lingfield Park

14.05 The East Grinstead Handicap Stakes

14.40 The Oaks Trial Fillies’ Stakes (Listed)

15.15 The Derby Trial Stakes (Listed)

The Oaks Trial Fillies’ Stakes – Lingfield 14:40

Miss Yoda leads the way, as the highest rated horse in the running after showing continuous improvement last season. The likes of West End Girl, as well as stablemates Lake Lucerne and Anastarsia could push her, but it’s Heart Reef who many are tipping to be her closest competitor.

The Paradise Stakes – Newmarket 15:00

Favourite Sangarius is being tipped for big things, as an exciting prospect in the pack, despite running just twice last season. Mythical Magic came close in a couple of Group 2 runs earlier in the year and could be set to impress at this level.

The Derby Trial Stakes – Lingfield 15:15

With King Carney, English King and King’s Caper in the race – you’re in luck if you prefer a regal runner. But it’s English King who most will have their eye on, after a successful ride at Newcastle last November for the promising three-year-old. Both Sound of Cannons and Berkshire Rocco have also shown promise at times in their fledgling careers.

The Coronation Cup Stakes – Newmarket 15:35

This Group 1 race boasts plenty of recognisable names, including the Champion Stayer, Stradivarius, dropping back to a lesser distance for the first time in three years.

Strong competition awaits though, in the form of Ghaiyyath – known for excellent performances when fresh, and Defoe – last year’s Coronation Cup Stakes winner. Anthony Van Dyck won the Derby Trial Stakes at Lingfield last year, before a famous Epsom Derby win, but the four-year old is now without a win in six runs.

View the latest Horse Racing odds here

All odds and markets correct as of date of publication