Fakenham afternoon racing tips: Best bets for Friday, October 20

Let's get the ball rolling with some details on our selected horses at Fakenham, and you can find a full list of our tips at the bottom of the page.

Good luck and please gamble responsibly.

(Please be aware selections could become non-runners after article's first publication)

15:08 (Fakenham) Western Soldier

Western Soldier was well backed when third on his National Hunt debut at Sedgefield earlier this month and may just have paid the price for running too freely early on when edged out in a tight finish.

He was bought for €62,000 on the back of some useful Flat exploits in Germany and should pay his way for new trainer Milton Harris, so is fancied to quickly recoup those losses in the Opening Of Adrian Flux Bar Today Novices’ Hurdle.

16:18 (Fakenham) Awesome Foursome

Awesome Foursome found success by an easy eleven lengths contesting a heavy ground handicap hurdle at Perth and rates a top chance.

My Gift To You is consistent. Ran a third in a handicap hurdle at Hexham last month and may go close.

Boleyn Boy made the frame here in June when a fair third tackling a novices handicap hurdle. Interesting if building on that run.

Steven Seagull improved at Fontwell when fourth contesting a handicap hurdle and holds place claims.

16:53 (Fakenham) Tweed Skirt

Tweed Skirt has proven she can go well when fresh and is backed to make a winning reappearance in the Sky Bet Handicap Chase.

Nicky Henderson’s mare prevailed in a Wetherby bumper on her racecourse bow and went on to perform at a decent level over hurdles, winning at Ascot and running at the 2022 Cheltenham Festival.

However, she always looked the type to really flourish once put over fences and Tweed Skirt backed up that view by starting out last term with a Kempton and Wincanton double.

The six-year-old was then far from disgraced when stepping up in class and gave the impression that this move to three miles will suit when a staying-on fourth on her most recent outing at Cheltenham in April.

Henderson is obviously not known for putting too much emphasis on getting off to a fast start at this time of year, but his limited number of fancied runners have performed well enough so far to suggest Tweed Skirt will be fit for her reintroduction.

17:25 (Fakenham) Enthused

Enthused bids for a hat-trick following victories at Ludlow in this grade and on Tuesday at Huntingdon attempting a two miles handicap hurdle, so rates a top chance.

Bashers Reflection impressively won by twelve lengths attempting a course and distance handicap hurdle prior to a Plumpton success during April and should be added to the shortlist.

Chaos Control and Ilanz also hold claims.

Fakenham selections in full:

FAKENHAM: 2.33 Doc McCoy, 3.08 Western Soldier, 3.43 Heros De Moutiers, 4.18 Awesome Foursome, 4.53 Tweed Skirt, 5.25 Enthused