Blank Friday for the World Cup but Newcastle has its night in the sun

It may be a blank day at the World Cup, but there is no shortage of racing to get stuck into today. ITV4's cameras will be trained on the Tapeta at Newcastle this evening with the Group 3 Stobart Energy Hoppings Fillies' Stakes the highlight.

Friday cards

There's further Flat action at Chester, the Curragh, Doncaster, Newmarket and Yarmouth. For jumps fans, there is an afternoon fixture at Cartmel.

Going report

Doncaster (first race 2.00)
Good to firm, firm in places (GoingStick: 8.7 at 7.30am on Thursday). Rail movements; R5 & 6 +18y.

Yarmouth (2.10)
Good to firm, firm in places.

Cartmel (2.20)
Good to firm, firm in places (GoingStick: 7.6).

Curragh (5.25)
Good to firm.

Newmarket (5.35)
Good to firm (GoingStick: 7.2 at 8.30am). Rail movements; R4 & 6 +21y.

Newcastle (5.45)
Standard.

Chester (5.55)
Good to firm (GoingStick: 7.8 at 7am on Thursday).

What to back

Chris Rose has not one, but two selections for Newcastle...

Pricewise supremo Tom Segal has cast his eye over Newcastle's card for members (£), while there are a host of selections in Tips Box.

What to read

Frankie Dettori knows a thing or two about Classics, and he thinks Dee Ex Bee, rather than Saxon Warrior, should head the betting for Saturday's Irish Derby.

Evening racing from Newcastle is live on ITV4, and the team are raring to go.

What to watch

Our top pundits offer their thoughts on Saturday's Classic at the Curragh.

The best of Racing Post Sport

Saturday's All-Ireland qualifier between Kildare and Mayo has not been short on drama, and that's just relating to where the match is played. David Jennings leads our team assessing the weekend action.

There might not be any football today, but there's still plenty of sport, and Joe Champion has studied the threeballs for the second round of the French Open.

Final thought

Last year the opening fillies' maiden at the Curragh was won by subsequent dual Group 1 winner Happily. Aidan O'Brien has three runners in the race this evening, so could another star emerge?

For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster every afternoon. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app