There are five meetings across the UK and Ireland on Friday as we head into what promises to be a stunning weekend, headlined by the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown.

Friday features jumps action from Catterick (1.10-4.12pm) and Chepstow (1.30-4.40), alongside all-weather Flat meetings at Lingfield (1.20-4.20), Dundalk (3.55-7.30) and Newcastle (4.30-8.15).

Friday’s nap made a pleasing start for the Skelton brothers in the autumn and should take a step forward in the 1.30 at Chepstow.

Horse racing predictions today – Chepstow, Newcastle and Dundalk

Enda McElhinney’s picks for Friday are below. Scroll down to read the expert analysis behind them. 

Odds correct at time of publishing and may be subject to change.

Already used the Paddy Power sign-up offer? Take a look at more great bookmaker offers and the best betting sites.

Horse racing predictions: Chepstow 1.30

Dan and Harry Skelton shouldn’t have to wait long to make their trip to Wales worthwhile as HOE JOLY SMOKE looks like a potential improver for them in this two-mile novices’ hurdle.

The five-year-old gelding went off as favourite on his debut here over 2m 3½f in October, when he ran well but couldn’t peg back all-the-way winner Makin’yourmindup from the Paul Nicholls stable.

Makin’yourmindup returned to Chepstow to win again next time out over 2m 7½f and has since gone close at Kempton, achieving a rating of 128 along the way. Several of the horses that finished behind the first pair in October have boosted the form, the seventh and eighth going on to claim victories.

Crebilly won a maiden hurdle at Newcastle and ran well when second over course and distance last month. He looks a danger but, once more, has to concede weight to some likely sorts in opposition.

Interestingly, Dan Skelton opts to drop Hoe Joly Smoke back in distance here and it’s worth recalling he has had a preference for allowing his new recruits to find their feet on the track this season, so there should be plenty of improvement to come.

Selection: Hoe Joly Smoke @ SP with Paddy Power

Horse racing predictions: Newcastle 5.40

Only five contest this one-mile handicap but three of them won last time out and they will fancy their chances again.

Mint Edition won in good style over course and distance 14 days ago but might have benefited from those in front going too quickly early, as his rivals were rather treading water when it mattered.

The form of Cariad’s autumn win over an extended mile at Wolverhampton is solid, but she may just need this run and, in any case, has to give weight to Kevin Ryan’s charge MAGICDOLLAR.

The selection won over course and distance three weeks ago despite getting stuck behind rivals and having to switch to the outside to challenge. He got there with time to spare and finished strongly – an improved showing from him after a short break of his own – and there is more to come from him.

Selection: Magicdollar @ SP with Paddy Power

Horse racing predictions. Dundalk 5:30

Dual course winner NOTFORALONGTIME may be able to make it three victories at Dundalk for Laura Hourigan and Mark Enright in this one-mile handicap.

The Paco Boy gelding won twice on the all-weather in Britain during his time with Clive Cox, both at 7f, and after a mixed bag of efforts on turf for this trainer over the summer months, he found his stride to notch wins over this track and trip in October and November.

He has run well in two further starts either side of the New Year, both times under hefty weight burdens, and just might find that he has another race in him. On his UK form, he is still on the sort of mark from which he can be very competitive.

Selection: Notforalongtime @ SP with Paddy Power

Looking for more horse racing picks for today’s action?

Find racecards for every meeting every day plus horse racing selections for every race, with each runner’s chances rated out of five.