Racing expert Newsboy has cast his eye over Friday's quartet of UK meetings, pinpointing a standout bet at Newcastle and a leading contender at Ascot to guide punters through the day's action.
Machete Primed for British Breakthrough at Newcastle
The spotlight falls on Gosforth Park, where Machete is handed the Nap vote in the Make The Move To Midnite Handicap at 3.15. The five-year-old, now trained by David O’Meara, brings strong French form to the table, having won a Listed race at Chantilly in March 2022 for previous trainer Fabrice Chappet.
Despite being winless in 15 subsequent starts, eight of which have been in Britain, his latest effort signals a return to form. Just 19 days ago at Newcastle, Machete was narrowly beaten by a neck by Return To Dubai after a thrilling duel in the final furlong.
Newsboy believes the key to unlocking that elusive first UK victory lies in the trip. The gelding was travelling powerfully that day, and the step back in distance to 10 furlongs from an extended mile and a half is seen as a positive move. A 2lb rise in the weights is not expected to stop him.
No Questions Asked Tipped for Ascot Grade 2 Glory
Over at Ascot, the Howden Noel Novices' Chase (3.00) takes centre stage. Newsboy's Next Best selection is the Paul Nicholls-trained No Questions Asked.
The seven-year-old comes into this Grade 2 contest on the back of an excellent second to Wendigo in the John Francome Novices' Chase at Newbury last month. Having travelled strongly throughout that race, he is considered the worthy favourite to go one better and land this valuable prize.
Friday's Full Selection List
Here is Newsboy's complete rundown of selections for all four meetings on Friday, 18th December 2025:
Ascot
12.40 Kapal Layar
1.15 Gaelic Pride
1.50 Bluey
2.25 The Hardest Geezer
3.00 No Questions Asked (NB)
3.35 Bass Hunter
Southwell
1.05 Sound And Vision
1.40 Taranjerine
2.15 Emma’s Letter
2.50 Ada Rose
3.25 R P Mcmurphy
3.55 Volendam
4.25 Priapos
4.55 Mumayaz
5.25 Vince Lombardi
Uttoxeter
11.43 Get Up Mush
12.18 Minella Jury
12.53 Sallyville Lady
1.28 House Of Habsburg
2.03 Thankyouandplease
2.38 Bobalot
3.08 Getaway With You
Newcastle
3.15 Machete (NAP)
3.45 Harlequin Bay
4.15 Watchdog
4.45 Thestral
5.15 Forest Caper
5.45 Volenti
6.15 Sherlock
6.45 Lady Bouquet
7.15 Little Mi Mi
Daily Double: Machete and No Questions Asked.
