God, I love Fridays. Not just because it's almost the weekend, but because there's always that chance to build up the betting account before Saturday's big cards. And lemme tell you - I've got some absolute gems lined up today that should fatten your wallet nicely.

I woke up at 5am this morning pouring over form books. My wife thinks I'm mental.

The Kingman Colt That Had Me Reaching for My Wallet

COSMIC YEAR (2.20 Newmarket) is my banker of teh day. No question.

Listen. When I watched this Kingman colt absolutely demolish that field at Kempton last month, I nearly spilled coffee all over my laptop. The bookies went into panic mode afterward, slashing his 2,000 Guineas odds like there was no tomorrow. But his connections - smarter than me, clearly - always had their eyes on the Irish 2,000 instead.

This is just his third racecourse appearance. Can you believe that? His debut at Sandown back in September caught my eye, but that Kempton performance... different level entirely.

Ryan Moore takes the ride for the first time today. I actually bumped into a stable lad from the yard at Newmarket last week (was trying to find the bathroom, ended up near the weighing room somehow) who told me they couldn't be happier with how he's training. Moore in the saddle just seals the deal for me.

What About That Yarmouth Winner?

My second best today comes in the form of ALPINE TRAIL (1.45 Newmarket).

I spent $50 backing this one at Yarmouth earlier this month and it was money well spent. James Doyle sent him straight to the front and, honestly, you could've gone to grab a pint and come back - the result was that obvious from halfway.

William Buick takes over today which is... interesting. I've got a theory about why the jockey change happened but my editor would probably cut it anyway.

Didn't run as a juvenile but making up for lost time now. Quick ground, decent draw, progressive profile - all the boxes ticked.

Goodwood's Tricky Turns? No Problem!

TOCA MADERA (2.35 Goodwood) completes my Friday treble.

Back in 2022, I watched this horse run at Glorious Goodwood and made a note in my little black book (yes, I still use one of those - my daughter laughs at me for being so "ancient"). He handled those undulations beautifully when finishing third in what turned out to be a red-hot handicap.

His recent run at HQ was eye-catching. Travelled like a dream but just got nabbed late on when fitness told. That run will have blown away the cobwebs.

Brian Meehan's sprinter loves quick ground. Perfect conditions today.

A Quick Word About Keeping It Fun

Look, we all know gambling should be enjoyable, not a problem. So remember:

• Set yourself limits before you start (I use an alarm on my phone - drives my wife crazy)
• Only use cash you can afford to kiss goodbye
• Chasing losses? Worst idea since I tried cutting my own hair during lockdown
• Feeling down? Step away from the betting app
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org

There's a full guide on responsible gambling here if you need it. Racing's meant to be fun, after all.