Sky Sports Racing: Regal Ulixes and Gaucher Face Off in Easter Classic

The stage is set for a thrilling Good Friday on Sky Sports Racing, with Newcastle's All-Weather Finals Day taking center stage. The Midnite All-Weather Easter Classic Middle Distance Handicap promises to be a highlight, with Regal Ulixes and Gaucher leading the charge. Regal Ulixes, trained by Andrew Balding, has shown impressive form, comfortably beating Beylerbeyi in a strong Lingfield handicap and finishing sixth in the Lincoln Trial at Wolverhampton. He is expected to appreciate the step up in distance. Gaucher, saddled by Willie Mullins, has taken well to the all-weather, winning his last two outings at Dundalk, and despite a 5lb rise in the weights, he has a strong chance. Other contenders, including Duke's Command and Bragbor, also have each-way claims. In the Midnite All-Weather Easter Plate Marathon Handicap, classy stayers Duke Of Oxford and Beylerbeyi are set to clash. Duke Of Oxford, who finished fourth in this race last season, appears to be at the peak of his powers, having won the trial in January, and should be in the mix. Beylerbeyi, trained by Ian Williams, is expected to head the betting and rates as the one to beat after a string of placed efforts. The Midnite All-Weather Sprint Handicap sees Sir Les Patterson bid to continue his winning streak, while Pocklington and Marshman also have strong claims. The Gosforth Park card kicks off with the Listed BetMGM Burradon Stakes, featuring Billecart, Andab, and New Monarch, followed by Al Najashi's attempt to secure a five-timer in the BetMGM All-Weather 3 Year Old Championships Handicap. Stateira has obvious claims in the BetMGM Fillies' And Mares' Championships Handicap, and Chancellor and Blue Rc lock horns in the BetMGM All-Weather Championships Mile Handicap. At Lingfield, Dark Ace and Apache Outlaw feature in the Midnite All-Weather Vase Sprint Handicap, and San Andreas and Unterberg take each other on in the Midnite All-Weather Vase Middle Distance Handicap. The evening concludes with the Grade 1 Ashland Stakes at Keeneland, headlined by Kentucky Oaks fancy Zany.