Friday tips: Angus McNae marks your card at Meydan
By Angus McNae
Last Updated: Thu 5 Mar 2026
Top analyst and presenter Angus McNae shares his four best bets at Meydan on Friday and thinks one in the opening thoroughbred race could be "very well treated."
ONE PLACE. EVERY RACE. Racing TV is the only channel showing every race live from the Cheltenham Festival. Live daily uninterrupted coverage from 9.45am. Click here for more details.
2.05 Meydan: Desert Wisdom
It is incredible to think that Desert Wisdom has never run in a handicap throughout a career that has seen him compete well in much better company.
He races here off a mark of 95 and, if back to anything like his best, would be very well treated. He has joined the Musabah Al Mheiri yard and it is interesting that his trainer has pinpointed this big drop in grade for him.
2.50 Meydan : Native American
Native American won on his Meydan debut and backed that up with a much better performance when finishing third in the Lord North Handicap behind Mothecombe and Fort George.
That form looks good, with Fort George having kept Rebels Romance honest when chasing him home on Super Saturday. Native American can continue his good form and win this from an excellent draw in stall 3.
4.35 Meydan: English Oak
English Oak has enjoyed a fine season at Meydan, winning on both of his starts, and he can complete the hat-trick stepping up in class to this Grade Three.
He has shown a tremendous attitude on both occasions and I think there is a bigger effort in him given that he seems to be progressing back to the sort of form that saw him win the Buckingham Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2024.
A draw in stall 5 is ideal and he looks sure to run well.
5.10 Meydan: Magic Art
Magic Art won well last time out in a seven-furlong maiden here, the eight-length winning margin not expressing his true superiority.
He steps up in grade now and will get a nice tow into the race from Missyechance, who looks certain to set the pace.
His win was a much improved effort from a rather one-paced debut and he can take another step forward today.
Free! RaceiQ's Festival Preview Pack
Racing TV encourages responsible gambling - to find out more click here to head to our dedicated website page.
Related posts
Cheltenham Festival: Ruby Walsh shares his nap and a 33-1 tip
Donn McClean's five Irish-trained dark horses to follow at the Festival
Cheltenham Festival favourites: bankers or blowouts?
Connections hoping it will be time for Temps to shine
Cheltenham Festival best bets: Alex Scott is predicting a French-trained winner
Featured offers
Bet £10 get £30 in free bets + money back up to £10 if your horse loses with Virgin Bet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Get £30 in free bets when you bet £5 with Coral
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £5 get £30 in free bets with Paddy Power
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £20 in Cheltenham free bets with BetVictor
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £5 Get £15 in free bets with Betano
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Copyright 2026 Racing TV - All Rights Reserved.
Please bet responsibly
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved