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Altior and Champ the tantalising prospects at end of weather-disrupted week

Altior: puts in another brilliant leap to win the Desert Orchid Chase
Altior: could be in action at Newbury on SaturdayCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Monday

An interrupted start to the week with Carlisle and Plumpton called off, but the good news is that Fairyhouse goes ahead.

There is an informative card at the Irish track with the Grade 3 Solerina Mares' Novice Hurdle (2.30) featuring Royal Kahala, Gauloise and Brave Way.

Royal Kahala: will be aimed at the Mares Hurdle at Cheltenham
Royal Kahala: runs at Fairyhouse on MondayCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Newcastle stages a jumpers' bumpers fixture on the all-weather, while there is a twilight card at Wolverhampton.

Tuesday

It could be a lean afternoon of action should the plug be pulled at Market Rasen and Taunton at Monday's inspections.

Both have attractive mid-week cards if avoiding the worst of the weather with the pick of the action being a competitive 3m handicap chase (3.30) at Taunton.

All-weather cards at Kempton, made up of bumpers for jumpers, and Southwell in the evening mean some racing at least should be guaranteed.

Wednesday

Fairyhouse on Monday got the all clear with racing taking place on the main track, but Wednesday's fixture has been scrapped as the inside track is waterlogged.

Sedgefield and Fontwell have already been cancelled and hopes of racing at Ludlow depend on the the impact of forecast freezing temperatures.

There is £15,000 up for grabs for the Attwood Memorial Trophy (3.25) at Ludlow.

Thursday

Huntingdon will need to a pass a Monday inspection, but there could be some talented types on show in the Listed Sidney Banks Novices' Hurdle (2.30) should the meeting go ahead.

The action there is supplemented by seven-race cards at Ffos Las, Thurles and Doncaster along with evening action on the all-weather from Newcastle.

Friday

There will be a few smart types running at Kempton, where the 3m handicap chase (4.15) is the pick of the day's action.

Flat meetings outnumber those over jumps with all-weather cards at Southwell and Chelmsford.

Saturday

An excellent day of action with racing from Newbury and Warwick set to be broadcast live on ITV.

Champ: star quality but fell at Cheltenham last time out
Champ: on course to make his first strat of season at Newbury on SaturdayCredit: Edward Whitaker

The Betfair Hurdle at Newbury is always one of the most competitive races of the jumps season, while there may be a chance to see both Altior (Game Spirit Chase) and Champ (Denman Chase) run for Nicky Henderson.

At Warwick, Allmankind will look to put down a marker of his own for the Arkle in the Kingmaker Novices' Chase following recent dominant displays from Shishkin and Energumene.

Lingfield and Wolverhampton are the day's all-weather offerings.

Sunday

All eyes will turn to Ireland where the pick of the day's action is the undoubtedly the Punchestown Grand National, a race won in each of the last three seasons by Willie Mullins or Gordon Elliott.

There is also a pair of Listed races to enjoy at Exeter, as well as an all-weather card on the Fibresand at Southwell.


Read more:

Bookies spared massive payout as third leg of gamble is beaten at Musselburgh

Tiger Roll may skip historic Grand National bid and take in Irish version

Kieran O'Neill out until March after crashing fall at Lingfield


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