Winter Million at Lingfield: what is it and which horses are in contention?

The inaugural three-day Winter Million festival takes place at Lingfield this Friday to Sunday, with more than £1 million in prize-money on offer.

Days one and three focus on the jumps action and are supported by ITV4 coverage, with four races shown on the terrestrial channel each afternoon.

Day two is an all-weather fixture including the £100,000 Coral Winter Oaks Fillies' Handicap and supported by five other handicaps and a novice contest.

Tickets are available for all three days on Lingfield's website, with grandstand admission for days one and three costing £35 – or £25 if booking for a group of six or more. Those prices are reduced by £10 for day two, with under 18s able to attend for free throughout the meeting if accompanied by an adult.

Day one entries: Friday

Last season's Tolworth winner Metier is among the notable names in the feature £100,000 Sovereign Handicap Hurdle (3.35), a race that has attracted some Irish interest.

The Sean Doyle-trained Lucky Max could bid for a four-timer, while Emmet Mullins has entered Carrarea and Sevenna Star.

Three other £50,000 contests feature in the ITV4 coverage and two winners at Warwick on Saturday are among the entries, with Edward Courage Cup scorer Brave Seasca in the 2m handicap chase (1.50) and Hampton Novices' Chase winner Threeunderthrufive in the 2m7½f novice chase (3.00).

The Winter Million Hurdle (2.25) over 2m7f has attracted nine possibles, including Molly Ollys Wishes, On The Blind Side and the progressive Flight Deck.

Friday, January 21: full racecards and entries

Day two entries: Saturday

The mixed meeting moves to the Polytrack surface on day two and despite alarming recent signs around British field-sizes, particularly on the all-weather, the increased prize-money has attracted a strong interest with 120 horses entered on Monday across the seven-race card.

The highlight of the day is the £100,000 Coral Winter Oaks Fillies' Handicap (3.40). The Ed Dunlop-trained Virgin Snow, third in a Newmarket Group 3 in October, is the highest rated horse entered but she could face a string of in-form rivals including Nuble and Umm Hurair, who are seeking four-timers.

The Simon Hodgson-trained C'Est No Mour struck twice over course and distance in December and could bid for a major payday in the 1m4f handicap (1.20), although competition will be fierce.

Marion's Boy is another Lingfield specialist and could bid for a fourth straight course-and-distance victory in the 1m2f handicap (12.45) while the Bjorn Nielsen colours, made famous by Stradivarius, will be on show through the Ed Walker-trained My Mirage in the 6f novice (3.05).

Saturday, January 22: full racecards and entries

Day three entries: Sunday

The weekend is sure to end with a bang after a top-class set of entries were revealed for Sunday's jumps card, headlined by Grade 1 winners Bristol De Mai, Fakir D'oudairies, Waiting Patiently and Dashel Drasher all in contention for the £150,000 Fleur De Lys Chase (3.00) over 2m6f.

Goshen could bid to get his career back on track in the 2m3½f hurdle (2.25) worth £100,000. His rivals could include unlucky Relkeel Hurdle faller Brewin'upastorm and two intriguing Irish contenders in the Gavin Cromwell-trained Darver Star and the unbeaten youngster Saint Felicien for Gordon Elliott.

The 23 entries for the Surrey National (3.35) include last season's Welsh Grand National runner-up The Two Amigos, while the German-trained Champion Bumper hope Estacas is pencilled in for the opening bumper (12.50).

Green Book – who was badly hampered and unseated when favourite for Saturday's Lanzarote Hurdle – could make a quick reappearance in the 2m7f novice hurdle (1.20).

Sunday, January 23: full racecard and entries

Ground and weather

There is a predominantly dry forecast during the week at the Surrey track with the going on the jumps course described as heavy.

Conditions are perennially testing at Lingfield but officials have few concerns over the week's forecast and have laid down frost covers across the entirety of the turf track as a precaution.

Clerk of the course George Hill said: "It's heavy ground but it's fine and we took the decision on Sunday to lay the covers to eliminate any potential risk of frost. Looking at the forecast, it could be a lot worse but there's no point taking any chances for a weekend like this."

Read these next:

Number one fan Daryl Jacob backing Bristol De Mai to shine at Lingfield

'Everything about it should suit him' – Metier primed for £100,000 race

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