What's on this week: all roads lead to Ascot for stellar Clarence House clash

Monday

The week kicks off with a seven-race card at Hereford following the cancellation of Fontwell.

Three runners go to post in Hereford's feature race, the 3m1f novice handicap chase (2.40), and little separates them on official ratings.

Punchestown stages the sole meeting in Ireland, while the day's action concludes with all-weather racing from Wolverhampton.

Tuesday

Bear Ghylls, who finished fourth to Bob Olinger in the 2021 Ballymore Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham, runs for Nicky Martin in the 2m3½f handicap chase (2.30) at Chepstow.

Clonmel stages seven races from Ireland, where Betfair Hurdle favourite Gaelic Warrior runs in the Munster Hurdle (1.50), but must pass an inspection at 7.30am on raceday, and there are all-weather fixtures from Kempton and Southwell.

Blaklion: could feature at Newbury on WednesdayCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Wednesday

Popular veteran Blaklion, who is now aged 14, holds an entry for the 2m7½f handicap chase (3.25) at Newbury for Dan Skelton, while the day’s other jumps meeting comes from Plumpton.

Wolverhampton hosts six races on the all-weather, and Southwell seven. Ireland's action comes from Dundalk.

Thursday

A seven-race card comes from Newcastle, while jumps fixtures are staged at Ludlow, Wincanton and Fairyhouse.

At Wincanton, Grade 2 winner Copperhead holds an entry for the Somerset National (3.00). The only Flat meeting of the day comes on the all-weather at Kempton.

Friday

Champion Bumper contender Queens Gamble is the star entry in a Listed bumper (3.00) at Market Rasen.

Lingfield's Winter Million fixture gets under way with seven races and Ballygrifincottage, Complete Unknown, Metier and Shakem Up'Arry could feature on the card.

Newcastle and Southwell host fixtures on the all-weather.

Edwardstone holds an entry for the Clarence HouseCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Saturday

We are treated to a brilliant day of action, with the Grade 1 Clarence House Chase (3.35) the feature of the afternoon at Ascot. Last year's runner-up Energumene could take on Edwardstone and Funambule Sivola in this eagerly awaited clash.

The card includes a Grade 2 mares' hurdle (2.25) and a competitive 2m5f handicap chase (3.00).

There are four Grade 2s at Haydock, including the The New One Unibet Champion Hurdle Trial, and the 3m1½f Peter Marsh Handicap Chase is sure to be competitive.

Lingfield's Winter Million festival continues with big prize-money on offer on the all-weather, while the Portman Cup Chase (2.32) tops the bill at Taunton.

The day is brought to a close with all-weather action from Wolverhampton.

Sunday

Two Grade 2s take place at Thurles – the Coolmore Novice Chase and the Horse and Jockey Hotel Chase, the latter being won by Allaho for the past two years.

In Britain the Winter Million festival comes to a close. Grand National hero Noble Yeats could attempt to cement his Gold Cup claims in the Fleur De Lys Chase (2.00). Fakenham hosts the other jumps meeting in Britain.

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