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What's on this week: Brigadier Gerard card the midweek standout at Sandown

Goldikova: high-class mare features on the Prix d'Ispahan roll of honour
Goldikova: high-class mare features on the Prix d'Ispahan roll of honourCredit: Edward Whitaker

Monday

The quality comes from Longchamp, where the Group 1 Saxon Warrior Coolmore Prix Saint-Alary takes place at 2.50.

It is something of an odd race as a Group 1 trial for the Prix de Diane, but do not tell that to connections of its winners, which include high-class performers Three Troikas, Indian Skimmer, Stacelita and Laurens.

Longchamp's Prix Hocquart (1.33) can also produce a smart sort, notably 2005 winner Hurricane Run.

Harry Skelton: Southwell a fruitful venue for the rider last season
Harry Skelton: Southwell a fruitful venue for the rider last seasonCredit: Getty Images

Tuesday

Harry Skelton rode 15 winners at Southwell on his way to becoming champion jockey last season – only at Uttoxeter was he more prolific – and the rider will be hoping for more joy on the card.

The Queen will also be represented by way of newcomer Kincardine, who contests the bumper (), and Rapid Flight, a major player in the maiden hurdle ().

At Lingfield, Ironside () is a rare lowly rated handicap runner for Godolphin and trainers John and Thady Gosden.

Wednesday

Beleaguered Newton Abbot, which is a popular tourist attraction in the south west, is hoping to get back on the front foot in terms of racegoers, but its seven-race card might be in doubt because of waterlogging.

If jump racing is your thing, keep an eye on the bumper () at Warwick where Nicky Henderson has some promising types engaged, while Harvard should have more to offer if running for the Coolmore partners and Aidan O'Brien in Gowran Park's .

Jump trainer Alex Hales saddled a 100-1 winner on the Flat not long ago, so perhaps his Inclement Weather is worth keeping an eye on at .

Joe Mercer at homeNewbury 20.10.14 Pic: Edward Whitaker
Joe Mercer: late champion jockey remembered at SandownCredit: Edward Whitaker

Thursday

Evening racing in Britain does not get better than Sandown's meeting headlined by the , which is this year sponsored by Coral and run in memory of legendary jockey Joe Mercer, who died last week.

Ocean Wind could put his Gold Cup credentials to the test in the Coral Henry II Stakes () and pointers for Royal Ascot should also be on offer in the Coral Beaten By A Length National Stakes ().

Haydock also races, starting a three-day meeting, and its ought to be worth following as well.

Friday

Stratford's might have lost some of its lustre, but there will be a passionate following tuned in for it.

Flat fans can feast on action from Carlisle, Yarmouth, Brighton, Pontefract and Haydock, where Al Shibli is jocked up in the .

His trainer Richard Hannon was particularly sweet on the juvenile after his debut at Newbury recently, although quick ground is thought to be preferable.

El Astronaute: possible Haydock runner
El Astronaute: possible Haydock runner

Saturday

Beverley, by way of the Hilary Needler Trophy Fillies' Conditions Stakes and Truckingby Brian Yeardley Two Year Old Trophy Conditions Stakes, could provide the platform for some Royal Ascot two-year-olds.

A buoyant crowd is also expected at Chester that , while the likes of El Astronaute, Duke Of Hazzard and Cabaletta may add a touch of quality to Haydock's card.

The Champions League final also takes place between Manchester City and Chelsea and our experts in will have the best bets for the big clash.

Sunday

Jumps enthusiasts might be in clover with meetings at Fontwell, Kelso and Uttoxeter, while Punchestown completes a full house in Ireland.

The Prix d'Ispahan is the Group 1 feature from Longchamp and has gone to smashing horses such as Goldikova, Cirrus Des Aigles and Solow since 2010 so do not miss it.

Forfeits for the following Saturday's are also due a day later and will be eagerly anticipated.


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The Front Runner is our latest email newsletter available exclusively to Members' Club Ultimate subscribers. Chris Cook, a three-time Racing Reporter of the Year award winner, provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday


Lambourn correspondent

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