What's on this week: fine week of action culminates with the Betfair Chase

Monday

There are two meetings in Britain to kick off the week at Plumpton and Leicester, where there is an interesting 1m7½f novice hurdle (2.30). Two quality former Flat performers will be having their first starts over jumps: the former Mark Johnston-trained Zabeel Champion, now in the care of Jonjo O'Neill, and Lydford for Dan Skelton having previously been with Roger Varian.

Tuesday

Fakenham will play host to the returning Talking About You, a dual Listed winner for trainer Sean Curran last season, in the mares' handicap hurdle (2.25).

Amy Murphy and David Evans aim to plunder some French prize-money when they send runners to contest the 7f Listed Prix Herod at Saint-Cloud (12.05). Listed-placed Breeze Easy will attempt to go one better for Evans, while Murphy relies on once-raced maiden Abalone Pearl.

There is also action from Lingfield, Ayr and Limerick.

Wednesday

Injury-plagued Grade 1 winner Elixir De Nutz has been pencilled to make his long-awaited return for trainer Colin Tizzard in the 2m novice chase (1.40) at Warwick. Alan King could be represented by Edwardstone, who was unfortunate at the course last time, being brought down when travelling strongly.

Also on the card, last season's Ultima Handicap Chase winner Vintage Clouds could clash with Potters Legend in the 3m veterans' handicap chase (2.50).

Vintage Clouds: could line up at Warwick on WednesdayCredit: Tim Goode (Getty Images)

The rest of Wednesday's racing comes from Hexham, Ffos Las and Dundalk.

Thursday

Wincanton stages a 1m7½f novice handicap chase (3.15) in which the progressive Fifty Ball could run for the in-form Gary Moore. The Paul Nicholls-trained Thyme White and Colin Tizzard's Amarillo Sky head the opposition.

Newcastle, Market Rasen and Thurles are the day's other cards.

Friday

On the opening day of Ascot's November racing weekend, the feature 2m5f handicap chase (2.05) could see William Henry make his seasonal appearance. A Grade 2 winner over hurdles when trained by Nicky Henderson, he was then transferred to Sam Thomas, for whom he won on his chasing debut a year ago. He has been absent since running down the field in the Liverpool Hurdle in April.

David Pipe has entered Leoncavallo for the 1m7½f handicap hurdle (2.40). On his last start he finished runner-up at the course in Listed company. Action also comes from Catterick and Chepstow.

Saturday

All eyes will be on Haydock for its signature Betfair Chase meeting, with four races live on ITV including the Grade 3 stayers' handicap hurdle (2.25) in which Harry Fry has entered If The Cap Fits. The feature Grade 1 Betfair Chase (3.00) is shaping up to be a mouthwatering race, with entries including A Plus Tard, Champ, Native River and defending champion Bristol De Mai, who bids to emulate the legendary Kauto Star in winning the race for a fourth time.

If The Cap Fits: entered in the Grade 3 stayers' hurdle at HaydockCredit: David Davies (Getty Images/Pool)

ITV will also show two races live from Ascot, including the Grade 2 1965 Chase (2.05) and 2m1f handicap chase (3.15).

There is also racing to look forward to from Gowran Park, Lingfield, Huntingdon and Wolverhampton.

Sunday

The action from Britain includes racing from Exeter, Uttoxeter and Wolverhampton.

Across the Irish Sea, Navan will host a strong day's racing with the Grade 3 Monksfield Novice Hurdle and a Listed bumper.

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