What's on this week: all roads lead to Sandown and Dublin Racing Festival

Monday

Plumpton hosts its customary Monday card with the conditional jockeys' handicap hurdle (3.00) the feature race. Jumps fans can also look forward to a seven-race card at Kelso, where entries for the Class 2 handicap hurdle (3.15) include Lake View Lad, The Con Man and Bialco.

Wolverhampton stages an evening feature and there is an intriguing 11-race card at Sha Tin. The Group 3 Centenary Vase includes multiple top-level winner Exultant and Graded scorer Simply Brilliant.

Tuesday

Jumps meetings at Down Royal, Newcastle and Lingfield take place in the the afternoon. Southwell stages an evening fixture, with the Class 2 Betway Handicap (5.55) the key event. Nine runners could line up for a first prize of £12,450.

Wednesday

Hereford and Leicester are the two meetings of the afternoon, each hosting a pair of Class 3s. Leicester's Golden Miller Handicap Hurdle (3.15) has attracted experienced campaigners including Top Gamble, Nelson's Touch and Applesandpierres. Kempton hosts a twilight fixture with the opening maiden contest starting at 4.45.

Hereford: racing on WednesdayCredit: Edward Whitaker

Thursday

Wincanton, Limerick and Ffos headline the afternoon's racing with seven-race cards each. The Somerset track hosts an open hunter chase (3.55) where early entries include Shantou Flyer, Southfield Theatre and Virak. Southwell is the sole all-weather meeting of the afternoon and is supplemented by Chelmsford's twilight fixture, starting at 5pm.

Friday

Lingfield's all-weather meeting is highlighted by the Class 2 conditions contest where King's Advice, prolific on turf last term for Mark Johnston, looks set to begin his 2020 campaign. Catterick and Chepstow provide jumps action for the afternoon, while Newcastle is on duty for Flat enthusiasts in the evening.

Saturday

There is Grade 1 action in plentiful supply and where better than to start with Leopardstown? The Dublin Racing Festival has been a huge success since its inception in 2018 and the feature Irish Champion Hurdle (3.10) looks set to be a fascinating race.

The 2m contest is supported by a 2m6f novice hurdle (12.50), the Dublin Chase (1.25) and Arkle Novice Chase (2.00). If that is still not enough then a competitive handicap chase and hurdle should add further to a brilliant card.

Top Notch: winner of the Scilly Isles Novices' Chase in 2017Credit: Mark Cranham

Sandown's card is not to be sniffed at either. The Scilly Isles Novices' Chase (2.25) has been won by fan favourites Defi Du Seuil, Bristol De Mai and Top Notch in recent years.

Add in Grade 2 action from Wetherby as well as Listed races on the all-weather at Lingfield, and there is plenty for everyone to enjoy.

Sunday

The second day of the Dublin Racing Festival and the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup takes centre stage. Cheltenham credentials will be put on the line with Kemboy, Presenting Percy and Delta Work among the 15 entries.

There is a Grade 1 novice and juvenile action too with Henry de Bromhead's Aspire Tower expected to solidify his festival chances in the juvenile hurdle (1.25). Taunton and Musselburgh provide the afternoon fanfare in Britain.

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