Big days for Doncaster and Kelso as Cheltenham Festival moves ever closer

Monday

The week starts with a double dose of all-weather action, courtesy of Southwell and Wolverhampton. At Wolverhampton, the highlight is a 6f sprint (7.00)

It is a blank day over jumps as Carlisle, Fairyhouse and Plumpton failed to beat the elements.

Tuesday

Hopes rest with Catterick for jump racing's first fixture of the week, with Leicester already called off.

On the all-weather there is a six-race card at Lingfield, with Oisin Murphy in action having ridden at Doha in Qatar last week.

Wednesday

With the weather causing major disruptions to the jumping programme, bumper fields could be on the cards at Market Rasen, Musselburgh and Wincanton should all three meetings take place as scheduled.

Market Rasen is an additional fixture, while there could be some interesting novices on show at Wincanton.

A Class 2 7f handicap (3.35) is the feature at Southwell on the all-weather, with Kempton racing under floodlights in the evening.

Ludlow: racing on ThursdayCredit: Getty Images

Thursday

The Forbra Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Ludlow (3.25) has been won by some useful sorts and is one of several decent races on a valuable card.

Musselburgh races again courtesy of another additional fixture, with Clonmel and Taunton also set to be in action over jumps.

On the all-weather there is afternoon action at Newcastle, an evening card from Chelmsford, plus riches will be on offer in Dubai at Meydan.

Friday

Newbury is often the backdrop for some fine jumps performances, so Friday's card could offer some pointers for the future. French import Nanabelle could be a name to note in the juvenile hurdle (2.45), and later on the card Dorking Cock could make it three wins in row over fences (4.55).

There is also competitive fare from Doncaster, plus a triple threat of all-weather action from Dundalk, Lingfield and Newcastle.

Ballabriggs: Grand National winner would trial for the race at KelsoCredit: Edward Whitaker

Saturday

One of Kelso's biggest racedays takes place this weekend, with the Grade 2 Premier Novices' Hurdle (2.45) the highlight, although the Listed Premier Chase (3.22) has been used as a Grand National trial in previous years.

Stayers will also be to the fore at Doncaster, with the 3m2f Grimthorpe Chase (3.35) taking centre stage. Golden oldies will be on show at Newbury via the veterans' chase series (2.05), and younger legs will tackle the Grade 3 Greatwood Gold Cup Handicap Chase (3.15).

The Grade 3 Flyingbolt Novice Chase is the big prize at Navan, and all-weather meetings at Lingfield and Southwell complete a busy day of action.

Sunday

March begins with racing from Huntingdon and Sedgefield, and both courses host valuable chase prizes. At Huntingdon it is the 2m4f John Bigg "Oxo" Handicap Chase, while at Sedgefield it is the 2m5f Watch Sky Sports Racing In HD Handicap Chase.

In Ireland, Leopardstown races for the first time since the Dublin Racing Festival, and while this meeting is not loaded with Grade 1s it will no doubt contain some interesting runners.

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