Cheltenham and Doncaster the highlights as Flat and jumps share the spotlight

Monday

Plumpton hosts its first Monday meeting of the season but there are fixtures for Flat fans who are suffering from post-Champions Day blues.

Pontefract's Listed ebfstallions.com Silver Tankard Stakes (3.30) is the highlight of the day and next year's Derby entry Three Comets will put his Group credentials on the line.

Meanwhile, Windsor and Kempton's evening card are the other two Flat meetings to add to the day's itinerary.

Tuesday

Exeter makes a belated return after its opening meeting was cancelled due to unseasonably firm ground, and the novice chase (4.20) could hold some clues for some stars to watch this season. Lalor and Kilbricken Storm featured on the card last season, so the maiden hurdle may also be of interest (3.50).

Deauville holds two Listed contests, the Prix Zeddaan and Prix Vulcain, while Gowran Park, Yarmouth and Newcastle on the all-weather provide entertainment closer to home. In the evening, Kempton again stages an eight-race card.

Wednesday

With the jumps season getting into full swing, Fontwell and Worcester are both in action with seven-race cards, while Navan and Newmarket host some more Flat action.

Dual Champion Stakes winner Cracksman made a winning start to his career on the Rowley Mile in 2016, and there is every chance another potentially top-class performer could emerge from the novice contests. Newcastle and Chelmsford provide the evening's entertainment.

Cracksman: won on his debut at Newmarket before going on to win four Group 1sCredit: Edward Whitaker

Thursday

Carlisle, Ludlow and Southwell all hold jumps fixtures, providing a taster for the weekend action.

Chelmsford stands out as the sole Flat fixture of the day and the first race starts at 5.45.

Friday

Action returns to the home of jump racing with the two-day meeting at Cheltenham.

The Ballymore Novices' Hurdle (2.00) usually provides runners who could return for the festival in March, while the 3m novice chase has attracted some classy names including the 2017 Stayers' Hurdle runner-up Lil Rockerfeller.

If jumping is not your cup of tea, Newbury and Doncaster host the first day of their meetings, while Kempton again provides the evening entertainment.

Saturday

A day with something for everyone. The Vertem Futurity Trophy Stakes has thrown up Classic winners aplenty, including Saxon Warrior and Kingston Hill.

Kingston Hill: went on to Classic glory in the St LegerCredit: Edward Whitaker

At Newbury the Group 3 Worthington's Indigo Leisure Stakes takes centre stage. The 1m4f contest was won last year by Caulfield Cup winner Best Solution.

Cheltenham and Kelso may not be hosting Graded races but that will not deter jumping fans.

Sunday

There is Group 1 action in France with the Prix Royal-Oak and Criterium de Saint-Cloud at Chantilly. The Criterium has been won by the likes of Dubai World Cup winner Thunder Snow and Gold Cup hero Fame And Glory.

Aintree kicks off a new season with the Old Roan Chase, which was won last year by the popular Smad Place and usually features plenty of popular names. The card also unveiled top-class performer On The Blind Side.

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