Going news and punting pointers on day one of the Craven meeting

The Flat is back. It all went a bit quiet in Britain after Doncaster, but today starts the Craven meeting at Newmarket, the beginning of the most indicative week of the spring as far as British Guineas trials go.

That said, it is Epsom not Newmarket that is likely to feel the ripples today. The Feilden Stakes (4.45) was won by Golden Horn three years ago and the Derby is usually the target for its winners.

Today's cards

That looks to apply this year, with Kew Gardens a general 25-1 chance for the Epsom highlight and Mildenberger, while not in the Derby, is in the Dante and could follow in the footsteps of the same connections' Permian if he shows enough.

Though we are looking forward on the Flat, the jumps isn't dead yet. As well as Carlisle and Exeter in Britain, Fairyhouse host the postponed final day of the Easter festival, which includes a Grade 2 juvenile hurdle and a couple of top handicaps.

Beverley's meeting on Wednesday has been cancelled due to waterlogging, while Thursday's card at Tipperary has been called off after 24mm of overnight rain left the track unfit for racing.

The card initially scheduled for Kilbeggan on Friday has been transferred to Limerick on the same evening.

Going report

Newmarket (first race at: 1.50)
Good to soft (GoingStick: 6.6 at 7am)

Exeter (2.00)
Soft, good to soft in places (GoingStick 6.1 at 4.30am on Sunday). Rail movements: R3 -120yds, R6 & 7 -60yds.

Carlisle (2.10)
Soft over hurdles, heavy, soft in places on chase course. (GoingStick 5.8 (chase) and 6.5 (hurdle) at 6.30am).

Fairyhouse (4.05)
Soft, soft to heavy bin places.

What to back

Adam Maidment picks out his best bet of the day at Newmarket in double-quick time.

What to read

In case you need reminding, David Baxter has a handy cut-out-and-keep guide to the action upcoming this week, Flat and jumps.

It also turns out that Saturday's Grand National was the last run in the career of a race regular.

What to watch

Check out the Monday Postcast, which looks back on Aintree as well as forwards to the week ahead.

The best of Racing Post Sport

It's the Monte Carlo Masters this week. Adrian Humphries previews the Tuesday matches.

Kevin Pullein has also sent out his Monday column, providing words of wisdom in FA Cup semi-final week.

Final thought

The improved weather has arrived just in time for the better Flat meetings, but the prospect of a quick change could create some posers for followers of jumps racing, who have been dealing in mud-spattered form much longer than usual.