Would better prize-money for novices make others choose the way of the Dragon?

At a time when suburban railway services are cancelled on a wholesale basis yet racehorse trainers still manage to get four lots through the snow without making a fuss, it won't hurt to think about warmer places.

Qatar, possibly, although it wouldn't be in the top 200 of my travel destinations. That must be because I don't own or train Tip Two Win, who banked six figures for winning the Al Biddah Mile at the weekend and now has the Guineas as a plan; no harm trying. The money is good in Qatar, which is certainly why, on the overcard, Chemical Charge ran for £400,000 in the Emir's Trophy.

Those who remember the balmy days of last autumn may remember Chemical Charge winning the September Stakes at Kempton, getting up close home to beat Scarlet Dragon by a head. Where was Scarlet Dragon on Saturday? Not in Qatar. He was back at Kempton, picking up £6,000 for finishing runner-up on his hurdling debut.