All you need to know as the countdown to the Grand National begins

The week when British racing stages its biggest race starts with four meetings, although do not expect to see Wincanton's in your diaries and calendars as it is an extra fixture following the recent cancellations.

It is joined by Kempton and Ludlow, which also stage jump racing, while Flat fans can get their fix on the all-weather at Wolverhampton.

Monday cards

Much of the focus of this week, however, will be on Saturday's £1 million Randox Health Grand National. Forfeits for the Aintree show-stopper are due around noon, when we will get a clearer idea of what the final field will look like.

We will also have news of jockey bookings, gambles and anything else you need to know for the race everyone wants a piece of.

Going report

Kempton (first race at 2.00)
Good to soft, soft in places. Rail movements: R1 +23y, R2 +31y, R3 & 5 +40y, R4 +25y, R6 +32y.

Wincanton (2.10)
Heavy, soft in places. Rail movements: R1 & 3 +102, R4 & 7 +67y.

Ludlow (2.20)
Soft, good to soft in places over hurdles; good to soft on chase course. Rail movements: R1, 3,5 & 7 +15y, R2: +50y, R4 & 6: +25y.

Wolverhampton (5.15)
Standard

Market movers

2.50 Ludlow: Western Climate into 7-2 (from 11-2)
5.15 Wolverhampton: Harbour Patrol into 7-1 (from 8)

What to back

Richard Birch has his plays of the day and takes a look at which favourites are for real.

Extra assistance comes from Signposts Sweetspots and Tips Box.

What to read

Lee Mottershead's served up another of his must-not-miss columns and Scott Burton reflects on Longchamp's first day back after redevelopment.

We've also all the essentials for Grand National, Aintree ground and weather and big hopes for a couple of contenders.

What to watch

How's 2011 Grand National hero Ballabriggs? Find out here ...

... and what of Don't Push It, the 2010 winner?

The best of Racing Post Sport

There are live Spanish and German matches to get stuck into, while Mark Langdon gives you the lowdown on Scunthorpe United in his Team In Focus series.

Final thought

Time to get excited. Purists might love Cheltenham or the Derby, but the Grand National is the race that pushes the sport into mainstream consciousness and this year's edition looks well up to scratch.