The Briefing: all you need to know including the latest going reports

We will have to mind the gap in today's racing, as once Wincanton finishes at 3.40 we will be waiting over two hours for Chelmsford's evening card, which begins at 6pm.

The divide between racing is just as clear. Four afternoon meetings, at Clonmel, Market Rasen, Wincanton and Leicester, are all on turf and, in the case of the last-named, all races are over hurdles.

Chase fans have some consolation, with two 48-hour declarations races to get tucked into by late morning. They are in Saturday's two feature contests, the Betfair Tingle Creek and Randox Health Becher Chase.

Going report

Clonmel (first race 12.05)
Hurdle: Yielding to soft; chase: Yielding

Market Rasen (12.15)
Good to soft

Wincanton (12.25)
Good, good to soft in places

Leicester (12.35)
Home straight: Good to soft; remainder: Good to firm, good in places

Chelmsford (6.00)
Standard

Market movers

12.35 Leicester: Laughing Luis into 13-8 (from 3)

What to back

Robbie Wilders is on hand with your ten-second tip on Thursday.

What to read

Trainer John Butler will be suspended for three months following his runners at Chelmsford today.

Sky Sports Racing's lead presenter Alex Hammond had her say to the Racing Post yesterday ahead of the channel's January 1 launch.

What to watch

Here is Frankie Dettori reflecting on the 2018 Flat season.

The best of Racing Post Sport

Get the lowdown on Ralph Hasenhuttl, who takes over today at Southampton.

For betting purposes, get our take on this year's Sports Personality Of The Year.

Final thought

The Becher Chase field will be revealed this morning, which is a real treat for those of us who regard a rewatch of the Grand National in early December as much a part of the Christmas viewing schedule as It's A Wonderful Life or The Snowman. Notes from the time suggest that Warriors Tale deserves a particularly close watch, if he's declared (he's also in the Grand Sefton).

For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster every afternoon. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app