Santini could return in the build-up to another big Saturday at Cheltenham

Monday

There are three meetings in Britain to kick off the week at Musselburgh, Ludlow and Wolverhampton.

Trainer David O'Meara runs Madame Glitters in the 7f novice stakes (5.30) at Wolverhampton. She is a half-sister to the stable's Group 1 winner Lord Glitters, who recently added the Bahrain International Trophy to his tally.

Tuesday

Nicky Henderson has declared Grade 2-winning hurdler Call Me Lord for his debut over fences in the novice limited handicap chase at Uttoxeter (1.30). Stiff opposition comes from the Anthony Honeyball-trained Gustavian, who has finished in the first three in all nine of his career starts.

Call Me Lord: set to make his chasing debut at UttoxeterCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Dorisa Queen gave Harry Skelton his 1,000th career winner and the pair will bid for another success in the mares' handicap hurdle (1.00).

There is also action at Fontwell, Southwell and Tramore.

Wednesday

Kempton's mile novice (5.00) has a plethora of well-bred juveniles entered, including the Charlie Appleby-trained Imperial Crown, a brother to multiple Group winner Elarqam. He was third over course and distance last month. Appleby has also entered Khathak, a brother to four-time Group 1 winner Ribchester.

A competitive 7f handicap (6.30) on the same card has attracted Listed winners Mehmento and Bellosa. Mark Johnston has pencilled in Group 1 winner The Last Lion, who was third on his most recent start at Chelmsford.

The rest of Wednesday's racing comes from Hexham, Lingfield, Wolverhampton and Dundalk.

Thursday

Warwick's card features a Listed mares' novice chase (2.00) that could include The Glancing Queen, who won a similar contest on her chase debut for Alan King at Bangor, and the Paul Nicholls-trained Silver Forever. Henry de Bromhead could mount another raid from Ireland with Kapard.

Taunton, Newcastle and Chelmsford are also in action.

Friday

The Cheltenham International meeting gets under way with the ITV4 cameras broadcasting four live races.

The stand-out contest is the 3m2f Grade 3 handicap chase (2.25) in which 2020 Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up Santini has been given an entry on what would be his stable debut for Polly Gundry after moving from Nicky Henderson.

Santini: could make his stable debut for Polly GundryCredit: Alan Crowhurst

The Glenfarclas Crystal Cup Cross Country Handicap Chase (3.00) is shaping up to be a competitive contest. Singing Banjo will aim to go one better than his course-and-distance second last month. On that occasion he was a neck behind the Martin Keighley-trained Back On The Lash, who could reoppose. Enda Bolger, who has won this race with Josies Orders and Cantlow, has entered Midnight Maestro.

Action also comes from Doncaster, Bangor, Southwell and Dundalk.

Saturday

All eyes will once again be on Cheltenham as the International meeting comes to a conclusion, with ITV4 showing four live races, plus three more from Doncaster.

The highlight at Cheltenham is the Grade 2 International Hurdle (3.00), which has a rich roll of honour including The New One and My Tent Or Yours.

The Grade 3 Racing Post Gold Cup (1.50) has been won by Paul Nicholls a record five times, including with the popular Frodon in 2016 and 2018. His five entries this year include Lalor, who heads the market after an encouraging stable debut in the Paddy Power Gold Cup.

Doncaster's three ITV4 races include the December Novices' Chase and Summit Juvenile Hurdle, both Grade 2 contests.

There is also racing at Hereford, Wolverhampton, Newcastle and Fairyhouse.

Sunday

A quiet end to the week with no racing in Ireland and two jumps meetings in Britain, from Southwell and Carlisle.

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