The Welsh National, Lanzarote and Relkeel: the big races over a busy seven days

Monday

The week begins quietly with only three meetings but the most competitive action comes from Fakenham, whose usual New Year's Day card takes place.

Conditional jockey Fergus Gillard and David Pipe have formed a memorable partnership with winning machine Main Fact and could strike with another progressive sort in Paricolor in the feature 2m4f handicap hurdle (1.25).

There is an eight-race all-weather card at Lingfield, where the feature race is a Class 3 5f handicap (1.10), before a bumper nine races on the Tapeta at Wolverhampton concludes the day's action.

Tuesday

Following Ludlow's cancellation on Monday, Lingfield provides the all-weather action in the afternoon before another nine-race card from Wolverhampton in the evening.

Wednesday

Following Ayr's second recent cancellation, it is the all-weather action that keeps the racing show on the road.

Wolverhampton stage another meeting – this time in the afternoon – before an evening card takes place at Kempton, which features a couple of Class 2 contests and could see the return of admirable dual-purpose performer and Royal Ascot winner Who Dares Wins in the 2m handicap (6.15).

Thursday

Last year's Welsh National-winning team of Jack Tudor, Christian Williams and All Star Sports Racing could have a strong chance of winning the feature at Ffos Las, the 2m4f novice handicap chase (2.28), with Grade 3 winner Limited Reserve, who could clash with fellow promising novices Lieutenant Rocco and Umbrigado.

Jack Tudor, Christian Williams and owners All Star Sports could be in winning form again at Ffos LasCredit: Getty Images

The latter could instead make the long journey to Musselburgh for the 2m6f beginners' chase (1.37). The track has seven races on offer, while the jumps action in Ireland comes from Clonmel.

There is action for Flat fans too, with Southwell providing the afternoon entertainment before a twilight fixture from Wolverhampton.

Friday

The jumps action has been affected by the weather, with Lingfield and Newcastle's fixtures cancelled, though the courses will stage jumpers bumpers cards on the all-weather instead.

Plenty of promising prospects could be on show at Taunton, with Group 3 winner Danehill Kodiac entered in the 2m½f maiden hurdle (1.30), while classy handicap hurdlers The Pink'n and Malaya could clash in the 2m3f handicap hurdle (2.00), which could also see the progressive Breffniboy bid for a five-timer.

The evening action comes from Southwell and Dundalk.

Saturday

A host of rescheduled races from the festive period makes this Saturday a day to savour, with quality jumps action on show.

The rescheduled Welsh National meeting takes place at Chepstow and officials are confident the track can beat the cold snap in Britain. If so, Secret Reprieve could bid to enhance the fine form Evan Williams enjoyed over the festive period in the Welsh Grand National (3.10).

Evan Williams: looking for a memorable first Welsh Grand National successCredit: Edward Whitaker

The Finale Juvenile Hurdle (1.25) is the only Grade 1 staged in Wales currently and may unearth a Triumph Hurdle hope, just like it did with Allmankind last year.

Top-class action also comes from Kempton, which stages the Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle (3.30) and a pair of Grade 2s in the Silviniaco Conti Chase (2.55) – which could feature Imperial Aura – and the Relkeel Hurdle (2.20), which has been salvaged from Cheltenham's abandoned New Year's Day card.

The Grade 2 Dipper Novices' Chase (2.05) has also been saved and will be staged at Wincanton, while fixtures at Lingfield, Chelmsford and Fairyhouse bring some added spice to a terrific day's action.

Sunday

Two fixtures are set to be staged in Britain, with a jumps card at Exeter and more all-weather afternoon action from Southwell.

However, the quality comes from Ireland at Naas with the Grade 1 Lawlor's of Naas Novice Hurdle (2.30), with top-class novice hurdlers Appreciate It, Ballyadam, Bob Olinger and Grade 2 Navan Novice Hurdle winner Ashdale Bob all currently entered.

Who will follow in Envoi Allen's footsteps at Naas on Sunday?Credit: Caroline Norris

The winner will bid to add his name to the roll of honour which features the likes of Bellshill, Next Destination, Battleoverdoyen and last year's superstar winner Envoi Allen.

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