What's on this week: Cheltenham clues aplenty in lead-up to world's richest race

Monday

Carlisle is the sole jumps fixture on Monday, with the feature being an interesting 3m½f handicap chase (4.05) where Bavington Bob bids to complete a hat-trick for Ann Hamilton.

With fixtures at Chelmsford and Lingfield cancelled, the other surviving meetings are all-weather cards at Dundalk and Newcastle.

Tuesday

Gigginstown are responsible four of the six entered in the rescheduled Grade 2 Ten Up Novice Chase (4.05) at Navan, where the Gordon Elliott-trained Farouk D'Alene and Run Wild Fred are inseparable at the top of the market.

Run Wild Fred: could feature on TuesdayCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

There is also the Grade 2 Boyne Hurdle (2.20) to look forward to, where Darver Star is seeking his his first graded victory.

Market Rasen and Taunton complete the jumps schedule, while Southwell's all-weather meeting features in the evening.

Wednesday

The Grade 3 Quevega Mares Hurdle (2.40) is the feature race on a quality day of action, with the Cheltenham-bound Dysart Diamond, Burning Victory and Heaven Help Us holding entries.

Doncaster also hosts a highly competitive card, with leg two of the Veterans' Chase Series (3.25) potentially featuring old favourites such as Commodore and Black Op.

Ludlow completes the jumping with all-weather fixtures at Newcastle and Kempton also on the agenda.

Thursday

There will be some smart prospects on show in the Grade 3 Markaye Contracts Ltd Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle (3.40) at Thurles, where Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott seem to hold all the aces.

Gary Moore: could have a busy ThursdayCredit: Edward Whitaker

Gary Moore has a 33 per cent strike-rate at Huntingdon this season and looks to be sending a strong team to the track. Meanwhile James Bowen appears to be heading back to Sedgefield, where he is 4-7 this season.

All-weather meetings at Southwell and Newcastle round off the day.

Friday

Staying is the name of the game at Exeter, with the the Devon National (3.50) taking centre stage. Snuff Box, an emphatic winner at Lingfield last week, could make a quick reappearance for Venetia Williams.

Nicky Henderson can do little wrong at Warwick this season, boasting a 44 per cent strike-rate, and he could return there with last-time-out winner Blue Stella.

There is also some competitive all-weather action from Lingfield and Wolverhampton to enjoy.

Saturday

There will be plenty of Cheltenham Festival pointers from Kempton, with three Grade 2 races to be contested. They include the Coral Pendil Novices' Chase (2.25), which has been won by the likes of Frodon and Cyrname in recent years.

The 4m1½f Vertem Eider (3.15) headlines Newcastle's card, while Lingfield's all-weather fixture features the Group 3 Betway Winter Derby (2.05), where Dubai Turf winner Lord North is due to make an appearance.

The Bobbyjo Chase is the highlight at Fairyhouse, while Chepstow and Chelmsford are also racing, but the most glamorous action comes from the Middle East courtesy of the third running of the Saudi Cup in Riyadh.

The world's richest race is worth a total of $20 million and is set to feature Mishriff, trained by Johan and Thady Gosden, bidding for back-to-back victories in the race.

Sunday

It is Fontwell's big day, with the Loch Lomond Whiskies National Spirit Hurdle (2.50) up for grabs. The Grade 2 prize was won by Brewin'upastorm twelve months ago.

There is also graded action in Ireland at Naas while Hereford seven-race fixture completes the programme.

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