What's on this week: Coral Gold Cup and Fighting Fifth take centre stage

Monday

Ascot's loss could end up being this weekend's gain, so all eyes will be on the entries at Newbury and Newcastle, where the Coral Gold Cup and Betfair Fighting Fifth Hurdle are the highlights.

The week kicks off with three jumps meetings, a trio headlined by the action at Kempton. Molly Olly Wishes bids for back-to-back Listed wins in the Racing TV Mares' Hurdle (2.55) with just Martello Sky and Miranda in opposition.

The remaining action comes from Ludlow and Musselburgh, with the latter track hosting several qualifiers in the 'Go North' series.

Molly Ollys Wishes: seeking a fourth success at Listed levelCredit: Edward Whitaker

Tuesday

On a low-key afternoon the action in Britain comes from Sedgefield and Southwell, with the in-form Dan and Harry Skelton team well represented in the East Midlands with four runners.

In Ireland, Limerick hosts an eight-race jumps card with seven of the races over hurdles.

Wednesday

Gordon Elliott has had only six runners at Hereford before but he could bolster that number with two interesting runners. Caldwell Diamond could seek back-to-back wins (12.50), while Walking The Walk could also make his third start for the yard (2.50).

Wetherby also features a six-race card, while it is over to Dundalk for early evening action on the all-weather.

Thursday

Thursday offers a busy prelude to the weekend with four meetings across Britain and Ireland.

Taunton has been a happy hunting ground for Paul Nicholls and Thursday should prove no exception. He could have four runners with Huelgoat catching the eye (1.45). The five-year old is four from four since switching to chasing.

There is also action from Lingfield, Kelso and Thurles.

Friday

The two-day Coral Gold Cup meeting is one of the highlights of the week and the opening day is unlikely to disappoint.

The Coral Long Distance Hurdle (3.05) is the opening day's highlight and although six entries is fewer than desirable, there is plenty of star power in contention, including Champ and Paisley Park.

The Berkshire Novices' Chase (1.55) is the other Grade 2 on the card and Stage Star is the standout name among the entries, although Beauport, Sebastopol, Camprond and Guard Your Dreams are officially rated higher.

There are also jumps fixtures at Doncaster and Ffos Las and an all-weather card at Dundalk.

Saturday

Coral Gold Cup day is traditionally one of the highlights of the jumps season before Christmas and hopefully this weekend will prove to be no different.

The Coral Gold Cup (3.05) – best known as the Hennessy to many – is the feature event with Corach Rambler and Remastered disputing the ante-post market at around 6-1. Chantry House, last year's one-two Cloudy Glen and Fiddlerontheroof, and Threeunderthrufive are others who could be in contention for the £250,000 race.

The Newbury undercard features the Grade 2 John Francome Novices' Chase, while at Newcastle the highlight is the Grade 1 Betfair Fighting Fifth Hurdle (2.10). Epatante is the favourite but there is a possibility stablemate Constitution Hill could be rerouted there after being pulled out of his intended run at Ascot due to quick ground conditions.

Can Epatante get the better of stablemate Constitution Hill?Credit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

There is also action at Bangor, Doncaster and Gowran Park before the only Flat meeting of the week in Britain at Wolverhampton, a card restricted to jockeys who rode fewer than 30 winners in 2021.

Sunday

International racing fans are in for a treat when the Japan Cup takes place at Tokyo. Arc winner Alpinista is no longer going after being retired but it should be a thrilling race nonetheless.

A top weekend of domestic racing is capped off with a Listed feature at Carlisle in the Houghton Mares’ Chase (2.00). There are seven races from Leicester, while Navan’s Troytown Handicap Chase could offer some Grand National clues.

Read more . . .

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