What's on this week: quality jumps action in build-up to Clarence House classic

Monday

The week kicks off with quality action at Lingfield, Southwell and Wolverhampton, with Dunstall Park staging the feature race on Monday. The 2m½f Betway Conditions Stakes (5.50) is a fast-track qualifier for the All-Weather Championships, and Middleham Park's classy Raymond Tusk is the one to beat.

Warren Greatrex won Lingfield's opening novice hurdle with Emitom last season, who would go on to finish second at Grade 1 level, so perhaps it is worth watching how Monday's runner Young Lieutenant gets on (12.35) against five rivals. Richard Johnson's mount was an eyecatching second at Newbury on his penultimate start.

Tuesday

The pink and green silks of Susannah Ricci have been enjoying plenty of success on the racecourse recently, and they could make a first appearance at Exeter.

Rich Ricci: has a horse in training with Venetia WilliamsCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Venetia Williams could have her first runner carrying those famous colours with French recruit Royale Pagaille, who is entered in a competitive novice handicap (4.10) at the Devon track.

The six-year-old was last seen finishing second in a Listed event at Auteuil in October 2018.

Elsewhere there is quality jump racing from Fairyhouse and Doncaster, while Chelmsford stage evening action.

Wednesday

Nicky Henderson unleashes some of his best young prospects at Newbury and Wednesday's card could see the exciting Shishkin attempt for a first hurdles success in the MansionBet Novices' Hurdle (1.45).

Shishkin made a huge impression when winning his bumper by eight lengths last season, but last month's hurdles debut was somewhat of a disaster after falling at the second. Perhaps he can make amends this week.

Newbury: stages a good card on WednesdayCredit: Edward Whitaker

Plumpton also stages jumps action, while all-weather fans have seven-race cards at Wolverhampton and Southwell to get stuck into.

Elsewhere make sure to check out Pricewise's look ahead to the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase, featuring in Wednesday's Racing Post. Members can read previous festival selections for the Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle.

Thursday

All eyes are on Wincanton on Thursday with the latest edition of the Somerset National (3.40) the feature on the seven-race card. The entries suggest there could be a strong field for the 3m2½f event, with Paul Nicholls, Colin Tizzard and Philip Hobbs all represented.

Lady Temperance: Irish mare could feature at Market RasenCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

There is Listed bumper action at Market Rasen with 11 entered in the contest named after Alan Swinbank (2.45). Impressive winners Hollymount Holly, Lady Temperance and Midnight Ginger ensure it will be a quality affair.

Ludlow also stages a competitive-looking jumps card, while Newcastle hosts the only Flat meeting of the day.

Friday

Many of Colin Tizzard's top chasers kick-started their career over fences with victory at Chepstow and, on Friday, Vision Des Flos could bid to join them.

Vision Des Flos: smart hurdler looks to get off the mark over fences at Chepstow this weekCredit: Steve Davies

Last season's National Spirit Hurdle winner is the big name among the early entries for the 2m7½f novice chase (2.50), although Olly Murphy's unbeaten Monbeg Zena is an intriguing rival. The previous renewal of this race included Now McGinty and subsequent Ladbrokes Trophy hero De Rasher Counter.

Friday's action also comes from Musselburgh and Lingfield before evening fixtures at Dundalk and Newcastle.

Saturday

The Grade 1 Matchbook Clarence House Chase (3.35) is the biggest event of the week and racing fans could be in for a thriller, with Defi Du Seuil, Un De Sceaux and Altior entered at Ascot. The former, trained by Philip Hobbs, is currently favourite.

Tingle Creek pair Defi Du Seuil (right) and Un De Sceaux (left) could clash again at Ascot on SaturdayCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Ascot's card also features a Grade 2 mares' event, while there is four more races of that grade staged at Haydock. Cheltenham clues will be in abundance with trial races for the Supreme Novices' (Rossington Main) and Champion Hurdle (New One Unibet Hurdle), while the Altcar Novices' Chase and Peter Marsh could also throw up plenty of festival pointers.

The brilliant jumps action does not stop there with the second running of the illustrious Weatherbys Portman Cup held at Taunton. Last year's inaugural renewal featured two Grade 1 scorers, a dual Scottish National winner and a Grand National runner-up.

Saturday's racing is boosted by all-weather cards at Lingfield and Chelmsford, while Navan hosts the sole Irish meeting.

Sunday

The week finishes with a high-class card at Thurles, headlined by the latest edition of the Grade 2 Kinloch Brae Chase. Recent winners of the 2m4½f chase include Gold Cup heroes Sizing John and Don Cossack.

In Britain, racing fans can look forward to meetings at Ayr and Wolverhampton.

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