Most jumps meetings over the weekend have been abandoned due to heavy rain and continuing freezing conditions.
Ascot’s Clarence House meeting today is one of them and Haydock looks doubtful to be on, with an inspection this morning.
Racing officials at Lingfield Park are more hopeful that they will get the go ahead.
That could be fortuitous not only for the course but also for the supporters of Ryan Moore who returns to the UK with four rides, all for George Boughey.
The young trainer won his first Classic last season when Cachet landed the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket. His yard is flying at present and the booking of Moore for all four is a big statement.
First up is Ehteyat who runs in the opening handicap at 13h55 over a mile and seven furlongs. He is turned out six days after success at Southwell and going up in trip, he can win his third start this month.
Pocket The Packet appeals in the talkSport Powered By The Fans Handicap (14h27) over 7-furlongs. In a competitive race this course and distance winner has a good draw and a great jockey aboard, so he has his chance.
Paris Lights is on the shortlist for the Huge Daily Boosts Only At BetUK Handicap run over 10 furlongs, after making a successful start for Boughey last month.
A full-brother to St Mark’s Basilica, Paris Lights was bought by Opulence Thoroughbreds for £60,000 at a horses-in-training sale in July.
Gelded before making his yard debut in December saw Paris Lights record a handy victory as an odds-on favourite in a novice heat over the course and distance. An opening mark of 80 looks lenient.
Finally, All The King’s Men returns from a 208-day break to contest a 7-furlong handicap at 16h12. He has his first run in the UK after racing in France, and the market should be noted.
On Sunday, horseracing in Ireland looks likely at Thurles. The County Tipperary track is currently yielding to soft with not too much rain forecast. That’s great news as the track hosts two Group 2 events.
The opener at 15h10 sees 6 runners go to the 2 and a half mile start for the Coolmore N.H Sires Mogul Irish EBF Mares Novice Chase. Champion trainer Willie Mullins has declared Allegorie de Vassy with stable jockey Paul Townend aboard. She looks very hard to oppose.
Half an hour later (15h40), Group 1 winners Chacun Pour Soi, for Mullins and Fakir D’oudairies, trained by Joseph O’Brien, compete in the Gr2 Horse & Jockey Hotel Chase over the same trip. They take on four rivals, but on official ratings, should fight out the finish. The younger Fakir D’oudairies is narrowly selected.
