Five highlights of the racing week...

MAD FOR IT

PLUMPTON nearly always produce the goods, and Monday’s card could be particularly interesting. The limited handicap chase for novices was last year won by a certain Ar Mad, and it would be lovely if anything near the calibre of that horse rocked up in East Sussex.

KELSO SOLID

EXCELLENT racing at Kelso on Thursday, with the Morebattle Hurdle and the Ivan Straker Memorial Chase the undisputed main attractions. Nicky Henderson loves a dart at this meeting, having won the Morebattle 12 months ago with Top Notch. The Ivan Straker puts the accent more on stayers and could generate a few talking points with a view towards the Grand National.

ASCOT ACES

SOMETHING for everyone at Ascot on Saturday, but most eyes will be on the Grade One Betfair Ascot Chase. Plenty of old favourites are likely to be on show, but it’s quite possible Cue Card will play the leading role. He could yet have a massive say in the Gold Cup.

YAN’S THE MAN

YANWORTH’S defection from Sandown last weekend was disappointing, but Wincanton racegoers are likely to be the main beneficiaries. Having recovered from a slight setback, Alan King has identified the Betway Kingwell Hurdle as the ideal Cheltenham Festival stepping-stone. A big run will see him roundly chopped in the betting for the Champion Hurdle.

GO-GO GOWRAN

THE fixture at Gowran on Saturday is essential viewing for anyone with even a passing interest in the Cheltenham Festival. The Red Mills Trial Hurdle is usually a cracker and has been won by the likes of Un De Sceaux and Hardy Eustace. Then there is the small matter of the Grade Two Red Mills Chase, which is nearly always a truly-run affair that bristles with quality.

FIXTURES (FLAT in capitals) Monday: Catterick, Plumpton, WOLVERHAMPTON.

Tuesday: Ayr, Fontwell, NEWCASTLE.

Wednesday: KEMPTON, Newcastle, Towcester, WOLVERHAMPTON.

Thursday: CHELMSFORD, Kelso, Leicester, LINGFIELD.

Friday: Fakenham, NEW-CASTLE, Sandown, WOLVERHAMPTON.

Saturday: Ascot (ITV4), Haydock (ITV4), KEMPTON, LINGFIELD, Wincanton (ITV4).

Sunday: Ffos Las, Market Rasen.