Inspection at Ascot; Uttoxeter and Downpatrick off

As forecast, bad weather has returned to the British Isles; racing at Ascot is subject to a further inspection, while Uttoxeter and the Irish meeting at Downpatrick have been called off. Even if they go ahead, prospects for tomorrow look poor, with a heavy overnight frost expected. If Ascot is staged, the two grade two races for novices are the most interesting events. The race over hurdles at 14.35 CET sees ex-German Iolith (Alan King/ Choc Thornton) return to action after his easy debut success. He is moving up in class here, but with the King stable now in great form, we hope that he can cope with this better grade, although Toubab (Paul Nicholls/ Sam Thomas), Kid Cassidy (Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy) and Frascati Park (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Paddy Brennan) will all provide tough opposition. The chase at 15.10 features the British debut of ex-French Surfing (Henderson/ Geraghty), who is apparently very highly thought of. He must defeat Harry Tricker (Gary and Jamie Moore) a nd Bouggler (Emma Lavell/ Thomas) among others. The first two races are divisions of a novice hurdle over 2 3/4 miles with several promising candidates at the start. Nicholls could possibly land a double here with Poungash (Ryan Mahon) at 12.55 and Rock on Ruby (Harry Skelton) half an hour later.

The card at Uttoxeter has been abandoned!