We take a look at this week's horse racing.(credit:
Andrew Stawarz)
This is always the busiest period of the racing calendar with plenty of high class jumps action and the Flat season getting into gear. Racingbase previews the next seven days of racing that are dominated by the Classic trials.
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Sunday April 11
Curragh
2:45 New Tote Sports Lounge Loughbrown Stakes
This is a Listed event restricted to three-year-olds and there are some decent animals from the top Irish stables including Aidan O'Brien's multiple Group winner, Alfred Nobel.
3:45 www.thetote.com Gladness Stakes
Taking place over the straight seven furlongs, this is a Group Three for older horses that was won by Giants Causeway back in 2000.
4:15 New Tote Sports Lounge Alleged Stakes
A relatively new contest, this ten furlong Listed event has been won by some top quality horses and it is another Ballydoyle star, Fame And Glory who is likely to go off a strong favourite here.
Limerick
4:25 Hugh McMahon Memorial Novice Chase
Plenty more quality jumps action to come this spring and this three mile Grade Two features a small field of promising young jumpers.
Wednesday April 14
Cheltenham
2:10 Messier-Dowty Landing Gear Juvenile Novices' Hurdle
One of the last decent juvenile contests of the season, this represents a chance for the ultra-consistent Barizan to get his nose in front after finishing runner up at both the big spring festivals.
3:55 Masterson Holdings Silver Trophy Chase
The last big race of the season at Cheltenham and plenty of form for punters to scrutinise amongst these exposed types. Some illustrious entrants, including Voy Por Ustedes, Barbers Shop and Ryanair winner Alberta's Run.
Newmarket
3:00 £250000 Tattersalls Timeform 3-Y-O Trophy
As you would expect, the large prize on offer has attracted a huge number of entrants for this ten furlong Class Two event.
3:35 Bluesquare.com European Free Handicap
The first of the Newmarket Guineas trials, this seven furlong contest differs from the rest in being a handicap based on two year old performances.
4:10 Leslie Harrison Memorial Nell Gwyn Stakes
This seven furlong event for fillies was once reckoned to be one of the more significant Guineas trials, though since 1990 only two horses have won this en route to Classic glory
4:45 Blue Square Feilden Stakes
A Listed event run over nine furlongs and confined to three year olds, this is usually taken in by horses being aimed at the Derby.
Thursday April 15
Newmarket
3:00 Connaught Access Flooring Abernant Stakes
A thrilling six furlong dash up the Rowley course, this is a great spectacle and a proper test for those who like to get their teeth into sprint handicaps.
3:35 Racing Post breezeupbonus.com Craven Stakes
Yet another Newmarket trial, this one for colts and geldings and run over seven furlongs. The recent record of the Craven Stakes as a Guineas trial is not that good but it is still worth watching for potentially useful sorts and may feature Elusive Pimpernel, runner up in the Racing Post Trophy and one of the leading candidates for Classic glory.
4:10 Weatherbys Bloodstock Racecard Earl Of Sefton Stakes
A good Grade Three over a mile and a furlong for the better older horses. Some classy types have won this and there should be plenty of top quality form to peruse.
Saturday April 17
Ayr
2:20 Scottish Sun Future Champions Novices' Chase
A two and a half mile Grade Two for novices that has been won by some nice animals in the past, including Monets Garden and Grey Abbey.
2:50 Samsung Electronics Scottish Champion Hurdle
This Grade Two handicap may not attract the very best two mile hurdlers, but it is keenly fought and well worth looking at.
3:25 Coral Scottish Grand National Handicap Chase
The fences may not be as formidable as Aintree, but this gruelling contest is a good betting race and is sure to feature some old favourites and plenty of genuine stayers.
Newbury
2:05 John Porter Stakes
The twelve furlongs around this galloping course offers a stiff test for these older horses in what is usually a decent Group Three.
3:10 Fred Darling Stakes
Another 1000 Guineas trial, though this seven furlong event has a better record of throwing up Classic winners than the Nell Gwyn.
3:45 Bathwick Tyres Greenham Stakes
Possibly the best of the trials this week and even if it doesn't produce the Guineas winner, it usually showcases some interesting horses worth watching over the weeks and months ahead.