Doncaster inspection planned as Overturn faces fences challenge

Donald McCain’s 2012 Champion Hurdle runner-up has looked imperious in his first two races over fences, including an emphatic victory on Town Moor before the big freeze, and is set to step up in class to Grade Two level in the Racing Post Lightning Novices’ Chase.

His possible presence has not scared off Lucinda Russell, however, who has entered her promising youngster Tap Night.

Tom George is in red-hot form and his Module was impressive at Newbury last time. He could be joined by stablemate Majala. Gordon Elliott’s Toner D’Oudairies could make the trip from Ireland, with His Excellency, trained by David Pipe, also among the 10 entries.

However, the weather is the key – an inspection tomorrow morning will give a clearer indication about prospects for Doncaster’s two-day Sky Bet Chase meeting that is due to begin on Friday.

Five inches of snow on the track were reported yesterday. While daytime temperatures could reach a high of 4C, 
offering some respite, this could be eradicated by the overnight frosts that are forecast.

Any abandonment will be a blow to the Doncaster management team after the Sky Bet Chase attracted two possible Cheltenham Gold Cup contenders.

Lucinda Russell’s Bold Sir 
Brian and the Venetia Williams-trained Katenko, both engaged in the blue riband, could enhance their Festival claims.

Joining Bold Sir Brian at the top of the weights is Midnight Chase, who has run in the Gold Cup for the past two years but does not have an entry this season, and last year’s Sky Bet Chase winner Calgary Bay.

Champion Court has, however, been taken out by Martin Keighley.

Donald McCain’s Grand National winner Ballabriggs still has the option, as does Malcolm Jefferson’s impressive Rowland Meyrick Chase winner Cape Tribulation.

With Wetherby and Leicester off today, it is no surprise that Catterick’s planned card tomorrow is yet another weather casualty. There is still the possibility of National Hunt action at Exeter and Ayr tomorrow, though snow is now forecast at the Scottish track. Doubts also surround Cheltenham’s valuable card on Saturday, even though the Cotswolds track is covered.

Even all-weather racing is not immune from the elements. Lingfield’s card today must pass an early morning inspection, though no problems are reported at Wolverhampton where racing did actually take place yesterday.