It’s a frustrating weekend for punters. The arctic blast sweeping across the UK and Ireland is wreaking absolute havoc on the Saturday programme, threatening to turn some of the weekend’s best jumps fixtures into ice rinks.
If you’re studying the form tonight, don’t waste your time on races that might not happen. Here is the cold, hard reality of tomorrow’s schedule.
✅ The Green Light (Safe to Back)
If you want guaranteed action, stick to these fixtures.
Ascot (Jumps): The absolute saving grace for jump racing fans this weekend. The going is Soft, but the clerk of the course has confirmed the frost won’t be an issue. The Grade 1 Betfair Ascot Chase is safely on the agenda.
Lingfield (Flat): It’s All-Weather racing on the Polytrack. The going is Standard and perfectly safe from the freeze.
Newcastle (Flat): The Tapeta surface up north is riding Standard to Slow. Your evening racing under the lights is firmly good to go.
🚨 The 8 AM Danger Zone (Precautionary Inspections)
Do not lay down your cash on these until the officials have walked the tracks at 8:00 AM tomorrow. Sub-zero temperatures overnight mean these meetings are hanging by a thread:
Haydock (Jumps): Going: Soft, Heavy in places. They’ve taken the recent rain well, but temperatures dropping to -2°C have forced an 8 AM precautionary inspection. Frost sheets are down over vulnerable areas, but the Grand National Trial card is far from certain.
Wincanton (Jumps): Going: Heavy, Soft in places. Another track needing an 8 AM sign-off. If it does survive the morning frost, expect an absolute slog in the mud—stamina will be at a premium here.
Gowran Park (Jumps): Going: Heavy. Ireland is catching the freeze too. After taking on a fair bit of rain during the week, a sudden drop in the forecast temperature has triggered an 8 AM inspection. Keep your fingers crossed if you’re hoping to see the Red Mills Chase.
The Verdict
Play it smart. Focus your Friday night form study entirely on Ascot, Lingfield, or Newcastle. Leave Haydock, Wincanton, and Gowran Park off your bet slips until the stewards give the official all-clear tomorrow morning.