Christmas comes early for Warwick racecourse

The meeting has attracted 216 entries, so trying to solve the puzzle of who will win ahead of the declarations this morning is nigh on impossible.

There are 35 possible contenders in the opening Betfred “The Home Of Goals Galore” Juvenile Hurdle over two miles, with only trainer Paul Nicholls not represented from among the big yards.

Newmarket-based John Ferguson has two entries in the shape of Bordoni, twice a winner on the flat for Mark Johnston this summer, and Ruacana, also twice a winner on the level when trained by Michael Bell.

The yard has a good record with their bumper and novice hurdlers, so both would have chances here.

Bell also has a rare jumps entry in Extremely Alert, but he has shown little form so far and would need to improve to take a hand. He has two other engagements this week.

The longest race of the afternoon is the fifth, the Betfred On 0800 221 221 Handicap Chase over the marathon distance of three miles and five furlongs.

Given the likely soft ground, horses will need plenty of stamina to see out the trip.

Trainer Jonjo O’Neill provides three of the 23 entries, although it is difficult to fancy any of them.

One that does appeal is the progressive Guydus, trained by Venetia Williams, who is having her best season for some time.

Guydus beat Monty’s Revenge at Wincanton in October over a trip half a mile shorter than Sunday’s, so his ability to see out the extra distance has to be taken on trust.

Locally trained Atherstone Hill has not shown much form since winning over the course a year ago and Cotswold Charmer, another in with a chance, is also engaged at Exeter this afternoon in a four-mile race, so at least we can assume that trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies does not have any stamina worries about him.

Looking ahead to the course’s popular New Year’s Eve meeting, commercial manager Lee Moulson is advising racegoers thinking of dining to contact the booking office soon.

He said: “Dining availability for New Year’s Eve is becoming very limited, so if you are wanting to dine with family or friends at our largest jumps fixture of the season, please book soon in order to avoid disappointment.”

Advance tickets for Sunday or New Year’s Eve can booked by telephoning 08445 793013 or online at www.warwickracecourse.co.uk