Don't bet on seeing much turf action

WHILE bookmakers have started giving odds on the next time racegoers will see a turf meeting take place, punters will make do with the betting scraps that are left – and that should ensure a lively market at Southwell.

Lingfield and Kempton's prospects hinge on early morning inspections, but Southwell were hopeful of beating the freeze to go ahead with their eight-race card.

Alan McCabe is one of the better trainers on the all-weather and must have high hopes of Lord Victor following up a recent win in similar conditions at the track. His main rival, Angie's Nap, is only 1lb better off and that does not look enough to turn the form round in the betdaqextra.com Claiming Stakes.

He may have just turned 13, but Milton Bradley's The Tatling is still as enthusiastic as ever and should go well again in the Happy 58th Birthday Richard Archer Handicap. His last run was his best for some time.

As the big freeze shows no sign of loosening its grip on racing, William Hill have showed their opportunistic streak by opening a market on when the next British action on turf will take place.

Plumpton's meeting on Sunday was the last National Hunt fixture in Britain and while positive noises are coming from Ffos Las about being able to stage Saturday's high-class card, Hills make that a 5-2 chance to survive.

Saturday's fixtures at Sedgefield and Wincanton have been abandoned, as have Friday's meetings at Bangor and Fontwell.

Hereford on Sunday is already off, with Monday's meeting at Ayr also in serious doubt.

Hills believe no racing will take place on turf until 16 January, which is 4-5 favourite. Spokesman David Hood said: "We think the prospect of any jump racing is bleak before Kempton's williamhill.com Lanzarote meeting on 16 January and it could be even longer."

Marcus Tregoning's big hope Mawatheeq may be destined for warmer climes, but he is continuing his preparations for the Dubai World Cup meeting in a rather different setting.

Tregoning's Lambourn stable has been engulfed by snow but his facilities have enabled his horses in training to keep ticking over.

Mawatheeq, who could be joined by Glorious Goodwood winner Finjaan on his trip to the Gulf, was second to Twice Over in the Emirates Airline Champion Stakes on his latest start.

"We've had ten to 12 inches of snow and we've got the snowploughs in," Tregoning said. "We're lucky to have a covered ride, a two-furlong oval, and we have been able to use that. Mawatheeq is going to Dubai, all being well, either for the Sheema Classic or the World Cup. He'll be ready to go straight for the big race, as we have some excellent all-weather tracks in Britain."