Clerks of the course at the two feature meetings on Saturday are expecting a "challenging" few days.

While Ascot and Haydock were both raceable on Tuesday, temperatures are set to drop dramatically in the run-up to the weekend.

Frost plus the prospect of some snow could threaten both Ascot, where Sprinter Sacre would be the headline act in the Victor Chandler Chase, and Haydock, where the Peter Marsh Chase is the centrepiece.

Ascot report no problems so far with the going described as soft, good to soft in places.

Clerk of the course Chris Stickels said: "Weather conditions haven't been as severe as forecast, but temperatures are forecast to be colder. There is a threat and the forecast does look a little bit challenging. We have had frost covers down since last Saturday. We are well prepared in anticipation of this."

Haydock, where the going is heavy, have also taken the necessary precautions.

Clerk of the course Kirkland Tellwright said: "We are covered up. It's been so far so good and we were fit to race (on Tuesday) after it got down to minus 2C.

"The next couple of nights look like a bigger test as we might get down to minus 8C or minus 9C. Covered or not, that will be a fair challenge. All we can do is take it one step at a time."

Looking further ahead, Cheltenham have deployed frost covers on the chase and hurdles courses for Festival Trials Day on Saturday week.

Head of racing Simon Claisse said: "The current forecast is for temperatures to remain cold for the remainder of this week, with some very hard frosts. In view of this, we have put down frost covers on the chase and hurdle courses in order to give Festival Trials Day every chance of going ahead."

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests