Taunton's richest ever meeting on Saturday could be the best chance of any turf racing going ahead over the next few days.

Temperatures in Somerset are fairly tropical compared to most of the rest of the country, but even they are not completely safe, with a band of either snow or rain moving in.

Taunton groundsman Kevin Council said: "Whether we get rain or snow we'll just have to see as it depends on which forecast you read. It is due to hit us early on Friday so we should know by 10am where we stand."

Ascot's meeting, which features Sprinter Sacre's return in the Grade One Victor Chandler Chase, will need to survive a 4.30pm inspection on Friday, but snow is forecast.

Clerk of the course Chris Stickels said: "There are some signs of frost under the covers. I'm pretty confident we could race (on Thursday) but could not be certain unless I lifted the covers right off.

"Snow is forecast for Friday afternoon and evening, so it makes sense to have a precautionary look on Friday when we'll have a good look under the covers and we'll be able to assess the snow situation."

Haydock's meeting on Saturday, which is due to stage the Peter Marsh Chase and a Champion Hurdle Trial, is in grave doubt, as having already survived one inspection, clerk of the course Kirkland Tellwright will look at 8.30am on Friday.

He said: "We had minus 3C overnight and we are forecast further frosts and there is a clear chance of snow on Friday afternoon. We could get six centimetres of snow and obviously that would beat us, so there is plenty to worry about yet."

Lingfield's all-weather meeting on Friday is also subject to an 8am precautionary inspection on raceday morning due to the threat of snow.

Clerk of the course Neil MacKenzie Ross said: "It now looks like there is now potential for heavy snow over us on Friday. We've dealt with snow in the past, but it could cause a problem if it's continual."

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