A decision as to whether the four hurdle races will be run at Sandown's meeting on Saturday has been delayed until Friday morning.

Officials at the Esher venue have been given the flexibility by the British Horseracing Authority to put a final decision back until a further inspection at 8am after they looked at the track on Thursday afternoon. Should the hurdles course be declared unfit then a six-race all-chase card will take place.

The hurdles track is described as heavy, soft in places (some waterlogging) while the chase course is soft, heavy in places. The morning's inspection is timed to come after up to 15 millimetres of rain which is forecast overnight.

"We're going to have a further look in the morning. There was no final decision taken on which route we go down," said clerk of the course Andrew Cooper.

"We've been given this flexibility to carry over this inspection to Friday morning before declarations are made and after the last of the appreciable rain we shall see before the meeting.

"The hurdles course is no worse than it was, but it wouldn't take a lot of rain to be false in places. I'm pleased we've got the back-up of all-chase card. The foremost aim is to run the card as originally constituted and at this stage I don't foresee any problems with the chase course.

"It is just a degree sounder than the hurdle course and would cope with the rain better. I'd be quite optimistic of staging some racing here on Saturday whether that's a six-race chase card or the original one planned we will have to see. I think at least having something on here will be possible."

13 May 2013

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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
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Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
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Cornerstone plans up in the air
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12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
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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