Newbury to face inspection

Saturday’s prestigious fixture at Newbury must pass an 8am inspection on Friday.

Clerk of the course Richard Osgood will assess conditions following three inches of unexpected overnight snowfall.

Although the course is covered with fleece to protect against frost, the news comes as a blow to officials at the Berkshire track, which had shown improvement on Wednesday.

He said: “I’ve changed the going to soft and we’ve called an inspection for 8am.

“I would have sworn that we would have had rain last night, but when I woke up it was covered (in snow).

“The forecast is for this weather to go north – but then to come back south again.”

Master Minded and Denman are pencilled in to race on the Newbury card, which also showcases the totesport Trophy.