Newbury remain hopeful

Newbury clerk of the course Richard Osgood remains "pretty hopeful" this weekend's Betfair Super Saturday fixture will beat the elements.

Fleece frost covers have been on the course for over a week in an attempt to safeguard what promises to be a fantastic afternoon of National Hunt action.

Gold Cup hero Long Run and exciting novices Sprinter Sacre and Grands Crus are just some of the star names pencilled in to run, but there is little prospect of any jumps racing taking place before the weekend at the earliest.

"There hasn't been a lot of change overnight," said Osgood.

"We got down to minus 4C again, but we're up to zero now and we'll just have to see how we go.

"There is still talk of snow coming later in the week, which will then change to rain. It's just a case of seeing what happens. I'm pretty hopeful at this stage."

8 February 2012