Old Man Winter may be outstaying his welcome like a lingering visitor waiting for the second row of the Christmas biscuits to come into play, but the nights getting longer is a welcome sign for race fans.
As we begin counting the number of sleeps until that big ol' belly-chuckling bearded magician comes stumbling down our chimneys, punters have one eye focused on the pre-Christmas scene, where racing stars are born.
The highlight of this season of the Sport of Kings is undoubtedly the
Fairyhouse Winter Festival. Taking place this weekend, December 3rd and 4th, the festival gives a great glimpse at exactly how much the horses are developing before the preparation for Cheltenham kicks off.
We've picked out five horses worth keeping an eye on in Meath this weekend.
Castello Sforza Irish Racing Year Book Maiden Hurdle - Saturday at 2:00
Had a winning debut at Fairyhouse in April 2015, but a series of niggles left him out of action until the following summer where he came fourth in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at Cheltenham.
He was a non-runner in Punchestown in April, but after so much hype surrounding him last year, it will be interesting to see how he performs at the track where he holds his sole win to date.
Landofhopeandglory Bar One Racing Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 3) - Sunday at 12:40
Big things are expected of this Joseph O'Brien trained horse after he maintained his unbeaten record over jumps at Punchestown. His performance in Sunday's race will give us a better indication of its expectations for the JCB Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival
Airlie Beach Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) - Sunday at 1:10
The Willie Mullins trained horse holds a 100% record having racked up six wins in her first six races. Her most recent victory came in Grade 3 at Down Royal on November 4.
She faces tough competition in the Grade 1 race including Labaik trained by the in-form Elliott as well as stablemates Saturnas and Penhill.
Vroum Vroum Mag Bar One Racing Hatton's Grace Hurdle (Grade 1) - Sunday at 1:40
Mullins will saddle three in a septet that has become all that more winnable since the late withdrawal of 2015 Champion Hurdle winner Faugheen.
But Vroum Vroum Mag is the pick of the bunch after claiming the OLBG Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham in March before getting the better of Identity Thief in the Punchestown Champion Hurdle just a few weeks later.
In an undeniably competitive race that also features recent Triumph Hurdle winner Ivanovich Gorbatov, Vroum Vroum Mag is expected to have every chance of stealing the show.
Alpha Des Obeaux Bar One Racing Drinmore Novice Steeplechase (Grade 1) – Sunday at 2:40
Having won his last two starts over fences, there's a lot of hype around this six-year-old trained by Mouse Morris. It may be early days yet but, already favourite to ride to glory in the RSA Chase in Cheltenham, Sunday's race might just reveal his full potential.
The Fairyhouse Winter Festival takes place on Saturday, December 3rd and Sunday, December 4th. It's one of the most eagerly anticipated race meetings in Ireland this side of Christmas. For more information or to book tickets call 01-8256167 or see www.fairyhouse.ie
