Our racing ambassador gives you the low down on all of his rides at Warwick, Wincanton and Ffos Las this weekend
On Saturday I have a ride in the Badger Ales Trophy on FOX APPEAL and I’m quietly confident he can run a big race. I’ve been lucky enough to win the race in the past so hopefully know what it takes and based on his last couple of runs I think he has a good chance of being in the money. He put in a decent performance at Fontwell on his first start of the season in a race where the first two home have gone on to win again, whilst the third also ran well at Ascot last weekend. His second last time out was arguably even better and I’m not worried about the forecast rain. Obviously we’ll need some luck in running but he likes the track and should stay well in what on paper looks an ultra-competitive affair.
Also on Saturday I ride DIMINPETE in the bumper for Jeremy Scott. He’s a nice young horse who was a bit weak when he made his debut at Warwick back in May. However, I sat on him the other day and he has really strengthened up over the summer and although the ground may be a bit too soft for him he should be one to look forward to over hurdles this season.
I’m off to sunny Wales on Sunday and Ffos Las where I ride THE SWEENEY for Emma. Another younger horse with plenty of potential he ran a race full of promise on his only start at Warwick back in December. He’s schooled well and is out of a prolific sire so all the signs are positive!
Finally this weekend it’s BEALLANDENDALL for Deborah Faulkner in the handicap chase. He ran well enough over hurdles a couple of weeks ago but he’s back over fences on Sunday. He’s ran well in points in the past and you could argue he is well handicapped on some of his older form so fingers crossed.
I enjoyed a double earlier this week with both horses putting in really strong performances. DANCING SHADOW was really brave for me when winning from the front and had a good look around on the run-in! Cheek-pieces will be back on next time and he’ll be back over fences at Kelso in a couple of weeks. ASK THE WEATHERMAN was my second winner on the day and his trainer Jack Barber told me he has come out of the race well. All eyes will be on how the handicapper reacts with the Welsh National still very much the aim!
That’s it for me this week, hope you all enjoy this weekend’s racing!
Nick
