Our racing ambassador takes us through his six rides at Huntingdon on Tuesday
First of all Merry Christmas to all you Oddschecker users. Hope you enjoyed the festivities yesterday and you’re looking forward to an action-packed day of racing. I’m off to Huntingdon for a busy book of rides and as always I’ll be hoping to knock on the door (loudly!) with a few of them.
First up is a horse called MINELLA WHISPER for trainer Richard Phillps in the 12.10. He looks a nice type on paper, as you would expect from a three-time point winner, but the three at the top of the market do set a high enough standard and my fella has some pretty hefty odds to overcome!
In the 13.15 I’m on SMART BOY for Jack Barber. He’s risen 18lb in the weights off the back of his last two efforts but this mark could still be within his capabilities. Conditions look likely to suit with the main danger looking and I'd rate Galactic Power as his main danger.
SPEEDALONG is next for me in the 13.50 for Jeremy Scott. It will be his first start over fences today but smallish field will suit as will today’s course and distance in what looks an open race, so I'm quietly hopeful of his chances.
In the Listed Mares Bumper I’m on L’CHAMISE, again for Jack Barber. She was due to run the other weekend before the weather ruined those plans. If you look at the form of her Aintree run last time, it’s been boosted plenty by those in front of her that day. She travelled well enough for me on that occasion before tiring in the final furlong so she’d have an each-way shout today in what does look a strong race for its kind.
Completing the Jack Barber hat-trick is CLENAGH CASTLE in the 15.00 handicap chase. Like his stablemate in the bumper, he wouldn’t want the ground to be too soft but he looks well handicapped in what on paper looks another open race, so I’d be disappointed if he wasn’t bang there jumping the last.
Finally for me it’s PERSONAL COACH for trainer Robert Stephens in the concluding bumper. Mr Stephens is a trainer who usually excels with these types of horses and his debut 40 days ago was promising enough. He’s owned by connections who have had smart horses in the past over jumps and the flat (Group 1 winner Al Kazeem) so I’m expecting him not to be too far away.
Hopefully we can grab a winner or two today ahead of tomorrow’s Welsh Grand National where I am buzzing about my ride ASK THE WEATHERMAN. I put him up in my five to follow at the start of the season and he has done everything we have asked of him so far, so let’s hope I’m proved right and that he can land the big one on Wednesday.
Cheers
