Nick Scholfield: 'Irish form gives Our Duke the edge over Native River'
Paisley Park is my ride tomorrow in the Albert Bartlett and he looks very promising. All the young horses are in the same boat over three miles on soft ground so who knows. He’s been in good form, improved a lot of late and will be wearing visors for the first time. If he can run into a place I’ll be delighted.
I was sat next to Nico De Boinville at Towcester today and he has Santini in the same race. He’s a worthy favourite and hasn’t put a foot wrong all season. To be honest though the Irish are making us English look like fools at the minute, they’re running away with it so maybe our English form isn’t as good as the Irish form looking at the races previous to the week.
I’ve supported Apple’s Shakira in the Triumph all the way through and I’d definitely be inclined to stick with her. Redicean won well at Leopardstown and is probably the only horse I can see being a danger to Barry Geraghty’s ride.
Presenting Percy looking so impressive in the RSA Chase makes you look up and think about Our Duke. I know as well from speaking to Noel Fehily, who was due to ride him, that he was gutted when he was told he couldn’t ride him. Robbie Power will be on him and his Irish National performance was very strong. I’ve been saying Native River but with the Irish dominance I’ve changed my mind. I was also speaking to the Harry Fry crew and I could see American running into place with Noel on board. It’s a horse that absolutely loves the rain and the forecast overnight is not good, which would be massive and it’s a big price. Harry is very positive about it’s chances.
I think the Foxhunter will be one that stays in England. Paul Nicholls has got a good chance with Virak and both Wonderful Chance and Caid Du Berlais look class. I sat next to Will Biddick on Tuesday and he’s looking forward to riding him. He’s one of the best English amateurs and came second on Ms Parfois on Tuesday and he’ll be keen to go one better.
I fancy Gordon Elliott’s Sire Du Berlais in the Martin Pipe at 16:50. A lot of the jockey’s are on the same page in this one so I’m excited to see how he goes.
