Week’s Winners
Donald McCain and I have been fortunate this week, combining four wins with some promising horses. Donald continues in great form and he really is getting the best out of what he’s got at the moment, which bodes well for the season ahead.
Saywhatyouwant started us off at Uttoxeter in a two-mile hurdle. Two runs ago, at Cartmel, she won by nine lengths, then went to Fontwell. We weren’t sure it would suit her there, and unfortunately, there was no pace, which made her a bit keen and she didn’t finish off like she can. That’s no reflection on her; it’s just the way the race panned out. This time, at Uttoxeter, the speed suited her and I just did what I thought best with a free hand, and she was back on form.
Spirit of Regulus was our next winner at Sedgefield in his first run over hurdles. We weren’t disappointed with his bumper run, where he was fourth of thirteen at Bangor back in April. At that point in the season, we just needed to get a run into him and he was very raw. He wasn’t going there for a hard time, just to do his best. Bangor is a great place for Donald to run first-time outers as it’s only twenty minutes down the road. This time, though, at Sedgefield, his jumping was good, he was ridden considerately and finished off really well to win. A great result.
We had three other runners at Sedgefield that day, including another winner in Finisk River. The track was certainly sharp enough for him, and getting taken on by Tracey Waggott’s Hajey didn’t help, but he picked up brilliantly. I’d still say, though, that last time out he showed a better version of himself at Worcester, which is a big, galloping track.But, to come back from where he was last season, he’s done very well.
The luck continued for Donald and me with Maximilian at Carlisle on Thursday. He’s a horse that isn’t hard on himself at home and is a lovely relaxed character. He just does what you ask him to, and not more. So, he was always going to improve with each run.He did well to fend off the two very expensive horses, both Irish Point-to-Point graduates, behind him.
Donald is doing well this season, really maximising the number of wins each horse can do for their owners. He has a lot of nice, young ones coming through and we’re very excited for the rest of the season.
Kelso, Saturday
I kick off Saturday with Hashtag Lord (1:40 pm) for James Ewart. I don’t know a great deal about this horse, so I’m hopeful rather than confident. But, Stewart Crawford liked it as a youngster, and he ran okay at Navan at the end of last season. Certainly, this is a good opportunity for the horse, but there are some horses in there with winning form to consider.
I’ve then got Bavington Bob (2:48 pm) for Ann Hamilton in the feature race. The more rain the better for him: he wants slower ground. He’s up against some stiff competition, but that’s what you expect when there’s £40,000 on offer. It’s very competitive, but mine’s got a lovely light weight, so fingers crossed for him.
With any luck, mine and Donald’s recent form will continue with Red Vision (3:23 pm) in the two-mile hurdle. He should run well in what looks to be a very competitive race. He’s only seven and will hopefully be able to challenge of his current mark.
Edmond Dantes (4:00 pm) wraps up Saturday for me. He is a big framed of horse, who’s been second a couple of times lately. It’ll be interesting to see him over two miles on soft ground on this stiff track with a bit of pace on. Fingers crossed he can run well!
Old Roan Chase, Aintree, Sunday
On Sunday, I’ll partner Riders On the Storm (2:40 pm) at Aintree for Richard Hobson. In some of his previous form he looks dangerous, but he’s not been consistent enough the last couple of seasons.
I remember the first time I rode him, back at the 2019 Cheltenham Festival where he was a faller in the Novices’ Handicap Chase. I thought he was one that got away that day, but then when you see that it was A Plus Tard who went on to win the race you wonder if we would have managed to get past him!
The Old Roan is always a cracking race, and I’m just hoping there’s a bit of rain otherwise some of them might not run. We want a good competitive race for a Grade 2 like this.
