Whip Rules
I haven’t had a chance to read through the full report and have just been picking up snippets from what’s being reported but, like the last whip rule change, it’ll take a while to settle in.
I’m sure people will adapt and as these are the new rules they will have to adapt quickly. I’m not really a stick jockey so I’m not overly concerned.
Everyone involved in the steering group has had their say now so let’s hope that’s the end of it and it can be put to bed.
Market Rasen, Saturday
I ride Gaelik Coast in the 2m½f handicap hurdle (2:41pm) who when he was chasing I thought would win the Red Rum Chase, but for some reason it didn’t happen for him – he was just a no-show.
Then he had a couple of indifferent runs, so he went back over hurdles and won well the last day with top weight around Worcester over 2m4f. This looks a very open race with no standout, obviously he’s got plenty of weight, but he’s been well since his last run and we’d be hopeful he can run a big race.
Licklighter goes in the feature race, the Grade 3 Summer Plate (3:14pm). He might be a big price, but I think it’s an open enough race, Fergal’s [O’Brien] horse looks the obvious one to beat as an improving novice.
This horse won at the track the last day though, and I’ve won on him in the past. I rode him two starts back when he just needed the run. He’s a solid handicapper and having won over fences at three miles, I think he should have an each-way chance. Laura Morgan’s horses are running well at the moment which bodes well.
In the 2m1f handicap chase (4:25pm) I partner up with Getaway Jewel. He was a good winner the last day and the handicapper has had his say by putting him up 10 pounds, but you could argue he could have won with that on his back the last day.
There are only three runners in this and there won’t be much pace on, but it’ll be nice to think he can follow up in this. I wouldn’t swap him for either of the other two runners.
Kayfast Warrior contests the 2m½f handicap hurdle (5:00pm) and he is one that appreciated the better ground the last day at Perth.
He won nicely there and hopefully he’s had enough time in between the runs. He’s up against Karannelle who won at the start of the week and carries a seven-pound penalty for it, but this lad was a solid enough handicapper on the flat and I’ve always thought he’d be better on decent ground, so hopefully he has a chance.
Stratford, Sunday
I ride Larch Chill in the 2m1f handicap chase (3:40pm) and he’s the highest he’s ever been in the handicap.
He’s won twice round Stratford over this distance and then the last day we just didn’t go quick enough, and he kept jabbing at one pace. You’d look at the race and think it might cut up, but he isn’t getting any younger and with a career high mark to overcome he’ll need to turn up. But having said that, he’s a solid horse and always seems
