ASCOT
Gentleman’s Relish (Freddie Gordon)
He is the most gorgeous person, and one with plenty of ability, but unfortunately things haven’t always gone his way for various reasons. This, however, is his first run in a Handicap and Freddie takes a welcome 3lbs off, so he comes into this off a decent weight and has a very good chance.
Bhaloo (Nico de Boinville)
I must admit I’m not the biggest fan of running horses first time out over fences at Ascot, because they take some jumping and it can be very daunting, but there are just so few options for Novices and I really need to get him out, so here we are. That said, this isn’t a big field so he should be able to get into a nice rhythm, which he’ll need to, and chasing was always going to be his game. He was a solid bumper/hurdler and I’m hopeful he can go quite high up the ranks in this division, but he does face quite a test here.
Break My Soul (Nico de Boinville)
She’s a very smart mare who will be jumping fences one day, and will probably get a bit further as well, but we’ll have plenty of fun over hurdles beforehand and she was impressive in winning her last two starts in the spring. I wanted to run her last week but she wasn’t quite ready, and I do still think she’ll come on for this outing, but we like her and she’s very capable.
Eternal Angel (Nico de Boinville)
He came from the same place as Jonbon and is a horse we like very much. Authorized is a sire I think a lot of and, of the three I had entered in this race, I rather felt this lad would appreciate the ground more than the others and I’m hopeful he has a bright future.
WETHERBY
Luccia (James Bowen)
She was beaten in this race last year, but is about 2 kilograms lighter this time around, although still heavier than her third in the Unibet Champion Hurdle; make of that want you will! I don’t know a great amount about the opposition, but she’s clear on ratings and sets the standard on what form we know.
Goblet Of Fire (James Bowen)
He’s a very likeable chap who has done very well since joining us and I must give credit to his owner who picked this race out because he said it would cut up, and indeed he proved correct! Good ground is key to him, and while this is obviously another step up the ladder, he’s in good form and deserves to take his chance.
