THIS is a relatively quiet time for the stable in between Cheltenham and Aintree and despite Santini being left in the Grand National there are no plans for him to take his chance at this stage. Buveur D’Air, Shishkin, Chantry House and Fusil Raffles are all pencilled in for Liverpool along with Mister Fisher who will step up to 3 miles and contest the G1 Bowl Chase because I’d like to give him a run over that trip this season so we know where to start for next year, although I hear A Plus Tard is a possible runner as well which may mean we have to rethink our plans!
NEWBURY
2:50 Novices’ Handicap Hurdle
Hooper (Nico De Boinville)
Who knows what would’ve happened at Hereford last time but I do still think this horse was in with a fighting chance of winning so he may not have been all that lucky after all. Of all of our runners today he’s the one who does want decent ground so if there is no rain that will definitely be in his favour. He’s a horse on the upgrade and seems to be off a decent mark.
3:25 G2 Mares’ Hurdle
Docte Dina (James Bowen)
She ran a great race to finish second to Fantastic Lady at Doncaster last time and a reproduction of that effort would give her every chance here. This is always a very good prize to win or be placed in because you gain valuable Black Type and this mare wouldn’t have to improve much to figure. Good ground is what she wants and James rides a lot for Mr and Mrs Potter so it makes sense for him to retain the ride.
Lilly Pedlar (Nico De Boinville)
She is still a maiden but has some very smart form behind Allavina and any rain that falls will definitely be in her favour. Her work has been good, she jumps well and this galloping track will suit. I like her quite a lot.
Buttsbury Lady (Tom Cannon)
There wasn’t much between her and Lilly Pedlar on their last run at Taunton and she seems to be improving all the time. It’s a very open race but I wouldn’t be surprised to see her finish in the frame.
Paris Dixie (Daryl Jacob)
She’s a mare with plenty of talent and has a lovely attitude. This is a big step up but we are all here to gain some Black Type and with a bit of luck she can put up a decent performance and run well for her enthusiastic owners.
5:45 Bumper
Jonbon (Nico De Boinville)
If you would’ve asked me 24 hours ago I would’ve told you this horse was a non-runner because I don’t want to risk him on ground that is too fast because he has quite a knee action and moves like a horse who will appreciate plenty of give in the ground, but as it is there has been a big of rain around and at the moment the intention is to run, but we will still keep an eye on conditions throughout the afternoon. He has done everything we’ve asked of him at home and I am looking forward to seeing what we’ve got.
ASCOT-SUNDAY
We have two runners at Ascot on Sunday and I’d like to think Cascova would be up to winning the Maiden Hurdle off the back of a solid effort at Newbury last time. This is a very good opportunity and I’ll be surprised if he isn’t capable of finishing in front.
Overpriced Mixer will be much happier on the better ground and would certainly be in the mix on his best form.
