CHELTENHAM
1:50
Fusil Raffles (Daryl Jacob)
We had quite a few options with him and were even looking at running in the Unibet International Hurdle but Sceaux Royal takes his chance in that for the same owners and we then we considered the two mile chase, but eventually decided that this seemed the most suitable race because he’s run well over course and distance, was second in the Marsh Chase and two miles four furlongs + on what is probably going to be soft ground should suit him best. He’s nicely handicapped, is in good form and I can’t see any reason when he won’t go well.
3:35
Lust For Glory (Nico De Boinville)
Unfortunately she is not coming here in the best of form after refusing at Newbury and then unseating at Ascot last month so I couldn’t possibly recommend her on recent showings. That said, she’s a smart mare on her day and has run well over hurdles here a couple of seasons ago and is off a career low mark.
DONCASTER
11:50
Westwood Ryder (James Bowen)
He was second in his bumper at Huntington in May after which we gave him a short break before bringing him back in ready for the season. He’s a lovely son of Fleminsfirth who has done everything we’ve asked and his schooling has been excellent, therefore I expect him to go extremely close. He’s a nice horse.
2:40
Impulsive One (James Bowen)
We were ‘umming an
d ahhing’ over whether to go to Doncaster or Cheltenham but he doesn’t carry a penalty for his two wins here and we’re much better off at the weights with the horse that beat him at Kempton (the re-opposing Knight Salute) and we’ve tinkered with his wind ever so slightly. The only thing is, is that he wants good ground so I will be keeping a close eye on the weather up there, but he’s in good shape and at the moment is the only horse who comes anywhere near the reckoning as being a potential Triumph Hurdle hope.