CHELTENHAM

12:05

Sir Gino (James Bowen)

His jumping was far from perfect at Kempton, so he’s had plenty of practice in that department and is a person we like a lot. This is a competitive race, and Burdett Road has looked very good, therefore I should imagine whoever wins will likely be favourite for the Triumph. Sir Gino’s work has been very good, and he would be right up there with some of our previous good Juveniles we’ve had down the years.

 

12:40

Persian Time (James Bowen)

He was always going to be a chaser because he’s a lovely, big strong horse, and I was impressed with him at Ascot last time. The step up in trip will suit him nicely and I’m hopeful of a bold show.

 

1:15

Excello (James Bowen)

He jumps for fun and was very impressive when beating Solo at Ascot last time when we switched him back to fences, although I didn’t really do him any favours because he now has a rating of 146 which means he really does have to step up to another level. The ground should be fine, but any rain that falls will definitely be in his favour, and this is his trip.

 Unibet are paying MONEY BACK AS CASH if 2nd or 3rd in this race (from 9am on Saturday, opt-in on betslip, max £10. T&Cs apply)

2:25

Jonbon (James Bowen)

It is a job well done by the Jockey Club and the BHA to get this race restaged and we are very happy to be taking part. Unfortunately, it’s not the clash we all wanted with El Fabiolo, but Jonbon is there and in great form at home. James has done plenty of schooling on him, primarily because we had him on standby for Ascot in case Nico wasn’t back in time, but as it was the race was off anyway. Hopefully this will set him up nicely for the Festival.

 

3:00 Unibet Hurdle

First Street (James Bowen)

His form is there for all to see, and he does have quite a bit to find against the likes of Lossiemouth, but he’s a talented horse in his own right and is better off at the weights with Rubaud from Kempton where he stayed on nicely. He is incredibly hard to place so we’re chasing prize money and if he can finish, third, second, or dare I say, win, it will be mission accomplished.

 Unibet are superboosting the odds of every runner in the race from 9am on Saturday. Login to see the boosted odds! T&Cs here.

3:35

Champ (Jonjo O’Neill)

He’s now entering the veteran stage of his career, but he still retains plenty of ability and I thought he ran very well on his first run back at Ascot last time. There is absolutely nothing between them all on ratings and it will be another fantastic race – let’s just hope dear old Champ can come out on top!

 

4:10

Choccabloc (Sam Twiston-Davies)

He is the most gorgeous son of Blue Bresil from a family we know well, and he showed a good attitude to win at Ludlow last time on his first start over two and a half. This is obviously a big step up, and he does need to improve, but his work has been good, and the track will suit.

Lucky Place (James Bowen)

He was unlucky not to hold on at Taunton last time under a big weight, but he lost very little in defeat and we’ve always quite liked him. As with Choccabloc, this is a tougher assignment, but he’s in good order and will be giving it his best shot.

 

DONCASTER

12:55

No Ordinary Joe (Mark Walsh)

He’s still plenty high enough in the handicap so giving weight all round won’t make things easy and this is a competitive race, but the switch back to hurdles will help.

 

1:30

Jeriko Du Reponet (Mark Walsh)

This wasn’t the original plan; I was intended on taking him to Huntingdon for the Sidney Banks, but this race was transferred from Haydock which helped sway us this way and it’s a nice track for him. Everything he’s done so far has been good and this is hopefully another step towards the Festival.

 

2:05

Under Control (Mark Walsh)

She was engaged in the Unibet Hurdle, but after discussing things with JP, we decided to come here instead and take on the Mullins duo! I’m not sure what happened at Newbury, she went from looking the winner two out to cutting out very quickly, so we cauterised her palate, which may, or may not, help. I stand by the fact that she is a very good mare and I’d like to see her get her career back on track.

 

3:15

Mister Coffey (Daryl Jacob)

I know I say it every time, but I really do think he has a good chance in this. He seems in particularly good order at home and the cheek pieces might just eek out that little bit extra. This is the first time in quite a while that he gets to race on genuinely good ground.

 

3:50

Wiseguy (Paul O’Brien)

I thought he’d go very close at Cheltenham last time but made a few mistakes which seemed to knock the stuffing out of him a bit, although he still finished well. We definitely haven’t reached the ceiling with him yet and I do believe there is still plenty to come.

 

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