Ascot

12.30pm

I Can’t Explain

He clearly didn’t run badly when second at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day, but we were expecting more. He didn’t give me the same feel as when winning at Sandown previously, but we have been very happy with his work – I have worked and schooled him in our recent time off – and hopefully he can back on the winning trail here. It could be a hot little race though, for all the numbers dwindled at the overnight stage.

2.10pm

Coneygree

He obviously gave me one of my best days in the saddle when winning the Gold Cup in 2015 – time flies – and this clearly represents an easier opportunity than in the King George last time. He found that task beyond him at Kempton but he had earlier shaped with great promise when third at Cheltenham in November, and he is 1lb lower here. He is getting on a bit now at 12, but it would be great if he had one last good victory in him. I have schooled him recently and he seems as well as ever.

2.45pm

Terrefort

We are probably all playing for places if Clan Des Obeaux is as good as he looked when winning the King George but Terrefort could just give him a race in receipt of 3lb. He hasn’t hit the heights of last season – notably his Grade 1 Aintree win – in two starts this season, but there was much more to like about his third in the Cotswold Chase last time and the step down in trip on ground he loves is probably in his favour, too.

Nico