Wincanton 3.20pm

Llandinabo Lad

Obviously, he has his work cut out with all of his three rivals at the weights – most obviously last year’s winner Goshen and Greatwood second Adagio – but the ground has come in his favour and there is good prize money for third and fourth too, so we will give it a shot. He has run respectably in handicaps on his two starts this term, and the deeper ground should suit him better than his most recent outing at Ascot.

Wincanton 3.58pm 

Monte Cristo

It is fair to say he hasn’t shone in his two starts this season but he has come down a further 7lb for those, and it wouldn’t surprise me at all if he ran a lot better here, stepping down into a 0-135. The softening ground should suit and the handicapper has at least given him a real chance to bounce back here, for all a much-improved performance is obviously required.

Nico answers your questions

@HorseRacingDat1

Favourite Racecourse to ride and trickiest?

Cheltenham is the answer for both questions, as it the ultimate test for a horse and a rider. And you get two courses for the price of one, too.

@wggwg2987

In terms of ability, where would Walking on Air be in relation to Jonbon and Constitution Hill in your opinion?

He is a very good. I was impressed with him at Newbury. Hopefully, the Ballymore is the plan with him now.

@Ignorantsheep1

If you could ride any other horse at Cheltenham other than one of Nicky’s, who would it be and why? Thanks.

Bravesmansgame. He looks a lot of fun to ride, a complete natural over a fence, and he would be a pleasure to ride in the three-miler.

@derbychristine_

Would you ever become a trainer?

No, financially it doesn’t make sense, and it also looks rather stressful!

@Tipitright

Shishkin, Altior or Sprinter. 3 questions. Best jumper?  Biggest thrill? Best ever moment?

It is like being asked to choose your favourite child. Even if you had one, you would never dare admit it. They all brought so much to the party.

 @JohnWrafter1

What novice hurdlers or chasers in the yard do you feel have yet to show their full potential this season for whatever reason and may do so during the spring festivals?

You are dealing with horses at the beginning of their careers, so they would all hopefully have more to offer, but Dusart is learning well on the job. Perhaps we will see him against Bravesmansgame in the three-miler but we will see.

@Michael99539121

If you could ride any horse trained by Willie Mullins which would it be?

Facile Vega looked pretty swift at Leopardstown, didn’t he? Him against American Mike in the bumper should be a fair duel.

 @pompeypaul74

What impression did Theatre Glory leave you with after winning at Huntingdon?

She is owned by a few of the Lambourn lads. I didn’t ride her at Warwick last time, but I was on for her bumper win and her success on her hurdles debut, and I’d say she is smart enough.

@FayCollett

If you could keep one of your rides in their retirement, which one would you pick? Thanks 😊

At the risk of naming that favourite child, I will say Shishkin.

@GallopingToGive

What’s your ideal getaway/switch off from race riding? Thanks

Today… Q and As on my day off……!!

@IanWalker93

Can you nominate a horse that you think is going under the radar for Cheltenham, whether it’s one of your own rides or another?

I am not sure about Cheltenham but Frere D’Armes could be one to note if they went down the handicap route with him. I beat him at Ludlow in December and he has won his next two, so his mark of 126 looks pretty workable to me.

@AHarrington89 If you could pick 4 items (not including toast) for a nice hearty cooked breakfast, which 4 would you choose?

Give me a good coffee, and you can forget the rest.