Chepstow

12.17pm

Tiquer

Fingers crossed, this re-scheduled meeting survives, as the three good chances I had on December 27th all are set to run again. And what I said back then stands true here. Tiquer was very good when winning this race for me last season and I think he remains fairly treated off a 5lb higher mark in his repeat bid. I don’t know why he hasn’t been since but he has won off a long break before, but I see he has had a wind op and he certainly has his conditions, and a light racing weight.

1.25pm

Elham Valley

We thought we had a good one going into the race at Sandown, as his work and schooling had been very professional since coming to us. So we were obviously thrilled to see him get the job done there, from a horse that won last weekend, in what was obviously heavy going. And it will be heavier still here. This is obviously a big step up in grade and Nassalam has looked very good , as has Adagio  though it helps that Gordon Elliott obviously couldn’t bring his two over – but we are hopeful of a good show all the same. I schooled him on Thursday morning and was very happy with him.

1.58pm

Good And Hardy

He won here last season and shaped well on his return at this track last month. I think he is still on a fair mark and he is another who will revel in the mud. He has a lot to recommend him.

2.30pm

Imperial Esprit

Harry has his horses in very good form. This horse hasn’t been seen since he pulled up when I rode him at Plumpton over a year ago, but that clearly wasn’t his true running and he had earlier shown plenty of ability to two bumper starts.