ASCOT – SATURDAY

2.25pm

Like The Sound

This will be the first time I have ridden him but he looks to have run really well when third off this mark at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day, and this type of ground looks fine for him on the evidence of his Taunton win last season.  He certainly has an each-way chance in a valuable race that has cut up a lot.

3.00pm

Garo De Juilley

Maybe he would prefer better ground but it was heavy when he chased home Slate House at Cheltenham in November, and that was probably his best run over fences this season. He has been running well enough in classy company in chases, but I do think he will benefit from the return to hurdling. And he does so off a very good mark. He is lower than when I won on him at Chepstow a couple of seasons ago and he ran a blinder in the Long Walk on soft ground last season. He has a shout at a price if handling the conditions.

4.10pm

Thegallantway

He was beaten off a 1lb lower mark than this at Taunton in December but I think he stepped forward a good deal from that form when fourth under a 6lb penalty back in novice company here last time. I’d like to think he is well handicapped on that form, and I really fancy him here. The step back up in trip will suit, and the ground will be fine. He handled the heavy ground well last time.

4.45pm

Forthegreatergood

She had a good record in points, winning her third start after a couple of seconds, and I was happy enough with her third at Uttoxeter back in December. The main horses from the race haven’t been out since, but the fifth and sixth ran well in defeat next time, and I would like to think she will progress from that Uttoxeter run, which was her first start for a long while. That recent run is a big plus for her, as his hopefully her wind op since then.

SUNDAY – EXETER

3.38pm

Perfect Candidate

He missed an intended engagement here last week, so let’s hope that the meeting survives this time. He is in great form and followed up his Haydock win with an excellent second to a progressive horse at the same track last time. If he runs to that level of form here then he should be very competitive at a track where he has obviously excelled before. He will absolutely love the conditions.