12.15pm
Imperial Alcazar
We run him in a first-time tongue tie, as he can race in snatches, so we are hoping it will take out his flat spots, rather than there being anything wrong with his wind. He is a horse I obviously have a lot of time for, and I do think that the Old Course will suit him here as it is a big galloping track and a long straight. Trip and ground will suit, and I’d be hopeful.
1.25pm
Garo De Juilley
He obviously has his work cut out in this company but he ran well here against Slate House in October, and okay again at the track last time, so we are looking for some nice prize money again.
2.35pm
Goodbye Dancer
We could have done with Might Bite not being declared as we are 4lb out of the weights as a result. We thought about claiming off him but I know the horse well, so I retain the ride. He is effectively 10lb higher than when winning here last time but everyone saw how well he did that day on his first start for the stable, despite a mistake at the last, and I am very hopeful again. I would not swap him for anything else in the race, that is for sure.
3.50pm
Dreaming Of Glory
I fell off him at the start at Newbury last time when it was jockey error, plain and simple. As soon as I came in I said “let’s go to Cheltenham” and he is a very nice prospect. But this is a very good bumper and the Henderson horse Grand Roi is very much the one to beat after what he did at Wincanton.
