On to another big weekend of racing. Last week, I had the pleasure of riding Bravemansgame in what was a sublime performance.
It really was a spectacular round of jumping. I was really impressed with the way he took each fence and he beat some top-class horses in the process. I think he’s looks the best novice chaser in this country – let’s see how he stacks up against the Irish later in the season.
He’s likely to head to the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase next at Kempton on Boxing Day.
🗣 "Jumps as well as any horse I've ever ridden!"@CobdenHarry on Bravemansgame 😮 pic.twitter.com/GhPU1cdwDL
— Great British Racing (@GBRacing) November 20, 2021
Looking ahead now to Saturday, Ladbrokes Trophy day at Newbury is without doubt one of the major highlights of the winter.
Saturday rides
12:10pm – Rainyday Woman in the Ladbrokes Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle
She’s been working well at home off after finishing second in her first race of the season. Tomorrow’s race looks competitive with the two at the top of the market – Elle Est Belle and Nina The Terrier – looking particularly strong.
Our mare’s bumper form is very good and I’m sure she’ll put in a good performance come Saturday.
12:40pm – Flash Collonges in the Ladbrokes John Francome Novices’ Chase
He went for a gallop at Newbury 10 days ago and went round the course really well. He jumps very well at home, so we’re looking forward to seeing him take on fences for the first time. The team believe he has real potential so we’re hopeful he’ll run well.
This @PFNicholls squad 🤩🔥
— Great British Racing (@GBRacing) November 16, 2021
🏇Clan Des Obeaux
🏇Monmiral
🏇Enrilo
🏇Kapcorse
🏇Flash Collonges pic.twitter.com/TQnXKfL32X
1:15pm – Kapcorse in the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Memorial Handicap Chase
He was another horse that went for a gallop round Newbury 10 days ago. He had none other than 20-time Champion jockey Sir AP McCoy on his back.
AP was really happy with him – if that’s not a good endorsement then I don’t know what is!
20-time Champion Jockey @AP_McCoy enjoyed his spin around @NewburyRacing this morning 😁 pic.twitter.com/FUvd7fDM9F
— Great British Racing (@GBRacing) November 16, 2021
I made the decision to go for Kapcorse ahead of Grand Sancy in this race and I hope I’ve made the right call.
Both are talented horses, but Kapcorse just had the edge as I believe he’s the better handicapped of the two.
The Ladbrokes Trophy
3:00pm – Enrilo in the Grade 3 Ladbrokes Trophy Chase
I have fond memories of watching the race growing up, especially Denman’s incredible performance back in 2009. An unbelievable effort from a legendary horse.
My ride Enrilo has had a great preparation heading into the big race. He also was one of the Paul Nicholls‘ squad that enjoyed a gallop round Newbury. I rode him on that day and I can report that he felt brilliant. I schooled him yesterday too and again he felt in tip top shape.
The Ladbrokes Trophy is always a very open race with lots of quality runners. My plan as things stand is to try to get Enrilo into a rhythm for the first few fences and then look to creep him into contention towards the latter stages.
I believe Enrilo possesses all of the attributes needed to win the race. In my opinion he would have won the Bet365 Gold Cup last season but for being hampered badly up the home straight.
The Bet365 Gold Cup is a very similar race to the Ladbrokes Trophy so that holds him in good stead for Saturday’s feature.
I certainly wouldn’t swap him for any other horse in the race!
3:35pm – Il Ridoto in the Watch Racing Free Online At Ladbrokes Handicap Chase
I like this horse a lot. I think he’s well handicapped. He had a good spin round Newton Abbott in his first run in the UK since coming over from France finishing third.
The form from the race at Newton Abbott is extremely good; each of the three other runners have won at least one race since then so it bodes very well for Saturday.
I would say my best chance of a winner on the day.
Monmiral in the Fighting Fifth
Monmiral heads to the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle with Sean Bowen on board. He goes into the contest on a five race unbeaten run.
Last season, he was electric throughout; finishing it a great style winning the Grade 1 juvenile hurdle at Aintree. The form from that race looks great with second-placed Adagio running a huge race in the Greatwood Hurdle recently.
Epatante is the obvious one to beat but if Monmiral has improved from last season – as we hope he has – he’s got to have a huge chance.
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