We move on to day two of the Festival. I’ve got a great set of rides and I’m especially looking forward to both the hugely talented Bravemansgame and Politologue in the feature race of the day, the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
My Wednesday rides
1:20pm: Bravemansgame in the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle
He’s had a tremendous year, I would say he’s the best two and half mile novice hurdler in the UK and by a good distance too.
We just don’t know yet how he will measure up with the Irish. I certainly wouldn’t swap him for any other horse in the race, all he has done has improved as the season has gone on. He’ll be bang there in the closing stages of the race.
Galliard Du Mesnil and Bob Olinger look very impressive, out of the pair I’d say Bob Olinger is the main danger. He’s looked pretty special over in Ireland. He’ll be tough to beat but Bravemansgame can do it.
My horse’s Challow Hurdle win at Newbury was pretty flawless when looking back on it. He travelled well, jumped brilliantly and ended up winning the race by 10 lengths. I can’t wait for the tape to go up tomorrow!
2:30pm: Saint Sonnet in the Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle
Saint Sonnet has reverted back to hurdles. His form over fences since the end of last season hasn’t been great. We’re hoping the change back to hurdles will spark him back to form. If it does then he’s definitely got the talent to get in the mix here.
3:05pm: Politologue in the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase
Hannah who rides him every day is very pleased with him. I saw him going up the gallop on Monday morning, he looked fit and strong. Chacun Pour Soi looks the one to beat and Altior doesn’t run so that gives us one less thing to worry about.
Politologue is the sort of horse who goes out and gives his absolute best every time. You can’t go into a Champion Chase and be scared of one horse, you’ve got to concentrate on your own race.
We know that he’ll give his best and if anyone doesn’t bring their A-game then he’ll be there to capitalise.
I’ll be positive in the way I ride him without forcing him. In his last race in the Clarence House Chase at Ascot, I think we went out a bit too hard out in front and First Flow took him on which gave him an advantage. In these two mile chases, there’s a very fine line between going the right speed and taking them along too quick.
Chacun Pour Soi has been very impressive in Ireland but he hasn’t been to Cheltenham, it’s new for him and a slight unknown quantity which gives the race an added dimension.
4:15pm: Ashutor in the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase
Ashutor ran a decent race in his last run at Fontwell. He’s got a nice, low weight which will certainly help him. He travels through his races nicely and the Cheltenham track should suit him. I’m hopeful for a great run.
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