MY FRIDAY RIDES
2:55pm – Bravemansgame
He’s coming into the race very fresh having bypassed a mud bath at Cheltenham – which proved to be 100% the right call. He’d have hated those conditions but tomorrow will be much more his idea of a good time.
It goes without saying that I’m very excited about him. He’s everything you’d want in a young, exciting horse and I’m looking forward to testing him against the best.
It may only be a four-runner race, but it’s not lacking in quality whatsoever. Our main rival L’Homme Presse looked very impressive when winning at Cheltenham, so it looks like we’re going to have to produce a career best to win.
Being involved in big contests like this is what gives us jockeys a huge buzz. It’s a privilege to have a ride in the race.
3:30 Saint Calvados
Another horse that arrives here nice and fresh having skipped Cheltenham.
He seems in good form at home and I’ve chosen to ride him ahead of Hitman – though it wasn’t an easy choice. I just think he looks slightly more like the finished article and he’s been threatening a big run for a while now.
He ran a cracking race to finish third in the King George on Boxing Day and then you can forget his last run at Ascot because he burst a blood vessel.
That’s all behind him now and I fancy he’s the dark horse of the field. I certainly expect him to be competitive, despite his generous odds.
4:05pm – Tamaroc De Mathan
He’s got a nice profile this race – a special race over the big Grand National fences.
He’s experienced, he jumps well and he races prominently which I think is a major plus. It’s a race I’ve won twice before and both times I led most of the way.
It’s crucial to get a clear sight of every fence and if you’re near the head of the pack then less people are likely to block your eyeline!
The horse in very good form. We did a trial run over some National Fences at home that we made especially for him and he seemed to really enjoy the challenge. I think he’s got a good each-way chance.
4:40 – Gelino Bello
A lovely young horse and one that I think has a big future.
He’s in very good form and his jumping has come on a lot in recent months. He looked really slick over hurdles when winning easily on his last run at Newbury.
Whether he’d be quite classy enough to win tomorrow’s race I’m not sure. He’s a big horse and we’re already looking forward to racing him over fences next season
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