The Jumps season is really kicking into gear now as we roll into the Ladbrokes Winter Carnival at Newbury this Friday and Saturday.
I can’t wait to get started. There’s plenty of big race action coming up as well as some promising youngsters to get excited about.
Let’s get straight into my rides tomorrow…
McFabulous
3:00pm, Grade 2 Ladbrokes Long Distance Hurdle
I’m really excited about Friday’s big race and the chance to get aboard McFabulous again. His confidence has boomed lately, winning his last three races by big margins.
His form took another massive leap forward when he romped home to win the Grade 2 Unibet Persian Novices’ Hurdle at Chepstow.
But let’s be clear, he has to take another step forward again to be play a big role here.
Paisley Park is the horse to beat and rightly so, his record over the last few years is pretty spectacular. We’re officially rated 14lbs lower which tells you we have several lengths to make up.
It’s a great test for McFabulous and the race will be a good marker to see where he will be heading for the rest of the season.
It’s a race full of quality, it’s exactly this sort of contest when you’re riding a leading contender that you get pumped up for as a jockey.
Remaining Friday Rides
Eritage – 12:45, Ladbrokes Daily Odds Boosts Chase
It’s a competitive race, he jumped nicely and finished well to win last time out at Ludlow. He’s going into the race with a good chance. He’s got good ground which he likes and I think he should run well.
Bravemansgame – 1:15, Play Ladbrokes 5-A-Side On Football Novices’ Hurdle
Quite simply, we like him a lot. He’s progressed really well as he’s matured in the last year and he jumps well. He’s one of our best Novice Hurdlers in the Nicholls yard, so we’re hoping for a big run from him.
Getaway Trump – 1:50, Grade 2 Ladbrokes Committed To Safer Gambling Novices’ Chase
He seems in really good form, I schooled him earlier in the week and he felt great. It’s going to be a competitive race but we’re ready for the challenge.
We’ll most likely follow the front running horses and aim to challenge for the lead late on. Looking to the future, I think he’ll be the type to do well over a longer distance at Aintree in the latter stages of the season.
San Benedeto – 2:25, Get Your Ladbrokes 1 Free Bet Today Handicap Chase
He’s coming into the race fresh, he likes Newbury and he’ll definitely appreciate the forecast good ground. He might need a little rub of the green, but he’s won at the track before and I certainly wouldn’t rule him out.
Lil Rockerfeller – 3:35, Play Ladbrokes 1-2-Free On Football Handicap Hurdle
A very nice spare ride to pick up. He’s been a good horse in the past, he’s got great versatility winning races at big meetings on the Flat and over Jumps in his career. If he puts his best foot forward and brings back his old form, he’ll be very competitive.
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