The big day at Newbury is almost upon us, a top-quality card culminating in the hugely prestigious Ladbrokes Trophy at 3:00pm.
There’s a lot to look forward to with as I’ve a great book of rides, including some really exciting Novices’ who look fantastic future prospects. I’m especially excited to sit on Thyme White.
But most of all, I’m hoping Secret Investor could be the key to unlocking my dream of winning the Ladbrokes Trophy.
Secret Investor
3:00pm, Ladbrokes Trophy Chase
The Ladbrokes Trophy is one of the most highly-coveted and historic races of the season. It’s a race that every jockey wants to win, one you definitely want on your CV.
I remember watching the great Denman winning the race in 2009, when I was 11-years-old, carrying an enormous amount of weight. It was an unbelievable performance and one I’m pretty sure we won’t see the likes of again for an incredibly long time.
I was third last year and second two years ago both with Elegant Escape, so hopefully I can go one better and take top spot this time around.
This year, I’m riding multiple Grade 2 winner Secret Investor. I’m delighted there hasn’t been much rain at Newbury as he loves good ground.
He was very impressive in his last run at Chepstow where beat Potterman, who’s also entered for the Ladbrokes Trophy, by seven lengths. A really dominant front-running display aided by a strong round of jumping.
The @PFNicholls bandwagon rolls on… 2018 Persian War winner Secret Investor gives his trainer a sixth winner at @Chepstow_Racing’s curtain raiser meeting, and a fifth in total for @CobdenHarry 🙌 pic.twitter.com/BJTuXgbRLm
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 10, 2020
He has good form at Newbury too. His second place finish to Native River in the Denman Chase reads well – Native River after all is a former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner!
Looking at the race from a jockey’s perspective, I’ll be really focused on getting a nice forward position from the start. If you find yourself off the pace in a race as competitive as this it can be really tough to make up the ground late on.
Saturday’s Lineup
Estelle Ma Belle – 12:10, Play Ladbrokes 5-A-Side On Football Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle
She won very well at Ffos Las in her last run, winning by five lengths. She’s come out well from that and she’s showed signs of further improvement, which is promising to see heading into Saturday’s race.
Next Destination – 12:40, Grade 2 Ladbrokes John Francome Novices’ Chase
An Irish transfer from Willie Mullins, he came a decent second at Wetherby on his stable debut having had a long spell on the sidelines. He jumps superbly over hurdles which bodes well for his first run over fences on Saturday.
He’s a former Grade 1 winner, so clearly has a big engine under the bonnet. If he takes to chasing well then I see no reason he can’t scale those heights again.
Kapcorse – 1:15, Sir Peter O’Sullevan Memorial Handicap Chase
Kapcorse has won at Newbury before, back in December 2018, with Bryony Frost on board. He’s a lovely big horse and hopefully he should run a real good race after some time off the track.
Amour De Nuit – 1:50, Sir Peter O’Sullevan Memorial Handicap Chase
It’s a step up for him on Saturday. His last run was very good considering he’s had a long time off. To come back and win like he did means he’s still full of enthusiasm. I was really pleased with his last run at Plumpton, he’ll go to Newbury with a good each-way chance.
Thyme Whyte – 2:25, Ladbrokes Committed To Safer Gambling Intermediate Hurdle
A young, talented horse who is in my five horses to follow this season. I’m glad we decided not to run him in the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham. The ground was far too soft which wouldn’t have suited him at all.
I schooled him in the week, and he jumped very fluently. It’s a competitive race so we’ll soon find out just how good he is. Newbury should suit him and he’s going into the race very fresh. He’s one of my best chances for a winner on Saturday, I think he’ll take a fair bit of beating.
The Russian Doyen – 3:35, Watch Racing Free Online At Ladbrokes Handicap Chase
A horse that I’ve had a lot of fun with. The two-mile trip might be a little sharp for him but he’s got a lot going for him. He’s a genuine horse, a good jumper and I seem to get on well with him so I think he could run a big race.
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