That’s because I’m off to Uttoxeter for their Summer Cup meeting, where I have six rides on the card. It’s one of the best summer meetings of the jumps season, where there is always a good crowd.
The weather looks like it’s going to be a bit chilly on Sunday, compared to the warm weather we’ve had over the past week. I’ll be happy if it can just stay dry, and hopefully we can ride a winner or two.
My Sunday Rides At Uttoxeter
1.20 – Gale Mahler (Adrian Keatley)
She’s been progressing really well, winning her last two starts. It’s never easy to make the transition from bumpers to hurdles, but she did well last time out at Market Rasen. This is a deeper race, and she’ll have to carry a penalty for that win, but I think she’ll be ok. I’m very much looking forward to getting back on her again.
2.25 – Breizh River (Paul Robson)
I picked him up as a nice spare when I won on him at Bangor-On-Dee last time out. Before that, he had been in good form, winning at Hexham, so he’s going for the hat-trick here. This is a hot race, and he will need to improve again, but he left me with the impression that there was more to come from at Bangor. I think the track will suit him, and I can see him being the mix.
3.00 – Go On Chez (Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero)
I’ll be doing a lightweight on him as he’s going to be carrying 10st 3lb. He’s been in good form recently, competing in Hunter Chases, winning two. I think you can forgive his latest effort at Stratford, where I don’t think he was suited by the track, and returning to Uttoxeter should be a positive as he’s won around here before. The ground is key to him, as he’ll want it to be really quick. It looks like he’s going to have a few things in his favour, so hopefully he can run a big race.
3.35 – Imperial Merlin (John & Sean Quinn)
He’s a horse who has lost his way a bit after he was campaigned over hurdles and fences last time. On his day, he is a good horse, and he won well at Ayr for me last year. He’s normally at his best when the ground is on the quicker side, so the conditions should be ideal for him here. I recently schooled him, and he felt good. It wouldn’t surprise me if he ran well.
4.10 – Presenting Pete (John Mackie)
It looked like he needed his first run of the season at Market Rasen, so hopefully that’s blown the cobwebs away. The handicapper has dropped him a couple of pounds for that run, and he’s back down to his last winning mark, which saw him win around here last August. I can see him being competitive if he can bounce back to that form.
4.45 – Sonning (Danny Brooke)
I’m riding for my brother in the last race. He’s a horse who’s been running on the Flat over the last couple of months, and he’s posted some fair efforts. I schooled him the other day, and he seemed to be in great shape. It’s been a while since he’s run over hurdles, but he did win at Musselburgh the last time he tried it. It would be great if he could pick up from where he left off.
I hope you’ve all been enjoying the good weather and I hope you all have a good weekend!