I’ve had a good little bit of momentum this week with a couple of winners at Ayr and Bangor-On-Dee, which has been nice going into the weekend.
My plans were a little bit up in the air for Saturday, as I could have gone to ride at Kelso, but I’m now going to Doncaster. The main reason I’m going there is to ride Homme Public for Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero. I’ve also been booked for two more rides on the card that look to have nice chances, so I’ve got my fingers crossed that I can have a good afternoon.
What is it like to ride at Doncaster?
I enjoy riding at Doncaster; it’s a lovely, big, galloping flat track. You don’t want to let your opposition get on the front end, as it can be difficult to peg them back. Ideally, I always try to go up the inside to save as much ground as possible so I can save as many lengths as possible, which can make all the difference up the long home straight.
My Saturday rides
2.05 Doncaster – Fingal’s Hill (Peter Atkinson)
It was nice to see him bounce back to form last time out when finishing second at Carlisle over 2m4f. He now steps up in distance to 3m on this flatter track, which shouldn’t be a problem. If he can take a step forward from his latest run, I think he’s got a strong chance of taking this prize.
2.35 Doncaster – Homme Public (Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero)
He’s not been seen since finishing second at Ascot in December, so he will be entitled to improve for the run here. It would be nice if the rain can stay away as he wouldn’t want the ground to get too soft, but if it doesn’t arrive he appears to have a favourite’s chance.
3.40 Doncaster – Half Shot (Iain Jardine)
I’ve managed to pick up a nice ride in the Grimthorpe Chase. He’s a horse that is a consistent performer off lower weights in these big handicap staying chases. To me he looked to be a little keen when finishing fourth at Musselburgh last month. If he can get settled early I can see him running a nice race.
No racing on Sunday
I’m not going to be racing on Sunday as it’s my children Arthur and Eva’s birthday party which my wife Alice has been busy organising. I’m really looking forward to it and it will be nice to have a day off and spend some quality time with them.
Hope you all have a great weekend, and I’ll be back again soon!