Aintree is finally here, and I can’t wait for the meeting to begin. As I mentioned in my last blog, I prefer Aintree to Cheltenham, as the atmosphere is more chilled and relaxed, which means you can appreciate it more as a jockey.
It’s also nice to come into Aintree in good form, as I had two winners last weekend: Jack Parrot at Uttoxeter and Gamesters Guy at Carlisle. Both were for Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero, who will have some good chances this week, so it’s great to see the yard hitting top gear.
I’ve got two rides at Aintree on Thursday, and I am hoping they can both be very competitive.
My Thursday rides
4.40 Homme Public (Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero)
This has been his big spring target, and I’ve fancied him all year long for this race. The current going description of soft, heavy in places is definitely not ideal. Even though he won on soft ground at Doncaster last month, he managed to get through it ok, as it rained all day long. It also was the first time I had seen puddles on the track there during my riding career.
There will definitely be a big difference at Aintree, as the moisture stays in the ground, which can make it difficult to get through. I do think he’s at his best on better ground, but we’ll take our chance, and I’m hopeful he can run a nice race.
5.15 Nala The Lioness (Karl Burke)
She’s been very unlucky this season, finishing second in all three of her bumper starts. She hasn’t done anything wrong, but she always seems to bump into one that’s just too good. Last time out at Ascot was probably her hardest assignment to date, where I thought she ran well behind a nice mare of Harry Fry’s.
We’re going to be trying the first-time visor with her here, which will hopefully keep her eye on the ball and make it a bit easier for her to go forward. There are 19 runners in this race, but she’ll have the experience of the hustle and bustle of a big field over some of these, which should hold her in good stead. She’s by Roaring Lion, whose progeny tend to handle a bit of cut, so I don’t think the ground will be too much of an issue.
I hope you all have a great day watching the action at Aintree!