Skip to content

Sam James: Teej A Can Make Experience Count At Newmarket

Last weekend was a good one for me, as I rode a double at Redcar last Saturday. The win on Jumeira Vision was a bit unexpected, but it was great to see him get his head in front for Katie Scott.
Sam James

On Thursday night, I rode another winner, Thaki, for the same connections at Hamilton, so it’s nice to be going into the weekend in decent shape.

It was a bit of a toss of the coin for me this Saturday, as I could have gone to a few places. I could have had a few rides at Newcastle for Northumberland Plate Day, but instead I’m off to Newmarket for the one ride in the Listed Maureen Brittain Stakes, where hopefully we can come away with another weekend winner.

What is it like riding at Newmarket?

We ride on the July Course at Newmarket in the summer months, and I always like going down there. The track has a long, stiff straight, and you need to be travelling well if you’re going to be in with a chance of winning a race. Your horse also needs to be well balanced, as the dips can catch horses out when they come out the other side of them, and it can be hard to regain your momentum. 

My Newmarket ride

2.15 – Teej A (Karl Burke)

This filly has been progressing well, and she was last seen winning the Woodcote at Epsom, which is normally a strong juvenile race. The time before that, she won at Chester, so she comes here seeking the hat-trick. Though her last two wins have involved going around a bend, I don’t think the straight track will be an issue for her as she’s a hardy filly.

We are stepping up in grade with her into Listed company, but she looks ready for it. We’ve also got more experience than a lot of these fillies lining up in the race, so hopefully that will give her the edge.

Whatever you’re up to this weekend I hope you enjoy the racing, and I’ll catch up again with you soon.

Read also...