The Betway ambassador misses out on Saturday, but previews the rest of his weekend and the Grand National festival...
I’m suspended on Saturday, so won’t be riding at Navan.
Sometimes it’s nice to have the occasional day off anyway and I’ve nothing particularly exciting planned as I’m back in action again at Fairyhouse on Sunday.
It’s the calm before the storm with the Grand National appearing on the horizon next week and I’ll be back with a blog every day at Aintree.
Fairyhouse on Sunday
I start things off aboard Theydon Park for Joseph O’Brien in the opening maiden hurdle (1.50pm).
He has had three runs over hurdles this campaign so far and I suppose you have to say he was a little disappointing at Wexford last time having shaped well at Naas and Gowran before that.
One positive is that these maiden hurdles tend to get a little bit weaker at this stage of the season and this doesn’t look the greatest race on paper.
I’m hoping last time was just a blip and he can be more competitive here.
Gigginstown Stud own half the field in the eight runner Normans Grove Chase (2.20pm) and I’m pleased to have picked up the ride on Tell Us More.
He ran no sort of race when switched back to hurdles at Cheltenham and reverts back to chasing here.
If he can return to the form that saw him beat The Game Changer comfortably at Naas, he must have a chance.
Having said that, this looks really competitive with the progressive Ball D’Arc looking the obvious danger, not to mention the likes of Ballycasey and Flemenstar.
I ride another for Gordon Elliott in the decent novice hurdle (3.30pm) – Chirico Vallis, who won nicely for me at Navan recently.
That wasn’t a great race, although winning as easily as he did would have done his confidence the world of good.
Whether he is good enough in a race of this quality remains to be seen, but he is heading in the right direction.
My final ride of the day is Nicole’s Milan for Sean Aherne in the handicap hurdle (4.40pm).
He’s been in great form this campaign, winning twice here at Fairyhouse, and looks to be a real course specialist.
This place brings the best out of him and I’m hopeful of another bold showing.
Looking forward to riding Saint Are in the Grand National
As I mentioned above, I’m looking forward to Aintree next week, where I am set to ride Saint Are ({ODDS:147902310:40/1}) in the big one on Saturday.
This will be his third go at the National – he ran a cracker here a couple of years ago when finishing runner-up behind Many Clouds.
Course form and experience counts for so much over those unique fences that he must have a decent chance if he gets the sound surface he likes.
It was great to see him return to a bit a form at Doncaster last time and I cannot wait.
I’ll update you with my blog on each day of next week’s meeting and I’ve some nice rides to look forward to, hopefully including Dandridge in the Red Rum Chase.
