In his exclusive column, the National Hunt jockey and Betway ambassador discusses his pre-Cheltenham rides at Sandown and Kelso
It is now very much the calm before the storm over the next few days.
Getting an injury is always bad, but obviously it’s an awful time for something like that to happen.
You can’t let it affect you, though, you have to treat each day as it comes.
I’m very fortunate that I’ve got a great agent in Dave Roberts. He gets me plenty of good rides, but also looks after my welfare.
Sandown Saturday
I’m on Bertie Boru in the handicap chase (2.35pm). He’s done very well over the last few seasons, but the handicapper has a fair grasp on him.
He has an each-way chance, but I think there are a few better handicapped than him in the race.
The Imperial Cup (3.10pm) is always very open and competitive. Allee Bleu has won his last two and the ground certainly won’t be an issue.
It’s handy that the top horse has stayed in to keep the weights down, but I don’t think the handicapper has been too kind to my horse seeing as he’s just won two novice hurdles.
Philip’s [Hobbs] other runner For Good Measure must have a very good chance. He’s owned by JP McManus, so Barry [Geraghty] is on him on Saturday.
I’ve been fortunate enough to ride him the last twice and I like him. He’s a full brother to Balthazar King and he’ll stay well. There should be more to come.
It would have been a very difficult decision between the two if I’d had the choice.
Listen to Richard Johnson discuss his Cheltenham memories on the Betway Insider podcast
I’ve said previously how highly I rate Copper Kay (3.45pm). She’s one of the best mares I’ve ever ridden and has a huge amount of potential.
I was very impressed with her at Cheltenham last time and you’d like to think she’ll go to the Festival next year for the mares’ novice hurdle.
She was fourth in this Listed bumper last year when she was very unlucky. She has much more experience now and that will stand her in good stead.
This is probably the best mares’ bumper run all season, but I wouldn’t swap Copper Kay for anything.
Kelso Sunday
They’ve done well to get this meeting on after the recent abandonment and Sausalito Sunrise goes for the Listed chase (2.55pm).
I hope the handicapper is right – he’s gone up 13lbs for his Ascot win. If he is, he should go very close.
It’s a good race to target and gauge his ability. Many Clouds is a rock solid contender and if he can give him a race, we’ll know he’s up to this standard.
Vieux Lille runs in the Premier Hurdle (3.30pm). He’s done really well this year, winning his bumper and two novice hurdles, before running respectably at Haydock last time.
Hopefully he can take another step up the ladder. He’s a chaser for next season.
READ: Richard Johnson: Cheltenham memories and my big hope for the Festival
WATCH: The Cheltenham Preview with Davy Russell and Champion Jockey-elect Richard Johnson
