In his exclusive column, the National Hunt jockey and Betway ambassador reviews his weekend rides and looks ahead to a busy week at Aintree
It was a fairly low-key weekend but it was nice to pick up a couple of winners and we’re now looking ahead to Aintree which starts on Thursday.
Newbury on Saturday
Ozzie The Oscar was impressive in the opener. It was only his second run over hurdles and he won nicely.
It was the best race he’s contested so far, but he’s improved on each start. Hopefully he’s still going the right way.
I imagine Philip [Hobbs] will look for another race in the next few weeks and he’s a horse to follow.
Fingal Bay was disappointing, that’s all you can say. He hasn’t reproduced his three runs from the start of the season.
He’ll have a break now and then come back for the veterans’ chases next year. It’s disappointing but I’m sure he’s still got the ability to win races.
Art Of Logistics jumped and travelled really well, I was pleased with him. He’d lost his way a little in Ireland and this was a nice first run for the yard
Hopefully it will have given him some confidence and I’d have thought he’ll go for a similar type of race next time.
Ascot on Sunday
Twelve Roses was good in the novices’ chase. He was entitled to do what he did, but he’s a horses with plenty of ability and I’m sure they’ll find something else for him before the end of the season.
Warwick today
I’ve got seven rides at Warwick on Monday and Bacchanel looks like my best chance of a winner. He’s a big horse and should improve for an obstacle. Philip looks to have found him the right race.
Looking ahead to Aintree
Aintree is always a really fun meeting and hopefully we’ll have a few decent chances.
Garde La Victoire runs in the novices’ chase on the Thursday and it would be great to start the meeting with a winner.
He’s schooled fine since falling at Cheltenham and he didn’t have a hard race that day. It would be nice if he could put that behind him, as he’s a horse we’ve always liked.
Copper Kay should run in the mares’ bumper that day as well. We were disappointed at Sandown, but the ground was very testing that day.
Hopefully you’ll see a different mare at Aintree on Thursday where the ground will be much nicer.
I’ll be updating my blog daily during the Grand National meeting so make sure you to Betway Insider.
