In his exclusive column, the National Hunt jockey and Betway ambassador reflects on his rides at Chepstow and tips an 'ultra-exciting' one to watch
Every Monday I’ll be taking a look back at the weekend’s action and reviewing some of my rides as well as highlighting any potential eye-catchers.
Let’s start with Sausalito Sunrise, who stopped very quickly at Chepstow on Saturday.
It was a strange one really as I went from feeling like I was on the potential winner turning in to pulling him up in a matter of strides.
It’s a bit of a head-scratcher because he went out like a light and nothing has yet shown up as to why.
I suppose we will just have to see if anything emerges over the coming days.
On a more positive note, I was delighted with the way that Rock The Kasbah ran in the Silver Trophy.
I thought I’d won when Harry Skelton and Hurricane Hollow made that mistake at the last, but then Court Minstrel flew up on my outside.
Kasbah is bound to improve for the run and I’m not sure whether he will have another race over hurdles before going chasing.
One thing for certain is that he’s going to be a really exciting chaser in time and we’re looking forward to some fun days ahead.
I rode a nice winner for Jonjo on Sunday in the shape of Above Board, who managed to win despite being very raw and babyish.
He’s certainly got a future in front of him but needs more time. As a result, I wouldn’t expect to see too much of him over the next 12 months.
As for my eye-catcher, it has to be Rebecca Curtis’ Beast of Burden, who just succumbed to a novice-y error at the second last.
Up to that point his jumping had been good and he certainly looks like a proper chaser who can make amends next time.
Looking at the week ahead, I’d be very keen on the chances of Village Vic if he runs at Wetherby on Wednesday.
I say ‘if’ because he definitely needs cut in the ground, so I’ll be keeping one eye on the weather.
We certainly haven’t seen the best of him yet and don’t forget he was good enough to mix it with The New One as a novice over hurdles.
If you want a horse of ours to watch out for in the coming weeks, it’s the ultra-exciting Duke Des Champs.
We really think a lot of him and I look forward to riding him once we get some rain.
Finally, it was great to see Alan King win the Cesarewitch for the jumps fraternity.
He obviously has his string in rude health already, as does Nicky Henderson, who seems to be firing earlier than usual too.
READ: Richard Johnson: I’ve got plenty of chances at Chepstow over the next few days
