We’ve had a nice break, but I haven’t been too far away from it all as we’ve been busy with some horses at home. I’ve got a bit of a gap to try and close in the championship, so I’ll be getting my head down now and working hard.
We are where we are and it’s not going to be easy to retain the title, but I came from about 20 winners behind last season and there’s a long way to go. I’m going to give it my best shot.
Hopefully we can kick straight into gear with a winner or two at Perth.
Brian Hughes’ blog 18/08/23 – Racing at Perth on Saturday
I’ve schooled Belle Of Annandale (2:15) and she feels like a nice filly. She’s run to a good level on the Flat and has form on heavy ground, which will be useful with all the rain forecast on Friday night.
I think she’ll go well with a clear round of jumping.
A Different Kind (2:45) is probably the best of my rides. He’s taken really well to fences and we’re coming into the race in good form.
He’s off a career high mark of 136, but we were beaten just a short-head off a mark of 133 in a stronger race than this at Aintree, so I wouldn’t say he’s badly handicapped.
When he gets to the front he pricks his ears, so you always feel like there’s a bit more left in the tank.
Finisk River (3:20) had a prolific season last year, so things are now a bit tougher and is being tried over a sharper trip.
He’s a hardy horse that stays further than this 2m, so wouldn’t mind any rain that falls.
I don’t know too much about Jimmy Rabbitte (3:55), but he looks in good enough form, while Hidden Commander (4:30) is another I’ve not ridden before. He’s been edging down the weights a bit but needs to find some of his old form.
I was a bit frustrated when Adamaris (5:06) was beaten last time as I felt he idled a bit when he hit the front after the last and we got chinned.
Hopefully the step up to 2m4f will help. He’s still lightly-raced and I think there’s a bit more to come over this trip.
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