Market Rasen, Saturday
I kick off my rides on Saturday at Market Rasen with Dream Jet (2.05pm). I must admit I don’t know too much about him, but he was placed in a Point-to-Point so there has to be a certain level of ability there and hopefully he can show it here.
I’m on Belvedere Blast in the Summer Handicap Hurdle (2.40pm). It’s hard to knock him as he keeps winning and is doing it impressively, so he has to have a good chance here. It has to be said that this is a big step up in class, but Adrian’s horses are absolutely flying and so there’s every chance that there’s still more improvement to come. It’s a competitive race, as it should be, though I’m hopeful my lad can be in the shakeup.
The big race of the day is the Summer Plate (3.15pm) and I ride Presentancounting. Having looked at the early prices, I thought he was a touch overpriced as his form is rock solid. The ground was plenty slow enough for him the last day and while he was well-beaten, it was a pretty quick turnaround from Ffos Las so there were excuses. The drop back in trip shouldn’t prove any problems and we’re hopeful he will go well off his current mark.
Getaway Jewel takes his chance in the 2m1f handicap chase (3.50pm). He won the race last year and is just three pounds higher this time around. He’s a pretty consistent horse and won really well at Southwell two starts ago, although we probably ran him a bit quick after that over the same course and distance last time. The small field should suit and I’d like to think he’ll be very competitive again.
Finally I ride Adamaris (5.00pm) again for Adrian Keatley. He won nicely the last day and although it was only by a neck, I thought he had plenty more left in the tank. He’s gone up five pounds which looks fair and you’d like to think he has every chance of following up.
Stratford, Sunday
I’ve got two rides at Stratford on Sunday, both for Donald McCain starting with Blueberry Wine (3.22pm). He won really nicely at Aintree in mid-June and for whatever reason he didn’t back it up at Worcester 12 days later. Perhaps the quick turnaround caught him out, while the ground was pretty well watered which wouldn’t have been ideal either. He’s a grand horse who should have every chance in this.
Titanium Moon (3.52pm) runs in the novices’ hurdle. She’s won her last three really well and I’ve been impressed with how she has done it. On paper, she looks the one to beat and we’ve been very happy with her since her last run. Fergal’s filly should be competitive, but I certainly wouldn’t want to ride anything else in the race.
*Prices subject to fluctuation.
