Aintree will suit Maximilian more than Cheltenham
We’ve had a good week of winners, including the Grade 2 River Don Novices’ Hurdle at Doncaster with Maximilian.
I said in my previewing blog that I wouldn’t have swapped him for anything, and though he drifted to 13/2, he didn’t know that!
Sandown the time before just didn’t happen for him, he didn’t run his race at all, so Donald [McCain] and I still had plenty of faith in the horse, and he delivered.
Being an Owners Group horse, he’s got about 3,000 people involved in him, and judging by the reception we got coming back into the winners’ enclosure, I’d say the majority of them were there. I’ve never heard a roar like that at Doncaster in my life! If any shares become available in Maximilian, you want to go and get one!
Even though he was racing behind the bridle, that’s just him, and I always knew he was going to pick up. There was still plenty of horse left when we jumped the last and I think I was blowing harder than he was at the end.
Looking ahead, I think Aintree will suit him more than Cheltenham, so I’d image that will be the plan for the spring. Of the novice hurdlers that Donald’s ran, he’s the one that stands out most and he looks to have a very bright future.
Catterick, Friday:
Ballygeary (1:40pm) ran really well in his bumper, was second in his point-to-point and has been working well at home too, so I’d like to think he’s one of my best chances there.
All of them look like they’ve got an each-way chance. Martin Keighley won’t be bringing up three horses for fun, while Hard Iron (4:12pm) is going for a three-timer and is up in trip, which should suit being by Milan.
Musselburgh, Saturday:
I’ve never ridden Notlongtillmay (1:28pm) before, but he was very impressive in his last two chase starts, most recently over this course and distance, so there’s plenty to like.
This is another step up and it looks a strong enough field, so it will take some winning, but if he can step up again you’d like to think he’ll be bang there.
Innisfree Lad (2:03pm) isn’t getting any younger, but on the best of his form he’d have a sound each-way chance.
He was second in a decent race three starts back, and then Haydock the next day – where he was pulled up – may have come a bit soon.
Slightly better ground should suit him, and he looks fairly handicapped if he can find some of his old form.
Glen Cannel (2:35pm) is a big raw lad who’s only had three starts. He ran well but was a bit green back in his bumper at Worcester, then he won at Market Rasen and improved again to beat a decent horse of Olly Murphy’s the last day.
He’s stepping up to three miles, which shouldn’t be an issue for him as he’s got plenty of stamina, and he’s a nice horse who’s still learning on the job.
It won’t be easy under a double penalty, and he’ll end up being seen to best effect over fences in time, but he’s still a nice type who should run another good race.
Nayati (3:16pm) and Collingham were first and second in the Hogmaneigh last time and now we’re a few pounds worse off, but I feel my lad was idling a bit and he could still have a bit more to offer.
I hit the front quite early that day and committed him sooner than I would have liked to, so it’s no surprise he idled a bit.
This is a bit of a deeper race, and we’re up slightly in the handicap, but he rarely runs a bad race and is in good form at home.
Zamond (3:48pm) is a nice ride to finish up on. He was travelling well, and I thought he would have gone close the last day if I hadn’t come off him.
He was a good winner at Doncaster under a more patient ride, so I think we’ll revert to those sorts of tactics, and I think he’s still dangerous off his current mark.
Dublin Racing Festival:
There are some big clashes taking place at Leopardstown this weekend.
Looking at the Irish Champion Hurdle, I’d be very reluctant to write off Honeysuckle on the back of just one defeat.
She’s only ever done what she’s had to do, and though her last run was definitely below par, I think you’d be foolish to give up on her just yet.
State Man and Vauban are the up-and-coming pretenders, and the inclusion of both of them makes this a very exciting race. I don’t want to nail my colours to the mast, but I’m certainly not writing off Honeysuckle, that’s for sure.
The Irish Arkle on the Saturday has to be one of the races of the entire weekend, with the likes of Appreciate It, Dysart Dynamo, El Fabiolo and Banbridge all lining up. I can’t pick the winner, but it certainly is one of the races I’m looking forward to most.
The Irish Gold Cup is absolutely crucial for Galopin Des Champs, as he’s got to prove the doubters wrong about his stamina. For me, I think he’s in a different league and should get the job done, but he does need to settle. The way he went round in the John Durkan suggested three miles shouldn’t be a problem.
Nigel Twiston-Davies and Phil Kirby are the only British trainers with runners this year, and as much as a lot of people will pick holes in that and moan about it, that’s the way it is.
At the end of the day, it’s the trainers’ and owners’ decisions, and we shouldn’t criticise them. Travelling a horse to Ireland and back isn’t cheap or easy, and the races are very competitive. Each trainer has to decide what the best option is for their horse, and if that doesn’t happen to be at the Dublin Racing Festival, then so be it.
We’ve got great quality across the two days at Leopardstown, so let’s enjoy it, rather than moan about the lack of participation from the British.
