It’s been good to get a couple of winners this week, including some nice young horses to look forward to next season such as Minella Drama and Milan’s Edge. Sultans Pride won nicely too and is hopefully still progressive.
I’m heading to Newcastle tomorrow where I have six rides…
Saturday 27th February – Newcastle
1:35pm – Wetlands
Wetlands (SP) is a grand horse who won a bumper at Newcastle last season and stormed home to win a Maiden hurdle at Ayr last time out by an impressive 28 lengths. We’ve got Olly Murphy’s to beat but he’s a nice, improving type and should handle the track and ground so will hopefully run well.
2:10pm – Black Pirate
I won two Novice hurdles on Black Pirate (SP) last season and he’s run well enough in his two starts over fences this season. He’s since had a wind op and runs in a pair of blinkers tomorrow. I think he should handle the ground and should have a good chance.
2:45pm – Lady Tremaine
She’s a smart, Irish point-to-point winning filly who does everything nicely at home. Lady Tremaine (SP) has had a bit of time off since her last run but Donald’s horses are running really well at the moment and she should be fit enough, so we’re hoping for a big run.
3:15pm – Cyclop
There are only twelve runners in the Eider Chase so it’s a relatively small field. You’d like to think he has a nice racing weight and a good each way chance. Cyclop (9/1) jumps, stays and his form has been solid the past few months having won three chases before finishing 3rd last time out in the Somerset National. We’re hopeful for a big performance.
3:50pm – Bon Retour
She’s a filly who’s come over from Willy Mullins’ and is having her first run for Nicky Richards. Nicky is pleased with everything Bon Retour (SP) has shown at home and on the best of her Irish form, you’d give her a good chance. However, we’re more hopeful than confident as we don’t know much about her yet.
4:25pm – Ascot De Bruyere
Ascot De Bruyere (SP) loves Newcastle and has course and distance form having won there (by 18 lengths) last time out. He runs best when fresh, hence why he’s had such a long break between since his first run this season. The ground should be OK for him and he’s hopefully going there with every chance.