Empire De Maulde won well at Kelso last weekend. That race was the target and he’d had a good preparation. Hopefully he’ll continue to show up well in handicap chases. I thought he had every chance last week and luckily it all came to fruition – the trainer might be aiming for the Scottish National with him.
I thought Away at Dawn was probably a shade unlucky – he got taken on for the lead and then just got ticked off late. He would remain of interest when stepping up to 2m4f.
I felt Steinkraus was unlucky at Carlilse, making a few novicey mistakes which cost him, so it was good that he pulled everything together to win well at Ayr.
Could Be Trouble won well at Bangor – she’s been a grand filly, winning 3 from 3 for us and four on the bounce. She was my first winner of the season in fact and I’m sure is going to have to step up in class now, but I think she deserves to – I think she’ll be suited to a more galloping track.
I’m at Musselburgh tomorrow where I have seven rides…
Saturday 30th October – Musselburgh
1pm – Minella Plus
He’s done nothing wrong – he was beaten by a filly who was quite highly rated on the flat the last day. He’s taking on two decent horses – one’s a multiple bumper winner and one’s a two-time bumper winner, but it’s their first runs of the season and I like to think he has a chance – he’s fit and has the experience.
1.30pm – Raecius Felix
On the best of his form, you could probably give him a chance. He hasn’t run since June, but Rebecca Menzies’ horses are running well. I won on the favourite, Armattiekan, earlier this month but they’re claiming off him as he has plenty of weight. I’m more hopeful than confident.
2.30pm – Morraman
Although he’s one of Donald’s, he’s not a horse I know a great deal about as he’s usually ridden by Abbie McCain, Donald’s daughter. He ran well the last time finishing 2nd to the in-form Presenting Yeats who was 3rd the other day at Taunton. He’s been running well and is off his last winning mark, the trip and ground shouldn’t be an issue for him so hopefully he’ll run a big race.
2.38pm – Gaelik Coast
He ran really well at Wetherby – I thought he was a shade unlucky. Possibly the ground that day was just quick enough for him, but he ran a great race. Obviously, he’s running again quite soon but he’s showing good signs at home. He won at Musselburgh over this trip last year as a Novice, is a horse we quite like and I think there will be a race or two to win with him this season. Hopefully it’s tomorrow!
3.13pm – Constancio
He’s been running well all year. The handicapper has given him some sort of a chance and dropped him 3lbs. When I rode him the last day at Plumpton, he finished 2nd to Tom Lacey’s Glory And Fortune, who went on to win the Welsh Champion Hurdle, so I think a re-production of that run will see him go well tomorrow. He’s taking on lesser opposition than the last two runs, so I’m fairly hopeful for a big run from him.
3.48pm – Return Ticket
I rode him two starts ago when he pulled up, but he’s been out and won at Wetherby since then. He won at Musselburgh last season, and I would like to think he has a chance tomorrow. He seems fit and well but is obviously top weight and must give plenty of weight away, but providing he has no ill effects of the quick run you’d like to think he’ll be there or there abouts. There are only a handful of runners, and you could make a case for a few of them.
4.23pm – Kopa Kilana
I don’t know much about this horse. He’s by Milan out of a French Dam. There are five runners, all unraced. His trainer, Rebecca Menzies reports he goes well and has done plenty at home. She’s not expecting him to be too green which is a big advantage in a Newcomers bumper.
