It’s been a very busy week riding out. I have been at Andrew Balding’s, Charlie Fellowes’, David Elsworth’s and David Simcock’s, which I’m hoping leads to me getting some good rides over the next few weeks. It’s been frustrating being banned, as I’ve missed out on some very good rides, but that’s always the way and I’m looking forward to being back tomorrow.
Everything in life and in the sport paled into insignificance following the tragic passing of Lorna Brooke earlier this week. My thoughts are firmly with her family and friends at this very difficult time.
Saturday – Leicester – 12:30pm – GLINT OF AN EYE
GLINT OF AN EYE is a horse I know really well. She has been ultra-consistent over the last few months. She was perhaps a tad unfortunate not to win on her last start at Chelmsford over 1m 2f, where things all happened a bit too quickly for her and the bird had flown by the time she fully got going. I think the return to turf at Leicester will really play to her strengths. We are drawn 10 which I think will actually suit her. It means I will be able to get her settled without rushing her and I should be able to get her into a new position to challenge in the straight. She is trained by Henry Spiller, who has got a lovely team of horses assembled for the coming season. He is based just by the Rowley Mile Racecourse in Newmarket and I often gallop some of his horses in the mornings.
Saturday – Leicester – 4:30pm – LHEBAYEB
I don’t envy the commentator having to pronounce this one, a real mouthful! I’ve ridden this filly on her last three starts and she’s improved with every run. She should probably have finished 2nd on her last start at Kempton over seven furlongs – she was lacking that fitness edge having not run since October, but she shaped really nicely. She should strip much fitter here and she, like Glint Of An Eye, is one who will relish being back on turf. Paul George is a good trainer who is based down in Devon. I’d love to ride a winner for him as he has got a great team at home who work very hard. If she builds on her seasonal reappearance like I hope she will, she will be very competitive here.
Stay safe,
Hayley!