I had been due to head to France this weekend to ride Onassis for Charlie Fellowes, but she will now be staying at home. Even if she had run, I would probably not have gone over to ride her after last night’s announcement. I would have had to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival back in the UK and with August being such a busy time for jockeys, missing two weeks was never really an option for me.
Friday – Lingfield
4:55 – Tralee Hills
Tralee Hills (7/1) was an intended runner at Bath last night but they didn’t have the rain that was forecast. That was a big shame because he would have had a massive chance. We now have re-routed to Lingfield on the all-weather, where he has to take on three-year-olds and I think his task looks a lot harder than it would have done at Bath last night. However, he certainly isn’t without a hope as he’s in great form at home.
6:25 – Alpine Springs
Alpine Springs (7/4) is a filly who we feel has been given a very workable mark. She has shown a fair amount in her two starts to date and I think she has a massive chance in this.
7:25 – Heart Of A Hunter
Heart Of A Hunter (100/1) hasn’t made a huge impression on her first two starts and this looks a very competitive renewal. We are drawn wide too, so I think we will have our work cut out. We will get a mark after this run and that could be more his game.
Saturday – Newmarket
1:30 – Hemsworth
Hemsworth runs here for the first time for young trainer James Ferguson. James has hugely impressed me since he started training and his numbers back that up – a 27% strike rate in your first year of training is no mean feat. Hemsworth has been to Chelmsford for a racecourse gallop so will be ready to go here. He’s gone nicely at home and although this is another typically hot Newmarket maiden, he has a chance.
2:40 – Broughtons Gold
I am delighted to keep the ride on Broughtons Gold (3/1) for Tom Clover. He’s a horse that has improved with each run this season and he won well on his latest start at Windsor. A rise of 4lbs isn’t too harsh and I think he has scope to win again here.
*All odds correct at time of writing.