Looking back on last weekend, it’s too early to give up on Shan Blue who finished third in the Leamington Novices’ Hurdle at Warwick behind Decor Irlandais and Mossy Fen.

He ran well but if I could ride the race again I would do things a little differently. We felt we should have won that race, so don’t lose faith in him as he is a good horse.

Captain Chaos finished second in the Classic Chase and he really deserves to get his head in from one of these days as he is running really well.

Head over to the Grosvenor Sport website for all our horse racing odds.

Skiing

It has been a bit of a quiet week in terms of rides. Bridget and I went skiing for a few days last week along with Charlie [Poste] and his wife Francesca [Nimmo] which was nice.

Our friends Nick Pearce and Ella Mahon also came along and Nick actually proposed in the mountains. Thankfully she said yes and it was great to share their special moment with them.

It’s always a bit of a risk for a jockey to go skiing, especially in the middle of the season, but there’s risk in everything we do and it was great to get away and enjoy the company of friends.

Being in the saddle is much more dangerous but it was great to return to action with a win for Kerry Lee on board Town Parks in a Handicap Chase at Ludlow and he did it well.

Haydock, Saturday

Knight In Dubai – 1.30

Looking ahead to the weekend, my only ride of the day at Haydock comes on Knight In Dubai in the Grade 2 novices’ chase and he certainly deserves a chance at this level after two consecutive wins.

He has really got the hang of chasing this winter and he should be good enough to compete at this level. The soft ground certainly won’t be an issue and he could cope with more rain between now and then.

Yard runners at Ascot, Saturday

Get On The Yager – 1.15

The yard has three at Ascot where Tristan Durrell rides Get On The Yager in the amateur riders’ handicap chase (1.15pm) and he looks to have very solid claims.

He will be a lot sharper for his Sandown run and looks well handicapped. Tristan takes off 7lbs and it’s great to give him a chance as he works really hard for us, it would be great for all if he won.

Bennys King – 3.00

Bridget rides Bennys King in the handicap chase and he could prove to be a nice each-way price. He is in good form and the trip and ground should be perfect for him.

He is coming back in trip here and that should help him. He was going well in the Grade 3 Rowland Meyrick with three to jump, but he just didn’t seem to stay. It wouldn’t be surprise if he won.

Marrcacudja – 3.35

Bridget is also on Marracudja in the Grade 1 Clarence House Chase where it will obviously be a really tough task to get the better of market-leaders Un De Sceaux or Defi Du Seuil.

We couldn’t ask for better owners to work with and it doesn’t get much more exciting than having a Grade 1 runner at Ascot. It would be great to pick up some prize money and have a great day.

Looking at the battle at the head of the market, Un De Sceaux looked as though he needed the run a bit in the Tingle Creek when taking on Defi at the end of last year when just beaten.

Un De Sceaux may just come on for the run a bit more than his rival and I would have to side with him marginally. He really is an amazing horse and it promises to be a great contest.

All our odds are available at the Grosvenor Sport website. 

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