Promising Sam Winner looks good for openers
You couldn’t fault Kauto Star, even if workmanlike is probably the best word to describe his performance. He jumped like a stag and beat two good horses in Sizing Europe and China Rock, who were race-fit.
He always improves a ton for a run and is well on target for yet another King George success at Kempton at Christmas.
I won on The Nightingale as well, of course, but then the whole scenario turned completely sour.
Corrick Bridge never took off in a handicap chase and I knew I was in trouble even before hitting the ground. The way my right leg was caught in the stirrup gave me no chance and I was immediately aware that another long spell on the sidelines was a certainty.
It is so disappointing, so frustrating and right at the start of the National Hunt season to boot. Every Saturday and Sunday from now on, until I return, is going to be very hard to take.
I’m back walking already, however, admittedly with the aid of crutches. I’ve been told the more weight I put on the leg the quicker it will heal, so I have been doing that. I’m likely to be out for a minumim of 12 weeks, but it could by 14 or 18, God only knows.
I think Sam Winner will land the first for Paul Nicholls at Cheltenham today. I know he’s been beaten three times in France, but is one I really like.
I love the way he does things and believe is a horse with a big future. It does have the appearances of an open contest, but I’ll be surprised if Sam isn’t competitive.
Paul’s Tricky Trickster tops the weights in a handicap chase. I saw him recently and he looks better than last season.
You’d imagine he’s up against it, however, and the one that catches my eye is David Pipe’s Junior, who has been bought out of Alan King’s.
I’ve never won the Paddy Power and, even if I was riding, doubt that would change today. Paul runs three, headed by Poquelin.
Good and all as Poquelin is, he’s a badly handicapped horse, Tchico Polos is more suited to travelling right-handed and Gwanako is hard enough to fancy.
Barry Geraghty seems to think Mad Max is capable of beating Long Run, but I can’t quite see that. Indeed, I think Long Run is the one to beat, but if you fancy a little wager on an outsider try The Sawyer. He gallops and jumps for fun, will be near the front from the start and should give us a real thrill.
Willie Mullins’ horses are giving the impression they are about to hit top gear and I fancy him to have a couple of winners at Punchestown today.
I’ll be especially disappointed if the French-import Zaidpour fails to deliver in a maiden hurdle. He’s been around for a while, but had a setback and Willie deliberately kept him a novice for this season.
I’ve ridden him at home and he has worked and schooled well and will love the testing conditions.
How’s The Cad has a first outing for Willie in the bumper and don’t be surprised if he wins. His record to date in pulled up three times in point-to-points.
That’s not much of a recommendation and he’s no star, but works like a horse at home who is far better than the evidence so far.
Timmy Murphy can guide Paul’s Ghizao to victory in the first at Cheltenham tomorrow. I was aboard at Cheltenham when we were no match for Kilmurry.
Loosen My Load is in here as well, so it’s a smart contest. But Ghizao just got very tired off the home turn the last day and will be far fitter now.
Forpadydeplasterer is going to be hard to beat in a conditions chase, but I feel Tataniano may have the legs on him. He’s in unbelievable shape at the moment, will try and make all and will be hard to pass.
We tipped up Sanctuaire at the Cheltenham Festival and he duly ran away with the Fred Winter. I’ll be keeping a close watch on him in the Greatwood Hurdle.
He has Champion Hurdle aspirations and would want to be winning this. He’s hard enough to settle, however, and will really need loads of pace in the race.
Rock On Ruby has a real life in the bumper. He’s a tough sort and will not go down without putting up a real fight.
My plans for next week? Well, they are not overly-exciting and will include physiotherapy on Monday and a visit to the doctor on Wednesday. What a game this is.
