Expect another Master class
He has been an absolute star for Paul Nicholls and me and, as an eight-year-old, there is still much to look forward to with him.
Essentially, we no longer look on Master Minded as a possible winner of Cheltenham’s two mile Champion Chase and his future undoubtedly lies over further.
He now faces just two rivals and, realistically, this is a match between Master Minded and Albertas Run. It may well come down to which of the pair strips the fittest.
I schooled Master Minded last week and he is in great form. The last time he ran was at Aintree back in April when he trounced Albertas Run to the tune of nine lengths.
But, of course, that was at level weights and we have to concede Tony McCoy’s mount 10lbs here, which makes it more than interesting.
The plan for Master Minded this season is the King George at Kempton at Christmas. We know he stays two and a half miles and I’m confident will get three.
This is a good starting point and, on the basis he had more than 10lbs in hand of Albertas Run in April, I believe the placings will be confirmed.
Colm Murphy has given me the nod to partner Gormastown Cuckoo in a handicap hurdle. I was aboard Bundle Of Fun when Gormanstown was fourth behind us at Listowel.
It is hard to equate how that fits into the scheme of things in a competitive 15-runner affair at Aintree, but I’m hoping he goes well.
I’m putting up Edgardo Sol as my nap of the day in a handicap chase for novices. I know you can argue he was disappointing when only third to Callisto Moon at Newton Abbot, but can do a lot better than that.
He had a good look at the first and third fences, but overall I was happy with his jumping. It was a messy race, with no pace, and I’m anticipating substantial improvement.
Sue Smith was anxious that I ride Gansey, who used to be with Paul, in a handicap chase, and I’m more than happy to oblige. He has top weight, in a poor contest, so let’s see how the whole thing pans out.
I’m back in Ireland tomorrow for two at Galway and, I suppose, you’d have to say it will be a bonus if either delivers.
I start on Conem, no spring-chicken, in a handicap hurdle. I’ve won a couple of races on him and he’s a horse I like riding.
If Alpha Ridge puts his best foot forward then he’d have an obvious shot in a beginners chase. He’s got buckets of experience at this stage and let’s just hope is on a going day.
At Galway this afternoon Willie Mullins can take a novice hurdle with Laganbank. I won on him at Listowel last time — his third success in-a-row — and he impressed me.
Willie’s Inspector Clouseau can go close in a handicap hurdle. He was third to Pozyc — I rode that as well — at Listowel and handled the testing conditions well.
Talking of Willie’s horses, he has an army just waiting for the nod to be released. They have done loads of cantering, but you won’t see them until we get rain in Carlow.
Yesterday, the BHA backed off somewhat with their draconian whip rules and that was pleasing enough.
I still think, however, that the bans they have been handing out, including the ten days for nine jockeys in that void race at Wetherby, were ridiculous.
I also remain very much of the opinion that confining jockeys to using the whip just eight times in National Hunt races imply isn’t enough.
Yesterday, I went to Down Royal to promote their big Jn Wine Champion Chase on the first Saturday of November. As you know, I’m sure, Paul will be bringing The Nightingale over for it.
Next week promises to be busy, with visits to Chepstow (Tuesday), Punchestown (Wednesday) and Clonmel (Thursday).
And then next Saturday it will the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby and Poquelin. I’m can’t wait for him, because he’s crying out for three miles.
