Step up in trip will bring out the best in Poquelin
Earlier in the week, I was adamant that today would be the earliest I would make the journey back across the Irish Sea.
But, after talking to Paul Nicholls, I had a change of heart.
Paul was anxious I partner Fistral Beach and, given the excellent relationship I’ve always enjoyed with him, I felt it was the right thing to do.
Fistral Beach is essentially a bridle horse and takes a bit of knowing. I could have ridden two more horses for other trainers, but declined the offers.
That Fistral Beach did the business was a nice bonus.
I have three for Paul at Wetherby today and the plan, obviously, is a successful follow-up.
Pride of place has to go to Poquelin in the Charlie Hall Chase.
I told you here a week ago he is crying out for three miles plus and that remains very much the thinking. Because he was so buzzy, we used to think he was a two-miler.
Then we believed he needed two and a half and I’m convinced, as he gets older, that a further step up in trip is necessary to bring the best out of him.
The last time Poquelin ran I rode him to win over two miles and five at Cheltenham in April and all he did that day was stay.
This, however, is not a bad race, with Diamond Harry so impressive in the Hennessy at Newbury and Nacarat taking the contest last year.
Anyway, Poquelin will love the good ground and is well revved up, the Charlie Hall being his target for a while.
I’m more hopeful than confident regarding Round Tom’s prospects in the novice chase, having proved no match for Ongenstown Lad over hurdles at Cheltenham.
He’s not the quickest in the world, so the trip will suit, but I’d say is an each-way shot at best.
I won a novice hurdle aboard What A Friend one day at Chepstow and it will be interesting to see how he fares back over flights in a Grade 2.
This horse is a terrific jumper of fences, but that is not anywhere near as big an advantage over hurdles. He is, however, getting all of the allowances, so clearly has to be given a life.
Looking at the opposition, I think it is safe to day none of them would be capable, unlike What A Friend, of winning a Grade 1 over fences.
I head to Wexford tomorrow for four rides and am certainly not without hope. There is every chance of getting away to the perfect start on John Berry’s Savello in a maiden hurdle.
I liked the way he shaped when second to a smart horse in Dylan Ross at Fairyhouse and a repeat of that should be more than good enough.
I rode Waterloo Rock for Conor O’Dwyer to finish eighth at Cork and renew the partnership in another maiden hurdle.
This horse behaved like a spoilt child down at the start that day. He stomped the ground, cocked his jaw and ran around in circles.
Mind you he did finish his race quite nicely, so let’s see if he has come on for the experience.
Madam Bovary is on a three-timer in a mares’ hurdle and, with Jamie Codd out injured, I’m delighted to have got the nod.
She’s clearly progressive, having won a bumper at Sligo and a maiden hurdle at Roscommon, but the nagging doubt is the possibility of a soft surface.
Some of Willie Mullins’ better horses are starting to come out now and one of them, Raptor, starts off over fences in the beginners chase.
It looks a decent sort of contest for Wexford, but Raptor has schooled well. Two miles and three is short for him, though, and he will definitely improve for going up in distance.
On Tuesday I’ll be at Exeter to ride Ghizao in the Haldon Gold Cup and then on Thursday it will be London for my appeal against the five-day ban incurred at Aintree last Saturday.
If I lose the appeal then my suspension will start next Saturday, when I should be at Down Royal for their big chase. As far as going over and back to Britain nothing has really changed and, under the current whip rules, I will be doing lots of thinking before deciding to travel.
