Faugheen can establish his Champion Hurdle credentials
I was absolutely delighted at the way the race in France worked out and it was just terrific to return with a winner.
What made Auteuil so satisfying, from my point of view, is that Un de Sceaux is a difficult ride and was great preparation for five of the biggest days of the season.
This fellow is a really good horse. We went a proper gallop, but I was always, at the same time, saving a bit for the concluding stages.
I loved the way he quickened going to the second last and also the manner in which he flew across those final two obstacles.
The other thing that I loved was the fact it took me longer to pull up Un de Sceaux than it did any of the opposition. That is always a good sign.
Yesterday, I continued with my physio and had an hour and a half session. Just because I am back riding doesn’t mean I can slacken off in that department.
I start off this afternoon on Faugheen for Willie Mullins in the Champion Novice Hurdle.
Willie surprised everyone, including me, when he declared Faugheen instead of Vautour.
I have no idea what Willie’s thinking is, I didn’t ask. I did, however, ask if Vautour was okay and he assured me such was the case. The plan is for Vautour to run over two and a half miles on Friday.
A possible explanation is that Willie is trying to find out if he has a genuine Champion Hurdle horse on his hands and is giving Faugheen his chance at the minimum trip.
Whatever the reasoning, I think Faugheen will win, especially if I can get him into a rhythm and he jumps well.
We all know there was a question mark regarding his jumping heading to Cheltenham and it was far from flawless, although it didn’t stop him winning the Neptune in fine style over two miles and five.
I do think that Cheltenham experience will more than stand to him and expect an improved jumping display.
I have no worries about the trip, Faugheen is not in any way short of speed. Indeed, when he was running over longer, my concern was always whether he would actually stay.
Anyway, in my opinion, the horse would have won the Neptune, even if it were over two miles.
Willie also runs Valseur Lido and he is fair horse, with Paul Townend preferring him to Wicklow Brave.
Valseur Lido improved from Cheltenham to win impressively at Fairyhouse and is a tough customer.
I know Willie is sweet enough on Lucky Bridle, in the valuable handicap hurdle, but I’m a little less enthusiastic.
He could be nicely handicapped, but my doubts centre on his lack of experience and if he will stay.
He is a horse that can be very keen, although a fast run contest such as this might suit him admirably.
The downside, though, is that he has a tendency to pull hard and, as well as that, is a really fast horse.
I’m on Twinlight in the Champion Chase, a race that strikes me as being seriously wide open.
Twinlight was no match for Arvika Ligeonniere at Fairyhouse, but would have a life on his form earlier in the campaign.
Baily Green’s second to Simonsig in the Arkle at Cheltenham last year was some effort and he will love the drying ground.
I will be looking for a big run from David Pipe’s Ballynagour. The reason is that he was third to Boston Bob at Aintree and I’ve gone with Boston Bob, in preference to On His Own, in tomorrow’s Gold Cup.
Hidden Cyclone ran a cracker behind Dynaste at Cheltenham, but would probably need further around this track.
There is little between Module and Somersby on their running behind Sire De Grugy in the two-mile Champion Chase at Cheltenham.
Sizing Europe is now 12, but no back number, while rain would certainly help Turban’s prospects. I am not much of a one for sitting on the fence, but am definitely going to do just that when it comes to this contest.
My final mount of the day will be on Djakadam in the Champion Novice Chase. I didn’t ride him when he fell four out in the JLT Novice Chase at Cheltenham, preferring Felix Yonger.
To my eyes he was going well when departing. He is a horse I have always liked and has a big future.
I could have partnered Ballycasey, but he had a hard race in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham and then suffered a heavy fall in the Powers’ Gold Cup at Fairyhouse.
Morning Assembly was third in the RSA and is a decent horse. That RSA rode a good race, we went a decent gallop throughout.
I’m happy enough that Djakdam will get the three miles and a furlong and, with just three outings this season, will strip relatively fresh.
This morning I will be in Willie Mullins’ when his remaining Punchestown horses will all be put through their paces. Talk to you tomorrow.
