This was a week I was thoroughly looking forward to. Two nice rides at Lingfield on Friday followed by a great chance in the Grade 2 Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock Saturday.
Unfortunately, a nasty fall from North Parade at Newcastle on Tuesday, where he landed on me and managed to fracture some ribs, has put a stop to my weekend riding plans. Instead, I’m having to watch from home which isn’t where any jockey wants to be. However, it can always be worse. All being well I should be back for Wetherby next Thursday.
Missing any ride is hard but it won’t be easy to watch Empire Steel run in the Peter Marsh on Saturday. He would nearly have won the Rowland Merwick at Wetherby Boxing Day had he not fallen four out. Now he goes again. He is in great form and has a great chance. Royal Pagaille tops the weights and is by far the classy horse in the race, but he may find it difficult to give Empire Steel 20lbs.
The exciting Tommy’s Oscar runs in the Champion Hurdle trial, a race which actually looks to lack quality away from this favourite. The trainer Ann Hamilton and her husband Ian do an amazing job with their small string of horses so it would be great to see them win this race and then send him for the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in March. It would be a great advertisement for northern racing.
Away from Haydock, how can we not be excited by the clash of titans, Shishkin vs Energumene in the Clarence House Chase at Ascot? Both unbeaten, both 8yo, both carrying the same weight and only 1lb between them in ratings. It’s usually a clash we wouldn’t see until Cheltenham so this is a rare treat for January. It’s sure to have everyone on the edge of their seats and watering at the mouth.
*18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Supplied By Betfred
