In the run up to Christmas it's great that us jockeys get a few days without racing to enjoy time with friends and family. I was fortunate enough that my wife arranged for us to get away to a lovely hotel in Yorkshire for a couple of nights. It’s very important to take the time when you get it because from Boxing Day onwards we race every day into the new year.
With that in mind I am thoroughly looking forward to what looks like a strong book of six rides at Wetherby on Boxing Day. Originally I was looking like being at Kempton to ride Midnight Shadow in the King George which would have been an amazing experience but after many discussions we decided to bypass and find him another target towards the end of January.
Won first time out for Sue Smith and finished a very good second last time at Sedgefield when the course didn’t suit him. He will be much better suited by a galloping track like Wetherby and I’m hoping that he is still a little bit ahead of the handicapper.
Surprised us to win last time after a wind op having never managed to complete a hurdle race last season. Although she never won a strong race she really impressed me with the way she did it so we are definitely hopeful of more improvement although it will be hard to follow up under a penalty.
A talented horse that ran some cracking races last year as a novice. Was slightly disappointing last time out and we are unsure of what is his ideal trip, which is why we are stepping back to 2m3f on soft ground.
This will be his first run in a handicap. Whilst an official rating of 99 looks a bit harsh for what he has achieved so far over hurdles he is in good hands with trainer Tristan Davidson so I’m sure he could run well.
A lovely horse with a bright future. Ran really well last time and is sure to go well again. That being said this is a very competitive race so he could finish in the first four and still have ran a cracker.
Hasn’t quite fired over fences this season yet so is now stepping back to hurdles after a bad run at Haydock the other day. He is more than capable so if managing to forget his recent bad runs over fences then he could go well. Softer ground the better for him.
The King George
Every year this race gets me excited. It is a real preview for the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March. This year's race will certainly not disappoint because you can make cases for most of them in the race. Even the outsiders are capable on their day. My selection is going to be Lostintranslation e/w. He is very capable and looked back to his best when winning last time.
*18+ | BeGambleAware
