Daryl Jacob can't wait for one that's got a 'massive chance' at Cheltenham on Saturday - get the latest from the top jockey as he looks ahead to his weekend rides.
Cracker Factory - 12.40 Cheltenham
We thought he might’ve been roughed off by now at this time of the year, but with the ground still being very good we’re going to let him take his chance. It’s another step up for him and the opposition is that little bit tougher, but it’ll be interesting to see how he gets on against them and how his form stacks up against the juveniles that are just coming out.
The experience he’s racked up will be to his advantage in a race like this, you can’t beat experience, and for him to get a feel of Cheltenham with the intention of coming back in March is important, too. He won well at Wetherby last time, he showed his true colours, and though this is much tougher he goes there with some of the best form in the race.
Calett Mad - 1.50 Cheltenham
He likes the good ground so, again, that’s a key reason why he’s running on Saturday. At the last meeting he ran well in fourth but he just needed it, so we’re hoping he steps up on that form and the extra half mile should help him as he wants a stamina test. We think he’s got a massive chance on Saturday and I’m really looking forward to riding him.
Sceau Royal - 2.25 Cheltenham (Sunday)
He’s been off since January but he’s ready to come out now and we're looking forward to getting him started in the Shloer Chase. I schooled him last week and he seemed in really good form and his work has apparently been good at home. It’s an interesting race, but we’ve got to get him started somewhere and though he’s stepping up into the big league you look at his novice form and think he’ll cope with it well.
He was brilliant at Sandown last year in the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase, that was his target and we were very proud of him that day. Hopefully he can improve again this season, but he’ll have to against better horses, against championship horses. It’s a tough starting point, but the ground will suit and he’s got to start somewhere.
Reflections
We were happy enough with We Have a Dream in the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton. He had a really good blow between the second last and the last and the horse that beat him, Verdana Blue, had had two runs and was razor sharp. We would have liked to have won the race but we’re not disappointed with our lad, we knew he’d need the run and it was just great to get him out.
Terrefort came out of Sandown very sore, very stiff, and we’re getting him looked at and getting him treated. It wasn’t his run, he’s a much better horse than that and we’re back to the drawing board with him. We’ll give him a bit of time to recover and we’ll try and get him back in A1 shape for his next run.
Finally, although I didn’t ride him, it was lovely to see Wholestone return with a win at Aintree. He’s been a great flagbearer for us, he does his business and it was great to see him get his season off to a winning start.
