Daryl Jacob: Top Notch weekend at Sandown, Aintree and Huntingdon

Caribean Boy could go to Ascot

He was great wasn’t he?

I see the handicapper has put him up 10lb so he was obviously impressed with him on his last run in novice company. It’s a shame he won in February looking back, I would’ve loved him to have been a novice this season as you’d really fancy him for the Scilly Isles and the Marsh Chase but never mind, he’s a lovely prospect to look forward to.

I think he’ll get further in time, but 2m4f is perfect for him for the time being. He’s a good jumper, a good traveller and those attributes should stand him in good stead as he makes the transition to open company. I loved how he jumped the fences down the back straight at Newbury, he was very quick and very efficient.

He could go to Ascot next for a graduation chase the week before Christmas, so you should see him out again fairly soon. He’s an exciting prospect.

Sceau Royal an International possible

I think he deserves a lot of credit for his second behind the superb Epatante in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle on Saturday.

It was a bit of a funny race with the loose horse causing havoc but he’s never really done it from the front like that and I think he boxed on well. He was brave and he put it up to Epatante up to the last, but she’s just an exceptional filly.

We’re going to stay over hurdles for his next start and he could run in the International Hurdle at Cheltenham if the ground isn’t too soft, He’s in great form.

Son Of Red has winning instinct

It was lovely to pick up a spare ride for Alan King, I enjoy riding for him and Son Of Red did it nicely on his first start over hurdles.

He’s a lovely juvenile and he could have a nice future. He’s got a lovely attitude, he jumped well and he wants to win.

The good thing is you can see where he can improve, he’s got plenty more to learn, so to get a win on his first go bodes well for him.

Valleres – Sandown Friday

Talking of riding for Alan I go to Sandown on Friday to ride Valleres in the Grade 2 Ballymore Winter Novices’ Hurdle.

I reckon Sandown will be a much better track for him than Ludlow and the softer ground should play to our strengths, as well.

The ground was just too quick for him at Ludlow, I think he just felt it on his shins, and he didn’t let himself down on it. I’m hopeful he’s a smart horse and that we can put a line through his last run.

It looks a hot race – he’s taking on four last-time out winners – but I retain every faith in my horse.

I also ride Manning Estate for Oliver Sherwood in the Pertemps qualifier and he’s dropped a few pounds since I last rode him so hopefully that will help.

I ride out for Oliver a lot, he’s a gentleman and a pleasure to ride for, so it would be nice for this horse to go well but, again, it’s a competitive contest.

Saturday Aintree rides

Callett Mad – Becher Chase 1.30

Callett Mad returns from a long absence in the William Becher Handicap Chase at Aintree and he’s obviously trained by a man who has such a good record over the fences in Nigel Twiston-Davies.

That fills me with confidence ahead of his run and he’s been working well, I’ve sat on him at home, and he’s ready to roll again after the best part of 700 days off.

We’ve always felt we wanted him to try these fences and if he does take to them we would have to start thinking the Grand National might be an option for this horse as he stays all day.

Goa Lil – 12.20

I think the ground has been a bit quick for him this season so hopefully there’s a bit of dig in the ground for the 2m4f handicap chase he’s in at Aintree on Saturday.

A mistake at the last cost him second at Wincanton last time and he needs to cut out the errors, but going up in trip should help him and with that in mind I hope there’s more improvement to come.

Ballymoy – 12.55

Ballymoy goes in the 2m4f handicap hurdle and he should improve for his first run of the season at Bangor, he got stuck in the ground at bit there.

He’s handicapped to go well on his best form and if he steps up from his reappearance he’d have a chance, but he will have to run better in this hotter company.

See The Eagle Fly – 2.05

I schooled her on Wednesday and she went nicely. The good thing with her is she’s got a bit of experience having run twice already and she’ll probably be taking on a fair few newcomers in this.

Hopefully she can put that to good use. It’s a Listed race, so she’s in good company, but the ultimate would be to get a bit of black type for her.

Sunday Huntingdon rides

Top Notch – Peterborough Chase 2.25

He’s one of my favourite horses in training and he goes for a third Peterborough Chase on Sunday – I can’t wait to ride him.

I schooled him during the week and he’s flying at home, so while he sometimes needs his first run of the season I’m hoping he’s ready to roll in one of his favourite races.

I suppose we won’t know until Sunday, but he has to start somewhere and this was the obvious race for him.

Torigni – 2.05

He had a lovely first run of the season up at Wetherby where he was third, he definitely needed that so he should strip fitter at Huntingdon.

I schooled him on Wednesday morning and he felt great, so he’d have a chance. It looks a competitive race and it’s not easy for him off 132 for a young horse, but he’s got ability.