It was a frustrating Cheltenham week but plenty of the horses ran well and Gold Cup day was another case of so close but so far.
L’Ami Serge ran a huge race to be second in the County and it was really nice to see him finish his race off well up the hill, as that hasn’t been the case for much of the season.
He certainly seemed happier over two miles in a fast-run race and he just bumped into a very classy horse.
Wholestone ran a belter in the Albert Bartlett, beating all the English horses again. He ran a great race to be third and I’d have thought he’ll be going novice chasing next season.
Gardefort gave me a lovely ride in the Grand Annual, jumping well, but he bumped into another well-handicapped Irish horse – there was no shortage of them throughout the week!
Bristol De Mai also ran well for a while in the Gold Cup, it’s just that the ground was clearly a bit too quick for him.
He ended up making a few mistakes due to the good ground and the undulations at Cheltenham.
He couldn’t go the gallop and is going to need heavy going and a flat track to be seen at his best.
Sizing John was a worthy winner and had some of the best form in the race with all those high-class efforts behind Douvan.
The game goes on and my best chance at Kempton on Saturday looks to be Ballybolley in the Winners Are Welcome At Matchbook Silver Bowl Handicap Chase (3.15).
I’m really looking forward to him as he looks to have his ideal conditions. He jumped well at Newcastle but just got tired on the ground and all of his best form is on better conditions.
It’s a similar story with El Terremoto in the Better Odds With Matchbook Silver Plate Handicap Hurdle (2.40) as he probably got stuck in the mud at Sandown and was also up to three miles last time.
Coming back in trip on a flatter track is definitely going to suit.
I ride Mr Fenton for Emmal Lavelle in the Matchbook Casino Novices’ Hurdle (4.25). He’s been schooling well and could be much happier on a sharp track after a disappointing run at Warwick.
That race was obviously won by the Neptune winner Willoughby Court so it was a hot novice event and this should be more to his liking.
Rebel Commander completes my book of rides in the Matchbook Betting Podcast Maiden Open National Hunt Flat Race (5.00) for Nicky Henderson.
He’s a lovely looking horse and works very nicely. Good ground on a speed track like Kempton looks an excellent starting point.
I’ve also got one ride at Ffos Las on Sunday, Blue Bullet in the Walters UK Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (5.15).
I rode him in a piece of work about a year ago around Newbury and quite liked him then. He’s been placed in two of his three bumpers so far and deserves to get his head in front.
