Daryl Jacob: Bristol De Mai back in action at Stratford
Top jockey Daryl Jacob is looking forward to riding Bristol De Mai in his seasonal reappearance at Stratford on Saturday.
It might be Champions Day at Ascot but there’s plenty for fans of jump racing to get excited about this Saturday as well including at Stratford where I ride Bristol De Mai in the totepool Live Info Download The App Handicap Chase at 3.00.
I love this horse and he gave me a great day at Haydock earlier in the year when winning the Peter Marsh Handicap at Haydock by 22 lengths.
Things didn’t go his way after that, but he’s a fantastic horse when he gets his conditions and I’m hoping he’ll be too good for them on his seasonal reappearance at Stratford.
It’s his first start in a handicap since that Peter Marsh win and, while it’s not ideal giving away nearly two stone to some of his rivals, he’s got bags of class and he goes really well fresh.
The rain has softened the ground after 11mm on Thursday and with more forecast it looks like he’s definitely going to get his conditions.
It’s a lovely starting point for him. The trip of 2m5f is fine first time out, he’s very versatile, and while he’s not used to tight tracks like this I don’t think it will bother him.
He’s been working away well at home, jumping well, and this will hopefully put him spot on for a crack at the Betfair Chase at Haydock next month, his first big target this season.
Great morning at @SkyBet with @SkyBetShinners on our way to @WetherbyRaces 🐎 pic.twitter.com/p5KFJExdFd
— Daryl Jacob (@Dazjacob10) October 18, 2017
Later on the same card I ride El Terremoto, a horse that lost his form a bit in the second half of last season.
The good thing is he looks well-handicapped now and he has experience of the track having won his maiden around here.
He’s had his problems, but we’ve always like him and this looks a nice starting point for him.
I also ride a couple for Ben Case including Graceful Legend in the totescoop6 Play Today Mares’ Handicap Hurdle at 2.30.
She’s won her last three, all in handicaps, and has gone up 15lb on the back of the hat-trick.
It’s her first run since February, though, so she might need it. I certainly think she’ll improve from it, but she’s been working well and schooling well at home.
My last ride on the card is Shanroe Saint in the maiden hurdle at 4.45.
I don’t know an awful lot about him, but I schooled him a week or 10 days ago and he gave me a nice feel.
He’s come from point to points and we might not see the best of him until he tackles a trip in the future.
Finally, a bit of reflection on last week.
We were delighted with Wholestone in the Silver Trophy Handicap Hurdle at Chepstow. He travelled really well for me and I thought I might win at one point, but a close fourth was more than acceptable on his reappearance.
He was a bit fresh, probably needed it a little bit and will have gained confidence for bigger targets ahead.
For now he’ll be staying over hurdles and given he loves Cheltenham maybe we’ll see him at the November meeting.
Last Friday I rode Beer Goggles to success at Newton Abbot for Richard Woollacott and he did it really well on his first start of the campaign.
The handicapper has put him up 7lb for that which makes life difficult for him, as he might just be a fraction short of Grade One class, but he’s a very likeable horse.
He didn’t take to fences well at all, but he jumps a hurdle and is a strong stayer.
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