Kirby Calls It: All Weather champion previews upcoming rides

While most of us slipped into food induced comas on Christmas Day, Coral’s All-Weather Champion columnist Adam Kirby was resisting such urgings to ready himself for six rides at Wolverhampton on Boxing Day. The 26 year-old is eager on closing the gap at the top of the Jockey’s Championship in his pursuit of a third successive title. Here he shares his thoughts on all six mounts at Dunstall Park.

Friday

1:10 Wolverhampton
I ride Rahmah for Robert Cowell in the opener. He’s a horse that stays seven furlongs quite easily but he’s got loads of speed. The only reason for dropping back to five furlongs in all honesty is to win a race. It’s lower company in a sprint. His true trip is seven furlongs but if something goes a million miles, he might be outpaced but should nail him late. I rode him over six furlongs last time out as we thought it was a winnable race but Robert and I agreed after that to drop him back to five furlongs and in lesser company. It will get his maiden mark out of the way. So I definitely think he’ll be in the shake-up.

1:45 Wolverhampton
I ride a nice horse in this race called Pretend for Mr Appleby. I rode the horse over seven furlongs Wolverhampton two runs back and I honestly thought six furlongs would be the trip for him. He’s got a lot of speed and he picks up once and then he lengthens. He’s not a bad animal in this grade and I think he goes there with every chance. He’s possibly my best chance of a winner on the card.

2:25 Wolverhampton
I’m on Urban Castle here for James Tate. I won on her last time. She got there but was a bit green. A mile and a half will be in time if not now her minimum trip, I think she stays well. I wouldn’t mind getting a lead on her as she was a little bit green making the running. It’s a step up for her, going into handicap company for the first time and it looks a competitive race but I think she’s another one that goes there with a live chance.

3:05 Wolverhampton
I ride Spirit Of Gondree for Milton Bradley. The horse has a few attitude problems pre-race but if he behaves himself and goes in the stalls, now I say If and it’s a big if, but if he gets a very fast pace, in his grade he goes there with a decent chance. But if he doesn’t get that, it will be tough. He’s a hold up performer, has to be mid division to back. But as I said if he gets a fast run race, he’ll have to pass three, four or five horses before he gets into gear. But if he does, he’ll go there with a live chance and every chance of being placed. I rode him last time at Kempton, he came there hard on the bridle, I was too handy, he hit the front and stopped dead where he’s usually the one that’s the fastest finisher. So with a bit of luck I’d like to think he’ll be in the shake-up.