Kirby Calls It: All Weather Champion previews upcoming rides

12.20 Lingfield:
I ride MONEIN for Mr Appleby in the opener. He’s a horse I don’t know a lot about but he’s very well-bred (half-brother by New Approach to a winner in France) and it’s going to be a day at school for all of us. This will be all new to him and whatever he does here he’s sure to improve a hell of a lot for the experience.

1.25 Lingfield:
CRICKLEWOOD GREEN is my mount in the 1.25 for Mr Hannon. He was a useful juvenile, winning his first two starts but his form tapered off after those efforts and he found it hard in handicaps off a mark in the low eighties. There was a bit more promise to be taken out of his last run over course and distance and if he can build on that I think he’s on a feasible mark (78).

2.00 Lingfield:
I’m very much looking forward to getting back on CASTILLO DEL DIABLO for Mr Simcock. Nothing went right for him last time out, there was no pace on and I was never happy with how the race was panning out. He’s got a touch of class and he’s well handicapped on old form so if things fall his way he’s got to have a big chance.

2.35 Lingfield:
I’m on PERFECT PASTURE for Mr Easterby. He ran well over CD last time out on what was his first run since February. He never felt quite as sharp as he needed to be that day and I’m sure he’ll come on a lot for the run. If he does, then I expect him to go very close. He’s a very consistent gelding who never runs a bad race.

3.10 Lingfield:
I ride HARDY BLACK for Mr Osborne. The blinkers and the step back to seven furlongs could be the key to him. He ran well last time but looked a sitting duck in the last furlong so hopefully this trip brings out the best in him.

3.45 Lingfield:
My last ride of the day is COISTE BODHAR for Mr Dixon. He’s back down to his last winning mark, which happened to come over CD so if he can run to that form he should be far away. It’s a trappy race with one or two in form runners but if my lad runs his race he should have a good EW chance.