Scu says “Grace Tara has a cracking chance at Bangor”

It’s easy to forget how draining Cheltenham is every year, and it was very frustrating not to have a winner. I’ve been spoiled over the last few years that I’ve ridden plenty of winners at the Festival, and it was the first year for a long while that I’ve drawn a blank there. For want of a better word, it hurts, and it makes me want it not to be the case next year.

A few of the horses ran very well. Kings Socks competed well for a long way, Taj Badalandabad ran well above himself, and Indian Stream ran well above herself, but none of them threatened to win. But then I went to Uttoxeter on Saturday and rode a double for my brother which was great.  Cadeyrn is a lovely horse that is going from strength to strength. I think that may be it for the season now but he’ll step up into a lovely chaser next season. It was a good performance and bodes well for next year. Smiths Cross ran in quite atrocious conditions in the last and he handled it the best. They are two nice horses to be going on with. The owners have been very good supporters of Michael, and they also own Mystere, who was Michael’s flagship horse last season.

I’m getting up early to drive up to Bangor, as I don’t have to ride out tomorrow.  I have a reasonably light weight to do at 10 stone 3lbs which isn’t much of a problem, but I want to leave myself a little time when I get there just in case I need to lose a quick pound.

Saturday:

2.15 Bangor – Grace Tara

Grace Tara will have a cracking chance in this race. At Hereford she bumped into a decent one and was beaten a long way. But she ran well and she’s running off a decent mark. Michael’s horses are in good form and have been so consistent.

4.00 Bangor – Brigadier Bob

This is a nice ride to pick up. I used to ride a fair bit for Richard Lee but I think this is just about my first ride for Kerry. He’s got a bit to find on the book.