Sean Bowen: Treble-seeking Francky has been there and done it

Francky Du Berlais has won this Summer Plate for the last two years, and with my brother, James, who rode him to both victories, out injured at the moment, I’ve picked up the ride.

He ran well last time, he just got outpaced turning in but stayed on well, and it was a nice confidence booster to finish third, having run in big races at Cheltenham and Aintree in the spring. He’s off last year’s winning mark, so I hope he can complete the treble.

That said, it wasn’t a straightforward choice to ride him, as dad runs Courtland here as well, and he’s won his last three, including here last time. He’s improving all the time, and ability wise I don’t think there’s much between them.

I’ve gone for Francky as he has the experience in these big fields and has been here and done it twice before, whereas Courtland is yet to run in a race of this size, and it could just find him out, but equally it would be no surprise to see him there or thereabouts. A one-two for dad would be nice!

Market Rasen 4.25 – Sobegrand

I had another choice to make here between this horse for Olly Murphy and Buck Of Maine for dad. In this situation, I’m very lucky in that I can talk it through with both trainers and my agent, and we make a decision between us, and fortunately the trainers involved know that I’m aiming for the championship, and they’re very supportive of whatever decision I make.

Sobegrand is progressing with every run, he hit the line really hard last time and I think the step up in trip will really suit him here, I’ve always felt he was a horse who would get further. Olly’s horses are in great form, so I’m really looking forward to this.

As for Buck Of Maine, he’s got OK Bumper form, and has schooled well, but he is making his debut over hurdles, so I’ve gone for the horse with experience over obstacles.

Market Rasen 5.00 – Tio Mio

Gary Hanmer is another big supporter of mine, and his Tio Mio is fit from running on the Flat. He’s in handicap company here and will need to take a step forward on what he’s shown over hurdles so far, but with that fitness on his side, that is possible.

Sean

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