13:40, 2m1f Beginners' Chase
Peddlers Cross
On hurdling form it looks a case of him just having to jump round to win - he has 40lb in hand of his rivals over hurdles - but we saw at Exeter last week that it isn't always that straightforward. He has schooled well but until they jump on the track, you never quite know what to expect. He ought to win but the main thing for the future is that he enjoys the experience.
14:10, 3m Handicap Chase
Cool Mission
He is a prime example of the type of horse who might have to be retired due to the new whip regulations. He is notoriously lazy but if you can get him going, he is very genuine and gives you his all. Some of his form, including that shown at this track, is very solid. He does need plenty of encouragement and although I didn't really want to reach for the blinkers for him, the new rules have forced my hand to some extent.
14:40, 2m1f Maiden Hurdle
Cuban Piece
He ran a nice enough race at Fontwell on his debut in September but he got run into the back of and came home with some cuts and scrapes on his back legs. He is ready to go again now though and although this looks a stronger race than that Fontwell affair, he should be there or thereabouts. I have put blinkers on him - he wore headgear on the Flat - as A P [McCoy] felt he might just have been hanging fire at Fontwell. I'm not so sure - that was his first run for a while - but we should know more after this.
15:40, 2m1f Handicap Hurdle
Sally's Idea
She is what she is and that is probably a plater, but she is well bred and it would be nice to try and get a win into her. This is her first run for a while and she might need it but it is only just down the road and it is an opportunity for Callum Whillans to ride her. I suspect she might need a bit further and a few more pounds off her back but it doesn't look that warm a race and it's worth noting she does try.
16:10, 2m1f Bumper
It's Oscar/Smart Act
I run two in the bumper and both of them are very nice horses owned by big owners. Both are by the same sire in Oscar and they have shown plenty of promise at home - they have definitely both got ability.
I haven't done as much with them as some of the newcomers that we have run and it is possible that they will need this, but by the same token, it wouldn't surprise me at all if either of them were to go ahead and win. I wouldn't want to split them going into the race and hopefully their first experience of the racecourse will bring them to life.
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