IT’LL be a race to savour between two very classy horses at Ascot today in the Clarence House.
Un De Sceaux has been around forever but he is still putting up top-class performances, like he showed at Punchestown in the spring and in the Tingle Creek last month.
Defi Du Seuil had a brilliant novice campaign last year but has proven himself dropped back to two miles this season.
The pair of them produced a brilliant finish at Sandown last month and we should be in for more of the same again.
Un De Sceaux wears his heart on his sleeve and has been there and done it so many times, but I think the younger legs of Defi Du Seuil will come out on top. But it will be a close run thing.
Im up at Haydock today where theres plenty of dough up for grabs.
Ive a nice book of rides for Nige, starting off withStolen Silver (2.05)in the Supreme Trial.
We wanted to run him at Leicester to give him a bit more experience but that was rained off, so weve come here to have a crack at a big race.
He was a really good second behind a smart Nicky Henderson horse at Cheltenham last time out. Its a deep race today but we will learn a lot more about him.
I get the leg up onFlying Angel (2.40)in the Peter Marsh. We reckon this kind of test will suit him and we are hoping he could be a Grand National horse.
We need to find out if he stays, but he handles bad ground, hes in good form at home and it looks a good spot for him. He will be in the mix if he gets home.
Im really looking forward to ridingBallyandy (3.15)in The New One Champion Hurdle Trial, named in honour of our stable legend.
Its a race we farmed with him over the years, so itll mean that little bit more if we can win it this afternoon.
The New Onewill be parading at Haydock on Saturday so itll be nice to go and say hello to the old boy.
But Ballyandy himself is having a great season in these top two-mile hurdles. He ran a cracking third behindEpatantein the Christmas Hurdle, and shes now favourite for the Champion Hurdle.
He gets weight from all of them and he doesnt have much to find at all on the ratings. We know he handles bad ground and we are hopeful of a big run.
Pentland Hillstravelled well before getting tired on his comeback so he looks the one to beat, but we are really happy with our lad.
Last but not least, we are confidentMuratello (3.45)will go well.
He travelled really nicely over further at Kempton last time but she didnt quite get home. There should be a nice bit of pace on here and he will be happier back down in trip.
