ITS a big weekend at Wetherby, Ascot and Down Royal for Team Ditcheat and Im buzzing for it to get started.
Isnt this what its all about?!
Ascot should have plenty of pointers for the rest of the season and we start out with Ecco in the novice hurdle at 1.00.
Hes a horse weve always like and started this year great by winning impressively at Wincanton.
Hes come out that very well and although this is a step up, id hope he can win this.
Darling Maltaix is a horse that gets on nicely with claiming jockey Lorcan Williams and would have a chance in the handicap chase at 1.35.
Every time hes gone to Ascot hes run well, and despite the fact hes not the easiest to ride, he has plenty of class.
Hopefully there will be enough pace on so he can relax and travel into it.
He jumps well and its a good starting point for him.
Lorcan also takes the ride on Diego Du Charmil, this time in the 2.10.
Hes a very good horse on his day and goes well fresh, so were hoping for a nice performance.
The ground went against him last year and he was probably slightly over the top at Sandown, but hes in good form now and 3lb off his back is a big help.
Capeland goes in the same contest and hopefully he can continue from where he left off last year.
This time last season he was rattling off the wins and although hes on a tough mark now, he goes well in the winter.
Bryony knows him and this is a good starting point.
The Sodexo Handicap Hurdle is a very competitive race and it will be a stern test of Red Force Ones abilities.
Theres no doubt he performs better going left-handed but hopefully this big, galloping course wont catch him out too much.
Hell need to have improved since his Fakenham win but he has a nice weight and certainly isnt without a chance.
Weve rerouted Black Corton from Wetherby because conditions up there are hideous – and hopefully its a good decision.
He has to carry top-weight but he ran very well off a similar burden in the Galway Plate and is in the form of his life.
He looks a million dollars and both Dad and Bryony are very happy with him.
We also run Adrien Du Pont in the same race.
Its taken a bit of time to get to grips with him but he started to really fulfil his potential last season and Harry gave him an awesome ride when he won at Ascot.
Dads always thought hell be better for this trip and its just about getting him to relax.
Hes definitely open to progress – if he settles.
Over at Down Royal, we have our first Grade 1 runner of the season in Clan Des Obeaux.
Hes been in top form at home and has done his work nicely.
He had a racecourse gallop so should be ready to go and Dads done well in the race before, so hopefully we can start his campaign with a win.
Delta Work is the progressive one in the race but hes going to have to step up if he wants to beat a King George winner.
Secret Investor goes in the Grade 2 Daily Mirror Chase at 2.55.
Dads also got a good record in this and were hoping for a good performance as he goes well fresh and is definitely ready to go.
If he gets into a nice rhythm out in front and jumps well then hell take some beating.
Its a competitive race but I wouldnt swap him for anything else.
Wetherby hosts its valuable Charlie Hall card, and although we havent got a runner its still a fascinating contest.
I love La Bague Au Roi and I think it will take a very good performance to beat her.
She had an amazing season last year and although she was beaten at Aintree on her final start, it looked as though she was caught a little flat footed.
This test should suit her and I think shell see off Definitly Red, who looks the biggest danger.
He landed this contest last year but this is a harder race.
Unowhatimeanharry finished last year with a fine victory in the stayers contest at Punchestown and I think hell take the world of beating in the West Yorkshire Hurdle.
The horses seem to be coming into form at the Fry yard and hes a big player.
The Worlds End is classy but has lost his way a bit. If back to his best then he has a chance.
Over at Newmarket, Tomfre could make up for Kinross Vertem Futurity disappointment in the Horris Hill.
Ralph Becketts two-year-olds have been flying lately and his charge can build on a fine victory last time out.
Aidan OBrien sends San Pedro and he looks the biggest danger after he bolted up last time, while Surf Dancer certainly has claims too.
