I’LL BE CHEERING HOME GOGGLES
BEER GOGGLES will carry so many hopes, when he lines up at Cheltenham.
He was trained by Richard Woollacott, who tragically died this week at the age of 40.
I rode for Richard a few times, and it was only last week when I was chatting to him at Hereford. He was always good company and really likeable,
There was a sense of numbness in the racing world when the news filtered through.
He was a trainer going places, but regardless of that, he was just a really nice fella and it’s a big loss.
Beer Goggles caused one of the real stories of the season when beating Unowhatimeanharry and Thistlecrack in the Long Distance Hurdle last month and runs at Cheltenham under the licence of his wife Kayley.
Ability
Everyone will be willing him on and the horse would be a hugely poignant winner.
While we’re on the subject of Cheltenham, the Gold Cup trial, the Betbright-sponsored Cotswold Chase, takes place earlier.
I can’t see beyond Bristol De Mai. I know he disappointed last time in the King George, but revisit his previous two wins – the defeat of Blaklion in the Charlie Hall Chase, and then his 57-length win in the Betfair Chase – to see his true ability.
The soft going will suit and this race isn’t nearly as strong as the King George.
As for me, I am travelling to Doncaster where the feature race is the Sky Bet Handicap Chase. I am on TENOR NIVERNAIS (3.15), who has top weight of 11st 12lb. He was due to run last week but suffered a little knock. Obviously it’s nothing serious given he’s reappearing seven days later.
He always seems to be at his best when fresh and the trip of three miles and soft ground will suit, but L’Ami Serge will be hard to beat.
I ride LINENHALL (2.05). It’s a big step up from a second in a Class Four novice hurdle at Towcester to a Grade Two and he’s rated 124 compared to Calett Mad, who is 141. But connections obviously must think a lot of him and it’s early days in the six-year-old’s career.
MOVIE LEGEND (3.50) has been placed in 10 of his 19 starts. He’s got a bit to find but he’s bottom-weight and I reckon he could run well.
TRULY AMAZING (4.20) hasn’t run before but I’d keep an eye on her in the bumper. She has a lovely pedigree, being by Presenting and Emma Lavelle’s horses are in good nick too.
At Fontwell tomorrow, MY DANCE (2.00) won well at the course last time, likes the ground and is very straightforward.