I would love a Fox victory to honour the late Mr Potts

IT’S been a tough week after Mr Potts passing. But Finian’s Oscar gave us a boost yesterday. And I’m hoping Fox Norton will do the same tomorrow.

I was on my way back to the airport on Tuesday, after a schooling morning in Tizzard’s, when Joe (Tizzard) rang me to tell me Mr Potts had passed away.

It was very sad news. He loved his sport and was a big spender in his quest to find good horses. And, when things were quiet for me, he gave me the opportunity to ride some high-class horses. Hopefully, the likes of Finian’s Oscar and FOX NORTON, below, will keep the Potts colours in the limelight over the coming months and years.

It was poignant Finian’s Oscar delivered in the Grade 2 novice in Cheltenham yesterday, conceding 8lb to a decent horse in Movewiththetimes.

I was very happy with him – it was the wake-up call he needed. He jumped well, apart from reaching for the last ditch. But he was good when it mattered.

It turned into a sprint. I gunned him at the last. And he was long and quick. And I loved the way he quickened-up at the back of it. He obviously has a big engine.

Finian’s Oscar is only five and is still a baby. It’s all a learning curve for him. He’s an idle horse and only does what he has to do – sometimes they’re the best horses.

I know Colin suggested a stronglyrun two miles might suit the horse. But, on yesterday’s evidence, I’d be sticking to around two and a half miles, at least for the moment.

I have six rides over the weekend in Cheltenham, three each day. And I expect Fox Norton to prove the star in the Grade 2 Schloer Chase tomorrow.

He won this race impressively last year, was narrowly beaten by Special Tiara in the Queen Mother Champion Chase and ended the season with Grade 1 wins at Aintree and Punchestown, where he beat Un De Sceaux.

He felt in great nick when I schooled him on Tuesday morning, fit and well and ready to start what should be another good season.

He’ll be facing SPECIAL TIARA (third in the race last year) again tomorrow. And I’m expecting a big performance from him.

I have three rides in handicaps today – SIZING CODELCO, VICONTE DU NOYER and SOLATENTIF – and all of them must step-up on recent form.

VICONTE DU NOYER, in the Betvictor Gold Cup, is the pick of them. He ran well behind Cogry here last time and has improved for the run. He has a definite each-way chance.

And I was happy to pick up the spare on Nick Williams’ FLYING TIGER in the Greatwood Hurdle.

It’s always a tough race. But he’d have a chance on his Fred Winter form.