PIED & TRUSTED
Piper can call tune for Gordon
I’M over in Cheltenham this weekend and had the pleasure of taking Tiger Roll for a spin over a few fences.
He’s in tremendous order and he jumped great over a small section of the cross country track.
Jamie Codd was on board Mortal and we did a nice schooling session yesterday, with the plan for another this morning.
We just picked out a couple of jumps where we could get into a rhythm and we did about seven jumps.
Trainer Gordon Elliott likes to find different things to keep Tiger Roll from getting bored and this was a nice opportunity to keep him ticking over and keep him entertained.
It was probably the first time I’d ridden him over jumps since last year when I schooled him before Cheltenham and it was great to get back on board with him.
We’ve still a way to go before March a nd t he Festival and all that, but it’s all systems go at the moment and everyone is happy.
I ride PIED PIPER (12.45) for Gordon in the Triumph trial today and he’s got a great chance.
He won well at Punchestown and I rode him out yesterday as well and he’s in great form.
Ground
We don’t know if he’ll handle the track, but time will tell and he should enjoy the ground.
Of the other races at Cheltenham, I think JP McManus and Nicky Henderson can celebrate two good winners with CHANTRY HOUSE (2.30) and CHAMP (3.05).
GRAND PARADIS (12.00) would appreciate softer ground, so any rain will help his cause. But either way I think he can take the opener at Fairyhouse today.
Louise Lyons’ horses are running well at the moment and Kells Priory gave her a nice winner at Gowran on Thyestes day. She can pick up another pot today with ESPION DU CHENET (12.30). EXCITING OSCAR (1.05) caught my eye with his run last time out at Cork and I think he could go well today for Denis Ahern at a decent price.
Improve
It’s interesting to see that Paul Townend has opted for Brandy Love over Allegorie De Vassy for Willie Mullins in the Solerina Mares’ Novice Hurdle.
However I think PARTY CENTRAL (1.40) has a great chance for Gordon.
She ran really well last time out when winning at Punchestown and she can improve from that today and score, despite carrying a penalty.
She jumped really well last time out and she will enjoy the ground today.
HA D’OR (2.15) should win for Mullins, while FLAME BEARER (2.50) is another worth keeping an eye on today.
L’YSER ( 3.25) and PADDYS PLANET (4.00) can finish off today’s card.
Tomorrow, I have two good chances on RUN WILD FRED (12.40) and
FELIX DESJY (1.40).