Assistant trainer Carl Llewellyn gives his views on a selection of the stable’s horses ahead of the season

Bristol De Mai

WE were delighted with his third in the Gold Cup, when he was beaten just over six lengths and had previous winner Native River behind him. You could say that was as good as his form left-handed, even though he has done so well in the Betfair Chase. That will the the aim again, possibly the Charlie Hall to start with. The King George hasn’t been decided upon yet. He goes on most tracks, as long as there’s some nice cut in the ground. He’s had a nice break after Aintree, he’s in great form and we’re very happy with him.

Blue Flight

THE way he’s kept improving is remarkable really (second best horse in the yard on total earnings last season). He won three on the bounce and finished up coming fourth in the Scottish National. He beat Black Corton up at Kelso in March and hopefully he can get even better. He might go back there as his owners live up north, there are plenty of staying races for him. Something like the Welsh National might suit.

Al Dancer

HE’S going novice chasing and has schooled nicely. Probably two miles is his trip for now. He ran below par at Cheltenham, he just wasn’t himself there. I suppose he had been on the go for quite a while. He’s in good form and ready to go.

Wholestone

IT was a poor race he won the other day with just one horse to beat. We were very happy to see him put in a clear round though as sometimes it’s not easy in those small fields, when you have to do the jumping alone. He’s entered at Chepstow and we will get plenty of experience in over two and a half to three miles. He could be a possible for Cheltenham early on as we know he likes it there.

Ballymoy

HE was beaten first time up in a beginners’ chase at Warwick by one of Dan Skelton’s. There were no excuses, he wasn’t good enough on the day. He’s probably going to need a stiffer test, as he was done for a bit of toe in the end. He made a few mistakes and it’s all a learning curve at this stage. We weren’t too disappointed and he’ll most likely go up to two and a half next time.

Cogry

A YARD favourite for obvious reasons, he’s very enthusiastic and always does his best. He’s won eight times, including three races at Cheltenham and been placed another ten. As usual he’ll most likely start at Cheltenham in October, in the race he was just beaten in last year but won it the year before. He’s given us all some great days.

One For Rosie

HE came back to us a bit later than normal so he’s a bit behind the others. He’s cantering away at the moment. Last season he showed some very good form for Paul and Clare Rooney, he was only just beaten in the EBF Final at Sandown, then was placed in a Grade One at the National meeting. He’s a smart horse and we have high hopes for him. It hasn’t been confirmed whether he’ll stay over hurdles or go novice chasing yet. We still have time to decide.

Calett Mad

UNFORTUNATELY it looks like he’s out for the season with an injury.

Count Meribel

HE’S probably going for the Betvictor Gold Cup at Cheltenham. He’s run well at the track in the past andd defeated Le Breuil (2019 National Hunt Chase winner) at the meeting last season. He’s a good horse for the owner and Mark Grant.

Wicked Willy

A SUPERSTAR in his own right, it’ll be all those nice handicap hurdles for him. We are looking at Wincanton’s Badger Chase meeting for him.

Ballyandy

HE was disappointing over fences really, so we switched him back to hurdles and he found some form again. It was pleasing to see him finish close-up at The Festival in the Coral Cup, there was not much between the first three home. He seems back to his old self at home and if he performs well he might be returning to graded company, as he’s quite high in the handicap.

Torpillo

ONE of our four-year-olds, he made a good start for us last season winning twice in the mud. He was often keen in his races andd we think he’s more settled now. He just gets excited and enthusiastic about life. He’s promising, it’s about channelling his energy in the right direction.

Go Conquer

HE’S been a grand servant over the years and is 10 now. He was impressive in the Skybet Chase under Tom Bellamy in his first season with us. It will be similar races again for him again.

Flying Angel

HE hasn’t won since his Grade One novices’ chase at Aintree in 2017. He had wind surgery and then we tried him in headgear for much of last season. He was fifth at The Festival and sixth at the National meeting in handicap chases. They were better efforts as he had put in some disappointing runs and we weren’t sure why. He’s had a nice summer break and is talented on his day.

Good Boy Bobby

ONE of our nice novice chasers, he’s a handy horse and a good one to have here. He wears a hood as he can be quite keen. He’s won three hurdles and has plenty of talent. We are looking forward to seeing how he gets on this season.

The Hollow Ginge

THE race at Worcester (recent chasing debut) turned into the test of stamina he likes. He’s a tough little horse and enjoys soft ground. John (Neild, owner) hopes he will be contesting some good staying chases eventually like one of his other horses Splash Of Ginge.