Our man Sam Twiston-Davies looks ahead to his Saturday rides on Classic Chase day at Warwick
AFTER a hectic Christmas and New Year the early part of January is a typically quiet time of year for me.
I even schlepped it up to Sedgefield for a couple on Friday – annoyingly neither of my rides obliged so it was a long journey home!
I really appreciated winning the Jockey of the Month award earlier this week, so thank you to everyone who voted for me.
It was great to be nominated and to win the award is a real privilege. I’ve had plenty of support from some top people, and a special thanks go to the connections of Clan Des Obeaux who put their trust in me to ride him in the King George.
Winners of the award scoop £500, so I’ve decided to donate my cheque to the Australian Red Cross who are helping those affected by the terrifying bushfires going on Down Under.
I’ve been horrified like everyone else by what I’ve seen on TV. There has been plenty of money raised so far and every little helps.
I’ve got a busy afternoon ahead of me at Warwick with six rides.
I kick the day off on Milanstorm (12.40) in the opener for Nige. He has been disappointing since winning his bumper, but we are hopeful he can run better in slightly easier company.
Luckofthedraw (1.15) has been below-par the last twice so we’ve freshened him up and he seems in good form - but he is a quirky character so we are never 100% sure what to expect.
I’m really looking forward to Mossy Fen (2.25) in the Grade 2 Leamington Novices’ Hurdle. He’s come out of the point-to-point field and he’s a horse we think a lot of.
He won his first two starts over hurdles at Worcester and Aintree and he was fourth in the Albert Bartlett Trial at Cheltenham last month.
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I actually chose to ride him over the eventual winner Redford Road that day (d’oh!) but we were a little unlucky as he met trouble and ran on again.
He has the speed to cope with the drop back to 2m5f, but it’s a hot little race and we will find out more about him. Whatever happens, he will be a beast when he goes chasing.
I’m booked to ride the old boy Milansbar (3.00) in the Classic Chase. He only ran a few days ago but hopefully he is given the go ahead to run again.
He has won this race in the past and has finished fifth in a Grand National. He is a bit of a legend and I’m looking forward to getting on him – Bryony Frost usually rides him and tells me he’s a great spin!
I end the card with a couple for Nick Williams. One For The Team (3.35) is progressive and should go well off a light weight, and Colonel Manderson (4.00) is well-bred but makes his debut in a newcomer’s bumper, so it’s hard to know what to expect.