Luke previews his Saturday rides at Lingfield and Kempton

WHILE I’ll be focusing on my rides this weekend I have to say I’m looking forward to watching the $12 million Pegasus World Cup in America on Saturday night.

I think it’s a great initiative for racing to be stepping out of the box to engage people. They’ve got MMA star Conor McGregor promoting it and the race is different in its format and the way it’s been put together.

I think it’s a clever idea with people paying $1m for a slot in the race and then either racing a horse themselves or selling the slot to someone else. Fair play to them for getting stuck in and I think it’s a big thing for racing.

They’ve been rewarded with two champions coming together in Arrogate and California Chrome and it’s sure to be a great race. In the Breeders’ Cup I felt Arrogate would come out on top and I think it’ll be the same in this race. Dropping back in trip will suit California Chrome, but Arrogate is drawn better and is more versatile.

I rode her the last day and she didn’t really face the kickback at Southwell. I thought a tongue tie might just help with her wind. She’s better than what she’s shown but she needs to start showing that on the track.

He got the perfect trip round from a great draw last time and he just got beat by one that was better on the day, which seems to be the case with him. On the figures it was his best performance so he’s in top order at the minute. He’s a solid each-way chance but it vulnerable to anything that has a bit in hand. He’s tough and genuine.

He’s a nice big horse that’s going to improve with time and experience. He’s one for later in the year.

He ran better than his finishing position suggested last week. He’s still above his last winning mark so he’s vulnerable, but I think he’s got a solid each-way chance because he’s in good form with himself.

He’s in the perfect race. He didn’t get going at Southwell last time and a change to Polytrack here will be better for him. If he can overcome the draw he has an each-way chance.

She is what she is. She has a tongue tie on for the first time to help with her wind. If that helps her then she could step forward and could be placed.

This is a really good competitive race. Professor’s a good horse on his day but he’s been off the course for a while. I finished second on him in a good heritage handicap a couple of years ago, but back from an injury it’s best just to watch him.

He’s in the right grade and has been knocking on the door without managing to get his head in front. If he runs up to form he’ll be in the shake up but is vulnerable off his mark.

She was due to run on Friday so I’m not sure if she’ll turn out again. She’s been running reasonably well recently and she doesn’t have to improve much to take a hand in this. She ran well at the track last time as well.

Cheers,

Luke