Scu Says: “You Say What must have a great chance”

I was thrilled with Daklondike’s win in the Mandarin Chase on Saturday. I was pushing him for a long way but he responded brilliantly and relished the test of stamina. He jumped superbly and it was tough performance given he’s only five years old.

I was determined to hold my position on him. I thought that if I could just stay within striking distance of the leaders then I knew that we’d be okay and that he’d have a great chance turning for home. His jumping really helped as it kept us in the race. I was flat out between the obstacles and his jumping ensured that we didn’t lose any ground. It’s a bit like in Football or Rugby when they talk about “chasing the game”, that’s what it was like on the Daklondike. We were chasing the game all the way round.

There are some races where you like to think as a jockey you made the difference and perhaps this was one of those.  That said you can’t get too carried away as at the end of the day it’s the horse that does all the hard work. You just have to try and ensure that you put them in the position to win it.

NEW YEAR’S DAY

12.40 Exeter – Friday Night Light

He ran to a decent standard on the Flat. He ran really well at Taunton first time out. The conditions are going to be the unknown for him. He won’t have experienced anything as testing as what he’ll encounter in this race, but if he copes with it then he will have a big chance.

1.50 Exeter – It’s Obvious

He ran well first time out and then ran well to a point next time out at Newbury. He will enjoy the conditions at Exeter but he will need to step up on what he’s done so far to figure.

2.25 Exeter – You Say What

He’ll thrive on the conditions and loves it around Exeter. A severe test is right up his street. He was just touched off over 3m6f last time. He’s really found his feet. He looks like he’ll have a very good chance. Solomon Grundy would be a danger. I was second on him around Newcastle last time out. He’s getting his act together over fences. But the tougher conditions the better for my horse and he must have a great chance.

3.00 Exeter – Valhalla

It’s a competitive three runner race and Valhalla will have to bounce back from a fall last time out. He showed some good form at the back end of last season so can win this. But any of the three could win.

3.35 Exeter – Mrs Miggins

I haven’t had a lot to do with her. I’ve had a sit on her at home and David is happy enough with her. By the time it comes to the last race here it is going to be incredibly testing. David won this race last year with Mr Clarkson so hopefully we can do it again with Mrs Miggins

Tom