Brendan Powell: “The Big Breakaway has his mojo back now”
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Jockey Brendan Powell previews his four rides at Taunton on Friday and gives us his reaction to The Big Breakaway’s runner-up finish in the Coral Welsh Grand National.
The Big Breakaway reaction
It was a big run from The Big Breakaway in the Coral Welsh Grand National at Chepstow. He did everything right but win. We gave the winner 26lb in weight, which is a lot when conditions are testing like they were.
The winner was second in the race a couple of years ago off a 17lb higher mark, so it was a great effort in the closing stages. The Big Breakaway travelled through the race a lot better than he had done in a while. I think he is just starting to get his mojo back now, so it won’t be long before he wins a big race again.
Joe will now sit down with the owners and discuss the next options for the horse. The Grand National at Aintree is a completely different test, but I am sure it will be under consideration, as will all the staying chases in the second half of the season.
Friday
Ed Walker is not known for having too many jumpers. It is the horse’s first run over hurdles so it will be a completely different test to what he has been up against. He has won over 1m4f on the Flat, so he should have no issues with his stamina.
His highest mark on the Flat was 73, so if he takes to hurdles, and there is no reason why he won’t do, he will have a good chance in this race.
I was successful twice on this horse last season with wins coming at Wincanton and Fontwell. He was travelling nicely on his first appearance of the season at Plumpton before making a bad mistake at the ditch, and that stopped him in his tracks.
He has been schooling nicely at home since. 2m7f around Taunton should suit, and he has always been a horse that will appreciate a little further over fences. I think he has a solid each-way chance.
The way she won at Ffos Las was pleasing. She disappointed slightly on her next appearance at Uttoxeter, but I don’t think she was quite right that day. I have been pleased with what she has shown at home since then. With this being a Listed race, it is going to be competitive, but I’d love to think she could become a black-type horse one day.
He is a nice horse who has won three hurdle races now. I think he will make a lovely chaser one day. He has gone up 9lb for his latest success at Uttoxeter last time out. It took a while for the penny to drop last year, but he has done nothing wrong this season. 3m around Taunton should suit him, and he is likely to keep on improving.
Brendan
