Jame Spencer: “This horse is the reason why I am riding at Goodwood today”

I start my book of rides today at Goodwood in the opener at 1.45pm with Medburn Cutler. Going off his jumps form, Rayvin Black will be hard to beat in this race. He was rated 149 over obstacles. This is on the flat now though. It’s my horse’s first run in 159 days so hopefully he will run well fresh. If he does, we’ll have a chance.

Bateel in the 2.15pm is the reason why I am riding at Goodwood today and not at Newmarket for Big Orange. She’s run three times and won on all of those starts. We think a lot of her. Hopefully she has the potential to go to the top of the tree in her division this year. We’re really looking forward to seeing what she does this year.

I ride Room Key in the handicap over 7f at 2.50pm. He was highly tried last year. He ran in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket and numerous other good races. He has a rating to reflect all of that. He might have an each-way squeak but it looks a tough handicap for him.

I am looking forward to my ride on Normal Equilibrium at 3.25pm. He’s already had a run this season and Robert Cowell thinks he’ll improve on that run where he won at Epsom. He’s only gone up four pounds for that success. He’s well handicapped on old form so he has to go into this race with a big chance.

Tomorrow I’ll be flying out to Saint-Cloud where I will be riding The Corsican for David Simcock in the Group One Prix Ganay. I am looking forward to that because we are really pleased with his form at home. I expect him to run well so he should go close.

Over at Newmarket today, Big Orange is in action in the Group Two contest at 3.05pm. The ground will need to dry out for him. To be seen at his best, he needs fast ground. He’s in great form though. He’s come back from Dubai really well. We are hopeful he can put in a good show but it is a stepping stone for Royal Ascot.

I have been on the gallops this morning and the ground is on the easy side but on the racecourse it should be a bit dryer. The gallops are obviously a bit more chopped up. The ground might not be too far off Good on the Rowley Mile.

I think both of Aidan O’Brien’s favourites this weekend with Ryan Moore on board will be hard to beat. First up he has Air Force Blue in the 2000 Guineas today. He was the champion two-year old last year and was very impressive in the Dewhurst. There’ll be no excuses about the ground for any of the runners in the race so the best horse should win on merit today.

Minding heads the betting in the 1000 Guineas tomorrow. She also won at Newmarket last year. The ground should also be Good tomorrow which will suit her just find. I find it very difficult to look past her in the fillies race.