THEY say the best things come in small packages, and that certainly looks the case today in the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton.
There are only four of us for the big race, but while it may be low on numbers, it’s definitely high on quality – and I can’t wait to partner Knappers Hill.
Every horse has got a fair few trophies, so there will be no easy pickings…which is just as it should be for a Grade 2.
I’ve ridden Knappers at home plenty of times, especially when he was still a young horse, and he’s always been very enthusiastic on the gallops.
He was quite a baby but very athletic even then, and this season the penny has dropped, he’s strengthened up and really progressed in himself.
I know he finished behind First Street, one of today’s rivals, in the Relkeel Hurdle on New Year’s Day, but this is half a mile shorter, and the better ground will suit him.
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Plus we know the track suits Knapper, because he’s two from two at Wincanton and he goes there with a real live chance.
I was behind Chloe Humphries as we were coming back from the gallops, and asked her “how did he go?” She just looked at me and smiled – that was good enough for me!
My day starts on Flic Ou Voyou, also for Paul (Nicholls), and we had a bit of a mishap last time I rode him, at Ayr in April.
He’s a bit of a tricky customer, and the confidence levels have to be high for him, but he is very capable of winning plenty of races.
It’s all about fitting the pieces of the jigsaw together, but – the same as Knappers – the better ground and smaller field will suit him.
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Some horses can get a bit stressed with a lot of runners, but with only six of us that will hopefully make life a bit easier.
I won on Switch Hitter on his chasing debut at Hereford, as well as a couple over hurdles, so we’ve got a good record together.
He likes the flatter tracks so this should be right up his street, and in calmer waters today than the Class One he ran in at Cheltenham in December.
Next up I’m on Press Your Luck, who I rode at Kempton on Boxing Day, when he ran very well for a long way.
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Again, a field of only six is a massive thing for him because he doesn’t like to be crowded, and Chris Gordon’s horses have been in flying form. Let’s hope that continues today.
Then I finish off with De Wasted Warrior, who is making his handicap debut and another with top weight – I’ve got a few of those this afternoon!
Last time out was just one of those days, and you can ignore that run. Hopefully he will show the progress he’s made, so we’ll get out there and get galloping.
When you’re riding horses for a top yard like Paul you always have to be confident, but I’ve learned over the years that you never get ahead of yourself thinking ‘today’s going to be awesome.’
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You just take them into each race as individuals, put them in the best possible position to take their chance…and hope they do just that!
Until next week, stay safe and keep kicking.
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