We’ve had quite a frustrating run of seconds and near-misses of late, but the horses have been running very well and I've been pleased with them – they just haven’t been winning!

We’ve got plenty of chances on Saturday so hopefully we’ll get back in the winners’ enclosure. 

12:40 Ascot

Spirit Mixer  makes his debut for us in the newcomers' race at Ascot.

He is just so beautifully bred - by a Juddmonte International winner and out of a Juddmonte International winner. There can’t be many of those about.

He’s a lovely horse who goes well at home but, like all of our two-year-olds, he'll come forward for the experience.

We don’t know what we’re up against - I’m sure there’ll be some smart horses in this - but ours will be a grand horse in time and Ascot is a lovely place to start them off.

13:50 Ascot 

I thought Chil Chil  ran really well at Bath last time out on her first start for a long time.

She’s got some good form in the book from last year and on the face of it she could still be reasonably well-handicapped, so I’d like to think she’ll be competitive.

14:05 Haydock

Foxtrot Lady  has been a model of consistency this year and always tries her best.

She ran well at Pontefract last time, but this is much tougher and it’s fair to say that Veracious will be very tough to beat.

These are her ideal conditions, though: 1m on fast ground is just what she wants.

14:40 Haydock

Fox Tal  has been a big disappointment this season.

He was much too keen at Ascot when we thought he had a great chance, and then he was way below par at Newbury last time with no obvious reason.

I’ve been pleased with him at home of late and his homework has improved, so if he is coming back to his best you’d have thought he’d go very well in this race. But, coming off the back of two poor runs, he’s got it all to prove.

14:50 Newmarket

Spanish Colt  is a hardy horse who seemingly loves fast ground, so the conditions should suit him well.

He ran another good race last time and the course at Newmarket should suit his head-down-and-battle attitude.

15:00 Ascot 

We’re going to take a second look in the morning, as the ground could just be too quick for Diocletian .

He’s been going nicely at home and, if he does run, I’d expect him to perform with real credit in a race of this nature - he just doesn’t want it rattling quick.

16:10 Ascot 

Bronze River  has run a couple of really good races on his last two starts and I’ve been pleased with him.

His brother was a useful horse and he ended up staying a mile and half well, so we’re hopeful he will too.

17:10 Newmarket

Good Birthday  has been keeping a little bit for himself in his races, so we’ve opted for the headgear.

On his day he is more than capable, as he showed when he was third in the Cambridgeshire at the back end of last season and again in the Rowley Mile on his seasonal reappearance.

The ground might be on the quicker side for him, mind.

17:40 Newmarket

Coltrane  surprised me when he won last time out at Chepstow as I thought he’d find it all a bit quick.

On the back of that he should have no problems with the track or the trip, and he appears in good form at home, so I’d like to think he’ll go well.

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