Racing
Scholfield Speaks: On his weekend rides, Black Friday and Unai Emery
Fresh from riding a tasty double at Musselburgh on Monday with Court Master (5/1) and Justice Knight (12/1), Nick gives us his views on his upcoming rides, Black Friday and Unai Emery getting sacked!
On his Monday double…
We had a good start to the week again at Musselburgh on Court Marshal and Justice Knight thanks to Michael Scudamore, they made the trip worthwhile. Court Marshal in particular should be one to follow. I’m sure he’s an improving sort so is one to keep an eye on this season.
On meetings being called off…
I’m not riding anything on Friday. Originally I was due to be at Doncaster but it has unfortunately been called off on Friday and Saturday. It’s a pity as I had some nice rides up there but can’t be helped. The same applies to Leicester on Sunday.
Typically when a meeting is called off I will still ride out in the morning. Due to the amount of rain we’ve had it’s pretty wet at the moment but luckily it looks as though the forecast is better for next week. Fingers crossed!
On his rides this weekend…
I’m heading to Bangor tomorrow, with Doncaster off, where I’ll be riding Ask The Weatherman who is running in the 1:20 and I think he’s got a very good chance. The handicapper has given him a great chance as he’s 7lbs lower than his last win at Exeter when I was on him.
He’ll love the ground, he’ll love the heavy conditions and it’s nice that he’s only got 11 stone 4lbs on his back. It seems as though he’s in good form at home and has been a good horse for the Barber team. It would be nice if he could win again.
Then at 2:30 I’m on What’Llbewillbe in the Novices’ Hurdle. It’s his first time ever on track although he’s a very nice horse at home and definitely a lovely one for the future. He has stiff opposition with some talented horses in the race although he’s one I like a lot. Obviously it is his first time on the track though so whatever he does he’s sure to improve on.
On market moves…
If there’s a big move on a horse I’m booked on I obviously keep an eye on it as it’s good to keep an eye on your opposition as well as what you’re riding but overall I tend just to listen to my trainer and go from there really. Even if my ride is backed in heavily I wouldn’t pay too much attention to it, I derive most of my confidence from my trainer, but it’s handy to see whether the opposition are fancied or not.
On Black Friday…
It’s nothing something I’m hugely interested in, although I do love a bargain. However, I won’t be paying too much attention to it!
On Unai Emery getting sacked…
I’m a Liverpool man. Arsenal will never be happy. They had Arsene Wenger and he was a good guy so they’ll never be happy. Of the frontrunners to replace him I reckon Pochettino would be a good fit, we’ll see what happens!
