Daryl Jacob in action on Ballymoy
Daryl Jacob previews weekend rides including Fusil Raffles in Adonis Hurdle
By Daryl Jacob
16:34 · SAT February 23, 2019
Daryl Jacob provides a horse-by-horse guide to his weekend rides including an interesting newcomer to the Nicky Henderson ranks.
Fusil Raffles - 2.25 Kempton, Saturday
He's arrived from Guillaume Macaire's in France and starts out on in Britain in the 888Sport Take 'Em On Adonis Juvenile Hurdle. Nicky Henderson is on record stating the horse seems to have matured as the year has gone on so I'm looking forward to getting on him and seeing how he gets on. He's obviously got the Cheltenham entries in the Fred Winter and the Triumph Hurdle so we'll see where we stand after Saturday and make an assessment from there.
Brecon Hill - 3.00 Kempton, Saturday
He was second to Brewin'upastorm at Huntingdon before winning well at Leicester so he's entitled to take this step up in grade. Whether he's up to this level it's hard to say but good, decent ground clearly plays to his strengths and he's not short of natural pace having won a bumper as well. He might just be one to run well at a big price.
Rise And Dine - 4.45 Kempton, Saturday
I can't say a huge amount about the horse as I don't know what he's capable of first time out but Nicolas Clement is a top-quality French trainer who doesn't have many runners over here so he's got to be of interest. He's a son of Derby winner Authorized and it wouldn't be a huge surprise if he was up to going well on debut although he's bound to improve for a run.
Ballymoy - 2.50 Fontwell, Sunday
He's been a star this season and won three valuable handicaps before finishing mid-field at Sandown last time. I wouldn't hold that against him as he was still in there pitching before a mistake two-out effectively did for him and he's definitely worth a shot at this Grade Two event. I've won the National Spirit Hurdle in the past (Prospect Wells, 2013) and it's a good race in which to have a leading contender.
Eau Top - 4.55 Fontwell, Sunday
Ben Pauling's horses are in good form which is an obvious plus point but the horse clearly lacks experience and he's likely to come for his initial racecourse outing. He might just be one to watch for the time being.