Dublin Racing Festival preview: Daryl Jacob on James Du Berlais and other Sunday rides
By Daryl Jacob
19:05 · TUE February 07, 2023
Daryl Jacob struck Grade 1 gold on Saturday with El Fabiolo and is looking forward to some more exciting Sunday rides in the Simon Munir and Isaac Souede’s silks.
On Sunday I’m on JAMES DU BERLAIS in the Ladbrokes Novice Chase and he gave me a great feel when I rode him to victory at Fairyhouse on New Year’s Day.
He might have been a bit fresh and free that day, but you’ve got to remember he was coming off the back of 612 days off and he did it very easily.
The bounce factor is always in the back of your mind but less so with one of Willie’s – look at what he did with Carefully Selected – and I’m hopeful of a really big performance in what looks a competitive Grade 1.
In the Ladbrokes Dublin Chase I’m on SCEAU ROYAL for Alan King and this has been the target for him for a good while. It’s a race that has cut up a lot, tactically it will be interesting and I think old Sceau will run a big race.
The dry week will play to his strengths as the better the ground the better for him and he’s been in great form at home where I’ve schooled him a couple of times the last few weeks.
He’s 11 now and has been a terrific servant, but he’s no back number yet and this test could really suit him.
Obviously I was on Blue Lord last time when he won the Grade 1 Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase for me at this track and he’ll be a short-priced favourite under Paul Townend.
It could be another step towards the Champion Chase for him on Sunday and I’ll obviously be hoping he runs well – a nice second to Sceau Royal would be perfect!
Paul is on another hot favourite in Facile Vega in the Grade 1 Tattersall Ireland Novice Hurdle but I’m on another nice prospect in the double green in DARK RAVEN, who I’ve sat on a few times at Willie’s recently.
This horse bolted up on his hurdling debut at this track over Christmas (replay below) and the form looks good with the second, Doctor Bravo, coming out and winning at Down Royal.
He looks to have a real engine and though I’ve no doubt he will go out in trip in time, he’s not short of boot and we’re hoping for a big run from him on Sunday.
I ride TAX FOR MAX in the Festina Lente Charity Liffey Handicap Hurdle and he looked to bounce right back to form in a first-time tongue-tie when he was last seen winning at Punchestown.
I’ve ridden this horse in a Triumph Hurdle and in a Punchestown Handicap last spring, and while he was a keen-going sort early in his career he has learnt on the job and is more straightforward now.
On his best form he’d have an each-way chance off his current mark.
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