Wootton Bassett set for poignant win

Tomorrow, in the Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock Park, he reverts to that trip and I think he could also return to his winning form of 2010 as well.

I think six furlongs is his best trip. He is happier when he’s bowling along in front and that’s how I’ll ride him at Haydock, so I reckon I have an excellent chance of landing the prize in the Group 1 race.

Wootton Bassett has had an uninterrupted preparation for a race for the first time this year. I rode him in work at home on Tuesday and he gave me a good feel. Unbeaten last season, he has yet to score in three races in 2011. However, I thought he was coming back to his best last month at Deauville when he just faded in the last 100 yards or so.

Of course, it’s not going to be easy to win as classy a race as the Betfred Sprint Cup but I am very hopeful indeed. Wootton Bassett is in good order and is ready to run a big race.

I’d love to win Haydock’s most prestigious Flat race for the first time and it would certainly be poignant in the week that saw the end of the public services for fallen troops in the town after which the horse is named.

I ride at Haydock this afternoon as well. I have three very decent chances of winners, in my view.

They are: Van Der Art, who has been second in his last two races, in the maiden at 2.10pm; Harvey’s Hope, who could return to winning form in the handicap at 4.40pm; and Goodwood winner from last month Take It To The Max in the finale at 5.10pm.

The card at Haydock tomorrow is very high class, as befits a day that is staging one of the races in the QIPCO British Champions Series.

However, in spite of the undoubted quality of the opposition during the afternoon, I think I have some other chances of winners in addition to Wootton Bassett.

The one that I would probably pick out is Ile De Re from trainer Ian Williams’s yard, which goes in the Betfred Bundles Old Borough Cup at 2.30pm. I haven’t ridden the horse before, but I’m told by my agent that it is fancied to run a good race. Last month, it won at Ascot before finishing fourth at Chester a fortnight ago.

Another of my rides that I’m looking forward to is Lexington Bay in the finale at 5.10pm. Stepped up to one-mile six-furlongs, I think he could have a bit of a chance.

He’s been crying out for this distance in my view.

I’ll be even closer to home on Sunday when there’s racing at York. In fact it’s the only Sunday raceday of the season on Knavesmire.

I am afraid that I am writing my column before declarations for Sunday are made – and the boss, Richard Fahey, has entered so many horses that I really don’t know which ones will run!

We’ll certainly be sending out a strong team for the seven races, though, and I would be delighted to bag a couple of winners on home soil in the six races in which I can take part – the finale is for apprentice riders.

Some of the stable stalwarts – like Johannes, Marine Commando and Ejteyaaz – could be in action, so it’s set for a memorable afternoon. I’m certainly looking forward to it and meeting all the families.

The first race time at York’s Press Family Raceday on Sunday is at 1.50pm. As well as seven horse races, there is pony racing, an interactive racing zone, bouncy castle and appearances by children’s television characters Captain Barnacles as well as Timmy the Lamb. Further details on www.yorkracecourse.co.uk where online bookings can be made or by calling 01904 620911.

Walter Swinburn is to quit training on October 31. Remembered for his association with Derby winner Shergar, Swinburn took over from his father-in-law, Peter Harris, in November 2004, and has sent out over 260 winners. He has only 25 winners this season, with his decision to retire reportedly related to the current economic climate.