As we get started in Windsor on Friday, I’m thrilled to be a part of the Berkshire Winter Million, an exciting addition to the racing schedule. It was a welcome change to return to Windsor for the last meet, and it’s great to see this iconic location hosting again this weekend, with events scheduled for Friday and Sunday.
The outstanding prize money available over the course of the three days at Windsor and Ascot is what truly makes this event unique. In addition to drawing elite athletes, it ensures fierce competition, which is precisely what the sport needs to succeed. The battle is much more fierce than usual because of the backlog of runners caused by the recent wave of weather-related cancellations. For onlookers, that results in some thrilling races without a single ‘easy’ run in sight.
Windsor, Friday
At Windsor, I’m starting things off with the competitive five-runner novices’ hurdle at Dameofthecotswolds (12.40pm). She should capitalize on her skills and take the three-mile step, which is exactly what she needs. With three wins and two seconds to her credit, she has been remarkably reliable this season, consistently placing in the top two every time out. This level of form speaks for itself, and because she hasn’t had many options lately, this race seems like the ideal fit—especially with the substantial prize money up for grabs. I’m feeling hopeful about her chances, and this is the first of four rides I have planned for the weekend that I would describe as a live chance. She will give us every excuse to be confident if she continues to perform like she has.
After 250 days off the track, Kyntara (1:15 pm) made a strong comeback last time out, and he will be my next ride. His jumping in particular struck me; he maintained a steady pace and made good progress. He probably needed that first run back to get sharp, and there were many good things to learn from it. No matter the conditions, I don’t care about the terrain because he’s a versatile horse. Regaining the winning form he displayed during his first, extremely successful season with Mel Rowley will be the goal. I’m optimistic about his prospects in this cutthroat industry given the expertise he has gained and the promise he has already demonstrated. Ilovethenightlife (2.25 p.m.) in the mares’ handicap chase for Joe Tizzard is my next ride. This is another valuable race on a competitive card, with some excellent prize money up for grabs.
Last time out, she held her own against some established graded winners in a strong race at Warwick in listed company. The way she finished the race, displaying a great deal of perseverance and commitment to finish strong, was what most impressed me. Once more, you can only be hopeful going into this one since she is ready to seize the chance. She will have every opportunity to have a significant influence here at Windsor if she performs as well as she did at Warwick. Ballycamus (4.08pm), my last ride of the day, will be attempting to win back-to-back races at this track. He returns in excellent form and brimming with confidence, having recently experienced triumph here in December. He has risen the handicap again to a mark of 123, which will naturally make things a bit tougher, but I believe he has what it takes to remain highly competitive even after the rise.
