Harry Cobden’s Planet Sport Bet blog: I'd love to ride Threeunderthrufive at the Grand National
Threeunderthrufive and jockey Harry Cobden
Planet Sport ambassador Harry Cobden reviews his Grade 1 winning weekend at Ascot, looks ahead to a couple of his rides this week and gives his views on the battle for the Jockeys' Championship.
Saturday at Ascot
I was really happy with Threeunderthrufive. He travelled fantastically and jumped great too, so it was brilliant to see him get his head in front again.
He probably won with a bit in hand actually as he pulled himself up towards the end.
It was great for Max McNeil who gives so much to racing and the horse really deserved it.
The Grand National has been mentioned and if that’s where we do go then I would love to ride him.
Pic D’Orhy was superb in the Ascot Chase. I managed to get a few lengths off them at the start and he travelled brilliantly from the outset.
He jumped 100 times better than he did the last time we ran at Ascot and I was always really happy. It couldn’t have gone much better and it was a fantastic day.
I’d never felt him school as well as he did during the week and I was pretty confident he was going to run a big race.
The week ahead
I’m looking forward to riding Kalif Du Berlais in the Adonis Hurdle at Kempton on Saturday.
I schooled him on Monday morning and he was in super form.
He’s a horse we like a lot and one we think can go quite far so let’s hope he can continue his progression here.
If he puts in another big showing here, we’ll look at the Triumph Hurdle.
I’m not saying he’ll definitely run in it, but the option will be there and we’ll see if we think it’s right for the horse.
I’m not sure if we’d run at both Cheltenham and Aintree, but if we do skip Cheltenham then Aintree would look tailormade for him.
I’ll likely head to Fontwell on Sunday for the National Spirit to ride Blue King D’Oroux.
He’s another in good form and Paul [Nicholls] has saved him for the race. The track should suit and he’s another I’m looking forward to.
Jockeys’ title race
It’s great to have taken the lead in the title race. As of Monday I’m three clear but Sean [Bowen] has some nice rides so I’d imagine the gap might be a bit smaller by the time I’m back in the saddle.
I’m really enjoying things at the moment and this is probably the best I’ve ever ridden. I’m really confident in what I’m doing and I’m very lucky to have support from Paul as well as lots of other trainers.
You’ve still got to get the job done, but on the whole things are going in the right direction.
It would be amazing to win it, however there’s a long way to go till Sandown.
