Harry Cobden’s Planet Sport Bet blog: Expecting a bold show from Kandoo Kid

13:20 (Newbury) Fortescue

It will be the first time I ride Fortescue but I’m looking forward to it. He’s been a brilliant servant for Henry Daly and always runs his race.

I’m a big fan of the veterans’ races as it’s not easy for these older horses in handicaps against younger types, so their own series makes sense.
 The prize money is usually very good and they are often nice and competitive.
 

13:55 (Newbury) Kandoo Kid

I then ride Kandoo Kid in the Greatwood Gold Cup. He loves Newbury which is always a bonus and he was victorious there last time.

He was pretty disappointing at Doncaster last time where he never seemed to be going, so hopefully he can bounce back.

He looks to have strong claims back at Newbury although we wouldn’t want the ground to be too soft. If it’s not, I’d be expecting a bold show.

14:25 (Newbury) Florencethemachine

In all honesty, I’m not sure if Florencethemachine is well-handicapped or not.

She won nicely at Exeter last time but going left-handed probably won’t be ideal.

She is straightforward, though, and stays the trip well so I’m interested to see how she goes. 
 

15:00 (Newbury) Shared

Shared of Harry Derham’s is up next.

He won well last time but that was back in October and I’m not sure if it was intended to give him as a long a break as they have, but it’s nice to get a ride for Harry, who is having a great season, and hopefully we can go well in this.

15:32 (Newbury) Knowwhentoholem

I rode in the race Knowwhentoholem finished eighth in last time at Sandown.

He was probably a little free that day but he looks to have plenty of scope and size.

I couldn’t tell you if he was well-handicapped, but Anthony Charlton’s horses are running well and I think I’ve got an idea on how to ride him.

16:05 (Newbury) Makin'yourmindup

I think Makin'yourmindup will appreciate the softer surface here than what we got last time.

He won last time but he was learning on the job and I think we’ll see a more mature horse here.

He’s a really solid jumper, worked well during the week, and I would make him one of my better chances on the day.

 

16:40 (Newbury) Gone Away Madam

Gone Away Madam is my final ride of the day. I don’t have many rides for Neil King so it’s nice to pick one up for him.

She was very impressive first time out and although she was beaten at odds-on last time, it wasn’t a bad performance by any means.

I won the race in actual fact and having been given a bit of time to get over it, she should run a nice race.

Cheltenham preview

We’re very much in Cheltenham fever now and the preview circuit is beginning to take off and I wanted to let everyone know that I’ll be at the Planet Sport Bet one at Ganley’s Irish Bar in Morden.

I’ll be previewing all of the races alongside Tom Scudamore, Paul Kealy, Mick Fitzgerald and Luke Harvey and it should be a great night.
 
Tickets are free so come on down!