Apologies for no blog last week – I was on an aeroplane to Arlington, which proved to be a very worthwhile trip!

My win on I’m A Dreamer in the Beverley D was absolutely brilliant, and it’s nice to show that last season wasn’t a one-off. I thought she had a lot of potential when I won on her a couple of years ago but she looked like she might be one of those ‘nearly horses’, who never quite fulfils her potential. She certainly has now.

Racing UK has run a promotion this year, whereby they would refund 12-month subscriptions if I rode a Group 1 winner in 2012. Luckily for them, it was only in the UK otherwise I think I may have cost them a few quid. Hopefully I still can!

I then rode Wigmore Hall in the Arlington Million and he’s still got all his old sparkle, but he needs things to fall his way. He can certainly win at the top level and I think a strongly-run race, possibly over a mile and half, would be right up his street.

I’m flat out this weekend – which is definitely how I want to be – but I must confess I’m not the easiest person at this time of year! I’m riding a lot of evening meetings too, and it’s hard to get a moment to myself. I’m not the only one who gets grumpy, and a lot of other jockeys have quite short tempers right now! So go carefully with us!

Friday’s rides

A winner always puts a spring in the step though. I’m at Newmarket on Friday, when I ride two newcomers for Michael Bell in Princess Patsky and Divergence. Both fillies are ready to run but will improve for this. The only other filly I can tell you anything about is Capacious, who runs in the one-mile maiden. I rode her to come seventh on her debut, when she was very green. She’s a nice big filly who will improve a lot for that experience.

Saturday’s rides

This weekend is action-packed with rides in four Group races, a Listed race and a Heritage Handicap. I’m at Goodwood in the afternoon and kick off with Amazonas in the (Whiteley Clinic) Prestige Stakes for Ed Dunlop. She won for me on her debut and she’s since finished fourth to Newfangled at Royal Ascot, before slightly disappointing at Sandown. This looks to be her level and her form is there for all to see.

I won on Primaeval at Goodwood in May, and then he didn’t like the soft ground at Royal Ascot. This faster surface and the track should see him back to his best so should have a decent chance in the (Betfair Summer Double Second Leg) Heritage Handicap.

I’m delighted to have picked up the ride on Thistle Bird in the (Betfair) Celebration Mile for Roger Charlton. She’s on a hat-trick after two Listed wins so clearly deserves the step up to Group level. Chachamaidee and Aljamaaheer will prove tough opposition though.

Dandino has come second on all his three starts at Goodwood, and will relish the one mile and six furlong trip of the Windflower March Stakes. He’s won at Group 2 level before so this Listed race provides a great opportunity for him.

I’m off to Windsor in the evening to ride Primevere in the Group 3 Winter Hill Stakes. I won a Listed race on her at Salisbury in August last year, and I think this could be her time of the year. She’s had a couple of months off now, which might set her up for a good autumn campaign.

Sunday’s rides

I’m back at Goodwood on Sunday to ride Boom And Bust in the Group 3 (Greene King) Supreme Stakes. He did have the option of running in the big handicap in which Primaeval runs, but I think he deserves this step up – less can go wrong in a smaller field – and Marcus’s horses always seem to run out of their skins at the track. Also watch out for his Konstantin in the seven-furlong handicap.

Let Frankel race again in front of his home crowd

Before I go, I have to mention Frankel’s awesome win on Wednesday. I know there’s talk of where he should run next, but I’d love to see him one more time in the UK and QIPCO Champions Day would be the perfect stage to sign off in front of his home crowd. Let’s enjoy him one more time at home.