It’s not often you get off a really fresh horse at this time of year, but that’s how Bronze Angel felt when I rode him on Thursday morning.

‘Thriving’ Angel 

He came out of his Cambridgeshire win really well and is absolutely thriving. A win in one of the biggest handicaps of the year should hopefully mean he’s capable of winning a Group race, and he’s got his chance in the Darley Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.

The break between Royal Ascot and a fortnight ago means he should have more in the locker than most horses. He won over the course and distance last time and I am very hopeful of a big run. I have one concern and that’s the rain. Good to soft is okay but any softer and it could well count against him.

Don’t miss Decoy

I have another really exciting ride on the card and that’s Decoy in the Betfred Cesarewitch. He’s got 8st 1lb, and I’m lucky that not many jockeys can do that weight!

I rode Raslan for David Pipe in the race three years ago, and while we didn’t feature that day, you always have to respect the Jumps yards in this race, especially the Pipe’s.

I’ve had a look through his form and he’s only run on the Flat in France, including when third to Cirrus Des Aigles. He’s got some really solid Jumps form and has been running during the summer so will be very fit and this trip will be right up his street.

There are 36 runners though and I can’t imagine anyone’s over confident going into the race, but I’m certainly happy with my ride.

I’ve got one for Marcus Tregoning at Wolverhampton on Saturday evening that’s worth mentioning. Lulla has her first run for more than a year in the five-furlong handicap, and, like all of Marcus’ horses at the moment, she’s been kept fresh and will raring to go.

Contrasting title races

I’m keeping one eye on Amy Ryan’s results at the moment. I think she’s one ahead in the apprentice title race and is going all out to make history.

I shared the title with Saleem Golam a few years back now and I will be more pleased than anyone if she can become the first woman to claim the championship outright. I really get on with her and see a lot of similarities to me in her.

As for the jockeys’ title itself, I couldn’t be happier to see Hughesie (Richard Hughes) land his first title after all those seconds. He’s one of the most chilled out people in the weighing room, but looks even more relaxed now and is carrying a permanent smile. He’s a very funny guy and I think he’s a very popular winner. Well done Hughesie!

Have a good weekend!