Neil Morrice talks to Jamie Moore about the upcoming meeting at Ascot in Episode 1 of Jamie Moore’s Diary.
JAMIE MOORE put the finishing touches on GOSHEN’s preparation for a first outing over fences at Ascot when schooling the six-year-old over ten fences on grass at his father Gary’s West Sussex stables this morning.
The jockey expressed his satisfaction at the way former top juvenile hurdler and dual Graded hurdle winner Goshen negotiated a strip of five obstacles twice.
The exercise has helped make Goshen fully prepared for the Ascot Underwriting Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase over two and a quarter miles.
Jamie Moore observed: “We have an arena with two jumps either side, an all-weather strip with obstacles of different shapes and sizes but today we went onto the grass schooling ground.
“Goshen’s had variation in his jumping, but this was straightforward along a strip of five fences which he jumped twice, and I was pleased with him.
“We’ve over the years sent a few nice horses to Ascot for their first run over fences, as it’s a track where there’s no hiding place. There’s a lovely start with five to jump up the hill followed by the run down the hill where if you’re not adept you can come unstuck.
“You can’t be sloppy at Ascot, it’s a Grade 1 course and we plan to run.”
Goshen was unbeaten over hurdles before unseating Jamie at the last when in a clear lead in the 2020 Triumph Hurdle. But the gelding returned to his best with back-to-back successes in the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton, and also took out the (Listed) Contenders Hurdle at Sandown.
He’s had two runs on the Flat to boost his fitness, and will want for nothing in that department.
Gary Moore could field a strong team at Ascot, including the smart NASSALAM in the two mile handicap chase.
Jamie added: “Nassalam won three of his five chases last season, including when wearing blinkers for his final outing, though they will be left off on Saturday.
“He had a hard race on his first run of the season last year but showed his toughness to win three and finish second twice. I think he will run well, and we could use the blinkers back on him at a later date.”
The one-eyed ODIN’S QUEST is an interesting protagonist for the bumper, having scored on his only outing under Rules in soft ground at Huntingdon.
Jamie concludes: “It’s hard for him with just one eye, as it’s made him nervy and he bolted and did two laps of the track and was withdrawn when we took him back to Huntingdon for a second run.
“He will have a hood on Saturday. Things can upset him easily, but he has a bit of speed. Fingers crossed it will go well for him.”
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Jamie Moore’s Diary – Episode 1
