Kevin Stott’s Blog: The rain has offered some Peace of mind

I’m hoping that this fairly wet weekend will be cheered up by riding a winner or two on Saturday. Conditions look to suit my three rides well, so they should have every chance and show us their best.

Ascot, Saturday

Sir Rumi is first up for me at Ascot in the 1m4f handicap (1.30pm). We were delighted with his win at Epsom last month, especially because his previous run at Kempton had been below par. He wasn’t suited to the All-Weather track that day, so we can discount that run moving forwards really. This horse enjoys having some cut in the ground, which he’ll have at Ascot, where the going is officially ‘Soft’. He’s a nice, consistent horse who likes to get past a few in the running, so I’ll be hoping to sit midfield on him and see how we go. We’re hoping for a big run from Sir Rumi; all the conditions are in his favour and he should have it all to play for.

Next is Baradar in the seven furlong Victoria Cup (2.40pm). He ran really well in the Lincoln for third place on what was his first time out this season. He just didn’t quite stay the mile and dropped back in the last half furlong. Coming back down to seven furlongs this time will suit him much better and the fact that it’s been raining all week is great – the softer the better for him. He’s got a tongue tie on this time, which has been helpful when we’ve trialled it at home. This is a competitive race, but the trip and the ground are perfect, so this could be his race.

Last of the day at Ascot is Peace Of Mine in the fillies’ handicap (4.20pm). She won at Nottingham on her reappearance last month and, like the other two, likes some cut in the ground. She seems to have improved from having a winter break and has the hood back on this time, which helped her win last time, so we’re hoping for the best. It won’t be as easy to get into the lead amongst this field, but she’s carrying a nice, light weight as she is up against older fillies, which – with any luck – will help her have another good run.