Nigel Twiston-Davies’ Blog: Hoping Broadway Boy can put on a show

It might only be the middle of January, but everyone’s attention is beginning to turn to the Cheltenham Festival in March. For some of my horses, this weekend’s racing will be their precursor to the Festival, but let’s see how they get on first.

Saturday, Warwick

First up at Warwick is Tedley in the 2m3f maiden (1.15pm). He’s my own and he’s for sale to the highest bidder! He ran really well last time at Ffos Las and was unlucky not to win that day, so let’s see how he gets on here. We’re running him for the big prize money – thank you Warwick for putting up a decent prize for a maiden hurdle; £9,000 to the winner. I think he’ll run really well. He’s definitely one to keep an eye on in the future and should improve every time. He peaked my interest at the store sales as he’s a very nice looking horse, and I hope he continues to prove himself.

Next is Broadway Boy in the Grade 2 Hampton novices’ chase (2.24pm). He’s been fabulous around Cheltenham and is the highest rated horse in the race. He is slightly wrong in the weights with Lucinda Russell’s Apple Away in there, but – if performing like he has done already – he should be more than able to win. We’ll learn a lot more about where to send him next on Saturday, but the aim will be to get him back to Cheltenham for the Festival.

Then there’s Beauport in the 3m5f premier handicap chase (3.00pm). He was unlucky not to win last time, when he looked like he was going to do just that at the bottom of the hill at Sandown, but he’s in really good form at home and we’re all very excited to see him run. If he wins this, he could be another for the Cheltenham Festival. He’s an out-and-out stayer and, depending on how he goes here, he could even be looking at a Grand National entry.

Lastly, Good Boy Bobby runs in the veteran’s handicap (3.35pm). He’s in really, really good form and I think this race is just absolutely made for him. I’m just sorry that we lost the meeting at Sandown, where we were keen on his chances, but Warwick – I’d have thought – will suit him every bit as well. His whole career he’s been superb for us and shows no sign of slowing down. There’s no reason why he couldn’t stay on for next season too!

Saturday, Wetherby

One True King is the sole runner at Wetherby this weekend, in the three-mile handicap chase (3.25pm). I think we might just have found the right opportunity for him here. He’s been a little bit idle in his races prior to this, so wears a visor for the first time here. We’ve tried him in one on the gallops at home and it seemed to perk him up a notch.