Sam Twiston-Davies’ William Hill Blog: I’m excited to be back on Master Chewy in William Hill Old Roan

William Hill ambassador Sam Twiston-Davies previews his weekend rides at Cheltenham and Aintree, including a return to the track for Master Chewy in the Grade Two William Hill Old Roan Chase.

Cheltenham, Friday

I kick things off with Un Sens A La Vie (3:00pm) who is a horse we think a lot of. He’s turned out quite quickly, but we believe he had quite an easy time of it last time when he won at Market Rasen. There isn’t a two-mile race at the November meeting for him, so we think we felt we may as well chance our arm here while the opportunity is there, I’d be hopeful he goes well.

Next up I ride Brookie in the two-mile handicap chase (3:35pm) for Anthony Honeyball, who is a horse who progressed well throughout last season. He’s obviously a lot higher in the handicap now than when he won at Doncaster last year, but I think a fast pace round Cheltenham should really suit him. I hope he runs a nice race, but this looks a competitive affair, as all the big two-mile handicaps usually are and will be this season.

Leader Crik (4:10pm) is a horse we really like. He’s been very pleasing at home, but this race is clearly a deep enough starting point. That said, he is a horse we do like, and it will be good to see him out on the track for the first time. Hopefully, he can translate to the track what he’s shown at home.

Cheltenham, Saturday

Crest Of Fortune (1:10pm) runs in the William Hill Each Way Extra Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase. He ran some nice races over the course of last season and we’re all very much looking forward to seeing him have a go over fences. I had a sit on him at home, and he jumps really nicely. He seems in good nick, and it’ll be good to get a run under his belt here.

Catchintsavo (1:45pm) then runs in the William Hill’s Final One Standing Novices’ Hurdle. He was the model of consistency in bumpers, always running well. He ran a nice race in Punchestown at the start of May, and this is a great starting point. Hopefully we can all learn a little bit more about him here.

I then ride Ballycamus (2:20pm) in the William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap Chase. He ran a cracker at Chepstow last time when finishing second, he hit the front that day and actually took a blow, which let Evan Williams’ horse get him back. He seems in great condition at home, so fingers crossed he goes well again.

Gowel Road is back on track (2:55pm) in the Pertemps Hurdle Series Qualifier. He’s carries top weight here but is in good form at home. This looks a nice opportunity get him back on the track more than anything, but he was consistent throughout last season around Cheltenham and will run his race. He’ll likely be back to defend his Cleeve Hurdle crown here but there are lots of options for him. This is a good starting point for him, and it’d be nice to get qualified for the Pertemps.

Aintree, Sunday

My first ride at Aintree on Sunday is Torn And Frayed (1:50pm) in the William Hill Vieux Lion Rouge Veterans’ Handicap Chase. He was running a cracker at Chepstow but made a bad error three out which most likely cost him the race. He’s back for another veteran’s race on nice ground so hopefully he can be very competitive.

Big Ticket (2:20pm) is up next in the William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Maiden Hurdle. We were very impressed by him in his point-to-point; he’s a talented jumper and a horse that we really like. This is a good place to begin and hopefully he will learn a lot whilst running a nice race.

Master Chewy (2:55pm) runs in the Grade Two William Hill Old Roan Limited Handicap Chase. This is a very competitive handicap chase – as it should be. We saw this as the ideal starting point for him; it looks a nice race and I’m excited to be back aboard him. We’ve discussed trying him over further with him in the future and we will see how he goes here.

To wrap up a busy weekend, Lyrical Choice (4:05pm) runs in the bumper. She was a good second at Worcester last time and I do like her. She’s a great big filly and it would be great if she could go and pinch this race. She is definitely one worth following for the future if Sunday isn’t her day.