HARRY WHITTINGTON BLOG: Grade One-winning trainer and BETDAQ ambassador Harry Whittington reflects on the success of stable star Saint Calvados at Naas last Saturday and how it’s now all systems go for the Tingle Creek.

Excited about Tingle Creek for Saint Calvados

We were absolutely thrilled with Saint Calvados (pictured) at Naas last Saturday, it was so great to have him back on track. To be honest, we would have been happy to finish a good second to Footpad, but to run like he did, in such a professional manner, was better than we expected.

It was a really polished and professional performance, we can now get excited about next month’s Tingle Creek and have a really good crack at it.

Look, Altior is a fantastic horse, he’s an equine hero of mine and a bit of a freak of nature really. It’s going to be a huge ask to beat him, but we’re up for the challenge.

Calvados is top class, though. This will be the first time he goes right-handed and I’ve spoken with Gavin [Sheehan] about that since Saturday. He feels he’s so well balanced that it really shouldn’t be a problem. He’s very even on both legs which is what you want.

One of his greatest assets is how sure footed he is at the speed he’s going. He really puts horses under pressure with his jumping and Sandown should suit him perfectly. It’s a good track for front runners and he’s an excellent jumper.

As I’ve said before, the weather is really frustrating at the moment but it is what it is, we’re all in the same boat. Hopefully the rain will come before them because ideally he’d want soft ground.

Lots of people have asked me about going over to Ireland, saying it was a brave decision. The only real reason we went to Naas was that we needed to get a run into him before Sandown. We were planning to go to Exeter but the ground was too quick and conditions were much more suitable at Naas. I’d definitely take a horse over there again if both the ground and race are right.

Quiet few days for the yard

We’ve only got one runner this weekend, Boychick, who goes to Uttoxeter on Saturday for the handicap hurdle (12.15pm). This is his last chance really and we’re putting some headgear on him. We might take him back to the all-weather after this.

I’ve got two entered at Southwell on Tuesday. Vinnie Lewis won well over course and distance last month and comes back for the novice hurdle (2.20pm). Even though he has to carry a penalty and this is a stronger race, I’m sure he’s come on for his last run and hopefully he can follow up.

Jumbo Davis is a really nice mare and goes for the mares’ bumper (3.50pm). I thought she’d win at Towcester last time, but she disappointed, fading from two out. She made a noise that day so we’ve given her a wind operation and she’s talented. She’s been working really nicely and I think she’ll run a big race.

Cheltenham November Meeting

We’re not going to be represented at Cheltenham this weekend. The big race on Saturday is the BetVictor Gold Cup and I think Mister Whitaker is the one they all have to beat. He won really well at the Festival and was good at Carlisle on his reappearance.

Ballymoy could go well at a big price in the Greatwood on Sunday. He’s won his last four and I know they think a lot of him. Silver Streak was good in the Welsh Champion Hurdle and he shouldn’t be far away.

We’ll be watching the Shloer Chase with interest as I’m sure we’ll be taking on some of these next month with Saint Calvados. Sceau Royal had some good form last season and looks the one to beat here without Altior.

HARRY