Elgin in good form ready for another valuable prize hunt

We’re going to be quiet this weekend, but we do have a smattering of entries on Saturday when we’ll be hoping Elgin can land his third valuable prize of the season in the Racing Welfare Handicap Hurdle (3.35) at Ascot.

What he has done over the last few weeks, winning a good prize at Ascot before following up in the Greatwood, has been marvellous but obviously the handicapper has reacted. He is now off 151, which means we have to carry top weight.

However, he has had a break since the Greatwood and worked very well last week.

My feeling is he won despite the ground at Cheltenham. I cannot believe he wants it as soft as it was there. I therefore don’t know how good he could be, although it would be true to say he has already surprised me. He has manned up a lot and remains in great form.

Forgetthesmalltalk, who has been placed twice this season, is in the 3m novice handicap hurdle. We’ll work him midweek before deciding if we run or wait a little longer.

Minella Charmer is in the 2m handicap hurdle at Haydock but I’m worried about the ground. He has now fallen three times, including back over hurdles. It’s possible he has just been getting a bit short of oxygen, so we’ve given him a wind operation.

We do pride ourselves on the schooling we do – and this horse has jumped hundreds of hurdles at home – so it’s frustrating.

Members can read the latest exclusive tipping content such as Pricewise and Paul Kealy from 8pm daily on racingpost.com