Our man Sam Twiston-Davies looks ahead to his big weekend rides at Kempton and Fontwell

IF Carlsberg did Saturdays! Although even they would be hard-pushed to beat the one I enjoyed last week.

Ballyoptic wins the Swinley Chase and runs the perfect National trial and an hour later Riders Onthe Storm landed his first Grade 1.

I know he had a slice of luck when Traffic Fluide came down at the last and it was fantastic to see Cyrname – who fell at the same fence – eventually get up.
That took a bit of the shine off, but at least fallers were okay, which was the most important thing.
Riders Onthe Storm did have a tough race in very testing conditions, with a very strong wind. Now we’ll try to get him fresh and well for the Ryanair at the Festival.
As for Ballyoptic, he got into a great rhythm and when the Aintree handicapper admits he was very impressed – as he did – that sticks in your mind.

I’m on another National possible today in Crievehill (3.35 Kempton) and it looks even more open than last week’s trial.
It will be tough under a big weight but he has been in great form at home and this will be one of his last runs before the National.
Ballyoptic did the business when he looked to have a stiff task and it would be nice if this fella did the same.
I start off on Our Power (12.40), who ran well for us first time out. He should have run at Market Rasen last Sunday, but sadly that was off, and this is much harder.
He still goes there with a chance, but it’s a 17-runner handicap, so it’s not going to be easy.

Benson (3.02) was running a hell of a race in a Listed contest at Sandown last time before he had, shall we say, a ‘moment’ two out.
He has schooled and jumped well since and we will know more after this. It’s a decent Grade 2, which hasn’t cut up too much, and it’s an exciting learning mission.
I finish up on Ballymillsy (4.45) in the bumper, who is going there for the experience.
I have to give a mention to a couple I’m riding at Fontwell tomorrow, as well. Both of them have great chances.
Grand Sancy (2.50) should open his chase account at the third time of asking, although you won’t get rich backing him.
This Class 3 looks a lot easier than the two Graded races he has been in so far and, all being well, he should outclass his two opponents.
Half an hour later I’m on Quel Distin (3.20) in the National Spirit Hurdle. He looked fantastic winning at Sandown in the race when Benson had his aberration.
The trip should suit, he has won on heavy before and is as honest a horse as you’ll see. Fingers crossed he should win.