Number one fan Daryl Jacob backing Bristol De Mai to shine at Lingfield

Daryl Jacob believes Bristol De Mai will have conditions ideally in his favour as he prepares for a crack at Lingfield's £150,000 Fleur De Lys Chase (3.00) on Sunday, but says it will be strange to see another jockey in the saddle on the five-time Grade 1 winner this weekend.

The 11-year-old was one of 13 entered for the feature contest on the final day of Lingfield's inaugural three-day Winter Million fixture, and although the grey also has the option of the Peter Marsh Handicap Chase (2.35) at Haydock on Saturday, the Fleur De Lys is his preferred destination.

Jacob has ridden Bristol De Mai in 33 of his 34 starts since being bought by Simon Munir and Isaac Souede in 2014, but the rider has been out of action since fracturing his hip in a fall from Caribean Boy at Ascot in December, meaning Bristol De Mai will have a different jockey on board for the first time since a novice chase at Leicester in December 2015.

The then four-year-old was ridden to victory on that occasion by Sam Twiston-Davies, who will return to the saddle this weekend.

Jacob, who has no timetable on his return to action until an appointment with a specialist next Wednesday, said: "It's going to be a little bit different watching someone else ride him, but from what I gather at home he's in very good form and is fresh and well.

"Sam plays a massive part in the horse as well and knows him very well and schools him with Sparky [Richard Bevis, head lad for trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies] when I'm not available, so he knows the horse as well as I do."

Daryl Jacob has ridden Bristol De Mai on all but one of the grey's 34 starts British startsCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Bristol De Mai was pulled up last time out when attempting to land a fourth Betfair Chase at Haydock, when Jacob believed the ground was simply too quick.

However, confidence is higher given ground conditions at Lingfield are currently heavy, with Jacob adding: "Haydock wasn't ideal, the ground was almost good to firm on the chase track and it was just too quick so I looked after him and hopefully he'll get rewarded by having a great chance down at Lingfield.

"It should suit him down there on heavy ground and it'll take a bit of jumping. He comes into this race very fresh and that's when he's at his best. He's still really enthusiastic and he just loves galloping and jumping on soft ground."

Twiston-Davies could not hide his own excitement at pairing up with Bristol De Mai and said: "I'm really looking forward to it, he's been great for our yard for so many years now and it will be really exciting to have a go on him. The ground will suit him.

"His schooling was good last Monday and everything has been smooth so far so fingers crossed for the weekend. It was a bit unfortunate with how the ground turned out at Haydock but he has been in fantastic form since.

"He could also go to the Peter Marsh at Haydock but I'll leave that decision to Simon, Isaac and Dad. I'm just lucky enough to be riding whichever way they do decide."

Grade 1 winners Waiting Patiently, Fakir D’Oudairies and Dashel Drasher have also been entered for Lingfield's 2m6f race which has the makings of a Graded contest in all but name.

Fleur De Lys Chase: full racecard and entries

A million pounds in prize-money will be on offer at Lingfield and the prospect of increased financial reward has attracted strong interest with 358 horses entered across the three days, including 120 for Saturday's all-weather Flat card headlined by the £100,000 Coral Winter Oaks Fillies' Handicap (3.40).

The ground for the two jumps cards either side of that is heavy with a dry and cold week forecast, and clerk of the course George Hill has decided to lay covers across the entirety of the turf course to ward off a potential frost.

He said on Monday: "It's heavy ground but it's fine and we took the decision yesterday to lay the covers to eliminate any potential risk of frost. Looking at the forecast, it could be a lot worse but there's no point taking any chances for a weekend like this.

"All the races look strong across the board and we're very pleased to see some nice horses in on Sunday, including seven from Ireland and one from Germany in the bumper. I'm very happy with what we're seeing so far."

More weekend news:

Shishkin clash with Energumene edges closer after Clarence House confirmations

Energumene will make it fast and furious, but is he a freak like Shishkin?

'Everything about it should suit him' – Metier primed for £100,000 race

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