I'VE had a good feeling about Pjotr since I first saw him aged three. He is only eight, but from riding and producing him since the start, I knew he was more than capable. Maybe I wasn't thinking about winning, but I wouldn't go into the ring if I didn't think he could jump clear.
We have a lovely little Derby course at home [see box, pl9], and the first time I trained him there he took to it like a duck to water - he nailed every fence first time. I knew he'd cope, but I was hesitant because I worried people might think putting a horse his age in the Derby would mean he's just a big, brave lump, not the quality he actually is. I genuinely think Pjotr has championship ability: super-careful and scopey, beautiful to ride and very competitive.
