The Paul Mulrennan column: Hoping I can tip scales in favour of John Kirkup

Sweating on Kirkup for Two-Year-Old Trophy:

I’m going to have to try to get down to my minimum weight of 8st 9lb to ride John Kirkup in Redcar’s big race, the totepool Two-Year-Old Trophy, on Saturday.

The last time I got down to that weight was when I won on Lord Yeats at York in May, so hopefully it will be worth it again as John Kirkup has been a model of consistency all season. I'll be fasting, sweating in the sauna and road running which I find really helps me shift the weight.

The only time he’s been out of the places was on his first run. He hasn’t run a bad race in any of his six subsequent races, coming fourth in a valuable nursery at York and then finishing second in a decent conditions race at Doncaster last time.

It’s been three weeks since that run and he appears fresh and well at home so should be in the same form, despite the long season, and is the fourth highest-rated horse in the field.

Trainer Michael Dods also runs Rumshak in the race. He was very impressive when he won at Carlisle on his second start and has been second twice since, but we didn’t see the best of him last time. His homework has been very good and he has a nice light weight.

Of the other runners, I rode Crownthorpe over seven furlongs at Doncaster last time, and he gave me the impression that this testing six furlongs on soft ground will suit him. He is one of eight runners for Richard Fahey and Paul Hanagan has picked him so that’s a tip in itself.

My other rides at Redcar:

I ride Bertog in the second division of the Jack's Coaches EBF Stallions Novice Stakes. I was second on him at Haydock a month ago when he out-ran his odds of 100-1 and clearly he had improved from his debut.

If he can make similar progress then he has an each-way chance. John Mackie-trained horses often go under the radar and he has had a good season with not many horses.

Picture No Sound looks the one to beat, though, for Fahey and Hanagan, who could enjoy a good day together.

It is nice to pick up a ride for Andrew Balding in the shape of Meccabah, who lines up in the Redcar Market Cross Jewellers Handicap. She has gone close to breaking her maiden twice so clearly has ability and Andrew’s horses are running well.

Frankie's longevity is something to aim for:

It was wonderful to watch Enable at Chantilly on Sunday. Her win in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe was just as impressive as Treve’s first win and wouldn’t it be great to see Enable take on Winx, who runs in the early hours of Saturday morning, at some point in the UK next year?

Frankie Dettori gave the filly a perfect ride and he just doesn't seem to ever get it wrong. He is 46 years old and it just shows that there’s no reason a jockey can’t ride until he’s 50. I’m 35 and really look after my fitness and diet, so hopefully have given myself every chance of riding for many years to come.

But, of course, it all depends on the horses. I’m sure Frankie would tell you that it doesn’t matter how fit you are, it’s the constant source of top rides that will prolong your career. One thing’s for sure, Frankie has never ridden better – and it just shows that you never stop learning.