Danny Cook is keen on the chances of Madison Du Berlais in Saturday's King George.
Cook hopeful over King George mount
Danny Cook will climb into the saddle for the biggest race of his career so far on Saturday when he partners last year's runner up Madison Du Berlais in the King George VI Chase, and he is keen not to rule out the 10-year-old.
"Obviously there's Kauto Star isn't there and he will be very tough to beat but this is racing and anything can happen on the day," said the Essex-born pilot.
"He ran a great race in this last year to be second and who knows, he is probably capable of doing that again, maybe even winning."
The 27-year-old rode the first of his 65-career winners in the 2004-05 season and, after a couple of quiet years, he rose to prominence with 21 winners as a conditional in the 2008-09 campaign.
That upturn in fortunes paralleled those of his Saturday mount, even though he wasn't on board as Madison Du Berlais won the Hennessy Gold Cup, beat Denman in the Levy Board Chase over the King George course and distance, and then rounded off a great season with success in the Totesport Bowl at Aintree.
"I'm absolutely chuffed to bits to have been given this opportunity by Mr Pipe and the owners," he said.
"I got the chance on Our Vic last year from Mr Johnson and David (Pipe) and that was great and all my job is to do is to try to steer them round and stay on them really."
While that may be simplifying matters somewhat, Cook, who also partnered Great Endeavour to Cheltenham Festival success last year, foresees a ride involving the minimum of fuss in the championship event.
"He's a very simple horse to ride I think. All the races I've ever watched of him he races very handy and he jumps really well.
"I'm sure David will let me know nearer the time how he wants me to ride him but I think he will be suggesting that we keep it simple and not let them get too far away from me. I think he likes to be ridden near the pace and so I think we'll get him jumping like he can and keep in touch with them."
The son of Indian River has not managed to win in seven attempts since that Aintree success in April 2009 but he has faced some tough tasks in handicaps during that time. Even so, he tipped-up as early as the fourth fence in this season's Hennessy Gold Cup and has not been seen since.
"It didn't take him long to get over that," said Cook. "I think he was back in and schooling the next day. I think David mentioned in the papers that he'd had a little knock but it was only minor and he is absolutely fine.
"I've not ridden him in a race before but I've ridden at home a lot and he feels just as good as he has ever done."
Madison Du Berlais is a 33/1 chance for Saturday's King George with Sky Bet.
