Scudamore says: “We’re confident of a big run from Champers on Ice”
Top jockey is at Haydock and Exeter this weekend
I finished second in the two big races at Cheltenham last weekend which was good as both Starchitect and Misterton ran big races, but I’d be lying if I said I was anything other than very frustrated.
I had a winner at the meeting which was great, and it was a winner for my brother which is always a great thrill, but it was annoying to get beaten a neck in those two big races.
I’m really looking forward to riding Thistlecrack next Friday at Newbury. I’ll go and have a sit on him during the week.
Joe had a sit on him last week and is really happy with him.
I don’t have anything to do with the day to day riding of him but Colin and the team will know where they are with him, and I’m just so looking forward to Friday.
Saturday
12.40 Haydock – Emperor’s Choice
I’m riding Emperor’s Choice in the handicap chase. He’ll relish the conditions and the trip, he’s won a Coral Welsh Grand National after all.
I rode him the Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown a few years ago when conditions were very different to what he thrives on.
This is a good ride to pick up and I can see him running well.
Intense Tango ran okay last time at Wetherby in a Mares’ Listed race. This is a handicap which will suit her better.
The slight step up in trip will suit her too and she will handle the conditions well.
Clyne has good course and distance form and also decent form on the ground so he is definitely the one we all have to beat.
2.25 Haydock – Champers On Ice
I’m really looking forward to riding Champers On Ice. He’s got the blinkers on for the first time.
The way his hurdle form has worked out has been spectacular. He wasn’t beaten far behind Uknowhatimeanharry at Cheltenham.
To be running off 143 in a handicap hurdle with that kind of form in the book, you’d have to think he has a great chance.
Chasing last year after his first two runs just didn’t go to plan. This looks the ideal race for him, and it will hopefully get his confidence back up for a return to chasing.
He seems in very good order at home and we are confident of a big run from him.
Sunday
1.25 Exeter – Mister Drifter
Mister Drifter ran well at Huntingdon first time out and just found the track too sharp for him. Exeter should suit him much better and I’m confident of a big run.
1.55 Exeter – You Say What
You Say What ran well first time for us at Exeter. He jumped well in the main. He will have to improve for that run but I see no reason why he won’t.
Tom
