Scudamore says: “Vieux Lion Rouge comes alive at Aintree – he loves the place.”
Top jockey profiles his weekend chances
Thistlecrack
Thistlecrack felt the same as ever last Friday and he just got tired. As Colin said, when you sit down and think about it he has had a long time off, so it just caught up with him going to the second last.
Up until that point he’d felt just as good as he’s always done. I don’t see any other reason for him being beaten than fitness.
The way he was able to jump and use himself, he was still his exuberant self, so he certainly felt as good as ever. We can talk until we are blue in the face but he’s going to have to go and do it.
I see no reason why he can’t though.
1.30 Aintree – Vieux Lion Rouge
He comes alive around Liverpool. He loves the place.
I schooled him over the Grand National fences during the week and he felt in good order.
It’s going to be tougher this time as he’s much higher in the weights than when he won this race last year. I’m hopeful of another big run.
It’s going to be another cracking race.
She left all her Flat form behind when she ran at Leicester last time finishing second. She was beaten by a nice type that was rated 90 on the flat.
She was doing all her best work at the end. It took a while for her to warm to her jumping, but she finished the race well.
This will be a tough assignment. She showed a likeable attitude last time and whatever she does in this race, it won’t be long before she’s winning.
He could turn out to be my best ride on the day. Just the 11 runners which is rare for a race over the National fences.
He ran a good race in the Sussex National last time but just ran out of stamina in the last couple of furlongs. Off this kind or mark he should go well as he should handle the ground.
Tom
