Scudamore says: “I have plenty of confidence in Vieux Lion Rouge”

I was fine after my fall on Rathlin Rose yesterday. He was actually in the process of running a good race so it was really frustrating. Ultragold ran out a very good winner and clearly loves it over those fences.

1.45 Aintree – Mr Big Shot

Mr Big Shot would have a chance in this. He’s a horse with a lot of potential. He hasn’t been the easiest to train but he ran well at Cheltenham and will like the ground. The step up to three miles will suit. I like to think he’ll have a decent each way chance.

4.20 Aintree – Coole Cody

I think Coole Cody can outrun his price. He’s a great spare to pick up. I followed him around Cheltenham and didn’t think he’d be able to maintain the gallop. Not only did he maintain it, he actually cracked on. He will love the conditions today and he goes there a fresh horse which is a big plus.

Grand National, 5.15 Aintree – Vieux Lion Rouge

Vieux Lion Rouge is in good form. I schooled him earlier in the week and was very pleased with him. He ran well at Ascot last time and has come forward from that run.

He has run in two Grand Nationals and on neither occasions has he quite got home. He’s a year older and I’m hoping that age will help him get the trip this time. He runs well on soft ground, it’s just a question of whether he will stay in this ground.

He’s very versatile. His best form has always been on soft ground. When he won the Becher it was soft and certainly when he won the Grand National trial it was bottomless. Those were his two best runs.

This year hasn’t gone to plan. However he loves it around Aintree. It always brings out the best in him, and because of that I have plenty of confidence in him.

The soft ground is a different dimension this year, and if they go too fast then they will be stopping, so I’m going to have a good think about how to ride my horse. I have a plan in my mind.

I have my girls up watching me, and they are very excited. I’m really looking forward to the race.