Tom Scudamore: “I’m really looking forward to riding Daklondike.”
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Latest insight from our racing ambassador
Thistlecrack
It was great to get Thistlecrack back out on the track at Exeter this week to stretch his legs.
Racecourse gallops give you the chance to get a good picture of how the horse is moving but they don’t mean everything.
I’ve had plenty of horses who have worked unbelievably well and been disappointing, and also had a few that have been disasters and then the horse has gone on to win.
He felt well though, as well as he has for a long time, and that was really pleasing. We were very happy with him and it’s all set for Haydock next Saturday provided that the conditions are right.
Saturday – Cheltenham
This horse looks every inch a chaser and should make a nice long distance stayer. He does look to have a bit to find in this race but you have to start somewhere and we’re hopeful he’ll run a good race here.
Daklondike is a really interesting horse to ride. He can be hard work but he does keep on responding to you. We have high hopes for him but if he’s to have aspirations of Welsh Nationals, and maybe even Grand Nationals down the line, then he needs to get his season off to a good start here.
He looks really well though and I’m really looking forward to riding him.
King’s Socks ran very well at the Cheltenham festival for a long way and although he disappointed at Aintree we rate him highly. He looks fit and well and I think he’s gone slightly under the radar for this race.
I’m optimistic that despite the competitive race we can go well and I think he’s a similar type to some of the horses at the head of the market so he’s definitely got a very fair chance.
All roads seem to lead to Aintree for Vieux Lion Rouge but you’ve got to start the season somewhere.
I was in a very privileged position to choose from a couple in this race having ridden Dell’ Arca and First Assignment a lot in the past but Vieux Lion Rouge has been great for me and I’m delighted to be on him here.
Lygon Rock has been running consistently well and so are a lot of Henry’s horses. He’s got a good each-way chance and I’m hoping he’ll provide a good end to my day on Saturday.
Sunday – Cheltenham
This is a great ride to pick up. I schooled him a couple of weeks back and he’s a top class horse.
It’s a hot race with a small but select group of good horses but it would be a great one to win and I’m hopeful that we can.
Equus Amadeus ran really nicely last time around at Wincanton and should handle everything at Cheltenham well.
It is a very tough race but he certainly has an each-way chance if he can run to a high level.
He ran a great race at Chepstow and we are taking on the winner of that race again here. He’s the type to improve from that run and I like him a lot.
He should have a really bright future. I can’t say he’ll definitely win but whatever happens I hope that it won’t be his last trip to Cheltenham!
Tom
