Tom Scudamore: “Daklondike is an enigma, but he’s got the ability.”
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Racing ambassador discusses his weekend rides
Saturday – Haydock
My first ride of the day is Go Long in the Novices’ Chase. I wouldn’t have many rides for Evan Williams as he has plenty of good jockeys riding for him, so this is a nice one to pick up.
He’s only facing three rivals but on hurdles ratings he does have a bit to find with all of them, but the owners Ruckers have owned some terrific chasers over the years, so hopefully this one will improve for going over fences like so many of theirs have done in the past.
Meep Meep has been a little bit disappointing over hurdles so far compared to her bumper form, she ran OK at Chepstow in October but didn’t really match that on her second run there last month.
However Tom Lacey looks to have found a decent race for her here, as it may not be the strongest Listed Mares’ Hurdle, and on her bumper form she’d have a chance. She hasn’t hit that level yet over hurdles yet but there’s no reason why she can’t.
I’m having my first ride for Sue Smith on Vendor, who seems to have been around for a long time, although he is only ten.
He ran OK last time at Wetherby, but has probably got a bit to find with these, although when it comes to chasers at Haydock on soft ground, Sue Smith is a trainer you want to be riding for so I’m delighted to have got this chance.
My final ride before Christmas is Daklondike for Dave Pipe. The first thing to say about this horse is that I’d like to be able to get into his mind!
He’s got plenty of ability but he is very quirky, he had a great first season chasing last year, but he didn’t run well first time up this season, albeit on ground that would have been quick enough for him.
He is a bit of an enigma, so it all depends what sort of mood he’s in here, he’s got the ability, but don’t be surprised to see me pushing and kicking from a long way out here!
Tom
