Tom Scudamore: “The bookies have got it wrong with Vieux Lion Rouge”
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Racing ambassador discusses his upcoming rides
We were pleased with his first run where he showed a good attitude at Exeter. We have decided to go straight to hurdling with him now as he has schooled well at home. His point-to-point form is solid and hopefully I can get the day off to a good start at Chepstow with a winner. David Pipe’s horses are running well. He had a nice winner last weekend with Daklondike and hopefully he can continue his form over this busy period.
The ground can’t get soft enough for this horse. He ran ok at Newton Abbot on his first run this season. He has had a couple of good runs at Auteuil. He was second last time out, it wasn’t a close second, however, he ran very well. He is a good horse on his day but he just needs to jump better than he has done in the past. Hopefully the last few runs have given him some confidence and he is a horse who has a reasonable amount of ability.
David has two horses in the race and it was a tough decision to make as to which one I’d ride. Ramses De Teillee won the trail race and has a great record at Chepstow. My big question about him is if he stays or not. I could not write him off though, but in Vieux Lion Rouge I will be on a horse who I cannot doubt his stamina. I think the bookmakers have got it wrong as there are less question marks with Vieux Lion Rouge. He ran a superb race in the Becher at Aintree last time where he finished second. I am very confident about his chances as this 3m5f trip should be ideal for him. The last couple of years his season has been geared towards the Grand National. He felt much more like himself last time out which is a good sign. I am the only Scudamore who hasn’t won the Welsh National as my Dad and Granddad were both successful. It has been a very lucky race for my family and I think this year is my best chance of winning it.
He ran in a very good novice chase at Cheltenham last time but sadly he came down. His hurdle form always suggested he would be a chaser and let’s hope he can get his first success over fences in this race.
I know very little about this horse other than the fact he is by Scorpion. It’s nice to ride another one for Tom George though and I am sure he will have him nicely prepared for this.
Tom
