Tom Scudamore: “I was praying he would squeeze into the race and he has.”

Thursday at the Cheltenham Festival

2.10 Pertemps Network Final Handicap – Champers On Ice

He has had his issues over the years but I was praying he would squeeze into this race. I was really pleased with his comeback run at Haydock last time.

He has been third over course and distance in the Albert Bartlett here and on that form, he is a Grade One horse running in a handicap.

Given his problems, all his form last year was a write off but he has shown me since then that he is ready to go again so I am excited to ride him.

3.30 Stayers’ Hurdle – West Approach

On all known form, it is going to be very difficult to finish ahead of Paisley Park but we have a plan in mind and we will give it a go. I will be very disappointed if he is not in the shake-up at the finish.

Paisley Park is obviously the one we all have to beat on form this season but if you asked who the best horse in the race is, I have to say Faugheen. If the Faugheen which turned up at Punchestown appears, he will be difficult to beat.

4.10 Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate – Eamon An Cnoic

Eamon An Cnoic will have a good chance here. It is a fierce handicap which should suit him. He ran well last time around Chepstow so hopefully he does the same again.

4.50 National Hunt Novices’ Hurdle – Dame Du Soir

I was impressed with her run around Leicester. She was disappointing at Fontwell though, which she needs to leave behind. She has a lot to find here but I am hoping she can find some improvement.

I haven’t got a ride in the Ryanair Chase but it all depends on which Footpad will turn up. Willie Mullins is a genius and he could win it with Un De Sceaux. It is definitely a race I think will go to the Irish.

Tom