Tom Scudamore: “The Russian Doyen has an outstanding chance”

Coral ambassador previews this weekend’s rides

My escape at Exeter

I had a lucky escape on Tuesday at Exeter, when Sam Twiston-Davies came to my aid after both our horses had come down at the second last and got tangled up on the ground. 

I was stuck under both horses with my head up by Airton’s hind legs, and my waste and top of my legs stuck under the legs of Sam’s horse.

Sam was very quick and he pulled me clear, and saved me from getting a good kicking by both horses. I’d have done the same for him obviously, and it’s just your first instinct to help.

I should also mention the fence attendants who were down there as they were really quick and professional. Both horses got each other’s bridles tangled up together but fortunately thanks to the speed with which everyone got to the horses, everyone walked away unscathed.

Saturday’s Rides

13.30 Aintree – Lillington

He won five races last season and he needed his run back at Kempton. This is a solid enough race but I don’t think it’s as strong as the race he ran in last time, so you’d have to give him an each-way chance.

He improved 30lbs over the course of the season, so the handicapper will make life tougher for him but he’s a young horse and there’s no reason why he can’t keep progressing and be competitive off this mark. 

14.05 Aintree – The Russian Doyen

He had a great novice chase season last term and rounded it off by finishing fourth at the Cheltenham Festival which was fantastic. He’s a good ride to pick up. I imagine that Venetia Williams’ horse Cepage is the one to beat but I think my horse has an outstanding chance. 

15.15 Aintree – Vision Des Flos

He finished the season really well and if he hadn’t made that mistake at the last at Punchestown he would have been first or second in a Grade 1.

He won the National Spirit well last season and I had some good days on him, and hopefully we can have another one at Aintree. He will take all the beating.

15.50 Aintree – Spark of Madness

I don’t know too much about this ride, but Dad says he’s a very nice horse. He was quite bullish about him but we will see as I’ve heard him be bullish about their horses before.

Sunday’s Rides 

12.55 Ffos Las – Steel Native

The softer the better for this horse. He loves it around Ffos Las. If the rain comes and it gets very testing then he will have a really good chance.

13.25 Ffos Las – Le Cameleon

It looks like the team’s second string. He has just had the one run. He is out of a nice mare and is probably a work in progress. 

15:05 Ffos Las – Champers On Ice

He looks very well and has schooled well. Off this mark he should have a good chance. He loves the soft ground and he’s handicapped to be competitive.

Tom