Tom Scudamore: “Vieux Lion Rouge has a really good chance in Becher”
Coral ambassador previews his weekend rides
Delighted with Thistlecrack
I thought Thistlecrack ran really well in the Ladbrokes Long Distance Hurdle and he’ll come on for that run too. I know we were getting 6lbs from Paisley Park but wherever he goes next he’s going to be competitive. We were delighted with him. The enthusiasm and the ability are all still there in abundance.
He’s got entries in the Long Walk Hurdle and the King George and Colin and the owners will decide which way to go. It was only two runs ago he was second in a King George, and he’s just come second to Paisley Park, so he’ll have a good chance in whichever race he goes for.
Champers On Ice was brilliant too
It was brilliant to see Champers On Ice win again. He’s had so many problems. He had promised so much in his early years but delivered little because of all the issues he had, but last Friday was the best he’s jumped and felt.
It gives me plenty of confidence going forward, and I wouldn’t be opposed to having another crack over fences with him as he jumped so well. He’s nine rising ten, so Veterans’ Chases could come into the reckoning too. It was a brilliant training performance by David.
Saturday Rides
13.30 Aintree – Vieux Lion Rouge
Vieux Lion Rouge has won this race before and was second last year. It’s a really competitive race but you know where you are with my horse. I think he’s got a really good chance.
Mysteree runs for my brother. He ran well last time but he is running off his highest ever mark at the age of eleven so it’s going to be tough for him. Any rain they get up there he’ll appreciate. He’s in good order and it was a career-best last time so he’s going to have to do that again.
One For Arthur ran well last time behind Mysteree. He wasn’t that fluent early on and ended up giving himself a lot to do, but it looked at the second last like he might go close but those early mistakes took their toll. He ran a fine race, but with him all roads lead to Aintree in April. Three and a quarter miles is probably almost on the sharp side for him.
All the Scudamores have a stake in the race. It’s a cracking contest and I’m looking forward to it.
14.05 Aintree – Mianna
Mianna has had three runs over hurdles. It doesn’t look the most competitive of races so hopefully her experience will stand her in good stead.
15.15 Aintree – Ultragold
He’s another Aintree specialist, like Vieux Lion Rouge, and he comes alive over these fences. He’s a course and distance winner, winning the Topham twice and coming second in the Becher last year.
He’s had a run already this season, and although he needs to step up on that form as he was pulled up, he normally does when he runs over the Grand National fences.
It’s always a real buzz to ride over these fences, and I’m excited about my two rides tomorrow. It’s a great place to ride. It’s good to be back there.
Sunday Ride
13.15 Kelso – Rightback Atya
I’m only going up to Kelso for one ride for Philip Rothwell. Rightback Atya has bits and pieces of form and Philip is a very shrewd trainer with a good record when sending horses over to England. Hopefully this will be another winner for him.
Tom
