Tom Scudamore: “I’m sure this has been the plan for Royal Village – I certainly hope so!”

Coral ambassador previews his Cheltenham Day Three rides

Cheltenham 13.30 – Poker Play

Poker Play is the outsider here, and that’s realistic based on his last two runs, although his first run of the season, when he won at Ffos Las, has worked out OK. 

However, I’m obviously not saying that gives him the form to win this, but the ground here should suit, and a return to his best could easily see him outrun his admittedly big odds.

Cheltenham 14.10 – Kansas City Chief

Kansas City Chief was unlucky last time out at Doncaster, when he ran out approaching the last, and the time before he was only beaten a head by Phoenix Way, a horse quietly fancied for this race although he was not declared for it in the end. 

He’s been running to a decent level of form this season, which does mean he’s more exposed than some of these, but on the flip side, he’s straightforward, we know all about him, and at decent odds he should give me some fun here.

Cheltenham 16.10 – Royal Village

Royal Village was in great form last summer, and comes here off a break, having avoided the deep winter ground. 

He would ideally want better ground still, but his trainer Ian Williams knows how to train Festival winners, and I’m sure this has been the plan for some time, I certainly hope it has been!

Tom