Scudamore Says: “He’s an improving sort and I’m expecting a big run from him”
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Tom previews his weekend rides at Newbury and Wincanton and looks ahead to the 2017 Grand National…
I was absolutely made up to ride a winner at last week’s Cheltenham Festival. I thought it was going to be a tough week for me. I had quite a few rides, but realistically only two with obvious chances. In the past few years, I’ve been in the lucky position of going into the meeting with two or three fancied rides. I had one of the bankers of the meeting in Thistlecrack last year.
The season before, I had one of the bankers in Moon Racer and the year before that I had the likes of Dynaste, as well as other fancied runners every day. This year was very different, as of the 11 rides I had only 2 really had chances, and even then they were double figure prices. I was so pleased for David Pipe as well. David and the team put a lot of effort in to Cheltenham so for them to get a winner on the board was important and I was made up for them.
Looking ahead to the Grand National, all is well with Vieux Lion Rouge. We are well in according to the latest handicap ratings, and he ticks all the boxes, so he looks to have a really solid chance. I’m looking forward to riding him.
Saturday
I ride Shotavodka in the 1.50 Newbury. He ran a cracking race last time. This is another competitive race, but these are the races that he loves and thrives on, and he doesn’t need to find a lot to be there or thereabouts at the finish. I think he’s got a really good chance.
I team up with my brother on Dinsdale in the 3.35. He put up a really nice performance last time at Newbury. It’s a handicap this time and he’s an improving sort. I’m expecting a big run from him. It’s always a buzz riding for my brother. I take so much pleasure from how well he’s doing and how well he’s done this season particularly. He’s doing really well and he’s certainly going places. He’s getting all the rewards for his hard work.
I then ride Most Celebrated in the 4.10. I think he’ll appreciate the slightly better going. He bounced back from a disappointing run around Haydock with that second at Newbury. He’s a good horse but he just needs to grow up a little bit in his racing but he’s certainly got a future. His last run was definitely a step back in the right direction. I think he can go well. I have three really good rides on Saturday.
Sunday
On Sunday I head to Wincanton. I ride Quiz Master in the first at 2.15 for Colin Tizzard. He was a horse they thought a lot of when he first started. Things haven’t quite gone to plan with him. He was beaten a long way last time when finishing third so he’s going to have to improve on that. That said Colin’s horses can and do.
I’m then on Flaming Charmer in the 2.45. He’s been running some really solid races. This looks a competitive little race but he wouldn’t be without a chance.
I then ride Cucklington in the 4.15. He’s been disappointing so far. I schooled him before Christmas and he jumped well that day. He ran an OK race around Wincanton two races back, but in all reality he is going to have to improve to figure.
I need twelve more winners to reach my century for the season and there is still time to do it. That is certainly the aim. I’ll be doing all I can do and I’ve given myself every chance of doing it. Two winners a week is very possible. Injury stopped me reaching 100 last year, as I lost the best part of three months of the season for one injury or another, so it would mean an awful lot to me to get the century up this season.
Tom
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