Scudamore says: “I’m really looking forward to riding West Approach.”
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Top jockey discusses his weekend rides
It’s been a good week so far. I had a couple of winners at Wincanton on Thursday and hopefully I can continue that into Sandown. The horses are running well so I am very happy.
I’d like to wish James Banks the best of luck for the future. He is retiring and he is a great lad.
Some sad news also broke this week with death of Malcolm Jefferson. I never actually rode for him, however, I admired him greatly and he had some wonderful horses.
Saturday
He ran well last time at Kempton where to be honest with you, midway through the race, I thought he would win. Unfortunately he just didn’t quite get home.
We are dropping back down in trip to 2m4f which should suit him again. He is definitely worth a go at this trip at top company.
Obviously it is a competitive Grade One Chase but I go there with a lot of confidence and I am really looking forward to riding him.
He won well eight days ago at Huntingdon and obviously the handicapper has had his say since then so we are running off a higher mark in this.
I have ridden him seven times now and won on six of those occasions so we have a great partnership together. If he can back up his last run, and I see no reason why not, he has to have a strong chance.
He is lightly raced and only an eight year old so I am hopeful there is a lot more to come with this horse.
The ground is current described as Soft (Heavy in places) on the hurdles course and Soft (Good To Soft in places) on the chase course.
Both horses are versatile when it comes to the ground. West Approach might appreciate better ground but I would not be concerned if rain was to fall.
Sunday
1.05 Taunton – Storm House
This is the first of my four rides on a busy day on Sunday.
He has been running to a decent level without winning but should have a decent chance in this novice hurdle.
1.40 Taunton – It’s Obvious
He finished fourth in a competitive hurdle around Market Rasen last time. He has got better with every run.
Whatever he does, he is going to make into a nice chaser.
2.50 Taunton – Friday Night Lights
This horse showed a good level of form on the flat. I have ridden him twice so far and I have think he has taken to hurdles well.
He won last time at Newbury so hopefully he can follow that up here.
3.25 Taunton – Theatrical Star
He was disappointing last time at Sandown. He does have some good course and distance form at Taunton though so hopefully this track will bring out the best of him again.
He is getting no younger at the age of 12 but I think he will have an each-way chance.
Tom
