Tom Scudamore: “We’re expecting another big run from Activial” - (2026)

Updated: 24/02/2026

Top jockey goes at Cheltenham and Fontwell this weekend

Saturday – Cheltenham

12.40 – Fukuto

We are under no illusion that this is going to be a tough test for Fukuto as he has to show a lot more than he has so far to be competitive in this race.

I rode him at Sandown on his UK debut and the further he went, the better he seemed to go so that is a positive sign.

Adjali looks the one we all have to beat on the basis of what he has shown this season for Nicky Henderson.

1.50 – Activial

This horse won a nice graduation chase ay Haydock two starts back and then matched that with an excellent performance at Ascot where he was just beaten by a short-head on that occasion.

He’s in good order back home so we are expecting another big run. It’s a competitive race but I believe we will be there with every chance.

3.35 – West Approach

West Approach ran a career best last time to finish second in the Grade One Long Walk Hurdle at a huge price.

Paisley Park who finished ahead of him at Ascot is in this race too, as is Midnight Shadow who I thought was impressive last time at Cheltenham.

My horse is a bit in and out but on his day, he has shown he is capable of mixing at this level so let’s hope we can be thereabouts once again. I am really looking forward to riding him in the race.

4.10 – Storm Home

Storm Home is back over hurdles as he just hasn’t taken to chasing this season. If he can find his form of last season, he could potentially be off a very good mark here.

I am sure he will be given another chance over fences in the future but I think it is the right decision to see if we can win some more races over hurdles with him for now.

Sunday – Fontwell

2.30 – Dalkadam

This isn’t the strongest of handicap chases therefore this could be a great opportunity for Dalkadam to break his maiden over fences.

He was knocking on the door earlier in the season. Sadly he was way below his best last time out at Lingfield. Fontwell should be a track which will suit him so I am hopeful of a big run.

Tom

Original source: http://news.coral.co.uk/blog/tom-scudamore/were-expecting-another-big-run-from-activial.html

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