Tom Scudamore: “Thistlecrack has been showing the old sparkle at home”

Updated: 13/12/2024

Top jockey previews his weekend chances

I took a kicking last Saturday but fortunately I was okay. I had to go off for X-rays and I was signed off for a few days.

On Wednesday I went and did a few tests and I passed them so I was back riding on Thursday. I rode a winner on my first ride back which is always nice and helped put me in a good frame of mind for the decent racing to come this weekend.

Saturday

Haydock

12.10 – Lough Derg Diamond

I don’t know an awful lot about him although I have had a sit on him at home.

The fact that Colin is running him here first time out hopefully speaks volumes. He’s a nice looking horse and it will be a great place to start. We’ll learn plenty about him.

1.15 – Activial

He ran very well last time out at Stratford. This is a good ride to pick up. He comes out well at the weights and would have a fighting chance on the basis of that last run.

I have ridden a bit for Tom over the years, and obviously the owner Roger Brookhouse is a man I’ve ridden plenty for, including winning an Arkle and an Imperial Cup.

1.50 – Garo De Juilley

This horse won really well at Chepstow last time. It’s a big step up in class but he won what is usually a really competitive handicap hurdle very impressively.

The ground should be fine for him and I think he has a really good chance.

3.00 – Thistlecrack

I’m feeling really excited about Thistlecrack. It’s a small but very select field for the race.

He felt good the other day when I rode him and I’m just so looking forward to getting back on him and having a good go at them.

The plan wasn’t to come here first time out but our hands have been forced in that regard given the lack of rain.

Thistlecrack is fit and he’s well and he’s been showing the old sparkle at home, so let’s hope we see it back on the track.

It’s a fabulous race. There are four Grade One winners in there and Clan Des Obeaux is only a six year old and is improving all the time.  

Sunday

Uttoxeter

1.10 Uttoxeter – Quiz Master

He ran really well last time. He has a few seconds next to his name but he really pleased me as he dug in and ran a cracker round Ffos Las.

He got beat by Buckthorn Timothy another one of Colin Tizzard’s but it was a great run. A repeat of that will see him go well.  

2.10 – Sandy Beach

Sandy Beach has been a solid handicap chaser over the years. He should run his usual consistent race.  

3.10 – Zayfire Aramis

He unseated me last time around Warwick. He was going okay at the time. I don’t know if I would have been in the shake-up.

He wouldn’t be the most consistent horse although recently he has been a bit better. This will be a tough race.

3.40 – White Lilac

She will have to bounce back on what she’s shown so far. Neil’s a very good trainer so I’m sure he can find some improvement from somewhere.

 Tom

Original source: http://news.coral.co.uk/blog/tom-scudamore/Thistlecrack-has-been-showing-the-old-sparkle-at-home.html

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