Tom Scudamore fancies a Shotavodka this afternoon

My first ride is on Shotavodka in the 2.15 at Newbury. He ran really well last time at Doncaster. He’s a lot lower than when he last won and I think he’s got a cracking chance tomorrow. These veterans’ chases are always competitive but he should go well. He’s come out of his last run well, surprisingly well as he’d had a tough race at Exeter the time before that. He loves his racing and I’m hopeful of a very good show.

In the 2.50 I ride Gabrial The Great. When he started his hurdling career he looked like a superstar but things haven’t gone his way since then. I’m hoping he’ll get things back in the right direction today. He did disappoint me a little at Wincanton so hopefully he’ll produce a bit more today.

In the 4.00 I’m on Ikrapol. I don’t know an awful lot about him but I have ridden him at home. I saw his recent runs. He ran OK last time at Wetherby and on that form he’ll have a bit of a squeak. That second run was a lot better than his first run, so hopefully he’ll progress again on his third start for us tomorrow. I don’t mind four year olds taking on their elders as they get a handy weight allowance. It’s a tactic David has been very successful with in the past, and I know he likes to do it as the weight allowance makes a big difference for the right horse. Ikrapol looked like he was up to it last time, as he appears to be a tough, hardy sort. That’s what you want; a horse that isn’t going to be phased running in an all age handicap.

I ride Take A Break for Nigel Hawke in the 4.35 over fences for the first time. I won a novice hurdle on him. It looks like he’s got it all to do today. What I know about Silver Kayf, my ride in the last race at 5.10 is that he is by Kayf Tara and cost £30,000. Apart from that I know absolutely nothing. It’s one of those sales races. Kim Bailey’s horses are usually ready to go and he’s got a reasonable record in bumpers. I’ve always enjoyed riding for him and hopefully this afternoon Kim will tell me he’s been working the house down and is a steering job, but we’ll have to see. Kim’s a good man to ride for. He’s very straightforward and I’ve had a lot of success for him, especially in my younger years.

It was great to see Victoria Pendleton win at Wincanton in the week. Whether she is ready to ride at Cheltenham we’ll have to wait and see, but I’ve seen worse ride at the Festival. It’s going to be a very different challenge for her at Cheltenham with twenty four runners, but at least she’s shown that she has a good seat. It was great for her and great for Racing when she won this week, and my respect for her knows no bounds.