Tom Scudamore: “I couldn’t ignore the feeling Israel Champ gave me at Ascot!”

Kingswell Theatre has won over these cross-country fencesbefore, and remains an admirable performer, but he has got plenty to find withthe market leaders on the ratings, and we’d be thrilled if he could pick upsome prize money here. 

Tiger Roll is the big name here, and brilliant though he is,I don’t think this will be a procession for him, the French challenge looksreally strong, and he could have his work cut out to beat Easyland. 

He was bought by JP McManus after his last win, which tellsyou plenty, and I think he’ll win this.

Cheltenham 16.50 – Night Edition

Like the other 21 jockeys in this race, I fancy my mount torun a big race here! 

Joking apart, that is the nature of this fiercely competitivehandicap, where so many look to have chances, but my fellow has graded form,has run well at Cheltenham, albeit on the new course rather than this oldcourse, and won well at Taunton last time. 

He was entitled to win like that, but it’s still good to seeit happen, and I do think he’s got a live chance here.

Cheltenham 17.30 – Israel Champ

I had to pick between Israel Champ and Panic Attack, who is arecent new arrival to Dave’s [Pipe] in the Bumper, and while Panic Attack getsthe mares’ allowance here, which could make a difference, I just couldn’tdesert Israel Champ, who was so impressive when winning under a penalty atAscot before Christmas. 

The feel he gave me that day was something special, it lookeda really strong Listed race, and the way he beat them, I couldn’t ignorethat. It won’t be easy though, as well as Panic Attack, there’s atypically strong Irish contingent. 

I won the race on Moon Racer five years ago, but Israel Champwould be a very different type, Moon Racer had the speed to run over a mile anda half on the flat, which could be more like Panic Attack, but Israel Champ isa more traditional National Hunt sort. Hopefully both horses have bigfutures for the yard!

Tom