Tom Scudamore talks his weekend Cheltenham and Aintree rides

It’s wonderful to be back riding at Cheltenham. They’ve made amazing improvements around here but in their own quiet way. The course and the track look fantastic. It’s funny when people say that now the jump season starts properly, when I’ve been so busy all summer, but it does feel like it’s stepping up a gear when you come here for the first meeting.

I’m feeling fit and well, and David has had a couple of winners this week, so everything is cranking up nicely.

Tom’s Saturday Cheltenham rides

I ride Alternatif in the 1.50. He’s a bit of an in and out performer. I schooled him the other day and he seems in good form. He’s going to have to pull his finger out but when he’s good he’s very good. Unfortunately he does throw in the odd disappointing run. He has run quite well around Cheltenham before. His stamina didn’t quite last over three and a half miles around here but he did run well for a long way. On a going day he would have a chance. I will take my time on him, get a lead, get him jumping and play my cards late.

I’m on Casino Markets for Emma Lavelle in the 3.30. He’s had a good summer. Yes, he’s stepping up in class but Emma is in such good form that anything is possible. I rode one for her a few weeks ago, Crimson Ark, which stepped up in class and needed to improve, and it ran well. There’s no reason why Casino Markets can’t run well. He’s an improving horse and Emma’s made such a good start from her new yard that I’m sure there’s more to come from him. He’s normally a prominent runner so will likely keep it nice and simple.

In the 4.05 I ride Eshtiaal for Gordon Elliott. He must have a good chance. He’s won his last two and comes here on a roll. I’ll chat to Gordon in the morning and go through the race with him. He looks a straightforward horse and has a bit of class, and he looks my best ride of the day. Gordon is very straightforward to ride for. He knows how he likes his horses to be ridden and you always know where you stand on that score. He knows his horses inside-out and while he doesn’t really tie you down you know exactly what’s expected of you when you ride for him.