Tom Scudamore: “Thistlecrack has a very good chance if he can repeat his King George run.”

Our racing ambassador looks ahead to the Cheltenham Gold Cup

Friday – Cheltenham Festival

2.50 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle – Rockpoint

He has beaten Lisnagar Oscar already this season around here. Things haven’t gone right for him since then but he has been running at a much shorter trip.

He has course form and he is a second season novice who could surprise people. Tactically he is really straightforward. More than likely he will be up there but if not, he can drop off the pace slightly.

I have had a lot of success for the owners of this horse. They are good people and I hope to win more big races for them.

3.30 Cheltenham Gold Cup – Thistlecrack

It is great we have got here and he seems in good order. Obviously a couple of years ago we were the favourite for this race before he picked up his injury.

There are four or five horses who you think could win this contest and he is one of them. There are no unknowns when it comes to conditions and the track.

He ran very well in the King George and I think he has a very good chance here. I have a plan in my mind as to what I want to do.

The Gold Cup is the best race in National Hunt racing and I have come close to winning it a couple of times and it would be fantastic if I could win it on Thistlecrack.

Tom