Tom Scudamore: “National hope Time To Get Up is a lovely ride to pick up”

I’ve picked up a really nice ride in the Grand Sefton, which is being run at this fixture for the first time. Time To Get Up (pictured above) had a brilliant season last year, culminating in his victory in the Midlands Grand National. He beat Mighty Thunder that day, who franked the form when winning the Coral Scottish National.

He’s already a leading contender for the Grand National, and while that is some way in the future, he is an exciting ride over the big fences and looks to have a very good chance here. It is Jonjo O’Neill Jr’s misfortune that has seen me pick up this ride, so I’m thankful to Jonjo senior and JP McManus for this opportunity.

Aintree 3.20 – Summerville Boy

I rode Summerville Boy in last season’s International Hurdle at Cheltenham, and although he didn’t win that day, he did win this race on his seasonal reappearance last year, so we know he goes well fresh.

I schooled him on Thursday morning, he felt great, jumped well, and on ratings he has to have a leading chance in this small but competitive-looking race.

Aintree 3.55 – Idem

My final ride of the day is on Idem, trained by Lucinda [Russell] and dad [Peter Scudamore], and he’s one dad really likes. He’s related to Vieux Lion Rouge, and it’s easy to forget after the career that one’s had that he did start off winning a three-year-old Bumper, so let’s hope Idem can do likewise.

That said, this does look to be a decent race. Sandringham comes over from Germany, Dan Skelton’s always have to be respected, while Legionar goes for an in-form Milton Harris yard. Whatever Idem does here, I’m sure he’ll improve for the experience.

Tom

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