Tom Scudamore: “Vieux Lion Rouge has a really good chance in Becher”

Coral ambassador previews his weekend rides

Delighted with Thistlecrack

I thought Thistlecrack ran really well in the Ladbrokes Long Distance Hurdle and he’ll come on for that run too. I know we were getting 6lbs from Paisley Park but wherever he goes next he’s going to be competitive. We were delighted with him. The enthusiasm and the ability are all still there in abundance.

He’s got entries in the Long Walk Hurdle and the King George and Colin and the owners will decide which way to go. It was only two runs ago he was second in a King George, and he’s just come second to Paisley Park, so he’ll have a good chance in whichever race he goes for.

Champers On Ice was brilliant too

It was brilliant to see Champers On Ice win again. He’s had so many problems. He had promised so much in his early years but delivered little because of all the issues he had, but last Friday was the best he’s jumped and felt.

It gives me plenty of confidence going forward, and I wouldn’t be opposed to having another crack over fences with him as he jumped so well. He’s nine rising ten, so Veterans’ Chases could come into the reckoning too. It was a brilliant training performance by David.

Saturday Rides 

13.30 Aintree – Vieux Lion Rouge

Vieux Lion Rouge has won this race before and was second last year. It’s a really competitive race but you know where you are with my horse. I think he’s got a really good chance.

Mysteree runs for my brother. He ran well last time but he is running off his highest ever mark at the age of eleven so it’s going to be tough for him. Any rain they get up there he’ll appreciate. He’s in good order and it was a career-best last time so he’s going to have to do that again.