Tom Scudamore’s Cheltenham tips for Thursday

This is the most competitive of the Championship races this week. You have Flooring Porter who is going for his third consecutive success in this contest. I think this is a stronger race than he has been faced with over the last couple of years.

In Teahupoo, Blazing Khal and GOLD TWEET, he is now taking on horses of a different calibre. Teahupoo was quick enough to run in the Champion Hurdle last year. He was impressive over this distance at Gowran Park last time. His form took a boost earlier this week with Honeysuckle’s victory. However, I really like how Gold Tweet won last time and he is the horse I think will prevail.

4.10 – Plate Handicap Chase

This looks like a fantastic race and although it’s not original, I like how SO SCOTTISH has been campaigned this season. He is only six years old, but he looks like he has plenty of improvement in him.

4.50 – Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle

Luccia deserves a lot of respect. People have been questioning her jumping. We are now on the New Course, and this does not have quite the same test as the Old Course. There is a long run from the third last to the finish line. Having said that, I think she is too short in price.

PRINCESS ZOE has some excellent form on the Flat. She has only had one race over hurdles, but I think these conditions and the large field will bring out the best of her. She needs to brush up on her jumping, but as I mentioned, that is not as crucial as it would be on the Old Course.

5.30 – Kim Muir Challenge Cup

I have to go with the favourite here, STUMPDOWN. He was excellent at Sandown over 3m last month. Between Stumpdown and Beauport, you won’t be going very far wrong in this race.

Read Joe Tizzard’s views on his two runners on Thursday

Tom

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