Tom Scudamore’s Cheltenham tips for Wednesday

As ever, this is a fantastic race. There are so many with a chance. I can see why Camprond is fancied, as he fits the right profile for this contest.

Johnson White has made a good shout about SPORTING JOHN. I know things have not gone right for him this season, but he is going to have a different type of headgear on here. He is dangerously well handicapped on his best form. He is a Grade One winner over fences. I like graded horses who are dropping back down into handicap company, as they often have something up their sleeves.

3.30 – Queen Mother Champion Chase

I am all over EDWARDSTONE in the Champion Chase. I rode in the Clarence House Chase earlier this year where he finished second. I think if they had their time again, Tom Cannon and Paul Townend would do things differently on their horses. The race didn’t work out for them and Editeur Du Gite was a good winner on the day.

I think this time the race will suit Edwardstone more. This is a stiffer test, and he will be staying on strongly. He is my NAP of the day.

4.10 – Cross Country Chase

Normally I wouldn’t be going for a horse who is having its first run in the Cross Country Chase, as I have always thought you need some experience around this course. However, from what I have been told, GALVIN has been working well when he has had a spin around this course.

I have a lot of time for Delta Work. He shot Bambi last year when he beat Tiger Roll on his farewell party. The defending champion has to be respected, but Galvin was the second favourite for the Gold Cup last year, and I think he will have that little more class.

4.50 – Grand Annual

I think this race is going to go to Coral ambassador Joe Tizzard. I like the way ELIXIR DE NUTZ has been going. He ran a great race in the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury last month. Just like I mentioned earlier, horses that are good enough to compete in graded races and then drop back down to handicap races always must be respected. I think this race will suit him, as you need a horse who is going to be tough to win a Grand Annual.

Read Joe Tizzard’s thoughts on Elixir De Nutz

5.30 – Champion Bumper

I like the way A Dream To Share won at Leopardstown last time out, but I’d just be a little bit concerned about him, as he is Flat-bred, so the conditions might just be a little against him, especially if there is a lot of rain overnight. If it is softer ground, I can see Fact To File reversing the form with him.

@tommyscu and trainer John McConnell (left) with his THIRD winner over the two-day Cheltenham meeting, Encanto Bruno, who took the bumper in good style. pic.twitter.com/GN0tqhVr3a

— Simon Milham (@simonmilham) October 22, 2022

I rode ENCANTO BRUNO to victory at this course on his last start. I think they have only scratched the surface with this horse and he has a great chance here.

Tom

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