Racing
Scholfield Speaks: On Defi de Seuil vs. Un de Sceaux, Cheltenham and the Gold Cup
After a relatively quiet week, Nick Scholfield has a busy weekend ahead with four rides booked at Taunton on Saturday. In his weekly blog he discusses tomorrow’s heavyweight clash betwen Defi de Seuil and Un de Sceaux, the year’s Cheltenham, the gold Cup and gives us an insight into this weekend’s booked rides.
On Defi de Seuil vs. Un de Sceaux…
The Clarence House Chase at Ascot on Saturday is obviously going to be another brilliant race between these two.
Defi de Seuil showed what he can do at Sandown, although the track should suit Un de Sceaux who will probably like the ground. I think Un de Sceaux will definitely give him a very hard race and the conditions are in his favour. However, for me, Defi de Seuil will probably just come out on top.
On Cheltenham 2020…
I’m hoping to be at Cheltenham this year if all goes well. Obviously we’re still trying to qualify and it was disappointing that Tedham didn’t qualify last weekend, missing out by one.
At this time of year you’re lining horses up but, because we’ve had such a wet winter, a lot of the better ground horses will be waiting for it to dry up which is should do soon. The next couple of months will be key.
On the Gold Cup…
I think the Willie Mullins pair, for me, are the ones which are looking strong. After the way they performed last year, none of the English ones are jumping out.
Obviously Clan Des Obeaux was impressive when going back to back in the King George but he was well beaten last year in the Gold Cup. Al Boum Photo looks mightily impressive as does Kemboy.
On his weekend rides…
Saturday – Taunton
13:05 – Amzac Magic
I’ve got Amzac Magic in the first race for Jack Barber. I won on him at Wincanton before and he’s back down into a grade that he’s competitive in. He won at a mark of 95 but is now at 99, which I should think is fine for him. Should handle conditions and hopefully has a chance.
14:15 – Queen of the Court
In my opinion Queen of the Court could be better in handicaps. That being said, this isn’t much of a race so hopefully she will show a bit more than she has been in recent outings.
15:25 – Limited Reserve
Then I ride Limited Reserve for Christian Williams. He’s got scope to go back, he’s got very good form and won a great race at Haydock off 133. It’s a lower than the handicap mark that he’s won from previously owing to him not really having been in great form. However, he seems to be getting back in the right direction now so fingers crossed.
16:25 – Doyannie
Then it’s onto Doyannie in the last. She came third on her first run which was at Wincanton. She’s a nice mare and has been working well. If she handles conditions she’ll have a very good chance.
Fancy backing Nick this weekend? Why not have a go at one of our huge racing pools?
