Racing
Scholfield Speaks: On Tolworth Hurdle day, Cheltenham vs. Aintree & his weekend rides
A busy weekend of racing lies ahead. I’ve got the Sussex National on Sunday as well as a few rides on Saturday. It’s actually Tolworth Hurdle day tomorrow at Sandown, a race I’ve won in the past with Melodic Rendezvouz.
That’s probably the featured race of the day and looks another good renewal, I’m heading to Wincanton instead which is a bit more local but will be keeping a close eye on that race as there’s a few nice types in there, notably Fiddlerontheroof who is the standout horse for me. He’s my pick this year, especially after his win at Sandown last time out. If there is one other to beat though it’s probably Son Of Camas.
On Cheltenham vs. Aintree…
We’re into the new year now and people will be starting to think about these two huge events. I’ve been lucky to have winners at both meetings. The prize money is as big at Aintree, if not better, but Cheltenham is just such a big thing. It’s truly massive now and has become so competitive, especially with the Irish. Really it’s like the Olympics of our sport. However, I enjoy Aintree slightly more as it’s more relaxed. The prize money there is unreal and you sometimes get easy races at Aintree.
On his favourite track…
We’re looked after very well at all the tracks, although it’s probably fair to say that you get a bit more at the bigger ones. It’s pretty obvious but Ascot is certainly up there with the best. However, as I said, we’re looked after well at the smaller tracks too and it’s really more about the rides you have on the day which makes it enjoyable!
On his weekend rides…
Saturday – Wincanton
12:30 – I’m riding a horse called Fethard Flyer for Paul Henderson in the first. His form figures don’t look great but he’s probably better than they suggest. Paul Henderson’s a good trainer and does well with these sort of types in an open race which is a positive.
13:05 – In the second race, a Novices’ Handicap Chase, I ride a horse called Buster Moon. Had no luck earlier in the week and was brought down at the first but he’s a horse we were looking forward to going chasing before that so this is effectively his first run. He had a spin round loose and jumped well the other day which could suggest a bit of form. Jeremy Scott’s horses continue to impress. Dino Boy looks the one to beat in the race but hopefully he’ll run alright.
14:40 – I’m riding a horse for Chris Gordon whose horses are also in great form at the moment, especially after he had a good winner on Boxing Day. This one is called Invincible Cave. Chris hasn’t had him all that long and he seems to be improving with each run, so hopefully the handicap has now given him a chance as he’s 10lbs lower now than what he was. That could give him a good chance as, if you go back to his Irish form, he probably would have been capable of winning from that mark.
Sunday – Plumpton
12:40 – It’s a good card at Plumpton on Sunday, Sussex National Day is always a good day. I’ve got a couple in the Novice Hurdles early doors starting with the 12:40 where I’m on a horse called Lisronagh Stone, an Irish pointer. He’s been off the track for 300 days so it will be good to give him a run out and see how he gets on. However, Highway One O Two looks fairly nailed on in that race.
13:40 – Next I’m on Kerb Line for Jeremy Scott. He’ll be an outsider but went round Newbury the other day and could be one for handicaps further down the line.
14:40 – In the Sussex National I’m on another for Jeremy Scott called Garrane. He ran well at Haydock last time out and really this has been his plan all season. It’s a 3m4 on soft ground which is right up his street. He’s got a nice racing weight of 11 stone and will have cheekpieces on, which he hasn’t been running in. Hopefully he does well in the Sussex National and certainly has an each way chance. I would say Billy Bronco is probably the one to beat in the race.
15:10 – I’m riding a quirky customer called Shintori. I’ve won three times on him already but he’s a horse that needs holding up and riding for luck and, if things go his way, he has a chance. He’s a horse that will be coming from behind it depends what he finds off the bridle. However, he does go well round Plumpton so hopefully that’s a good thing