CHELTENHAM COUNTDOWN

7 WEEKS TO GO

Eight-time champion jockey PETER SCUDAMORE’S verdict on the weekend action… UN DE SCEAUX

TWENTY wins from 26 starts for this Willie Mullinstrained steeplechaser underline his wonderful consistency but the manner of his third consecutive win in Saturday’s Clarence House Chase at Ascot also suggested that at the age of 10 he may be an even more potent opponent. He looked more relaxed behind the pace-setter, a warning to his Ryanair Chase opponents.

THE NEW ONE

A FOURTH win in the Haydock Champion Hurdle Trial again proved his fighting qualities. But he is not on Champion Hurdle-winning form and trainer Nigel TwistonDavies’ preference to have a shot at the Stayers’ Hurdle looks the right one.

LA BAGUE AU ROI

RELENTLESS display on Ascot’s testing ground showed she has a huge engine. Warren Greatrex is right in thinking he has the best jumps mare in the country and he would also have every right to throw her in against male rivals in the Stayers’ Hurdle.