Scudamore ready to step on the gas

Gaspara is “the one to beat” in the Oilexco Mares Only Hurdle at Ascot tomorrow, according to Tom Scudamore.

The five-year-old enjoyed a fine campaign last year, winning the Imperial Cup and the Fred Winter at the Cheltenham Festival, landing connections – trainer David Pipe and his father Martin, who owned her at the time – a huge bonus.

She has since been sold but remains at Pond House and after two slightly below-par runs earlier this season, finished a fine third behind Blazing Bailey at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day.

“She’s been an absolute superstar. What she did last year was phenomenal,” said Scudamore.

“Maybe her first two runs were a little disappointing, but she bounced right back to form at Cheltenham last time and a repeat of that run would make her the one to beat tomorrow I hope.

“She’s been a fantastic mare, she’s very, very tough,” he told At The Races.

Gaspara faces eight rivals, with Labelthou who is returning to timber, and Grade One winner Refinement among her rivals.