Trick a treat for Thomas

Sam Thomas is looking forward to getting the leg up on Tricky Trickster in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Thomas has already tasted Gold Cup glory having partnered Denman to success in 2008 but he will be ridden by champion jockey Tony McCoy this time around.

Tricky Trickster is seemingly Paul Nicholls’ third string behind dual winner Kauto Star and Denman but Thomas is confident he can give a good account, and he did take full advantage of the latter fluffing his lines in the Aon.

“I’m very much looking forward to it and I think he’s a cracking ride,” the jockey told At The Races.

“Obviously whatever you run in the race it’s going to be very difficult to beat the favourite (Kauto Star) as he looks to be as good as ever at the moment.

“But I’m absolutely thrilled to be riding Tricky Trickster as he jumped very well last time and really picked up in the straight.

“He’s got no miles on the clock so there is no reason why he can’t keep on improving and he’s proved he stays round Cheltenham which is a big plus.

“It’s a very open race if you take the favourite out so I’d definitely be very hopeful we can finish in the first four.”