Scudamore talks up English hope Osana

Jockey Tom Scudamore is in confident mood ahead of Tuesday´s Champion Hurdle, despite the fact his mount Osana has been off the track since winning the Boylesports.com International at Cheltenham in December.

Scudamore said: "I can´t wait for it, he has a tremendous chance. He goes on any ground and he likes Cheltenham.

"Obviously it is a Champion Hurdle so this is the toughest of the tough but he has a great chance and I certainly wouldn´t swap him for anything.

"I schooled him on Saturday and he gave me a great feel. He felt as well as he ever has and feels as though he is improving all the time.

"I know everyone will be fancying their chances but I really wouldn´t swap him for the world and I´m really looking forward to riding him."

Scudamore admits the Irish hold a number of chances to extend their stranglehold on the race to a fifth straight year, with Rooster Booster the last British-trained winner in 2003.

"It´s a great race and it´s maybe a little bit more open than usual, but there are the likes of Sublimity, Sizing Europe and Harchibald in there and the Irish lot all have great chances," he continued.

"But I think at the moment Osana is definitely the best of the English horses - he´s versatile, he likes Cheltenham and he ticks all the boxes.

"I´m very confident that he´s good enough."