Another double for fledgling trainer Scudamore.

MICHAEL SCUDAMORE landed his second double since embarking on a training career when Roussea and Dark Energy landed the 2m5f handicap chase and 2m handicap hurdle respectively, writes Neil Morrice.

Roussea is part-owned by England rugby international James Simpson-Daniel who, owing to work commitments, missed seeing the 7-1 shot hold on by a nose from I'm A Legend.

Scudamore said: "Sadly, James couldn't be here as he's training for a Gloucester game tomorrow night.

"Roussea loves the fast ground and going right-handed, so we will try to find more races like this at places like Huntingdon and Ludlow.

"I've had seven jumps winners and a few on the Flat, so it's nice to have had such a good start."

Noel Fehily teamed up with Dark Energy and the combination managed to get up on the line to catch Huguenot and score by a short-head.

Scudamore, 25, who took over his grandfather Michael's Herefordshire yard last year, added: "Like the other horse, he needs fast ground and then he's okay. I was a bit worried the distance might be too short, but Noel said he galloped all the way to the line.

"I would like to thank owner Chris Coley, who runs the hospitality at Cheltenham - he's been a massive supporter of mine."

Classic Clover, well ridden by Aidan Coleman, put up a dour staying effort to outpoint Stoneriggs Merc in the 3m11/2f handicap chase.

Trainer Colin Tizzard said: "He's notched all three of his career successes around here and I fancied him today, as the form of his previous outing had worked out well."

Tim Vaughan, who had earlier saddled Prince Noora and Stoneriggs Merc to finish second, made it third time lucky when Doctor Robert survived a slip on landing at the last to scoot clear of Kyoto in the 2m novice handicap hurdle.

Richard Johnson had a few scary moments on 4-9 chance Alazan before bringing him home to a comfortable victory in the 2m juvenile maiden hurdle.

The favourite took a keen grip on the way to the start and early in the race, making several jumping errors. However, Johnson was able to organise his mount, who will go for a similar contest under a penalty.

Trainer Philip Hobbs said: "With nothing to set the pace, we decided to go on. I thought it would give him a better chance to settle and his zestful attitude shouldn't be a problem in the longterm."

Johnson said: "I would rather have him out in front than risk having him knock into horses from behind."

The Snail landed a second handicap hurdle in less than 24 hours when Paul Moloney brought the Evan Williamstrained horse home to beat Prince Noora. Part-owner Gareth Morse heaped praise on Williams, saying: "He's a very difficult horse to train and get right, but we're with the best man to do it."

Star performance Michael Scudamore, who saddled a double courtesy of Roussea and Dark Energy Quote of the day "He's due to go up 25lb in the next week, so we have to strike while the iron is hot" - owner Gareth Morse after The Snail had landed a second success in less than 24 hours Which course specialist would struggle to repeat his win in a more competitive race? Results and analysis starts page 91

CAPTION(S):

The runners jump a flight in the 2m6f handicap hurdle won by hard-working The Snail, who was winning for the second time in as many days