Scudamore hopes to leave Doncaster 'dreaming' of National glory with Cloth Cap

Tom Scudamore hopes he will once again be dreaming of Grand National glory with Cloth Cap after the talented chaser contests the Virgin Bet Grimthorpe Chase (3.30) at Doncaster on Saturday.

The Jonjo O'Neill-trained ten-year-old had the option of running in Kelso's Premier Chase, which he won by a wide margin last year. However, connections opted for the Grimthorpe with the gelding, who has been well held in four starts since, including when being pulled up in the National when sent off the 11-2 favourite.

Although Cloth Cap has not been firing on all cylinders this season, Scudamore is excited to be reunited with him at Town Moor in the 3m2f handicap chase to try to reignite the National dream, for which he is as big as 33-1.

3.30 Doncaster: Grimthorpe Chase card and betting

"Let's hope that by Saturday night we can be back dreaming again. He's always one to look forward to as he's a cracking horse," he said.

"You'd like to think he'd have a good chance. I've been to Jonjo's but haven't sat on him, but you can tell he's in good order with himself. I'm sure he'll do himself justice."

Cloth Cap will take on seven rivals, including Sky Bet Chase second Storm Control, and shoulders top weight of 11st 12lb, but Scudamore hopes the decision to avoid carrying a 4lb penalty at Kelso will pay off.

"They're both good races in their own right, but the Kelso race this year wouldn't have suited him with some higher rated horses this time," he added. "He had the same options last year, but we've chosen to go the way to Doncaster as it'll suit him more. I'm looking forward to it."

Buveur back for Morebattle mission

Dual Champion Hurdle hero Buveur D'Air will make his seasonal return against Metier in the bet365 Morebattle Hurdle (3.15) after the pair featured in a final field of 12 for the Kelso feature.

The 11-year-old has not been seen since finishing fourth in the Aintree Hurdle last April but will make his comeback on his first start in handicap company under Nico de Boinville, with the pair set to race off topweight of 11st 12lb.

Buveur D'Air: makes his return at Kelso in the Morebattle HurdleCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

The Harry Fry-trained Metier, who scored for the first time since landing last year's Tolworth Hurdle at Lingfield's Winter Million meeting in January, adds extra spice to the contest, with the winner set to receive a lucrative £100,000 bonus should they follow up in any race at the Cheltenham Festival.

A field of seven will contest the Listed bet365 Premier Chase (2.40) while nine have been declared for the Grade 2 Premier Novices' Hurdle (1.32) including North Lodge – already a winner at that level.

At Newbury, Paul Nicholls will be doubly represented among ten for the Greatwood Gold Cup (1.50) with Amour De Nuit and Tamaroc Du Mathan as he seeks a record-extending tenth win.

bet365 Morebattle Hurdle final field

Buveur D'AirNico de Boinville
Autumn EveningSean O'Keeffe
MetierSean Bowen
FaivoirHarry Skelton
Saint D'Oroux Ben Bromley (7)
Voix Du ReveAlan Doyle (7)
CormierSean Quinlan
Balko SaintChester Williams (3)
AlqamarCharlotte Jones (5)
Some ReignCraig Nichol
SeveranceBrian Hughes
ThereisnodoubtDerek Fox

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