Grimthorpe Chase: 'Should he return to his best he would win by a long way'

Virgin Bet Grimthorpe Handicap Chase | 3m2f | 5yo+ | ITV/Sky

It was something of a surprise to see Cloth Cap among the declarations for the Grimthorpe Handicap Chase, rather than in Kelso's Premier Chase which he won so impressively 12 months ago.

In theory, his connections have chosen the easier test. The Premier Chase is slightly more competitive than a year ago, whereas Cloth Cap is rated 1lb lower than he was at this point in 2021. Or, put another way, it is probably easier to give 4lb to Le Milos than Espoir De Romay.

From the outside, it has seemingly all gone wrong for Cloth Cap since he won at Kelso. His form figures read P46R, but they do a terrible job of telling the story. He choked having looked for a long way like a rightful favourite for the Grand National and has run as though short of fitness all this season.

With Aintree back on the horizon, expect more from Cloth Cap. Should he return to his best he would win by a long way.

The early stages of this race should be telling. Cloth Cap does his best work when ridden forcefully, but the same goes for Le Milos, who made all in the Masters last time, as well as Storm Control who went so close in the Sky Bet Chase here five weeks ago.

You might expect to see a stronger link between the Sky Bet and Grimthorpe than what exists. In the last decade only six horses have run in both races in a calendar year.

Their record in this race looks pretty good – form figures 136323 – but remember that the Grimthorpe often throws up moderately sized fields, so it could be said that on this measure 80 per cent of success is showing up.

While the market has focused on the established names, it should be noted that there is an above-average cohort of less exposed sorts in the field. Young improvers like Soyouthinksoagain and Undersupervision are obvious, but it also applies to nine-year-old Powerstown Park.

He has shown a tremendous ability to travel since being stepped up in distance and he might be coming in on a hat-trick had connections sidestepped deep ground at Market Rasen on Boxing Day. It would be no surprise if he were still stalking the big names as the field turns for home.
Race analysis by Keith Melrose

'Jonjo has found a good race for Cloth Cap'

This day last year Cloth Cap was cementing his position as Grand National favourite with a runaway win at Kelso and, despite a record of P46R since, jockey Tom Scudamore feels the bare form is not a fair reflection of his recent performances.

He said: "I didn't think he ran at all badly first time out at Cheltenham and then for a long way he was in contention in the Ladbrokes Trophy. It was only really from the last ditch that the weight began to tell, and it was a very good run for a long way."

Cloth Cap confirmed his dislike for going right-handed at Ascot last time under Jonjo O'Neill Jr and Scudamore believes this will be a far more suitable task ahead of a potential return to Aintree.

He said: "Jonjo seems to have found a good race for him and if he's happy with him, then I'm very happy with him. It's a good opportunity for him."

What they say

Tim Vaughan, trainer of Le Milos
He seems in great form, he's won his last two and he's progressive. We did look at the Midlands National but we thought four miles could wait for next year. It's soft, heavy in places at the moment and that's right up our street; it wouldn't trouble him at all.

Richard Bandey, trainer of Mister Malarky
He's settled in with us very well and seems to be in great form, bouncing and kicking on the way to the gallops. He schooled very well in Lambourn on Tuesday and it looks like the right option. I rather wish the rain hadn't come quite so much. He's won on soft and I think it might inconvenience him less than some of the others.

Storm Control will be aiming to go one better back at Doncaster after his second-placed effort in the Sky Bet ChaseCredit: Edward Whitaker

Kerry Lee, trainer of Storm Control
He got touched off here last time and I'm pleased to see Windsor Avenue has gone to Kelso instead. He seems in equally good form as before the January race. His better form does seem to be on better ground but he did win when it was soft at Cheltenham last season.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of Undersupervison
I'm not too worried at all about heavy ground. He's unexposed and let's hope he can keep improving.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Soyouthinksoagain
He's good and fresh. He has to go lefthanded and the trip is no issue. I think he can win in the ground. Although this represents a significant step up in grade, I think he's ready for it and we'll give it a try.

Sam Thomas, trainer of Powerstown Park
He's earned himself a crack at a race like this but I'm worried about the ground with it being soft, heavy in places. He wants it as good as possible, so we'll assess the situation before committing. We should have pulled up stumps when it went soft at Market Rasen but he was back to form on proper good ground last time at Hereford. Hopefully, Doncaster never gets too bad and the chase track is a bit better than the hurdles course.
Reporting by Scott Burton

Read a selection of Saturday previews . . .

1.50 Newbury: does Paul Nicholls have another likely type in bid for tenth Greatwood Gold Cup?

2.40 Kelso: can exciting Espoir De Romay continue the trend of Premier performances?

3.15 Kelso: Nicky Henderson warns 'Buveur D'Air will come on an awful lot for the run'

Big-race analysis: can Buveur D'Air defy top weight and raise the roof at Kelso? (Members' Club)

3.30 Meydan: 'I think he's a big player' – Godolphin trio take on Lord Glitters in Jebel Hatta