TOM BIDDING TO CAP IT ALL
TOM SCUDAMORE, the partner of Cloth Cap in next month’s Randox Grand National, believes his mount is a ‘worthy favourite’ for the world’s most recognised race.
Cloth Cap heads the betting at 4-1 with all the bookmakers.
“He’s going from strength to strength and is a worthy favourite,” said Scudamore
(right), whose grandfather Michael won the race in 1959 on Oxo.
“The National is the natural race for him as he ran very well in last year’s Scottish Grand National.
“If the handicapper could have his say again, he would be 14lb higher, so it’s a lovely position to be in.”
This season, Cloth Cap has become a leading player for the iconic race that takes place at Aintree on April 10 after victories in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury in November and recently at Kelso.
Trained by Jonjo O’neill, who was responsible for ending AP Mccoy’s frustrating 14 defeats in the National when successful in 2010 with Don’t
Push It, Cloth Cap will be attempting to make it a record four wins in the race for owner Trevor Hemmings.
Scudamore, 38, who will be having his 19th ride in the race, added. “I’m aware of what is needed and the two horses that I’m respectful of are Kimberlite Candy and Any Second Now.”
Asked what it would mean if he won the race, Scudamore said: “It would mean probably paying the next two tax bills! No, it would be the ultimate pinnacle of my career.”
Adam Wedge is hopeful that he will be fit to partner his Welsh Grand National winner Secret Reprieve, a 14-1 chance, in the marathon event. Wedge is sidelined with a fracture to his T12 vertebra following a fall at Newbury. He said: “Fingers crossed, as long as an x-ray looks good in a couple of weeks, I’ll make it. “He’s a horse that seems to be improving, and Evan Williams has done a fantastic job in getting him in the right form to go there.” Yesterday, 77 horses remained in the National reckoning after the latest entry stage.