O’neill has grounds for optimism with Cloth Cap at Newbury

Cloth Cap can prove more than a match for a host of classy rivals in the Ladbrokes Trophy Chase at Newbury.

Ground conditions are at last right for Jonjo O'neill's eightyear- old - for the first time since he finished a close third in the Scottish Grand National in April 2019.

He is consequently racing from just a 2lb higher rating, having battled through the mud in all four starts last season and then seen the rain just come at the wrong time again on his return to action last month. It is a stretch to suggest that he is in the same class as some of his much higherweighted opponents in today's renewal of the famous handicap - especially Vinndication, for whom victory or even an honourable place under a welter burden would confirm Gold Cup aspirations.

But O'neill's proven stayer sneaks in off bottom weight, and the receipt of 25lb from Vinndication could well balance the scales in his favour.

Cloth Cap could well find himself outpaced at some stage - but stamina is always key in this hugely- competitive handicap, especially when it is allied with conditions to suit.

Epatante begins her campaign in the Betfair Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle.

Nicky Henderson is already a five- time winner of this Grade One - and although his previous champion Buveur D'air suffered a freak injury when narrowly failing to land his hat- trick last year, he has not been put off venturing north again. Epatante is understandably a short price to land her fourth successive victory, and should do so - although Sceau Royal, Silver Streak and Ribble Valley represent a significant collective challenge, with forecast good ground set to suit all of them as well as the favourite.

Whatmore has outstanding prospects in the closing Betfair Exchange Rehearsal Handicap Chase. Henry Daly's eightyear- old ran a series of fine races without managing a win last season, and began the new one with a career- best back up in trip at Ascot.

He lost out that day only to course specialist Regal Encore and with no apparent joker lurking in the pack this time, Whatmore can prevail for the first time in 18 months.