🗣 "He ran a lovely comeback race and often takes a run. He's had that and is doing everything as sweetly as we could expect at home"

Jonjo O'Neill has issued a positive update on Cloth Cap as he prepares to defend his crown in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury 👇

— Racing Post (@RacingPost) November 17, 2021

Cloth Cap was sent of favourite for last year’s Grand National following superb wins in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury and the bet365 Premier Chase at Kelso. But the gelded son of Beneficial was pulled up before the third last fence by jockey Tom Scudamore.

He has disappointed in four starts so far this season but O’Neill remains believes the 10-year-old can return to the form of last season's victories.

Cloth Cap runs in the colours of the late Trevor Hemmings – the triple Grand National-winning owner – and O’Neill said: “He was favourite for the race last year but unfortunately his wind gave up on him. Hopefully we have now got that fixed and we will go back to Aintree with him.

On his latest outing he briefly looked as though he might mount a challenge in the Grimthorpe Chase at Doncaster, carrying top weight, he was toiling two from home as Undersupervision emerged as the only real challenger.

“He does need genuine good ground though, otherwise he will have no chance.

“Although he does keep galloping he was a little bit free in last year’s race and he didn’t get home as his wind caught him out but hopefully he will get home this year.

“I think the handicapper overreacted to his Ladbrokes Trophy win in 2020 and it was a bit of a false reading.

“He started this season on a mark of 156 - he is back down to 147 but he will need that to get in.”