The hat-trick seeking Some Scope will bid to post a career-best on Saturday as he has been declared to face 12 rivals in the Grimthorpe Handicap Chase.
The unexposed 6-year-old won comfortably at Doncaster last time, and his trainer Richard Hobson believes the step up to 3m2f will bring about further progress from his improving young chaser.
Hobson said: “Some Scope is a lovely horse and has came out of his last race in really good form. It’s more of a long-term preparation with him as we think he will turn into a Scottish Grand National horse in time.”
He added: “He has a lovely staying pedigree and the trip should suit him well, he’ll only be getting going at the end.”
Hobson is double-handed in this after he also declared former course winner Docpickedme who will be having his first run since undergoing a wind operation.
Not since Damers Cavalry in 1992 has a horse regained the Grimthorpe Chase, but Undersupervision will attempt to do just that for the Twiston-Davies yard. The 8-year-old won this contest two years ago and narrowly failed to become the back-to-back winner for almost 30 years when runner-up in 2023.
On just his second start for Henry Oliver, Java Point won for the first time in over two years when beating Certainly Red in a competitive handicap at Sandown earlier this month.
Oliver said: “He seemed to relish that test and I’d be hopeful there’s more to come on just his third start for us. He seems like a nice horse, and he goes there with a good chance.”
Kim Bailey has won the Grimthorpe twice before courtesy of Shradens Leader (1994) and The Last Samuri (2016). Does He Know could make Bailey the joint-most successful trainer in the history of the race alongside Richard Lee as he lines up off top-weight of 12st.
Tickets for Grimthorpe Chase Day start from £5. Secure your tickets on the Doncaster Racecourse website today.
