Racing: Pitman pleased with Smarty performance

Mark Pitman was delighted with the effort of Smarty at Ascot as his preparations for the Martell Grand National gather pace.

Last year’s Aintree runner-up ran well for a long way under intended big-race pilot Tom Scudamore in the Ascot United Football Club Novices’ Hurdle, eventually finishing third to smart pair Stormez and Young Ottoman.

‘‘That was a decent novice so I am delighted, it’s all systems go,’’ said Pitman. ‘‘He would hardly have blown out a candle afterwards.

‘‘They quickened and he just got tapped for toe as you would expect but he battled on well up the straight.

‘‘It’s mission accomplished and he’s bang on course.

‘‘He’s in good shape and must have an outstanding chance. It was nice for Tom to sit on him and he said he wouldn’t swap him for anything else in the race which is nice.

‘‘His strength is his jumping and I’ve always thought he was a stone better at Aintree.’’