Racing: Night to return chasing in Martell Cup

Sleeping Night, who came within just a length of beating star hurdler Baracouda at Kempton last time, is set to return to fences at Aintree in the Martell Cup Chase on Thursday week.

Mary Reveley’s young French import has only been seen three times this season, but has already proved himself a possible star of the future.

Runner-up to Sackville on his debut at Wetherby, Sleeping Night then found the trip too short in the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon, finishing last of four behind Edredon Bleu.

However, he returned to his best when chasing home Baracouda in the Rendlesham Hurdle.

Mrs Reveley said: ‘‘Sleeping Night ran a very good race at Kempton and the plan now is to run in the Martell Cup.

‘‘He’s been fine since his last run, having just found the distance too short against Edredon Bleu.

‘‘He’s a very young horse who doesn’t need too many races. We thought Aintree would suit him better than Cheltenham so that’s why we missed the Festival. He wouldn’t want the ground too firm.’’

Tony Dobbin rides Sleeping Night, and he added: ‘‘I like the horse a lot - he’s very athletic and stays well. He also loves soft ground.’’