Ground key to Cape crusade

Malcolm Jefferson will monitor the ground before deciding whether to declare Cape Tribulation for the Colin Parker Memorial Intermediate Chase at Carlisle on Sunday.

The smart staying hurdler made a pleasing introduction to fences when winning a three-mile-one-furlong novice chase at Hexham four weeks ago.

“I shall have to see what the ground is going to be. They have had a bit of rain but I’ll wait and see,” said the North Yorkshire trainer.

“He won’t be declared until I know what the ground is going to ride like, but he’s in great form.”