Scudamore confident Dynaste is no Soft touch

Dynaste made an impressive start over fences at Cheltenham

Jockey Tom Scudamore is confident testing conditions will hold no fears for Dynaste at Newbury on Friday...

The high-class staying hurdler made a most impressive start to his chasing career with a victory over Fingal Bay at Cheltenham earlier this month.

The six-year-old now steps up to Grade 2 level and faces some smart opponents in the Fuller's London Pride Novices' Chase.

Scudamore said: "All has gone well at home since his first run.

"It's obviously another tough race - you wouldn't expect anything else - but he's a top horse and he's going to be running in these top races. The ground is going to be soft but that wouldn't really concern me."

However, Trainer David Pipe seems more hopeful rather than confident Dynaste will handle the rain-softened ground.

He said: "He came out of Cheltenham well and I think two and a half miles round Newbury should be fine for him.

"I don't think he's ever run on ground this soft but he seemed to handle softer ground when he was running in France, so we'll just have to hope for the best."

Get open access to Timeform data for just 2.50 a day with Timeform Race Passes. It's like a Form Book, Black Book & Race Card all in one! Find Out More!