ARDENT Scout will take a sharp drop in trip at Uttoxeter today as he is prepared for a crack at the Coral Eurobet Welsh National later this month.
Sue Smith has run out of options for the gelding, second to Young Kenny in the 27-furlong Tote Becher Chase at Aintree last time.
So the eight-year-old will run over two miles in the St Modwen Handicap Chase to keep him on course for Chepstow.
The trainer explained: "The simple fact is that we've got him entered for the Welsh National and I could find nothing without going to Ascot where the going is going to be very testing.
"This was the only race for him in his grade.
"The horse is in quite good form with himself and he was effective over two miles when he was younger."
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