CHAMPION steeplechase jockey Peter Scudamore is leaning towards Captain Dibble as his English Grand National mount, although he is delaying a final decision until he rides the course at Aintree today. Scudamore is first jockey to record-breaking trainer Martin Pipe, who has seven of the 47 confirmed entries at the five-day declaration deadline. However, Pipe lists only four as intended runners at this stage - Chatam, Riverside Boy, Roc de Prince and veteran Bonanza Boy - and there is every chance that the champion rider may desert the stable that backs him most. Proven stayer Captain Dibble, trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, Scudamore's neighbour and business partner, has already won a Scottish National at Ayr, with the top jockey in the saddle. The gelding has proven himself on good to firm and soft ground, and has been very solidly supported in ante-post betting over the past few days, shortening to 8-1 joint-second favourite. ''Captain Dibble would be a very good ride,'' confirmed Scudamore. ''But I still have to talk things over with Martin (Pipe) before finally deciding. I also want to ride the course, as the going is a factor in my decision, as well.'' Little-known David Bridgwater, who shows definite promise as a rider, is standing by to ride Captain Dibble, should Scudamore be swayed by pre-race discussions with Pipe. Much-needed rain fell on the National course on Tuesday. A quarter of an inch of rain was recorded at Aintree, but more is needed if the official going is to change from good to firm. Royal Athlete, Jenny Pitman's Gold Cup third, remains the 7-1 favourite with both Ladbrokes and Corals bookmakers. John Upson's Zeta's Lad is 8-1 joint-second-favourite with Captain Dibble, while Romany King, the mount of the enthusiastic and talented Irishman Adrian Maguire, is at 9-1. Balding watched Romany King going through his final paces at his training base at Whitcombe, Dorset, and declared: ''I could not be more happy at this stage.''
