StableTalk: Dan Skelton looks at Newbury Friday runners including Virgilio and Three Musketeers

“It was a very good ride by Harry and we basically nicked it.”

I was delighted with Ch‘Tibello’s win last Saturday, and I was a little surprised as I didn’t think he’d go on the ground at all. When they went no pace and our horse was able to sit upsides the front I really thought it was a possibility that we could win.

It was a very good ride by Harry and we basically nicked it; you can’t say fairer than that. The handicapper only put him up a pound which is very fair, but sensible given the circumstances in terms of small field and heavy ground. I will probably enter him in the Ryanair Hurdle and Christmas Hurdle, and see what happens. I’m not going to make firm plans yet, and he will also get an entry in the Ladbroke Hurdle at Ascot.

Weekend runners at Newbury

12.30 Newbury – Captain Forez

Captain Forez is a lovely horse. Second on his only start at Auteuil, he is very much a future chaser. I love this track for him, he’s always been aiming for this race and I think he’ll run nicely. Jenkins is a horse with a big reputation so it’s going to be decent contest.

1.05 Newbury – Knockgraffon

Knockgraffon had a lovely run last time at Carlisle over fences. He showed plenty of pace but probably didn’t quite stay up the hill. I’ve always had this race in mind since then, and I think he’ll go well.