StableTalk: Dan Skelton looks ahead to his runners at Newbury, Newcastle and Doncaster

Weekend runners at Newbury, Newcastle and Doncaster

Coral ambassador Dan Skelton has a busy weekend ahead, but beforehand has taken some time to outline his upcoming runners at all of Newbury, Newcastle and Doncaster, including highly-rated Born Survivor in the former.

2.05 Newbury – Born Survivor

I’m very happy with him. He put up a great performance on his seasonal reappearance and it was just really frustrating that they had to take out several hurdles at the last minute because of the low sun as it made a big difference. I’m not saying he definitely would have won, but it definitely made a big difference as he was going very nicely when there were obstacles to be jumped and as soon as there wasn’t he was under pressure.

I’ve had a race like this in mind since then and we avoided the heavy ground in the Fixed Brush Hurdle at Haydock last Saturday, so this looked a good option. Newbury is the perfect track for him and the ground is perfect. We do hold him in high regard so hopefully he will go well.

1.45 Newcastle – Get On The Yager

Get On The Yager didn’t surprise us last time but it was a really hot novice contest that he won and the form has worked out well. I’m very happy with how he’s going at home, the trip is ideal, he’s more or less top rated in the race and I think he’s got to go well. It’s a long way to go with one horse, but it’s the right opportunity for the horse and it’s a £20,000 race so you’ve got to give it a go.

12.15 Doncaster – Focaccia

Focaccia has run well in a bumper at this track but has not run well over hurdles since then. I just don’t know why he’s not running great but we’ve just got to get him out and run him. It’s a small field so hopefully that will help, if for any reason there’s any claustrophobia issues with him. He’s got to get on with it.