Stabletalk: Dan Skelton gives the lowdown on his 12 weekend runners

1.55 Doncaster – Yorkist

I was delighted with his win last time. This race has cut up a bit too which isn’t unhelpful. He’s a bit of a quirky type too and it took that Ascot run for us to really get to know him but we know him now. I think he’ll run creditably. Whether the track fully suits him, I don’t know, and we won’t know until we race there.  He’s in good form at home and off the back of that win he should be very competitive.

3.05 Doncaster – Late Night Lily

It would be great to get some black type with her. She’s been a very consistent mare and we like her a lot. She’ll love the ground and she’ll love the track. We’re under no illusions about the task she faces against Vroum Vroum Mag but hopefully she’ll pick up that black type.

1.40 Uttoxeter – Thisonetime

He was a bit disappointing last time. He is much better than that. I have put a tongue strap on him just so there are no excuses. It’s not that he’s being making a noise or anything. I just want to see him run really well.

2.45 Uttoxeter – Theatrebar

With Melodic Rendezvous at the top of the weights it means we are only carrying ten stone when you include Bridget’s claim which gives him a chance. I think he’ll like the ground and I’m hopeful he’ll run well.

3.55 Uttoxeter – Master Jake

He ran well last time. I put a pair of cheekpieces on him and he improved for that. I hope he runs really well. He’s consistent, he jumps well and he’s in the right grade. I can’t do too much more for him and I hope he goes and runs a big race.

4.30 Uttoxeter – Ashoka

He had a bad injury and he showed that last time at Kempton he’s still finding his feet. I hope we are going to see a bit more from him today but I don’t think it’s going to happen straightaway. It’s a watching brief at the moment.

SUNDAY

1.20 Sedgefield – Robin Of Locksley

He was due to go over fences last time but it was called off. So I thought we’d just go back over hurdles, as the race suited and I’m taking two horses up there, and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in. It’s about time he won again in all honesty.

1.50 Sedgefield – Applesandpierres

This looks a good opportunity. He jumps nicely so it’s time to go chasing with him. I was surprised he won that hurdle, and then he travelled well at Wetherby the other day and perhaps didn’t quite stay. He ran really well but without winning. So we’ll kick on and go chasing with him now.

Faugheen – Irish Champion Hurdle

I’ll be watching Faugheen’s comeback in Ireland with interest. The Champion Hurdle picture is so turbulent and anything but a Faugheen win will keep it that way. From the level he was at two years ago, only a win will do really, as there are only a few weeks until Cheltenham. He’s had a long time off and if he got beat it won’t be the end of the world, but in terms of Cheltenham and his Champion Hurdle aspirations surely only a win will do.

It’s not easy with these horses when they have a long time off. You have to work so hard with them to get them back. They have a great team at Willie Mullins’ and I’m sure Faugheen will be ready for it, and to be honest I expect him to win.

Dan

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