StableTalk: “I think he can win. He’s in very good form and is a high class horse”

Coral horse racing ambassador Dan Skelton spoke elusively to us regarding his weekend runners at Market Rasen, Ffos Las and Kempton…

“Blue Heron is superior on the ratings”

Bubba N Squeak runs in the 1.05 at Market Rasen. He let himself down the other day. He didn’t try particularly hard at Warwick which is uncharacteristic, so he’s bidding to get back on track here. There is a point-to-point winner and horses in this race that have got flashier form than him so in all reality I just want to get back on track with him. I’m not expecting him to win but there should be a significant improvement from last time as we’ve revved him up a bit at home and got him focused. I hope he runs well, that’s what we are looking for.

L’Aigle Royal runs in the 3.20 and is new to us, as Terry Warner sent him to us earlier this year. He looks a very genuine horse, I really like his attitude, and he jumps nicely. I don’t know how well handicapped he is but he goes there with a chance. He’s on good form at home, he’s fit and he looks great.

In the 3.55 we have Blue Heron. He’s had a year off and now goes chasing. I have done plenty with him at home, both jumping and exercise, but he’s not one you can go and blast at home so I do think there’s significant improvement in him. You saw that with Value At Risk; I said there would be a lot of improvement in him and there is and this horse I feel is the same. Viens Chercher was second to Welsh Shadow in a Listed race last year so is a very decent opponent for Blue Heron given he’s had a year off. Even though Blue Heron is superior on the ratings you have to be very respectful of Viens Chercher.

Bandsman runs for us in the 4.30. He was second last time and I think he bumped into a nice horse that day, as the winner won a maiden hurdle yesterday very easily. It’s handy that the race has divided as you don’t want too many horses around them, or it literally is like “bumper cars”. If the ground is too soft I won’t run him.