StableTalk: It could end up being the ‘Skelton Show’ on Saturday!

The Grade 2 Wincanton Rising Stars Novices’ Chase (1.30) is our first port of call and provided the forecast downpour of rain stays away, I’ll be running Long House Hall. He was unlucky at Cheltenham when he unseated and then tipped up again when loose but he’s schooled well since and this would be a good opportunity to get him back on track. The race is a competitive one but it’s near on impossible to find an easy novice chase nowadays and if he does line up, I’m hoping the small field will be a help to him.

Just A Normal Day takes his chance for us in Aintree’s 1.55 and with Bridget’s 5lb claim he’s got a lovely racing weight of just 9st 13lb. He wouldn’t want the ground too soft but he ran really well at Newton Abbot last time and I expect this track to suit him much better. He goes there with a good chance.

I’m stepping Wilton Milan (2.05 Wincanton) up in trip because I feel the handicapper’s got him at the middle trip so we’re going to ride him with some patience and see how he fares. It’s a notoriously competitive handicap but he’s got a nice racing weight, the ground will be fine for him and if he stays he’ll have a chance.

Upepito (3.05 Aintree) made a very pleasing start for us at Wetherby where I thought he jumped exceptionally well and was unlucky to just get done by Village Vic. I had him pretty fit that day but he should still come on a little for that effort. The track will suit him, again, he’s got a nice racing weight and his run the last day gives me some confidence that he’ll run a big race in what is another competitive handicap.