Dan Skelton’s team go at Newbury and Bangor this Saturday

We have runners at two meetings on Saturday with Harry and Bridget both heading to Newbury.

We have two runners in the Mares Series Final with Harry riding Etamine Du Cochet (3.15) and Bridget riding So Lonely (3.15).

It’s not got as high a rating band as you would expect for the race as So Lonely, who we didn’t expect to be running, gets in.

We have had the race in mind for Etamine Du Cochet and she has had some tinkering done to her palate since her last run. Both are in good form and I would like to think both capable of picking up some prize-money.

Cobra De Mai (3.50) is our runner in the two and a half mile handicap chase. There are only five runners and he loves a small field. He dominated last time at Leicester and was able to get well on top in the straight.

On that basis he would have a chance but he does keep going up the handicap, which does make life a little bit more difficult.

We have two runners in the novices hurdle. Harry rides Humble Hero (4.25) and I would give him a chance in this with a couple of runners having to concede a penalty.

I think the track will suit him. He jumped nicely this morning and is all ready to go.

Bridget rides Crown Of Roses (4.25) who has had a couple of runs in bumpers but does look like she has plenty to find.

She has jumped well at home but has a lot of growing up to do and is more one for next year.

We are running Nimby (5.00) in the bumper, a very valuable race which we have kept him back for.

Having to give away a penalty is not ideal but at least he has been out and shown a good attitude, that he can handle good ground and he has a bit of pace.

It is a very deep race though, which it always is. I have a lot of respect for Harry Fry’s runner Get In The Queue, Noel Fehily’s last ride, and because of that they will be looking to go out with a victory.

Holyrale (5.35) ran okay last week at Kempton, picking up some prize-money, but the handicapper has got him, it’s as simple as that.

At Bangor we have two runners. West To The Bridge (1.40) contests a novice hurdle in which Willie Marshall is going to take 10lb off.

I can see him running all right. He is not an easy horse to win with and pulls a bit too hard, but with 10lb off maybe that gives him a better chance.

Tigeralley (2.15) won last week at Uttoxeter and will love the ground. I would give her a fair chance of following up again with Willie taking 10lb off.

Farewell Fehily

The whole team wishes Noel all the best in his retirement and hopes he has a successful next chapter of his life. With all he has achieved in the saddle he has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport.

Dan