Dan Skelton talks Sandown, Aintree, Chepstow and Huntingdon

We run two in the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase (1.50). This has always been Plan A for Nube Negra, who will be ridden by Harry Skelton.

It hasn’t rained too much which is what we wanted. He has two wins coming into this race.

He is a pure two-miler and the track should suit. We are very happy with him at home and we just hope for a bit of luck with him on a big day.

Beakstown didn’t quite stay 2m6f the last day. Whether two miles is too short, I do not know.

He is a strong traveller and a big jumper and Robbie Power rides him. Perhaps the drop in trip isn’t the silliest thing in the world. It is a Grade 1 so it’s obviously very deep.

We run Protektorat in a Listed Hurdle (2.25). He was second here last time in a Novices’ Hurdle.

He’s got a nice weight and obviously goes well at the track. This has been the plan since that run so hopefully we get a bit of luck and a big run is on the cards.

Get On The Yager (3.35) runs in the London National and the trip is perfect for him. We’ve put on a tongue strap and cheek pieces to sharpen him up and give him as much help as we possibly can.

Hehasn’t won for a little while but he has been consistent especially in theMidlands National. I hope he gets his day soon.

We run Amoola Gold at Aintree (12.30) and Bridget Andrews will go there. I think he has stepped forward from his run at Newbury where we were very happy with him. Bridget has won on him before so I expect a good run.

At Chepstow we are quite busy, starting with Accordingtogino (1.25). He has been placed there twice already this season. I think he will be a big player again.

Shannon Bridge (2.30) is also a player. The track should be ideal for him and he is in good form. He had a good first run of the season and he will have blown away any cobwebs.

Cook The Books (3.05) race has cut up a bit but had a good first run for us. That second run is always in the back of your mind but you just got to carry on and not worry about that too much.

A Large One Please (3.40) is a very nice horse for the future. He looks more like a stayer but he has done loads of work and is ready for his debut. He should give a good showing.

Sunday

We go to Huntingdon where their big race, the Peterborough Chase (2.00), takes place. We are represented by Born Survivor. Looking at the ground, I think he has a little each-way squeak.

It isalways a competitive race, with Top Notch and La Bague Au Roi lining up. Theywill be hard to beat. We are very happy with our horse though.

Earlier in the card we run Ferrobin (1.30). I think he is just paying the price for being quite consistent as a novice. I don’t expect fireworks from him off his current mark. I hope to go chasing with him in the spring.

We run two in the Novices’ Hurdle (2.30). Soyouthinksoagain ran ok on his debut but he wouldn’t have the form of our other runner, West Cork.

Droppingback to two miles is a real positive for him. The race isn’t a gimme with a fewnice horses in there but I am very happy with West Cork.

We also have two very nice mares in the Listed Bumper (3.00), which we were second in last year.

Global Harmony wassecond the other day on the All-Weather. Harry rides her and Bridget will be onMarada. There’s not a great dealbetween them at home.

Maradais a lot better than her run at Market Rasen but she is going to have to be. Ontrack performances, Global Harmony is ahead of Marada which is why Harry ridesher.

Hopefully we get a winner ortwo this weekend.

Dan