Dan Skelton previews his Saturday runners at Ascot

We have five runners at Ascot on Saturday, starting with Soyouthinksoagain (12.40), a winner at Stratford last time, in the novices’ handicap hurdle.

I think the track will suit him and the longer trip definitely does. He won on soft ground so I don’t think the going will be a problem, unless it got absolutely desperate.

We then have Bennys King (13.50) in the 2m3f handicap chase. He obviously stays a bit further than this but given how soft the ground is going to be, it will be a real stamina test. I wanted a horse that stayed the trip well and he will definitely do that.

I have to give him a fair chance in this because he’s in great form at home and he’s run well at Ascot before.

Roksana (14.25) contests the Long Walk Hurdle. I’ve had this in mind since Wetherby and I have been very happy with her. She gets 7lb for being a mare. The ground is fine, she goes in soft, and the weight concession gives her a fair chance.

Paisley Park and Thyme Hill are going to be hotly fancied but with them having to give her weight I have to think she will have a part to play as well.

Ardlethen (15.00) runs in the Silver Cup. He gets 10st 6lb in this after a nice run in the Ladbrokes Trophy last time. I think softer ground suits him and three miles is perfect. I have to think he has a fair chance as well.

I had four entries in the £100,000 handicap hurdle and whittled them down to West To The Bridge (15.35) as he handles real heavy ground and stays at least two and a half miles. I think it will turn into a war of attrition and I believe he can outrun his odds.

Dan