Dan Skelton Saturday runners blog - October 24, 2026

Palamon – 1.10 Cheltenham

We start with Palamon in the novices' handicap chase, and we just need to keep an eye on the ground because he has been very productive on quicker ground. We've had plenty of rain and if there’s a lot more we could just think about his participation here. He has been in good form and was an unlucky loser at Plumpton earlier in the week, when he was brought to a standstill by his opposition three times. I think he was the moral victor that day, but that's racing. This race is a lot deeper, but he has an each-way chance.

Ace Of Spades – 2.20 Cheltenham

Ace Of Spades runs in the Pertemps Qualifier. He is quite high in the handicap, but he is highly consistent and loves the track. I think he will run well, but I will stop short of saying he is the likely winner because, as I say, the handicapper has him high enough. The track and ground are in our favour, though, and we will give it our best.

Here Comes Georgie & Diamond Dealer – 2.55 Cheltenham

Diamond Dealer and Here Comes Georgie run in this handicap chase, which is worth quite a lot of money. Both are in good form at home and probably have room in their handicap marks, but they have questions to answer. I think Diamond Dealer has a question to answer about the track and whether this undulating course is his cup of tea. I don't know yet. Here Comes Georgie has never stayed this trip, so there are two big unanswered questions. However, they are in good form and have the potential for improvement.

North Shore – 3.30 Cheltenham

We are putting a pair of cheekpieces on North Shore. I saw a much better horse at home before he ran at Chepstow last time, but that was over two and a half miles. With the drop back in trip and cheekpieces on, it is a positive move. If the horse's work at home comes through on the track, he will be a player.

Newgrove & Micky Haller – 4.40 Cheltenham

Both of these horses won their point-to-points, and their work has been nice. Newgrove probably looks the sharper type, and Harry [Skelton] is on him. Micky Haller is probably more of a stayer for the future, but it's nice to get both started.

Ashdown Forest – 3.14 Kelso

It is a quick turnaround for Ashdown Forest under Heidi [Palin], who won on him last weekend. The tight track will suit him, and he will have a squeak.

Mumford’s Magic – 3.50 Kelso

Mumford’s Magic is in a four-runner race worth quite a lot of money. He won last time, so we thought we would give it a go, and I think he will be competitive. We will go there and give it our best shot. Sometimes his form can be in and out, but he has to be in with a chance based on his last run.

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