Dan Skelton weekend runners blog: 'Another run like his last at Aintree will see him go very well'

Dan Skelton has nine runners across Friday and Saturday at Exeter, Aintree and Wincanton. He previews them all in his latest Ladbrokes ambassador blog.

Friday

• Madajovy - Exeter - 12.40 race odds

• Doyen Quest - Exeter - 1.50 race odds

• Thistle Ask - Exeter - 2.25 race odds

• Theonewedreamof - Exeter - 3.35 race odds

Saturday

• Only Way Is Up - Aintree - 12.20 race odds

• Hidden History - Aintree - 1.30 race odds

• Jet Plane - Aintree - 2.40 race odds

• Settle Down Jill - Wincanton - 2.23 race odds

• Frere d'Armes - Wincanton - 2.55 race odds

Exeter - Friday

12.40 - Radmore & Tucker, Stihl Garden Machinery Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race) (Class 3) (4yo+) - Madajovy

We start the day at Exeter with Madajovy in the opener. He ran nicely in a maiden hurdle a couple of weeks ago, but he hasn't shown enough to think that we would be winning this just yet - I think he's one for the handicaps down the line, and I think he'll probably be a better chaser as well.

1.50 - ICL Conscious Of Our Impact 'Future Stars' Silver Bowl Novices' Chase (Excellence Initiative) (GBB) (Class 2) (4yo+) - Doyen Quest

We then run Doyen Quest in the Novices' Chase... there are four runners in there, and we've got experience which is a big positive, I think. I don't think the trip is an issue for him, and he has some nice form. Whilst he's not the highest rated over hurdles here, he has got that experience which should stand him in good stead. I wouldn't necessarily say he's the one to beat, but I think he's got a good chance. 

2.25 - Haldon Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Grade 2) (Limited Handicap Chase) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+) - Thistle Ask

We then run Thistle Ask in the Haldon Gold Cup, if you'd have said I'd have been doing that three weeks ago, I wouldn't have believed you. But he's got himself on a bit of a roll now and has won a couple of races nicely, including a valuable one at Wetherby last week. We thought we'd take a bite at this, and he's going to be much better going right-handed, but he's still got a lot to do against opposition like this, so we're going to need everything in our favour here. We know how hard it's going to be, but why not have a go with a horse in such good form?

3.35 - Stayers' Handicap Chase (Challenger Staying Chase Series Qualifier) (GBB) (Class 3) (4yo+ 0-130) - Theonewedreamof

We then run Theonewedreamof in a long three-mile staying chase. She ran well at Chepstow on her first start for us, finishing second, and she should feel the benefit of that run. I think she'll go well here though. 

Saturday - Aintree

12.20 - EBF "National Hunt" Novices' Hurdle (Qualifier) (GBB Race) (Class 3) (4-6yo) - Only Way Is Up

We start Saturday at Aintree with Only Way Is Up in the novices' hurdle - this is a nice horse who only ran in one bumper last year - I don't feel he was anything like he is now, though. He's got to leave that bumper run behind, and we won't be expecting huge things on Saturday, but I do think this is a nice horse.

1.30 - Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race) (Class 3) (4yo+) - Hidden History

Then we run Hidden History in the novices' chase, and I think this trip will be good for him over fences. I think he'll improve for it, as I just don't think he's got enough experience to go and win first time out over fences. Given his jumping at home, I still think this is one who will improve.

2.40 - Grand Sefton Handicap Chase (GBB Race) (Class 2) (6yo+) - Jet Plane

Jet Plane runs in the Grand Sefton, and he's obviously been around the national fences before, finishing second in the Foxhunter, which was obviously a great run in the spring. Another run like that will see him go very well. It's hard to say how the hunter chase form compares to something like this, but at least he has a liking for the fences.

Saturday - Wincanton

2.23 - Boodles Rising Stars Novices' Chase (Grade 2) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+) - Settle Down Jill

Settle Down Jill is one of two runners we've got at Wincanton on Saturday... we'll be hoping for a non-runner or two to try and pick up a bit of black type for her, to be honest. We're going to keep an eye on the ground; hopefully it's not too bad, but obviously it's very quick down there at the moment. 

2.55 - Elite Hurdle (Grade 2) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+) - Frere d'Armes

Frere d'Armes is out quickly again, having ran on Monday over hurdles. He's the lowest rated of these horses, but again, there's prize money on offer, so we thought we'd have a go.

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