Dan Skelton looks ahead to the weekend and the Grand National

We have a busy Saturday ahead with runners heading to Uttoxeter and Stratford.

Harry is going to Uttoxeter but our first runner there will be ridden by Will Marshall who partners Kereman (2.10) in a conditional jockeys race.

He is coming back off a long break but should have a little each way chance. He has done loads of work, will like the ground and the track is good for him.

Supremely Lucky (2.45) is top rated by some margin in the novices’ hurdle so hopefully he can finish the season with a number one against his name here. He looks like he is going to go off a short priced favourite.

Cabaret Queen (3.20) runs in the novice handicap chase. I think the handicapper has got hold of her a little bit but she will love the ground and having the sun on her back is a positive as well.

Renwick (3.55) runs in the handicap hurdle. We were disappointed with him last time but we’ve done a few things differently with him in the meantime. He will love the track as well.

Moonlight Dancer (4.30) tackles the long distance hurdle. I thought we would be a lot further forward than we are with her but three miles on a bit of nice ground should be right up her street.

I would give Zamparelli (5.05) a good chance in the three mile chase. He won nicely at Market Rasen when he idled in front and has not gone up too much in the weights for that.

Molly Ollys Wishes (5.35) goes in the bumper. She had a nice introduction at Newbury. Whilst I wouldn’t say she has to be a certainty she should put in an improved performance and will be there right at the end.

Bridget has a busy day ahead at Stratford. She starts with Peppay Le Pugh (1.55) in the novice hurdle.

All his best form is going left-handed so being left Stratford will be ideal. There are a couple in there with more fancied chances but I still hope he runs a solid race.

Ardera Cross (2.30) is struggling with handicaps so I thought we would bung him in a seller. He will stay that trip well. They are all rated around the same mark so hopefully he can be competitive.

Set List (3.05) runs in the chase. I was a little bit disappointed with him the last day.

He just wasn’t quite as committed as we’d hoped he’d be after a break. If that run after a break has managed to take the rust off, hopefully he can be in with a bit of a chance.

Notwhatiam (3.40) ran in the Pertemps Final and ran really well until turning in at Cheltenham.

He probably just wasn’t that grade but is back in calmer waters here. He only has to travel up the road and I hope he has some sort of squeak.

Blairs Cove (4.50) runs in the handicap chase. His run last time was okay, just a bit rusty. We have done plenty of schooling with him since. He should put in an improved performance but I am not totally convinced he can leave his first run behind. I need to see it for myself.

Grand National meeting on the horizon

I am very much looking forward to Aintree. It is always an exciting time for us and we love targeting a few races there.

Our Festival winners will be in action with Ch’tibello due to run in the Aintree Hurdle and we are going to run Roksana in the three mile hurdle. Spiritofthegames runs in the Manifesto on the first day.

We will also be sending the likes of Aux Ptits Soins. Destrier will be going for the Maghull Novices’ Chase, Oldgrangewood will run in the handicap he ran in last year. Sofia’s Rock is going to run the Top Novices Hurdle.

We have some really nice chances going up there so hopefully we can pinch a winner.

Dan