Dan Skelton has six more runners on day two at Chepstow

It is the second day of racing at Chepstow and another big day for us. We start with three runners in the handicap hurdle. We are having a bit of a go with them to see where the land lies.

I think Northofthewall (2.45) is a nice, progressive horse. Though he is still a maiden, this is a nice track to start him off at. 

Peter The Mayo Man (2.45) is coming back from a long injury and perhaps would want a little better ground but at least it is safe for him to start. He does look well and we have done plenty of work with him.

Gortroe Joe (2.45) ran okay the other day at Uttoxeter. Maybe the ground is a bit soft for him but he does stay further which may offset it.

We have Captain Chaos (3.20) in the three mile chase. He was unlucky not to win last season but ran some nice races nonetheless. We’ve done plenty of work with him. He has to get started and has to run in all the better handicaps. Hopefully he can start the season well.

Flash The Steel (4.30) contests the Silver Trophy. I’ve plumped for him instead of Anytime Will Do because of the ground. I think this horse goes better in softer ground – Anytime wants decent ground so will probably run later in the month.

Theform of Flash The Steel’s last run in a £100,000 handicap hurdle at Sandown isvery good and we have trained him to be ready for this time of year. He is fitand ready to go so hopefully has some sort of chance.

Marracudja (5.05) tackles the other handicap chase. He’s in great form and like Captain Chaos was unlucky not to win last season. He ran well nonetheless and let’s hope we get lucky.

The handicapper decides a lot of these horses’ fates and Marracudja is not off a bad mark, but I still think he is a little higher than he perhaps ever has won off.

Dan.