Dan Skelton looks ahead to Cheltenham and Southwell

We have a very busy day at Cheltenhamtomorrow with Harry Skelton riding most. We start with Langer Dan (12.10).

Hehas got to give away a little penalty to these but that’s because he won alisted race. He is a remarkably tough little horse and I am really lookingforward to running him around Cheltenham.

He isin great form at home and although this is another step up in grade for him, healways puts his best foot forward.

The ground is nice for Beakstown (12.45). It’s a pretty goodrace but we have got some chasing experience and that should count towards us.I have been looking forward to running him and dropping him back in trip alittle.

Destrier (1.20) has got top weight but thatdoesn’t worry me. His form from Exeter is good. The other two who finishedahead of him went and ran in a Grade 1 and weren’t disgraced. I think we have abig chance here. Going left-handed is going to suit him more as well.

We have two runners in thebig race, the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup (1.55); Spiritofthegames and NotThat Fuisse.

Bridget Andrews will rideSpiritofthegames. She rode him two weeks ago at Newbury and he never really gotgoing. For whatever reason, this horse hasn’t fired this autumn and winter likeI thought he would after a very good springtime.

Hehas got to come back to form at some point and if he did, he would be dangerousto anyone. He is good around the track and I hope there is a good day in him.

Not That Fuisse has got10’2lbs. He has had three runs in novice chases without winning but he has heldgood company every time. I would give him a definite chance here. There is nomore rain due which is perfect. 

The Mulcair (2.30) takes a big step up ingrade. He’s five, he is strong, and I am looking forward to seeing how hefairs. He is a galloper at home, an honest horse, and jumps well. I can see himacquitting himself well here.

In the International Hurdle (3.05), we have Ch’tibello and that has always been the plan since the spring. It’sthe track where he won the County Hurdle.

It isa deep looking race but I am not afraid to say that I think we have a massivechance. He is in good form and although he has to take on the unbeaten juvenilefrom last year, I am very happy to start him here.

Vision Du Puy is our last runner onSaturday (3.40). She is only fourbut I think she is ready for the step up in trip. She has come from France andshe won a 2m2f race out there and I just think she is crying out for the stepup. It is a very competitive race.

Sunday

Ouronly other meeting over the weekend is Southwell on Sunday. We run three in themaiden hurdle (1.10).

Aheadfullofdreams and Call me Chris will be better down theline in handicaps. They don’t look weight for age horses at this stage but Shan Blue stands out on figures. Ithink he was going to go very close at Newbury at the Ladbrokes Winter Carnivalso I will be expecting a big run here from him.

Getariver (2.15) won last time but wants togo left-handed so this plays into her hands quite well. I would be disappointedif she didn’t go very close.

Silk Or Satin (2.50) is bred to jump. She wasgoing very well in an Irish point until two out. I don’t know what happened toher at Carlisle but it was nothing like you see at home.

She has to go and put a good run in and has the form to prove. On her homework, she goes nicely and we’re putting a line through Carlisle

Dan.