Dan Skelton’s weekend runners go at Newbury and Doncaster

It will be a pretty quiet weekend byour standards with all our action at Newbury on Saturday.

We have three in the introductory hurdle of which Scorched Earth (12.40) would be the best. He won a juvenile hurdle last time but this is quite a competitive race. It will be interesting to see where we stand with him.

The other two Aheadfullofdreams (12.40) and Call Me Chris (12.40) are horses for down the line. Neither looks good enough to win a weight-for-age contest at this stage to be honest.

Amoola Gold (1.15) and Monsieur D’Arque (1.15) run in two mile handicap chase.

PerhapsAmoola Gold didn’t quite stay last time so the drop back to two miles is goodfor him. Monsieur D’Arque has been out of form but did run a bit better theother day.

Hear No Evil (1.50) runs in the handicap hurdle. It is a race I’ve had in mind for him for a while but I didn’t expect it to be this competitive. I do think he has an each way chance.

Sunday

We’re at Doncaster withBoss Man Fred (11.55) in the handicap hurdle. He’s had two runs in novices and won both of them so carrying a double penalty when you are rated 124 is not really an option.

We’vegot to go down the handicap route and I hope he acquits himself well. Hisrating is okay but running in handicaps is a different kettle of fish tonovices.

Maire Banrigh (12.25) runs in the novices’ handicap chase. I chose this over the mares’ race because I think the mares is an exceptional race and I want to stick to two miles for the moment. A couple of dry days will suit her and she definitely has a chance.

It Can Be Done (1.00) runs in the fillies’ juvenile. She is a half-sister to an all right horse of Tom George’s. She looks okay at home but I wouldn’t be expecting fireworks.

The same can be said for Soyouthinksoagain (2.10). He looks okay in two novice hurdles and two bumpers but not enough to win a weight-for-age.

The horses will be getting their flu vaccinations next week and after that we shall replan.

There won’t be many runners in early January but hopefully we will have laid the foundations for a big spring.

Dan