Dan Skelton Aintree day two runners blog: 'I think she'll run well here'

Ahead of Saturday's huge Grand National, one of the biggest days in the horse racing calendar, Dan Skelton previews his runners on day two of Aintree in his latest exclusive Ladbrokes ambassador blog.

We've got two runners in the Handicap Hurdle on Friday - Be Aware and Listentoyourheart. Be Aware went off one of the favourites in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham and I don't know why, but he just didn't really pick up from turning in.

Everything went well in the race, he was right where we wanted him to be at the bottom of the hill, but he just never really picked up. Maybe with a different track, on a different day, we'll see something different. I still think he's well handicapped, but it just didn't happen that day for whatever reason. Our other runner, Listentoyourheart, has got a great chance in this I think. Harry Atkins takes seven pounds off her, and we've trained her for this race. She ran nicely at Kelso recently; I just thought she'd improve for having that run. I've actually had this race in mind for her for some time now, and I think she'll run well here.

Royal Infantry runs in the Grade 1 Novices' Hurdle over two miles - this is a competitive novices' race as you would have thought. We've got to forgive him in his last run, where he massively underperformed. He looked very good before that, for sure, but it didn't really happen for him the last day. We've done his wind since, and hopefully that's a big improvement for him.

Protektorat runs in the Melling Chase, and obviously he needs no introduction... he was third in the race last year, where Jonbon got the better of him. This year, they've both been to Cheltenham, whereas last year Jonbon didn't. I'm not saying we're definitely going to go and beat Jonbon, but it's not impossible; we've got a big chance of doing so here.

He thrives on racing and looks absolutely brilliant. I'm really looking forward to getting out there with him. I know there's only four runners here, but with the likes of Jonbon and El Fabiolo, it's such a competitive race but we’ll be hoping to turn over the favourite.

It's been a long time since She's A Saint ran, but she's in good form and has done loads of work. I don't necessarily think she needs a run, it's just about sharpness with her - that might be lacking. It’s too much to say I think she’ll win, or anything like that, but I do think she'll run nicely. She's nicely handicapped, and hopefully she can acquit herself very well after a long break.

Ladbrokes has valuable insights into the favourites heading into Saturday's Grand National at Aintree, as well as a beginners guide to betting on the race for those new to the scene.

View the latest Grand National Betting odds

All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.