Dan Skelton Friday runners blog: 'I do really like him'

In his latest exclusive blog, Ladbrokes ambassador and leading trainer Dan Skelton gives his thoughts on his runners on Friday at Wetherby and Uttoxeter.

I've got to keep a close eye on the ground up here, but we're running a very nice horse in the Novices' Hurdle called Kart D'Estruval. He's won in France, he does everything nicely at home and this race will tell us a lot more about him. He wears a tongue strap, but only because he wore one in France - but I do really like him.

West Balboa runs in the Novices' Chase. She ran a few weeks ago at Worcester, and took a good blow three out, then made a couple of mistakes... I thought she was fitter than she was on the day, but I think she's improved greatly for it. From what I can see, she'll be very competitive here, in what looks to be a tidy little Novices' Chase... there's not a lot in it amongst them, I don't think. 

Denzil runs in the Juvenile Hurdle (Listed Race) - we've won it a couple of times before, and he's a nice horse going into this, and has won his only start. It wasn't much of a race that he won at Stratford, but he won it very easily. Hopefully he can take the step forward, because I don't really have any negatives to say when it comes to him. 

Heltenham and Midnight River both run in the Listed Handicap Chase. Ideally, they would probably both like the ground to be a little bit softer, but it's a good place to get them started. Heltenham is one who always builds into his season, and I can see him just improving a good bit for the run. Midnight River has top weight, but is in great form, and looks great. I fancied him last year for the Coral Gold Cup, but unfortunately he fell and picked up a small injury to his hock... but he's fine now.

Queens Venture then runs in the Handicap Hurdle, although she's running under a penalty. I'd imagine she'll start as favourite, and hopefully she can add to her record. It's not an uncompetitive race by any stretch, so I'm not saying she's a certainty - but she'll obviously be the one to beat.

Global Eclipse runs in the National Hunt, Juvenile Hurdle, the last race of the day on Friday. He jumps brilliantly; to be honest, I wish there were 20 jumps in this race for him. He's done a good bit of work in other areas, but jumping is by far his biggest asset, and hopefully he can put that to good use here. 

Kenmya runs in a Maiden Hurdle at Uttoxeter (1:25) on Friday - she's new to us, and I'd expect great improvement from her first run... she's been off for a good while. And then Gwennie May Jem runs in a Handicap Hurdle (3:10) later in the day, and I think he'll have a little each-way squeak. 

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