Whilst many of Dan Skelton’s horses are being prepared for the Festival and will likely not show there best until March. There are still big prizes to go after in his pursuit of the Trainers title.
Etalon has had a season that suggests a Cheltenham Handicap tilt is the main aim but my information is she will bypass the Festival, despite being amongst the favourites for a couple of the handicap chases.
With Cheltenham not a target i see no reason why the 2m Handicap Chase due off at 2.00pm Sandown on Saturday should not provide the yard with further winning prize money in this £25,000 race.
Th 7yo mare won this race in 2024 jumping well and making all on Soft ground off a mark of 131 beating Gunsight Ridge by 9l in receipt of 4lb. This year Gunsight Ridge reopposes on 3lb worse terms.
Etalon early last season had beaten todays market rival Martator by 4 3/4L lengths at Newbury given Venetia Williams 7yo 4lb. Today Etalon is getting 15lb from Martator
Hills and Sky are offering 5/2 on the current prices – i think she will go off 5/4 and is a confident 2pt win Bet
Etalon 2pt win Sandown 2.00 Saturday
Chrysalis Consortium 
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