West To The Bridge to continue Skelton run of success.

Dan Skelton is making a determined bid to be Champion Trainer, and after a quiet spell in January, his yard is now hitting top form at just the right time.

Skelton has long excelled at training winners in high-quality handicap hurdles, particularly over trips beyond two miles. This strength has been evident throughout February, with six runners contesting Class 3 or higher handicap hurdles over 2m 3F + and delivering some notable results:

• 1st Feb – Wetherby (Class 3): Joyeux Machin – 3rd (11/1) – Ridden by an apprentice (eyecatcher)
• 1st Feb – Sandown (Class 2): Major Fortune – P/U (20/1) – Never put in the race
• 2nd Feb – Musselburgh (Class 2): Doyen Quest – U/P (6/1) – Never put in the race
• 8th Feb – Newbury (Class 2): Santos Blue – WON (12/1)
• 8th Feb – Warwick (Class 2): Panic Attack – 2nd (13/8) – Unlucky loser
• 9th Feb – Exeter (Class 2): Oh So Derry – WON (10/1)

His record at Wetherby in this type of race is equally impressive, making his runners there always worth close consideration from a betting perspective.

Since 2017, in Class 3 handicap hurdles over trips exceeding 2m 3f, Skelton has sent out seven winners from 15 runners that started at 10/1 or shorter—a remarkable strike rate in typically competitive contests.

West to the Bridge – 4.13 Wetherby, Wednesday

Despite being 12 years old, West to the Bridge looks well-placed to enhance Skelton’s impressive record in Wednesday’s 4.13 at Wetherby.

In recent seasons, he has developed into one of Skelton’s ‘spring horses’, with his last four wins coming in February and March. His course and distance form in handicaps reads 2-1-2, including a Class 2 handicap win off a mark of 137. For this race, he lines up off 127, which is 2lb lower than his best run this season at Bangor, where he shaped well in a strong Class 2 over this trip, confirming he retains all his ability.

That Bangor race has proven to be one of the strongest of its type this season, and the subsequent performances of those who finished behind him further strengthen the form:

• Might I (1st) – Stretched over 3m next time out (a trip beyond his best) before an eye-catching run at Taunton, clearly being primed for the Cheltenham Festival.
• Aston Martini (2nd) – Below par on heavy ground next time but then finished runner-up to Altobelli in a Class 2 at Ascot.
• West to the Bridge (3rd) – Has since run twice over 3m, a distance that has never suited him.
• Jungle Jack (4th) – Next time out won a Class 2 handicap at Doncaster.
• Homme Public (5th, beaten 13L) – Next time out won a Class 3 at Doncaster.
• Della Casa Lunga (6th, beaten 32L) – Finished 2nd in a Listed race and then won a Class 2 handicap at Ascot.
• Cheddleton (7th) – Has had just one run since, disappointing on his chasing debut.
• Jipcot (8th, beaten 38L) – Next time out won a Class 3 at Newbury.

The Case for West to the Bridge

The opposition on Wednesday looks largely exposed, and with a strong pace expected—a key advantage on this track—conditions should suit him perfectly. If he runs to form, he should be well-positioned turning for home and can take control between the final two flights before staying on to victory.

The forecast price of 10/1, factors in his age and represents excellent value. With most firms likely to offer four places, concerns about his age seem overstated, and he is well worth backing.

Recommended Bet:

• 0.5pt Win + 0.5pt Each-Way at 10/1 or better – ensuring we at least get our stake back if he places.

Selection: West to the Bridge – 4.13 Wetherby, Wednesday