Skelton Handicap Hurdle bandwagon to keep rolling

The Skelton’s desire to win the Trainers Championship and the David Power Jockeys Gold Cup has been the focal point of their season.

The valuable Kelso televised meeting has clearly been on their radar and Grey Dawning looks set to win the £35,000plus first prize in the Bet 365 chase.

Rock House is 20/1 and has an each way chance in the 100,000 Morebattle Hurdle but the runner at the meeting that really takes the eye is Ace of Spades the novice hurdler stepped into handicap company for the first time off a mark of 123.

He struggled to get off the mark over hurdles eventually struggling to win a weak novice hurdle at Cheltenham. However, after being interviewed following the win Harry Skelton seemed absolutely delighted by the horse, suggesting everything was going to plan and he had a great deal of improvement to come especially when stepped in trip.

Significantly, on his next run he was sent here to Kelso carrying a 7lb penalty stepped up in trip to 2m6f. He duly won unchallenged and after getting a mark of 123 he has been put away and freshened up. This is typical of a Skelton plan to land a handicap hurdle touch.

Bet 365 have introduced the horse at 7/2 in a field of 18 entries. However only 9 have been jocked up and the race could cut up and that 7/2 will look extremely good value. I could see the 6yo who will be suited by the better ground going off at around 2/1. The 7/2 is Ante post until the Thursday Declarations but i think its a risk worth taking

2pt win Ace of Spades 7/2 BET 365 2.20 Kelso.