HARRY SKELTON: Cheltenham Friday

I had a couple of winners at Chepstow a few weeks ago, and after a small break I’m excited to get back in the saddle at Cheltenham, writes HARRY SKELTON.

We’ve got some nice chances, and I’m hoping we’ll come home with a couple of winners.

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CHELTENHAM

FRIDAY

SERVICE MINIMUM – 1.15pm Cheltenham

She ran in a competitive handicap last time out at Worcester and it was unfortunate how the race panned out, it was split up into two halves and the pace was too quick for her on that ground. We feel as though she’s well-handicapped here, but it remains to be seen if she knows how to win a race like this. She’s in here with a lightweight and there’s some decent money on offer, so we’re taking a chance with her in this grade. If all else fails, we can drop her back down in grade, but this will be a good experience for her nonetheless.

Ice cool ride from @harryskelton89!

Service Minimum is switched across to the far side before quickening to record a cosy success for the @DSkeltonRacing team at @WorcesterRaces… pic.twitter.com/VLwemQBrQY

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) August 20, 2025

COUNTRY MILE – 1.50pm Cheltenham

He ran well first time out at Uttoxeter, but Cheltenham’s undulating track is a different kind of test. He’s won here over hurdles and is a strong traveller so we’re hoping he’ll improve for his last run. The trip and ground all seem in order for him, so there’s every reason to believe he’ll be involved at the finish despite it being a competitive race.

FORTUNE DE MER – 3.00pm Cheltenham

We won this race last year with Valgrand, so we’re hoping for a similar result this year. He’s got plenty of ability, but he needs to grow up a bit, as he can be a bit keen. We’re equipping a hood for the first time which should help him. It’s funny, though, he’s a relaxed horse at home but seemed very fresh and keen on his seasonal reappearance at Uttoxeter earlier this month. If they go a good gallop and he settles, then he has a good chance.

CALICO & UNEXPECTED PARTY – 3.35pm Cheltenham

Calico is back to defend his crown from last year. He’s been great at home and we’ve done plenty of work with him, so he is ready to go off what looks a nice mark. He’s ticking all the boxes and hopefully he can do it again, there’s no reason to believe otherwise.

Unexpected Party is a classy horse on his day but he’s carrying a fair bit of weight so we’ve got Harry Atkins riding to take seven pounds off. He’ll improve for this run. We’re taking our chance with two runners here as it’s a valuable race.

DALSTON LAD – 4.10pm Cheltenham

He’s a nice horse that stays well and he has some decent bumper form to his name. This race looks a good starting point for him, and we expect him to handle the track with no issues as he’s a straightforward type. The Champion Bumper in the spring didn’t suit him at all as they didn’t go quick enough. Gordon’s [Elliott] is off quite a high mark so our lad will need to be on terms with that level on his first outing this season, but he’s ready to go. He’ll certainly be one to watch for the season regardless of how this one goes.

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