HARRY SKELTON: Weekend Debrief

The ground at Ayr went a bit soft, which wasn’t expected, and a few of our runners struggled on it, writes HARRY SKELTON.

Sunday’s trip to Plumpton was worthwhile, and it was great to get a couple of winners on the board there. That leaves only Perth if Dan is to have a winner at every track in the UK this season. It’s been an unbelievable season, and we’ll be heading up to Perth in the hope of completing the set.

⭐ HORSE RACING MARKETS ⭐

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AYR

FRIDAY

HOE JOLY SMOKE

He travelled into the race well but didn’t get home from the back of the second last and he’s struggling to see out his races at the moment. We’re going to have to do things differently and probably lower our sights a bit. Hopefully, that will help him get his head back in front.

HIDDEN HISTORY

He failed to see out the race and emptied out, which was disappointing.

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AYR

SATURDAY

CALICO

I felt he was just creeping into the race but then he couldn’t go with them from three out. The ground was probably soft enough for him and I think he is on a high enough mark. He’s not going to find life easy off his current mark, but I thought he ran well enough for a long way.

TWISTTHENIGHTAWAY

She got very wound up and didn’t really handle the occasion. She actually travelled a bit too well, which is very uncharacteristic of her, but then faded quickly. She’s better than that and she’ll have a nice holiday now and then come back over fences next season. I think she can still improve.

KEOPS DES BORDES

He didn’t run a bad race to finish fourth in the bumper after being off the track for quite a while. I thought it looked quite a good race on paper, and it was a promising effort from him. We’d love to get another run into him before he goes on his summer holiday. If we get a bit of rain in May, hopefully we’ll have the opportunity to do so.

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PLUMPTON

SUNDAY

BALLYEASTON

It was nice that he won the maiden hurdle, as it looked a good opportunity for him. The drop back to two miles seemed to help him and this was a good start.

TRANQUIL SEA

He got the job done nicely in the Stayers’ Handicap Hurdle. I think the combination of a step up in trip, cheekpieces and a tongue tie, and a bit better ground all helped him. It was great to pick up a valuable prize with him.

One to watch this week

We run a few at Warwick on Thursday. I think three miles around there will help Theonewedreamof. If she puts her best foot forward, I think she can go close in the Mares’ Chase Final (3:00pm).

⭐ HORSE RACING MARKETS ⭐

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