'He's definitely got a big chance' - Dan Skelton on his five fancied runners at Ayr today as he steps up title chase

Dan Skelton's clear intention to go one place better in the British trainers' championship is noticeable on Monday as he sends five horses to Ayr.

All the runners making the 600-mile round trip from Warwickshire to the west coast of Scotland will be ridden by the trainer's brother Harry, with four of them set to go off favourite.

Country Mile (1.17), Entity Of Substanz (2.55), Home Free (3.28) and Dalston Lad (4.03) head the markets for their respective races, while What A Flirth (1.47) is second favourite.

After a productive summer, Skelton, who finished second to Willie Mullins last season, is the clear leader at this early stage of the championship with more than £700,000 on the board.

Dalston Lad works at Dan Skelton's Lodge Hill Stables in preparation for his rules debut at Ayr todayCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Speaking about his title bid on Sunday, he said: "We decided this season that we'd try to get out and get going. We only just got beat by Willie last season and we've taken the Tesco approach that every little helps – let's hope every bit does help.

"In the summer when the ground is quicker you have to be cautious, but we had a number of horses who were suitable for that. We've run the right ones and got the right results."

Skelton's Ayr runners

Country Mile (1.17 Ayr)
Virgin Bet Daily Extra Places Novices' Hurdle, 2m

Skelton says: "Country Mile has definitely got a big chance. We're heading up to get some good ground and it should be lovely. He won his bumper in good style and he should be a nice horse. He'll improve but should go very close."

Spotlight comment: Joined Dan Skelton after finishing second on point debut last December (good to soft) and created good impression when very comfortable winner of good-ground Huntingdon bumper on rules debut in April, form that has been well advertised by the placed horses over hurdles this month; makes very obvious appeal on this hurdle debut.

Country Mile13:17 Ayr

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Jky: Harry Skelton Tnr: Dan Skelton

What A Flirth (1.47 Ayr)
Virgin Bet Daily Price Boosts Handicap Hurdle, 3m½f

Skelton says: "The two in handicap hurdles should have their chances."

Spotlight comment: Ex-Irish maiden; bettered disappointing handicap debut (2m) when respectable fifth at Southwell (3m, good) this month, having caught the eye making smooth headway on the final circuit; with a top stable and could still have a bigger run in her.

What A Flirth13:47 Ayr

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Jky: Harry Skelton Tnr: Dan Skelton

Entity Of Substanz (2.55 Ayr)
Livescore Bet Best Odds Daily Handicap Hurdle (Div II), 2m3½f

Skelton says: "The two in handicap hurdles should have their chances."

Spotlight comment: From a good jumping family and made quite encouraging seasonal debut when keeping-on sixth in recent Warwick novice (2m, good); back up in trip for handicap debut and features prominently in calculations.

Entity Of Substanz14:55 Ayr

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Jky: Harry Skelton Tnr: Dan Skelton

Home Free (3.28 Ayr)
Livescore Bet Handicap Chase, 2m½f

Skelton says: "Home Free won last time but just idled a bit late on. It won't be a lot but hopefully he's still got a bit in hand from the handicapper."

Spotlight comment: Off the mark over fences at second attempt, winning much more cosily than neck margin suggests at Uttoxeter (2m, good; first-time tongue-tie) three weeks ago; only 4lb higher here and won't mind what the weather does; obvious contender.

Home Free15:28 Ayr

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Jky: Harry Skelton Tnr: Dan Skelton

Dalston Lad (4.03 Ayr)
Livescore Bet Open National Hunt Flat Race, 2m

Skelton says: "Dalston Lad is a nice bumper horse who won his Irish point-to-point. He stays very well and should go quite nicely."

Spotlight comment: A €115,000 purchase after winning his sole start in an Irish point in April; related to useful bumper/hurdle/chase winners Gone Platinum, A Fine Young Man and high-class chaser Strong Platinum; form of his point win has yet to come under the microscope but he's a major player on rules debut for Dan Skelton.