'He's not the finished article' - Skelton bullish of Lac De Constance potential

Monday: Kempton

Dan Skelton's team has been firing on all cylinders recently but the trainer believes patience is required in order to unlock the full potential of impressive winner Lac De Constance.

The six-year-old, who landed a Listed race at Exeter in one of three successful outings over hurdles last season, began his chasing career with a 20-length victory in the three-runner 2m2f novice chase.

"He’s very good and we’ve always thought that," said Skelton. "Andrew and Wendy [Cohen, owners] have been super patient and let me take my time with him to make him the best he can be.

"He was a little keen in his bumpers and that’s why we had to look after him, then he went novice hurdling. I didn’t chuck him into the deep end but I did give him a couple of tests. It was all about making him into the best chaser he could be."

Skelton spoke of his admiration for the son of Martaline and has the Grade 2 Ladbrokes Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase at Kempton on December 27 as a possible option.

"You can see he’s a horse of some ability. I think if the Wayward Lad came up soft he would be a strong consideration for that race. If not, we'll go somewhere else.

"You might look at that and think he's the finished article, but he’s not yet.

"He’s not a horse we can just release in the top races straight away, we still have that bit of building to do. When he’s ready he will be a player."

Miranda and Harry Cobden on their way to winning the 3m mares' hurdleCredit: Edward Whitaker

Future is bright

Paul Nicholls was brimming with excitement after Miranda landed the Listed mares' hurdle on her first attempt over 3m½f. In the three-runner contest, the seven-year-old won by 11 lengths from Martello Sky.

Nicholls said: "She ran well on the Flat at Nottingham and I thought we’d put cheekpieces on her to sharpen her up, but I’m not saying it made the difference.

"We stepped up to three miles on soft ground and she looked brilliant. It opens up a lot more doors for her.

"Kevin [Stott] rode her last month and said she’d go as far as you’d want. She’s bred to stay and I’m going to enter in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot, as you have to cover all options."

Blow Your Wad: winner of the 2m novice hurdleCredit: Alan Crowhurst

More to come

Joint-owner Ashley Head believes Blow Your Wad should have made easier work of his maiden career victory in the 2m novice hurdle.

The Tom Lacey-trained four-year-old finished a length clear of Carrigdoun Boy to land a first win in five starts, but Head felt he should have pulled further clear in the final stages of the race.

He said: "It was okay, but it was slightly disappointing because he’s a top horse and is still learning his game. In that kind of class he should be ten or 12 lengths clear, but there’s no reason why he can’t be a top three-miler.

"Stan [Sheppard] said from two hurdles out he could’ve gone and won by any distance, but as soon as Blow Your Wad hits the front in his races he likes to think and look around."

Results, replays and analysis

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