Harry Skelton: New Year’s Day Preview

As 2021 comes to an end, I’d like to wish everybody a happy and healthy 2022! And I’m going to give you all one horse to follow, which will be Lac De Constance. He was a very good winner of a maiden hurdle at Exeter and looks to have an exciting year ahead.

Unfortunately, we’ll be without My Drogo for the rest of the season through injury. In racing, these things happen and it’s very disappointing for us all. It’s really gutting, but we’ve still got a horse and he’s still got time on his side. 

 New Year’s Day | Cheltenham

My first ride of 2022 will be Get A Tonic in the Listed novices’ hurdle (12.15pm). I feel she’s ready for this step up in class having won nicely the last twice. Though this will be the strongest race she’s contested, she gets the mares’ weight allowance, is in very good form at home and is improving all the time. I Am Maximus looks like the one we all have to beat.

Alnadam takes his chance in the Grade 3 handicap chase (14.00pm). He’s another who’s been in great form at home and appears to have come on a lot for his first run of the season at Haydock. We’ve been waiting for the rain and are now looking forward to running him in a nice race on soft ground. He gets his conditions here, his form looks very strong, the trip is fine and he’s in good order, so there are absolutely no negatives with him. He’s got a nice racing weight as well so I couldn’t put anyone off backing him.

Spiritofthegames runs in the 3m handicap hurdle (14.35pm). He’s been a great horse for the yard and always seems to pick up good prize money, as well as winning a few too. He’s knocked on just about every door and we’re now going back over hurdles just to switch things up. We know he’s got the ability to win another good race, but he is a bit hard to predict. If he gets out the right side of the bed and puts his best foot forward, he’ll run a big race.

I’ve no ride in the Relkeel Hurdle (15.10pm) but it looks a cracker and I’ll be an interested spectator. Guard Your Dreams must be respected stepping back up in trip having won the International Hurdle last time out. He looks the potential improver in the field but has got a bit to find with the likes of Brewin’upastorm and last year’s winner McFabulous, while you only have to remember what happened in the King George to give Stormy Ireland a chance. Willie Mullins has had a good Christmas and his runner could be a danger when you take into account her mares’ allowance.

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