Dan Skelton's four-strong team at Market Rasen this weekend is an intriguing one, with a mix of proven performers and promising prospects. The trainer's selection includes two red-hot favourites for the Summer Hurdle and Summer Plate, and I'm here to dissect each contender and share my thoughts on their chances. Let's dive into the details and explore what makes each horse tick, with a healthy dose of personal commentary and analysis.
Loriko: A Smart Form Horse
Loriko is a horse that has shown smart form in the past, and his recent wins at Huntingdon and Uttoxeter are a testament to his ability. However, his lack of success last season has raised some questions. In my opinion, the wind operation he underwent could be a turning point, and I'm curious to see if he can replicate his earlier form. Harry Wilson, a top tipster, believes Loriko has a massive chance, citing his smart form at Ascot and recent wins. I agree that his biggest rival, Master Haku, has disappointed beyond 2m, making Loriko a strong contender. But I'm also cautious, as his lack of success last season could be a red flag. Overall, I think Loriko has the potential to surprise, but I'm not entirely convinced he's a lock for victory.
Louis Veron: An Unexposed Talent
Louis Veron is an intriguing prospect, with a dominant 16-length win at Stratford on his latest start. His profile as an unexposed talent makes him an attractive contender, and I'm fascinated by his potential. Harry Wilson's view that he has a massive chance is compelling, especially given his Racing Post Rating of 134. However, I'm cautious about his mark of 124, as it may not be enough to stop him from recording a third consecutive win. In my opinion, Louis Veron is a horse with considerable potential, but I'm not entirely convinced he's a lock for victory. His unexposed talent could be a double-edged sword, as it may also mean he hasn't faced the toughest competition yet.
Charlus: A Talented Horse in Need of Fine-Tuning
Charlus is a talented horse with a rating of 133, but his recent form has been disappointing. He has beaten only two horses in four starts since joining Dan Skelton, and his rating has plummeted to 122. However, I'm intrigued by his potential, given his rating on the Flat. I think he may come on for his return following a break and wind surgery, but I'm not entirely convinced he's a contender. Harry Wilson's view that Skelton will eventually get to the bottom of Charlus is compelling, but I'm not sure if it's enough to make him a strong contender. In my opinion, Charlus is a horse with talent, but he needs fine-tuning to reach his full potential.
Kingston Narcissus: A Step-Up in Trip
Kingston Narcissus is another intriguing prospect, with a clear-cut 2m4f winner for his former yard. However, his recent form has been mixed, and he hasn't seemed to see the trip out as well as the winner on his first run for Skelton. I'm curious to see how he performs at Market Rasen, as the step up in trip should suit him better. Harry Wilson's view that he's a favourite I'll be taking on is compelling, and I agree that Soul Icon, the runner-up in 2024, is a strong contender. In my opinion, Kingston Narcissus has the potential to surprise, but I'm not entirely convinced he's a lock for victory. His mixed form and the fact that he's gone up 3lb for his effort make me cautious.
In conclusion, Dan Skelton's team at Market Rasen is an intriguing one, with a mix of proven performers and promising prospects. Each horse has its strengths and weaknesses, and I'm fascinated by their potential. However, I'm also cautious, as each horse has its red flags. Overall, I think this weekend's races will be an exciting one, and I'm looking forward to seeing how each horse performs. But for now, I'm going to take a step back and think about it, as I'm not entirely convinced any of these horses is a lock for victory.
