THISTLE DO FOR ME

Skelton ace on a five-timer

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THISTLE ASK is expected to prove a thorn in his opposition’'s side by completing a seasonal four-timer in the Ladbrokes Desert Orchid Handicap Chase (2.30) at Kempton.

My selection is actually seeking a fifth straight success as he scored at Musselburgh in February for James Ewart before moving south to join Dan Skelton (below).

Thistle Ask racked up an amazing 13-day hat-trick, adding to triumphs at Kelso and Wetherby with a seven-length supremacy from Saint Segal in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter on November 7.

There was always going to be a reckoning for that purple patch and Harry Skelton’s partner is a stone higher in the weights here - but Thistle Ask still has more to offer.

Lump Sum heads the betting for the Grade 2 Ladbrokes Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase (1.55) but the value may lie with MAMBONUMBERFIVE.