DAWNING TO OPEN FOR IN-FORM DAN

Ben Morgan sees the Skelton brothers getting off to a winning start on Day 1

- Ben Morgan

MANIFESTO NOVICES CHASE

I would say GREY DAWNING will be a short price here after his success at Cheltenham and you would have to be on his side given the lack of strong opposition.

It was a wise move that paid off from Dan Skelton to drop him back to 2m 4f as Fact To File looked unbeatable when winning the Brown Advisory and the Turners looked far more winnable as it proved to be.

Facile Vega bombed out and Iroko got caught short of pace so his only rival was Ginny’s Destiny who gave him a lovely tow into the race. They may re-oppose here but I can’t see the form being reversed as the current score between the pair is 2-0 to Grey Dawning. This could be a small field and the selection may not have to be at his best to deliver.

Gaelic Warrior will stay in Ireland I’m sure, whilst Facile Vega may need a further step-up in trip after seemingly finding the Turners all too much.

Found A Fifty would be an interesting runner as he certainly would stay this trip I feel but he could have a penalty kick in the 2-mile race on Saturday so it would seem daft to run in this harder race here.

Iroko plugged on at Cheltenham so would ideally need further but his JP McManus stablemate Inothewayurthinkin would be of interest given how easy he won the Kim Muir. Obviously the 3m race would be the more obvious option but he isn’t devoid of pace so this may enter connections’ mind. He would be a big player wherever he turns up.

Free-going Nickle Back completes the shortlist who would obviously be dangerous if allowed to bowl along in front for too long. Sarah Humphrey’s charge has proven he has plenty of ability and you will dismiss him at your peril.

1) Grey Dawning

2) Ginny’s Destiny