Skelton hoping for Lightning strike with Pembroke

PA Sport Reporters
January 20, 2024 3:38 pm

Conditions expected to suit Aintree winner at Lingfield.

Dan Skelton is relying on Pembroke’s thirst for testing conditions coming to the fore when he lines up in the Download The Racing App Now Lightning Novices’ Chase at Lingfield on Sunday.

Held in high-regard over hurdles last term, he improved on his first two appearances over fences when relishing the bottomless ground at Aintree last month.

That victory came over two and a half miles, but with Skelton expecting stamina to be at a premium in this Winter Million Festival event, he has few concerns about dropping back in distance.

Dan Skelton will saddle Pembroke at Lingfield (Jacob King/PA)

He said: “I think two miles is more his trip. Obviously he won the other day (at Aintree) over two and a half in unraceable ground but I think he handles the type of ground particularly well.

“I’m pretty certain it is going to be testing conditions – I don’t think it will be anything like Aintree, but it will be tacky, they have had the sheets down a long time and it’s going to be hard work.

“Whether it is hard enough work we will wait and see, but having said that this Lightning Novices’ Chase is a good race for the money on offer. I think it’s a very good race and we will get to see where we stand.”

JPR One will represent Joe Tizzard in the Lightning Novices' Chase — JPR One will represent Joe Tizzard in the Lightning Novices’ Chase (David Davies/PA)

Five will go to post for the Grade Two event saved from Friday’s abandoned Lingfield card and Joe Tizzard will saddle JPR One who was not disgraced in Grade One company last time having previously been set to lay down a statement victory at Cheltenham before a mishap after the final fence saw him unship Brendan Powell.

Djelo has barely put a foot wrong since switching to the larger obstacles and Venetia Williams’ exciting six-year-old will seek to remain unbeaten and add to the Pattern honours he secured at Ascot before Christmas.

Meanwhile, Nigel Twiston-Davies has a strong hand, saddling two live candidates in the Simon Munir and Isaac Souede-owned Matata and Wayward lad winner Master Chewy, the latter impressing when downing Nickle Back at Kempton following some game efforts in defeat.

Master Chewy is one of two big hopes for Nigel Twiston-Davies in the Lightning Novices' Chase — Master Chewy is one of two big hopes for Nigel Twiston-Davies in the Lightning Novices’ Chase (Adam Davy/PA)

“Master Chewy was brilliant last time, winning the Wayward Lad at Kempton, so why shouldn’t he be again?,” the trainer told his William Hill blog.

“Matata, similarly, has had a terrific season and was runner-up by just a length at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day, giving nearly a stone to the winner.

“This will be a hot race, everyone’s got each other to beat. Hopefully my two will show the others what they’ve got.

“Master Chewy should, if everything goes to plan, be heading straight for the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival after this.”