Le Milos Carrying Skelton Hopes Into Battle At Haydock

Victory for Le Milos in the ₤ 100,000 Unibet Middle Distance Veterans' Handicap Chase at Haydock would be really welcome for Dan Skelton, as he valiantly attempts to ward off the may of Willie Mullins.


For the 2nd year in a row Skelton has seen a significant advantage in the fitness instructors' title race quickly decrease, after Mullins controlled at Cheltenham, took the lion's share of the ₤ 1million on offer in the Grand National and then had the one-two in last weekend's Scottish National.


Races with this quantity of prize-money - with ₤ 51,440 for top place - far from the big conferences are uncommon, and with Mullins not having a runner, it is a great chance for Skelton to before the Closutton machine rolls into Plumpton and Perth over the next couple of days.


Three runs ago Le Milos won in veterans' business and having actually been out at Newbury and Aintree since, need to discover life a little easier against horses more his age.


"We ran him at Aintree as we were looking for somewhere where the ground would be best for him," stated Ladbrokes ambassador Skelton.


"The ground up here will be no issue; he's won on excellent ground before, and he's in great form.


Le Milos won the 2022 Coral Gold Cup (John Walton/PA)


"He's running well, and clearly won at Warwick versus the veterans, and this is the very first time he's been back against the veterans because that day. Hopefully he is among the gamers in this league and he can work out here."


Skelton is presently 3-1 with Ladbrokes to declare a first title after keeping Mullins (2-9) at arm's length through the week.


In 2015's winner Numitor is back for more for Heather Main.


The grey has actually delighted in a fine season this term too, winning 3 of his five trips - including last time out at Ascot - but that means he is almost a stone higher in the weights.


"Numitor is really well. This has been our aim the entire season and he is all set to go," stated Main.


"Ascot last time wasn't the strategy however it ended up being his prep race for the final on Saturday.


"We didn't know if he would stay and while he had run on quicker ground, with a huge horse like him you are never ever quite sure. But in the end he enjoyed the ground and he enjoyed three miles. Hopefully that run wasn't too close however he required a prep run because there had actually been a little a gap considering that he last ran.


"Although he has run primarily in smaller fields, I do not think field size is necessary to him as long as he gets into a rhythm. He enjoys racing and he enjoys jumping - he just pings them which is what he is all about."


Regarding the additional weight Main said: "It doesn't fret me excessive although I do not wish to be extremely positive. He is such a huge horse and we feel the larger they are, the more they are able to bring the weight. I hope that shows the case on Saturday."


Joe Tizzard runs both Eldorado Allen and The Widow Maker, Henry Hogarth's Flic Ou Voyou arrives on the back of a win while Dubai Days (Nick Alexander) has been targeted at this all season.