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 might of Willie Mullins.


For the second year in a row Skelton has actually seen a large benefit in the trainers' title race quickly diminish, after Mullins controlled at Cheltenham, took the lion's share of the ₤ 1million on offer in the Grand National and after that 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 huge conferences are rare, and with Mullins not having a runner, it is a great chance for Skelton to pull away before the Closutton device rolls into Plumpton and Perth over the next few days.


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


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


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


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


"He's running well, and clearly won at Warwick against the veterans, and this is the first time he's been back against the veterans since that day. Hopefully he is among the players in this league and he can go well here."


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


Last year's winner Numitor is back for more for Heather Main.


The grey has enjoyed a great season this term too, winning three of his 5 getaways - including last time out at Ascot - however that implies he is practically a stone greater in the weights.


"Numitor is truly well. This has been our aim the entire season and he is ready to go," said Main.


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


"We didn't understand if he would remain and while he had actually operated on quicker ground, with a big horse like him you are never rather sure. But in the end he enjoyed the ground and he liked 3 miles. Hopefully that run wasn't too close however he required a prep run because there had been a bit of a gap because he last ran.


"Although he has actually run mainly in smaller fields, I do not think field size is very important to him as long as he enters a rhythm. He enjoys racing and he likes jumping - he simply pings them which is what he is everything about."


Regarding the additional weight Main stated: "It does not stress me too much although I don't wish to be . 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 aimed at this all season.