UP FOR THE CUP

Skelton’s King to reign in Greatwood

BENNYS KING is fancied to avenge a last-time-out defeat by Domaine De L’isle by landing the William Hill Supporting Greatwood Gold Cup (3.15) at Newbury.

When the pair met at Ascot six weeks ago, it was Domaine De L’isle, completing a hat-trick, who came out on top by a neck.

Bennys King (left) did well to come back from a bad error at the ninth of the 17 fences, and meets his rival, disappointing at the royal racecourse since, on 2lb better terms.

My selection scored over two and three-quarter miles here in November and, with a decent test in prospect over two furlongs shorter, should give another good account.

The William Hill Supporting Greatwood Veterans’ Handicap Chase (2.05) is a good opportunity for HORATIO HORNBLOWER to return to winning ways.

On the back of successes at Ffos Las and Doncaster, Nick Williams’ 12-year-old went in search of the hat-trick in a valuable contest for senior citizens at Sandown Park at the start of January.

Horatio Hornblower had yet to be asked for maximum effort when unseating the trainer’s son Chester.

The handicapper had no option but to leave the son of Presenting on his current mark and compensation awaits.

At Doncaster, DALILA DU SEUIL looks interesting back at two miles for the 888Sport Bet £10 Get £30 Handicap Chase (2.25).

The Harry Fry trainee has been beaten in two starts over two and a half miles this term but each of her four wins has been at shorter, and Barry Geraghty’s partner looks feasibly treated on her handicap debut.

Paul Nicholls’ CILL ANNA will deservedly be a warm order in the Listed 888Sport Take ‘Em On Mares’ Hurdle (3.00).

And Ditcheat raider BLACKJACK KENTUCKY also gets the vote in the 888Sport Handicap Hurdle (1.50).

At Kelso, CLONDAW CAITLIN is preferred to Calva D’auge in the Grade 2 William Hill Premier Novices’ Hurdle (2.45).