Stage set for perfect start to fencing career

Racing: Dan Skelton’s charge backed to prosper on switch to bigger obstacles

STAGE ONE can make a perfect start over fences with victory in the 32Red. com Limited Novices’ Handicap Chase at Market Rasen.

Dan Skelton’s charge has finished third in his last four hurdles outings, most notably when filling that place behind Cloudy Dream, who went on to find only the mighty Altior too good in the Arkle at Cheltenham, back in 2015.

He was then off the track until this term, when he returned for minor honours at Fakenham before taking similar supporting roles at both Ffos Las in November and Hereford in January.

Stage One has shown flashes of promise on each of those occasions but as a point to point winner back in 2015, you cannot help but think fences could be the making of him.

The better spring ground is also viewed as a plus and he should be sharp enough for two miles and a furlong.

is worth a look in the Happy Birthday Bernard Workman Handicap Hurdle at Plumpton.

The 10-year-old gelding has been in fine fettle of late and looked the essence of vitality at Southwell when he pulled five lengths clear in a fair handicap hurdle.

Boher Lad has been thumped by the assessor but it would be dangerous to rule him out of calculations.

KAYFLIN should also be followed in the Injured Jockeys Fund Oaksey House Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Chase.

Linda Jewell’s mare was a good second over hurdles at this track in February and can cash in on a lenientlooking mark over fences.

SELECTIONS:

MARKET RASEN: 1.40 Mustang On, 2.10 Timeforwest, 2.40 My Little Cracker, 3.10 Future Gilded, 3.40 Scooter Boy, 4.10 STAGE ONE (NAP), 4.40 Reine Des Miracles, 5.10 Doctor Thea.

PLUMPTON: 2.00 Legal Ok, 2.30 He’s A Bully, 3.00 Authorized Too, 3.30 Flashman, 4.00 Boher Lad, 4.30 Kayflin, 5.00 Jubilympics.

DOUBLE: Stage One and Boher Lad.