Theatrebar fancied to play star role for Skelton

Theatrebar, who makes his debut for Dan Skelton in Sedgefield’s Nortonthorpe Ind. Park Lady Jeannette Wiper Handicap Hurdle (3.45), leaps off the page as a potentially well-treated horse and should be backed accordingly.

The eight-year-old returns from a 710-day layoff, but lack of fitness is most unlikely to be an issue and it’s his handicap mark that really takes the eye.

Theatrebar ran a series of solid races over hurdles and fences for previous handler Tom Symonds in 2014, notably when beaten a head by Alan King’s useful performer Ned Stark in a 2m4f Huntingdon novices’ limited handicap chase off 119.