Can She's A Saint keep the ball rolling for Dan Skelton?

Byerley Stud Mares' Novices' Hurdle (Listed) | 2m½f | 3yo+ | RTV

There was a lot of talk about the form of Dan Skelton's yard, or possible lack of it, earlier in the week but an across-the-card four-timer on Wednesday helped allay any fears on that score and he appears to have found a golden opportunity for She's A Saint.

The five-year-old was no match for the Nicky Henderson-trained winner Luccia at Newbury last time, but that rival looks smart and she pulled six lengths clear of classy bumper performer Poetic Music.

Even in defeat, that is the best piece of form on offer in this race according to Racing Post Ratings and any further improvement will make She's A Saint difficult to beat.

Lutinebella is only 1lb behind She's A Saint on RPRs following her impressive victory at Exeter last time and she is from the same stable as Poetic Music, who finished behind She's A Saint last time.

Fergal O'Brien therefore has a line on the favourite through Poetic Music and the fact he runs Lutinebella here could be an indication that he thinks she might have the measure of She's A Saint.

Harry Fry could throw a spanner in the works with Credrojava, who has 20lb to find with She's A Saint on RPRs but has yet to be seriously tested.

Credrojava sauntered home by 15 lengths at long odds-on when making her hurdles debut at Fontwell three weeks ago and will almost certainly improve on that effort now she is faced with stiffer opposition.

Fry has excelled with mares like this in recent years and wouldn't be running Credrojava in a Listed race at this early stage of her career unless she were thought up to the task.

The race looks between those three and the rest of the field are all trading at double-figure prices overnight.
Analysis by Graeme Rodway

What they say

Harry Fry, trainer of Credrojava
She's stepping up in grade and will need to improve again but she's done everything right so far and hopefully she can be very competitive. I'm not worried about dropping in trip, with this being a Listed mares' novice there are opportunities for black type and we're looking forward to seeing if she's up to the task.

Alistair Ralph, trainer of Magical Maggie
She didn't enjoy the ground last time at Lingfield but they're on a bit of better ground here. I think good ground is key – we had to find out last time and we know these conditions are much more to her liking. She's in good order now and will like the track, so we're quite hopeful.

Dan Skelton, trainer of She's A Saint
She seems in really good form and I've been happy with her at home. I think she's happier on softer, but she carries some good form into the race and the track will not be an issue.
Reporting by Catherine Macrae

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