Alligator strikes in bumper to secure treble for Skelton brothers

Much debate has been sparked by the recent glut of small jumps fields but Dan Skelton had nothing to complain about following another productive afternoon.

Numbers might not have been as low as Haydock or Ludlow - where Skelton saddled a double - earlier in the week, but 49 runners spread over seven races presented opportunities and the trainer seized them with a near 70-1 treble, with promising types Some Invitation, Atlantic Storm and Seelateralligator all ridden to victory by brother Harry.

Referring to the lack of runners after Some Invitation beat three rivals in the 2m3½f novice hurdle, the winning trainer said: "We're in limbo with the ground as in a week's time it could be proper spring ground and there'll be a lot coming out, but they're not all Cheltenham horses and I've got plenty to run."