Kabral Du Mathan sitting Rendlesham exam

A deviation from the intended route to Aintree sees Kabral Du Mathan return to Haydock for the ZYN Rendlesham Hurdle on Saturday.

Unbeaten in two starts for Dan Skelton, the rapidly-improving six-year-old dazzled on Merseyside in handicap company in November before proving equally impressive in the Relkeel Hurdle on New Year’s Day.

Skelton had pencilled in a trip to Fontwell for the National Spirit before stretching out to three miles at Aintree in the spring, but a worry over testing conditions next weekend sees the Lodge Hill handler exercising his right to change plans.

Skelton told Ladbrokes: “Kabral Du Mathan has had a great year for us, winning two so far.

“I was going to go to the National Spirit at Fontwell next Sunday, but I fear the ground could be heavy there and I don’t want to do that to him.

“We were trying to avoid three miles until Aintree, but this race looks an appropriate spot on pretty acceptable ground so that is why we are here.

“I have been so happy with what he has done all year, and he looks in great form at home. He carries leading numbers into this, and he is the rightful favourite.

“I would like to see him get the trip now and I think it’s no problem for him. He is an exciting horse to have. We still hold the Cheltenham entry, but we are looking at this race first.”

Skelton’s old boss Paul Nicholls – the former trainer of Kabral Du Mathan – fields recent Sandown scorer Henri The Second, while Philip Hobbs and Johnson White’s French Ship jumps out of handicaps having proven a useful operator so far this term.

“I think he’s earned his step out of handicap company and last time out conditions were all a bit lively for him in the Lanzarote when third,” explained White.

“This will be much more suitable for him and having run well at the track before, it will be nice to see how he shapes up in a higher grade.”

There is also Grade Two action on the card in the form of the Albert Bartlett Prestige Novices’ Hurdle, where Nicky Henderson’s 15-length Kempton scorer Reckless Spending is among the leading names heading to post.

Olly Murphy is double-handed with easy Uttoxeter scorer Lon Chaney, who is the mount of champion jockey Sean Bowen, and the hat-trick-seeking and proven soft ground performer Ubatuba. Jamie Snowden’s Legendry Luke carries a similar profile moving up in both distance and class now.

“It’s a big step up in trip and grade, but he’s out of a half-sister to Native River so is bred to stay well,” explained Snowden.

“He’s two from two over hurdles and deserves a shot at it. He’s not really been tested so far and has won his races nicely and is in good order.”

The other runner in the race on a three-timer is Skelton’s course and distance winner Dalston Lad.

“He won a competitive handicap around the track last time and that is good form,” said Skelton.

“He looks really well and this is a race I have had in mind for some time. He stays three miles very well and I am really happy with everything about him.

“He had a weird start to the season. He ran absolutely terrible at Cheltenham for whatever reason, and we treated him for ulcers afterwards. Thankfully he has left all of that behind and has become progressive.

“He had good bumper form last season, and we are glad to see him at this level. I think he’s got a big chance.”