Dan Skelton has rare Flat runner as he saddles Hestina in Saturday’s British Stallion Studs EBF Chalise Stakes at Newmarket
Skelton runs Hestina who has not run on the Flat since October but has been in brilliant form over hurdles winning three of her last four starts
DAN SKELTON will have his first runner in a Listed contest on the Flat in Saturday's British Stallion Studs EBF Chalise Stakes at Newmarket.
Skelton is set to saddle Hestina who has not run on the Flat since October - where she won a handicap over this trip - but has been in fine form over hurdles.
Skelton said: "She stays well and she'll go in the ground, but other than that I haven't got a clue how she'll run.
"Obviously she's been running well of late, but this is a completely different kettle of fish.
"It's quite clear we're trying to nick a bit of black type, but there are 16 runners so it's not going to be easy.
"If she finishes 10th I won't say I'm disappointed because I honestly have no idea what to expect."
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Groovejet was second in the Park Hill Stakes for Peter Chapple-Hyam but has been hurdling for current trainer Richard Spencer.
She was due to be a broodmare by now but things have not quite gone according to plan.
"She holds a big place in my affections and has been second in a Park Hill in the past," said owner Phil Cunningham.
"A mile and six is probably her ideal trip, but hopefully she'll be OK over this bit shorter (a mile and a half).
"She was probably the most fertile mare I've ever had in her younger days, but unfortunately we sent her to Camelot and she didn't take, so we brought her back into training.
"The main aim is the Park Hill again and we thought we may as well take this in along the way.
"Jenny Powell rides a bit for us, had a nice winner the other day and we thought it would be nice to give her the ride in a nice race."
Three fillies bring a rating of 100 into the contest. Ralph Beckett's Isabel De Urbina, Hugo Palmer's Apphia and John Gosden's To Eternity.