Dan Skelton Aintree day three runners blog: 'Hopefully there's a good run in there'

While he doesn't have a runner in the Grand National main event, Dan Skelton shares his exclusive blog with Ladbrokes, previewing the runners he does have on day three at Aintree.

We start on Saturday with Catch Him Derry and Nurse Susan in the Handicap Hurdle. Catch Him Derry was third in the Pertemps Final, having ran really well and I've been happy with him since. The track will be no problem; everything is well with him, really. Obviously, it's another competitive handicap for him to take an aim at, but he's in good form. Nurse Susan ran quite well in the Conditional Jockeys race at Cheltenham... she ended up in front just because of how things went at the start.

But I thought she ran nicely after a long lay-off. I think three miles is a much better trip for her, so we'll get her back out there. I wouldn't necessarily say she's stepped forward for Cheltenham, but having that first run for so long, she's entitled to improve a bit, sharpness wise.

We've got two running in the Freebooter Handicap Chase - Le Milos has had a fantastic and consistent year so far, he's always picking up prize money and did win at Warwick back in February, which was lovely. He's not getting any younger obviously, but I think he'll run well again. Three miles here is no problem at all. We also run Heltenham, who was a little too keen at Kempton when we ran him in the Ladbrokes Trophy... he didn't stay three miles on that day, but he was way too keen. If he settles better - and I'm sure this track suits him - then he should be able to run well. He looks nicely handicapped now, after having a bit of a moderate season by his standards. Hopefully there's a good run in there.

Gwennie May Boy runs in the Liverpool Hurdle - we've kept him for this race, having won the Rendlesham en route. He looks great and loves this time of year - he won at the track, and at this meeting last year... we don't really have any negatives. IObviously we're taking on a different set of horses here; Grade 1 level opponents who we haven't met before, so it's going to be hard, however we feel he's ready for it. 

L'Eau du Sud runs in the Maghull Novices' Chase - obviously he finished fourth in the Arkle, not beaten far. I think we learned a lot about him that day, and I think he can go well here. The track will suit him very well, I'm really looking forward to running him.

Quaviste runs in the Bumper. He's a lovely horse, who won on debut at Huntingdon, when he had to go wide - the way the race panned out meant he just got trapped wide... I think he can be upgraded for that performance. Obviously, taking on this lot is a different kettle of fish, but I'm happy with him, and I think he's got an each-way chance.

Ladbrokes has valuable insights into the favourites heading into Saturday's Grand National at Aintree, as well as a beginners guide to betting on the race for those new to the scene.

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All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.