Skelton hoping for 25/1 Mohaayed repeat

Trainer Dan Skelton feels conditions may suit Mohaayed in Friday’s Grade 3 Randox Health County Handicap Hurdle.

The Warwickshire handler has enjoyed recent success in the race, taking it twice in the past three years, with Mohaayed triumphing 12 months ago, while Superb Story delivered the goods under Harry Skelton in 2016.

Bridget Andrews took the ride last year and scored at odds of 33/1 and the seven-year-old is priced at 25/1 to repeat the dose this time around.

It might seem a tall order for the son of Intikhab to go back-to-back but Skelton believes things may well be in his favour.

“We tried him in graded races and that wasn’t working out, so he’s back in handicaps and running well,” he said.

“We’ve had the race in mind for some time. The softer ground suits and he stays well.”

Willie Mullins’ Whiskey Sour is the current market leader at 11/2, while there has been support for Ch’Tibello – also trained by Skelton and on offer at 7/1.

Monsieur Lecoq is third favourite at 9/1, with the race due to start at 14:10 on the Festival’s final day.

Andrews is back on board this year and, in his first race since a wind operation, the trainer seems quietly confident that Mohaayed will go well once again.

“He has top weight, but it would be nice if he could defend his title,” he added. “He’s in good form and loves the track.”

In his penultimate Cheltenham race, Noel Fehily will ride Cut The Mustard, who is 14/1 to do the business.

Odds subject to change.