Gavin Sheehan: Milldan may be my best hope at Haydock

Harry Skelton looks set to be Christmas number one in the David Power Jockey Cup as we head towards the big day. His lead over Sam Twiston-Davies looks a comfortable one, but as we’ve seen so far in the competition every Saturday counts and one good (or bad) day can change everything. I’m hoping I can pick up some good rides on Boxing Day and get back in contention. For now, though, I’m at Haydock for three rides and the chance to score some points of my own!

My first booked mount is Red Rookie(1.30) for Emma Lavelle. Her horses are flying at the moment so it’s great to pick up the ride for her and get back into these colours. I haven’t ridden this horse before, but he drops down in trip after trying three miles the last few runs and it looks like he’ll appreciate coming down in distance. It looks like there will be some cut in the ground at Haydock and this horse will definitely appreciate that.

The next of my rides comes aboard Egbert (2.05) for Alan King in the Tommy Whittle. It’s always great to get a ride for Alan and I’m hopeful this horse will have come on for his first run of the season last month at Exeter. It may be that this horse wants some firmer underfoot conditions, but he looks the type to have one of these big Saturday races in him, and Alan surely knows how to get them ready.

Milldan (2.40) is possibly my best chance to pick up points in the David Power Jockey Cup. He will definitely have come on for his run earlier this month, but most importantly he will love the ground. This horse is a proper mud lover so the heavier it is, the better for him. Two miles around Haydock should really suit him too, so I’m excited to see how he goes and hopefully nab some points as an early Christmas present!