Nap of the Day: Skelton to fire back in thrilling title race

I tipped Willie Mullins to scoop a £22k prize at Perth on Wednesday and he duly obliged - just not with the horse I selected as my Nap of the Day.

Twenty four hours later, I'm backing his rival Dan Skelton at the same venue for a much lesser prize.

Following a fruitful Wednesday for Willie Mullins, who has reduced the deficit to just under £25k, there's pressure on Dan Skelton to stay in the race for the Jump Trainers' Championship ahead of the season's finale at Sandown this weekend.

I'm hoping the Warwickshire handler can start building his lead back up on Thursday, courtesy of HIDDEN HISTORY in this 0-140 handicap hurdle over 2m4f.

Skelton acquired the lightly-raced seven-year-old from Chris Gordon earlier this year, and the son of Schiaparelli wasted no time in proving his worth, winning a highly-competitive handicap hurdle at Uttoxeter in March.

Off a mark of 115, he always looked comfortable in midfield and found plenty for pressure when asked by Harry Skelton. He hit the front between the final two flights and surged clear to win by a widening three-and-a-quarter lengths.

It was a taking display in a strong contest. The runner-up, Wellington Arch for Jonjo & A J O'Neill, has since franked the form in no uncertain terms, winning a 20-runner Premier Handicap at Aintree's Grand National Meeting off three pounds higher.

That - and considering it was only his fifth run under rules and first for new connections - suggests the selection more than has what it takes to cope with a seven-pound rise.

Of his seven rivals, it's Florida Dreams I fear most. Nicky Richards is in sparkling form at the moment and his seven-year-old son of Doyen has been threatening a win of late. He provides the main danger.

Rambo T can't be ruled out for the excellent Olly Murphy and Sean Bowen combination, but he's got a 135-day layoff to defy. Lucinda Russell's Bold Light and Della Casa Lunga for Clive Boultbee-Brooks are others I give a chance, though I'm not sure there's much juice in either of their marks.

Serious Operator, Chasing Fire and Fourofakind have a fair bit to find as far as I'm concerned.

He's priced accordingly, but I fancy Hidden History quite strongly to provide the Skeltons a much-needed winner.

Get a 10% winnings boost on your win single bet if your selection wins the 15:59 Perth. T&Cs apply.

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