Honky takes the Highway to Sandown success for the Skeltons

Dan Skelton took advantage of a good opportunity to gain some valuable black type for in the Betfair Exchange Claremont Novices’ Hurdle at Sandown.

Having won a Listed bumper at the track in March, Skelton had no qualms about her taking on the boys at the same level.

Only seven were initially declared and when two of those were non-runners, Honky Tonk Highway faced a straightforward task on paper and she duly obliged as the 4-6 favourite under Harry Skelton.

Dan Skelton said: “I entered her on Monday when I saw the race was cutting up. Running her 16 days after Warwick wasn’t perfectly ideal but she is a tough customer and you are actually never really getting to the bottom of her.

“The run at Warwick probably did her the world of good – she just bumped into one that day, a horse of Nicky’s (Henderson, That’s Nice) who looks very good.

“She was good round here today and handled that ground. She could come back here for the Jane Seymour (Grade Two, February 13). We’ll see what the handicapper does – I think the second was only rated 115 so we’ll see.

Harry Skelton said: “To be honest, when Dan entered her here over two miles I thought he was mad as it was only 16 days after her last run. But she’s a mare that has plenty up sleeve and has barely had a blow. That’s what helps her get home.

“She is a bit idle and does what she has to do but she has enjoyed the conditions today and stayed well to the line. I think she could step up in trip but around here you really have to stay with that ground and that hill.

“She is versatile but it was a brilliant piece of placing by Dan.”