Ashtown Lad (5-1) continued the Skelton's superb Saturday winning run when landing the Boylesports Becher Handicap Chase at Aintree Racecourse in fine style.
Dan Skelton’s eight-year-old, under the trainer's brother Harry, put down a marker for the Randox Grand National itself with victory in the feature run over the big obstacles.
It was the third big Saturday race pot in a row for the Skelton stable after Protektorat's Grade One Betfair Chase victory at Haydock Park two weeks ago and Le Milos' victory in the Coral Gold Cup Handicap Chase last Saturday. While Nube Negra has also scored earlier last month. Both Protektorat and Le Milos provided first successes in those prestigious contests and Ashtown Lad gave Skelton a first success over the big Aintree obstacles.
Despite reservations over his stamina – he had faded to be fifth in the Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr in April – Ashtown Lad, who is owned by Aintree lover Darren Yates, is likely to be aimed at the world’s greatest steeplechase back in Liverpool on April 15 in the New Year. He could be real contender for the big one if he stays the extra distance having taken to the unique challenge so well. He was cut to 33-1 by Paddy Power for the National behind last year's winner Noble Yeats, who is as low as 8-1 following his earlier impressive victory in the Many Clouds Chase on his return to Aintree.
Harry Skelton always had Ashtown Lad well placed close up out wide as first Dr Kananga, then Cloth Cap led the field over the big Aintree obstacles. As Dr Kananga faded Ashtown Lad moved ahead of Cloth Cap and made his move for home. But the Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero-trained Gesskille – who had also been second over the fences in last month's Grand Sefton Chase – tried to bridge the gap. Although the latter was closing in all the time Ashtown Lad galloped all the way to the line to score by two-and-a-quarter-lengths from the 4-1 favourite. Percussion (10-1) was three-and-a-half lengths back in third with Fortescue (33-1) a further four-and-a-quarter lengths adrift in fourth with Five Star Getaway fifth and Cloth Cap in sixth.
Trainer Dan Skelton said: "It's been an absolutely incredible month and I'm so, so proud of the team.
"He has to have space this horse – if you get him crowded he can just curl up on you a little bit. He got a great position today and jumped beautifully. It's a first winner for both myself and Harry over these fences. Sometimes it feels like it's not going to happen so I'm absolutely delighted.
"That (Grand National) is one of the options. Darren obviously harbours a serious interest in the National and whether a winner over those fences increases that desire or diminishes it I'm not sure, but I don't think it will diminish it.
"We just have to think very hard about the trip. Last year in the Scottish National he didn't stay, but who is to say as he gets a bit older he won't stay a bit better? He loves the jumps and that's vital.
"This run will come to an end, of course it will, but while it's not we'll keep enjoying it."
Jockey Harry Skelton added: "That was fantastic. I just wanted to get out wide as he's a big horse and likes a bit of space and he was in a good rhythm.
"He took to it really well and his ears were pricked. The whole way round I was very comfortable.
"He would be (a great ride in the Grand National). He didn't quite stay in the Scottish National, but this is a big race in its own right today – it's massive.
"We're having an unbelievable run. Dan is doing a fantastic job training and leads us from the top. The staff working endlessly and we're all enjoying it.
"I couldn't believe it last week after Le Milos won, but we know in this game you're soon back down and you need to keep your feet on the ground.
"We'll enjoy our wins and take our hidings and beatings. It's been a magic few weeks."
Winning owner Darren Yates, who won more than £500,000 with a bet on Frankie Dettori's 'Magnificent Seven' at Ascot in 1996, said: "Honestly I think that tops the Frankie day, when you own one it's just incredible. I've not been moved by a win like that, it was special. We've had Blaklion finish sixth in the Grand National before and whether this lad stays quite that far I don't know. I've just won the Becher, though, so I can't complain! It's absolutely amazing."
Venetia Williams Brave Seasca (12-1) won the Boylesports Daily Money Back 2nd Handicap Chase by one-and-three-quarters-of-a-length from Handsworth (22-1).
