Harry Skelton backs his great Grey Dawning to take ‘big leap’ and win the Betfair Chase

Harry Skelton is hoping a ‘Grey day’ at Haydock will lead him to another big-race success — and see racing fans find a new favourite.

The Betfair Chase is one of only four Grade One chases over three miles — the others being the King George VI Chase, the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Aintree Bowl — and Skelton won it two years ago when he partnered Protektorat.

He has outstanding claims of winning it again on Saturday afternoon on board Grey Dawning, who registered his first success over fences at this meeting 12 months ago in thrilling fashion and ended his novice season by winning the Turners Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

It is always a big task for second-season chasers in championship events against battle-hardened rivals, and Grey Dawning is taking on opponents including multiple Grade One winner Ahoy Senor and last year’s Betfair Chase hero Royale Pagaille.

But Skelton, who rides the flamboyant gelding for his trainer-brother Dan, told Mail Sport: ‘He’s got some nice course form and he ticks a lot of boxes. We have been delighted with him at home and I’m very excited. We know it’s a big leap but we think he can do it.

‘He’s improving with age. He’s grey and a lot of people might latch on to him. He’s a real favourite and we’re very excited about him.’