Roksana bidding to uphold Long Walk form back at Ascot Dan Skelton is hoping Roksana can repeat her excellent Long Walk performance on her return to Ascot for the Matchbook Betting Podcast Mares’ Hurdle. The nine-year-old was beaten only two lengths when third to Paisley Park in the Grade One over an extended three miles in December and runs against own her sex again on Saturday. However, it will be no walkover — because the opposition includes Magic Of Light, winner of this race for the last two years. “I’m delighted with her — it was a great run in the Long Walk over the course and distance,” said Skelton. “Obviously Magic Of Light is the one to beat, but I’m also respectful of the others in there. “I think it’s a strong mares’ race, but I’m very happy with ours.” Magic Of Light, trained in Ireland by Jessica Harrington and runner-up to Tiger Roll in the 2019 Grand National, has already made a successful visit to Britain this season to win a Listed mares’ chase at Newbury for the third year running. “She is going for a hat-trick in the race and is in great form,” said Kate Harrington, assistant to her mother. “She is entered in the Gold Cup and the Mares’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, and mum is thinking of running her in the Gold Cup.” Paul Nicholls believes Eglantine Du Seuil can give a good account of herself, with the help of a 6lb concession from the big two. “She ran a cracker on her latest start for us six weeks ago in a competitive mares’ handicap hurdle at Cheltenham, where she came from off the pace to be second to The White Mouse,” Nicholls told Betfair. “This is a new trip for her — and although I can’t be sure she stays three miles, she was keeping on well at the finish at Cheltenham. “I’m hopeful Eglantine Du Seuil can run tidily, getting 6lb from two smart mares Magic Of Light and Roksana.”
