It is an exaggeration to say that Sam Thomas will be unduly worried. But such are the strides that Harry Skelton is making under the wing of champion trainer Paul Nicholls, you can't help but wonder if Ruby Walsh's much-maligned deputy will soon be casting one or two anxious glances over his shoulder.

Skelton, 19-year-old son of veteran international showjumper Nick, would be first to admit that he's not quite yet the finished article. And while he still has a few furlongs to go before he's unseating Walsh as the top jockey in the yard, time and a handy 5lb claim are on his side.

Yet having already won the Irish National with Niche Market on Monday to give Bob Buckler one of the biggest successes of his training career, the conditional rider is aiming to add victory in Ayr's Scottish Grand National to his CV on Saturday.

And Skelton thinks the Nicholls-trained Dear Villez, fourth to Wichita Lineman in the William Hill Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival last time out and winner of the Munster National at Limerick in October, will be in the thick of it when it matters.

He said: "Winning the Irish National meant everything to me. Niche Market just plodded away and got into a good rhythm, and that's what you need in those sorts of races, a horse who can switch off early.

"Dear Villez seems to jump well, travel well and stay well. He wouldn't want the ground too quick, but I'm sure it won't be.

"He might end up having to carry top weight, but if he gets good ground I'd hope he would have an each-way chance."

Carrying a saddle since he could walk, Skelton was too young to gain an apprentices' licence when he had his first ride on the Flat with Richard Hannon.

"After a year with Mr Hannon, I got a bit heavier and he thought the best thing I could do was go to Mr Nicholls and see how I got on, and it's going really well," he said. "Mr Nicholls has given me the opportunity. He has been very loyal and very good to me."

It also doesn't hurt that Nicholls's assistant is Harry's affable brother Dan. The dynamic seems to work well.

Skelton said: "Dan is the boss. I work for him. I'm very fortunate in the respect that dad also helps me a lot, giving me bits of advice, such as how to present a horse at a fence. But he and my brother are the first to put me right when I've made a mistake."

Skelton has ridden 21 domestic winners this term and with the yard's Nick Scholfield set to become stable jockey to Andy Turnell next season, there should be even more opportunities for him with the conditional jockeys' title an attainable goal.

He is certainly not fazed by riding the likes of stable stars Denman, Twist Magic and Master Minded in their work.

Skelton said: "You have to be relaxed about it, though perhaps take a bit more care. I don't ride them every day but it's a fantastic opportunity when you do. Who wouldn't want to ride Master Minded!"

Never mind, Sam. Maybe it is Ruby who should be fretting.