Skelton And Kirkland Imagine Pre-Gold Cup Glory With Double
Dan Skelton and owner Robert Kirkland are imagining Gold Cup glory next month with Grey Dawning however before then Double Measure quotes to enhance their in the Ladbrokes Dovecote Novices' Hurdle at Kempton.
Kirkland has been an enduring advocate of Skelton and has seen him turn into the leading trainer in the country and the set commemorated Grey Dawning's success at the Cheltenham Festival together in 2024.
Double Measure might be the current star provided how easily he won at Huntingdon last time out and while he is amongst the outsiders presently for the Supreme next month, he is set to go off preferred for this Grade 2.
"This is a race I have actually wanted for him for some time," Skelton informed Ladbrokes.
"He won last time at Huntingdon, and undoubtedly this is a similar track. He's in great type - he needs to step up, however I seem like as he's getting older, he's getting a bit stronger and we're getting a bit more experience into him. I think he's going the best method, and I think he'll be a main player."
Harry Derham's Klub De Reve was a 10-length winner on his last check out to Kempton on Boxing Day and is another prominent in the market.
Owner Robert Kirkland (best) and trainer Dan Skelton head to Kempton with Double Measure (Danny Lawson/PA)
"This has actually been the plan given that Boxing Day, we sat down after that and believed about whether we ought to carry a penalty in an ordinary beginner or attempt to run in a nice race," stated Derham.
"We decided that, as he 'd had a couple of runs in relatively fast succession, we 'd freshen him up and get him in truly good condition for the Dovecote.
"I believe it's quite an open race, any one of a variety of horses might win the race but he goes there in great shape.
"We understand he enjoys the track and he's been quite progressive, if he keeps progressing then it should put him right there."
Another most likely competitor is Nicky Henderson's Mustang Du Breuil, purchased by JP McManus after winning at Auteuil in October. He consequently won on his UK debut at Doncaster.
"I was really delighted with him at Doncaster, albeit it may not have been the greatest race, but he's a person we like a lot and is finding out all the time," said Unibet ambassador Henderson.
"He jumps very nicely and the ground will be in his favour so ideally he could wind up quite clever.
"He 'd have had 3 follow this and needs the experience if we are going to be taking a look at the Fred Winter."