The New Lion Shaping Up Well For Potential Trials Day Blockbuster

Dan Skelton is delighting in a prospective Cheltenham Trials day showdown versus Sir Gino with The New Lion after keenly observing the finest of the action over the joyful duration.


The front-runner for the fitness instructors' title has been steadfast in his belief his Festival winner has all the qualities to land the two-mile hurdling masterpiece in March, despite falling in a dramatic Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle.


And although seeing on while numerous have actually been stating their Cheltenham claims, Skelton has continued to be thrilled with his progress as he builds towards a Champion Hurdle dress wedding rehearsal in the Unibet Hurdle at Prestbury Park on January 24.


Skelton said: "The New Lion got on New Year's Day and leapt beautiful. We have actually jumped him 3 times because he fell which's the happiest we've been with him.


"It sounds like we may encounter Sir Gino on Trials day and we 'd look forward to that."


Set to join The New Lion at Cheltenham later this month is Skelton's Betfair Chase hero Grey Dawning, who will put his Gold Cup qualifications to the test in the Cotswold Chase.


The New Lion ridden by Harry Skelton (left) gestures after winning the Turners Novices ´ Hurdle on day 2 of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse. Picture date: Wednesday March 12, 2025.


Assessing the photo of some of the Festival's biggest events, Skelton added: "Grey Dawning looks fantastic along with The New Lion, so we're happy with what we have actually got and our strategy.


"Whether the others show their hand now or not up until March, we know the opposition is going to be difficult to beat.


"I believe it's a very open Gold Cup because there are so numerous quality horses and I believe it's ending up being a somewhat more concentrated Champion Hurdle. Sir Gino looked great (in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day) and really quick, so I would say he's going to be really hard to beat."