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 but before then Double Measure quotes to enhance their spirits in the Ladbrokes Dovecote Novices' Hurdle at Kempton.
Kirkland has actually been an enduring advocate of Skelton and has actually seen him develop into the leading fitness instructor in the country and the set celebrated Grey Dawning's success at the Cheltenham Festival together in 2024.
Double Measure might be the most recent star offered how easily he won at Huntingdon last time out and while he is among the outsiders presently for the Supreme next month, he is set to go off favourite for this Grade 2.
"This is a race I have actually wanted for him for some time," Skelton told Ladbrokes.
"He won last time at Huntingdon, and obviously this is a comparable track. He's in good form - he needs to step up, but 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 believe he's going the best way, and I think he'll be a primary player."
Harry Derham's Klub De Reve was a 10-length winner on his last see to Kempton on Boxing Day and is another prominent in the market.
Owner Robert Kirkland (ideal) and fitness instructor 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 thought of whether we need to bring a penalty in a regular amateur or attempt to run in a great race," stated Derham.
"We chose that, as he 'd had a few runs in relatively quick succession, we 'd refresh him up and get him in actually excellent shape for the Dovecote.
"I believe it's rather an open race, any among a variety of horses could win the race but he goes there in great shape.
"We understand he likes the track and he's been quite progressive, if he keeps advancing then it should put him right there."
Another most likely contender is Mustang Du Breuil, bought by JP McManus after winning at Auteuil in October. He subsequently won on his UK launching at Doncaster.
"I was very pleased with him at Doncaster, albeit it may not have been the greatest race, but he's an individual we like a lot and is learning all the time," stated Unibet ambassador Henderson.
"He leaps very perfectly and the ground will remain in his favour so hopefully he might end up pretty smart.
"He 'd have had 3 pursue this and needs the experience if we are going to be looking at the Fred Winter."