Skelton And Kirkland Imagine Pre-Gold Cup Glory With Double

Dan Skelton and owner Robert Kirkland are dreaming of Gold Cup splendor next month with Grey Dawning however before then Double Measure quotes to improve their morale in the Ladbrokes Dovecote Novices' Hurdle at Kempton.


Kirkland has actually been a long-standing fan of Skelton and has seen him establish into the leading fitness instructor 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 given how quickly he won at Huntingdon last time out and while he is amongst the outsiders currently for the Supreme next month, he is set to go off favourite for this Grade 2.


"This is a race I've had in mind for him for some time," Skelton informed Ladbrokes.


"He won last time at Huntingdon, and certainly this is a comparable track. He's in excellent type - he requires to step up, but I feel 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 properly, and I think he'll be a primary player."


Harry Derham's Klub De Reve was a 10 on his last see 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 since Boxing Day, we took a seat after that and considered whether we need to bring a charge in a common amateur or try to run in a nice race," stated Derham.


"We decided that, as he 'd had a few runs in fairly quick succession, we 'd freshen him up and get him in actually good condition for the Dovecote.


"I think it's rather an open race, any one of a number of horses could win the race however he goes there in good shape.


"We understand he loves the track and he's been quite progressive, if he keeps advancing then it must put him right there."


Another most likely competitor is Nicky Henderson's Mustang Du Breuil, bought by JP McManus after winning at Auteuil in October. He consequently won on his UK debut at Doncaster.


"I was very happy with him at Doncaster, albeit it might not have actually been the strongest race, however he's an individual we like a lot and is discovering all the time," stated Unibet ambassador Henderson.


"He leaps extremely nicely and the ground will be in his favour so hopefully he might wind up pretty smart.


"He 'd have had 3 pursue this and requires the experience if we are going to be taking a look at the Fred Winter."