Skelton And Kirkland Dream Of Pre-Gold Cup Glory With Double


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


Kirkland has actually been a long-standing supporter of and has actually seen him develop into the leading fitness instructor in the nation and the pair commemorated Grey Dawning's success at the Cheltenham Festival together in 2024.


Double Measure might be the current star provided 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 preferred for this Grade 2.


"This is a race I've wanted for him for a long time," Skelton told Ladbrokes.


"He won last time at Huntingdon, and certainly this is a comparable track. He remains in great kind - he needs to step up, however I seem like as he's aging, he's getting a bit more powerful and we're getting a bit more experience into him. I believe he's going the proper way, and I believe he'll be a main gamer."


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 (best) and trainer Dan Skelton head to Kempton with Double Measure (Danny Lawson/PA)


"This has been the strategy considering that Boxing Day, we took a seat after that and thought of whether we should bring a charge in a common amateur or try to run in a great race," said Derham.


"We chose that, as he 'd had a few runs in relatively quick succession, we 'd refresh him up and get him in truly good condition for the Dovecote.


"I think it's quite an open race, any among a number of horses might win the race but he goes there in good shape.


"We understand he loves the track and he's been rather progressive, if he keeps progressing then it should put him right there."


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


"I was very delighted with him at Doncaster, albeit it may not have actually been the strongest race, however he's a person we like a lot and is finding out all the time," stated Unibet ambassador Henderson.


"He jumps very nicely and the ground will be in his favour so hopefully he could wind up pretty clever.


"He 'd have had three runs after this and needs the experience if we are going to be taking a look at the Fred Winter."