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 bids to improve their spirits in the Ladbrokes Dovecote Novices' Hurdle at Kempton.


Kirkland has been an enduring advocate of Skelton and has actually seen him become the leading fitness instructor in the country and the pair celebrated Grey Dawning's success at the Cheltenham Festival together in 2024.


Double Measure could be the most recent 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 favourite for this Grade 2.


"This is a race I have actually 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 remains in excellent form - 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 believe he's going properly, and I believe he'll be a main player."


Harry Derham's Klub De Reve was a 10-length winner on his last check out to on Boxing Day and is another popular in the market.


Owner Robert Kirkland (right) and trainer Dan Skelton head to Kempton with Double Measure (Danny Lawson/PA)


"This has been the plan since Boxing Day, we took a seat after that and thought about whether we must carry a charge in a normal novice or attempt to run in a great race," said Derham.


"We chose that, as he 'd had a couple of runs in fairly quick succession, we 'd refresh him up and get him in actually good condition for the Dovecote.


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


"We know he likes the track and he's been rather progressive, if he keeps progressing then it must put him right there."


Another most likely contender 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 happy with him at Doncaster, albeit it might not have been the greatest race, however he's a person we like a lot and is discovering all the time," stated Unibet ambassador Henderson.


"He jumps extremely well and the ground will remain in his favour so hopefully he might wind 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."