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 bids to boost their morale in the Ladbrokes Dovecote Novices' Hurdle at Kempton.


Kirkland has been a long-standing fan of Skelton and has seen him turn into the leading trainer in the nation and the pair celebrated 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 among 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 told Ladbrokes.


"He won last time at Huntingdon, and clearly this is a comparable track. He's in good type - he needs to step up, however I feel like as he's aging, he's getting a bit stronger and we're getting a bit more experience into him. I believe he's going properly, and I think he'll be a main gamer."


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


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


"This has actually been the plan because Boxing Day, we sat down after that and thought of whether we ought to bring a penalty in a common newbie or try to run in a nice race," said Derham.


"We chose that, as he 'd had a few runs in relatively fast succession, we 'd freshen 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 however he goes there in great shape.


"We understand he enjoys 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, bought by JP McManus after winning at Auteuil in October. He subsequently won on his UK debut at Doncaster.


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


"He jumps really well and the ground will remain in his favour so ideally he could wind up pretty smart.


"He 'd have had three follow this and requires the experience if we are going to be looking at the Fred Winter."