Skelton And Kirkland Imagine Pre-Gold Cup Glory With Double

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


Kirkland has been an enduring supporter of Skelton and has actually seen him turn 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 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 favourite for this Grade 2.


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


"He won last time at Huntingdon, and undoubtedly this is a comparable track. He remains in good form - he needs to step up, however 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 the proper way, and I believe he'll be a main player."


Harry Derham's Klub De Reve was a 10-length winner on his last visit to 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 been the plan since Boxing Day, we took a seat after that and thought of whether we must bring a charge in a common novice or attempt to run in a great race," stated Derham.


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


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


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


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


"I was really pleased with him at Doncaster, albeit it may not have actually been the strongest race, but he's a person we like a lot and is learning all the time," stated Unibet ambassador Henderson.


"He jumps very perfectly and the ground will be in his favour so hopefully he might wind up quite wise.


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