Skelton And Kirkland Dream Of 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 bids to improve their morale in the Ladbrokes Dovecote Novices' Hurdle at Kempton.


Kirkland has been a long-standing advocate of Skelton and has seen him develop into the leading fitness instructor in the nation and the set celebrated Grey Dawning's success at the Cheltenham Festival together in 2024.


Double Measure could be the current star offered how easily he won at Huntingdon last time out and while he is among 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 told Ladbrokes.


"He won last time at Huntingdon, and certainly this is a similar track. He remains in excellent type - he requires to step up, however I seem like as he's getting older, he's getting a bit more powerful and we're getting a bit more experience into him. I think he's going properly, and I think he'll be a primary 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 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 plan since Boxing Day, we took a seat after that and thought of whether we ought to carry a charge in a regular beginner or attempt to run in a great race," said Derham.


"We decided that, as he 'd had a few runs in relatively fast succession, we 'd refresh him up and get him in really good shape for the Dovecote.


"I believe it's rather an open race, any one of 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 should put him right there."


Another 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 launching at Doncaster.


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


"He jumps really nicely and the ground will be in his favour so hopefully he could end up quite clever.


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