Skelton And Kirkland Imagine Pre-Gold Cup Glory With Double

Dan and owner Robert Kirkland are dreaming of Gold Cup glory next month with Grey Dawning but before then Double Measure bids to increase their morale in the Ladbrokes Dovecote Novices' Hurdle at Kempton.


Kirkland has actually been an enduring fan of Skelton and has seen him turn into the leading trainer in the nation and the set celebrated Grey Dawning's success at the Cheltenham Festival together in 2024.


Double Measure might be the newest star offered how easily 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 have actually had in mind for him for a long time," Skelton told Ladbrokes.


"He won last time at Huntingdon, and undoubtedly this is a similar track. He remains in great kind - 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 think he's going the proper way, and I believe he'll be a primary gamer."


Harry Derham's Klub De Reve was a 10-length winner on his last visit to Kempton on Boxing Day and is another prominent 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 strategy since Boxing Day, we took a seat after that and considered whether we ought to carry a charge in a common amateur or attempt to run in a good race," stated Derham.


"We chose that, as he 'd had a few runs in relatively quick succession, we 'd freshen him up and get him in actually excellent 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 advancing then it must put him right there."


Another 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 very delighted with him at Doncaster, albeit it might not have been the greatest race, but he's an individual we like a lot and is finding out all the time," said Unibet ambassador Henderson.


"He leaps very nicely and the ground will remain in his favour so hopefully he could end up pretty clever.


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