The New Lion Shaping Up Well For Potential Trials Day Blockbuster
Dan Skelton is enjoying a prospective Cheltenham Festival Trials day face-off against Sir Gino with The New Lion after keenly observing the best of the action over the festive duration.
The front-runner for the trainers' title has been unfaltering in his belief his Festival winner has all the qualities to land the two-mile hurdling showpiece in March, despite falling in a significant Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle.
And although viewing on while numerous have actually been specifying their Cheltenham claims, Skelton has actually continued to be delighted with his progress as he builds towards a Champ Hurdle gown wedding rehearsal in the Unibet Hurdle at Prestbury Park on January 24.
Skelton stated: "The New Lion leapt on New Year's Day and jumped gorgeous. We have actually jumped him 3 times considering that he fell and that's the happiest we have actually been with him.
"It seems like we may encounter Sir Gino on Trials day and we 'd anticipate that."
Set to sign up with The New Lion at Cheltenham later on this month is Skelton's Betfair Chase hero Grey Dawning, who will put his Gold Cup qualifications to the test in the Cotswold Chase.
The New Lion ridden by Harry Skelton (left) gestures after winning the Turners Novices ´ Hurdle on day 2 of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse. Picture date: Wednesday March 12, 2025.
Assessing the picture of a few of the Festival's biggest occasions, Skelton added: "Grey Dawning looks fantastic along with The New Lion, so we more than happy with what we've got and our plan.
"Whether the others show their hand now or not until March, we understand the opposition is going to be hard to beat.
"I think it's an open Gold Cup because there are a lot of quality horses and I believe it's becoming a slightly more focused Champion Hurdle. Sir Gino looked really good (in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day) and really speedy, so I would say he's going to be extremely tough to beat."