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 however before then Double Measure quotes to enhance their morale in the Ladbrokes Dovecote Novices' Hurdle at Kempton.


Kirkland has been a long-standing advocate of Skelton and has seen him turn into the leading trainer in the nation and the pair commemorated 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 amongst the outsiders currently for the Supreme next month, he is set to go off preferred 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 obviously this is a comparable track. He's in good kind - he needs 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 believe he's going the ideal 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 popular in the market.


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


"This has been the plan considering that Boxing Day, we took a seat after that and thought about whether we should bring a charge in a common beginner or attempt to run in a good race," said Derham.


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


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


"We understand he enjoys the track and he's been quite progressive, if he keeps advancing then it ought 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 launching at Doncaster.


"I was really happy with him at Doncaster, albeit it might not have actually been the strongest race, but he's an individual we like a lot and is discovering all the time," said Unibet ambassador Henderson.


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


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