The New Lion Shaping Up Well For Potential Trials Day Blockbuster

Dan Skelton is enjoying a prospective Cheltenham Festival Trials day showdown against Sir Gino with The New Lion after keenly observing the finest of the action over the joyful duration.


The for the fitness instructors' title has been steadfast in his belief his Festival winner has all the qualities to land the two-mile hurdling masterpiece in March, in spite of falling in a dramatic Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle.


And although watching on while numerous have actually been stating their Cheltenham claims, Skelton has continued to be thrilled with his development as he builds towards a Champion Hurdle gown wedding rehearsal in the Unibet Hurdle at Prestbury Park on January 24.


Skelton said: "The New Lion got on New Year's Day and leapt stunning. We've leapt him 3 times because he fell and that's the happiest we've been with him.


"It sounds like we may encounter Sir Gino on Trials day and we 'd anticipate that."


Set to join 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 photo of a few of the Festival's most significant events, Skelton included: "Grey Dawning looks fantastic as well as The New Lion, so we're happy with what we've got and our strategy.


"Whether the others reveal their hand now or not till March, we understand the opposition is going to be tough to beat.


"I believe it's an extremely open Gold Cup due to the fact that there are a lot of quality horses and I think it's becoming a somewhat more concentrated Champion Hurdle. Sir Gino looked excellent (in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day) and extremely quick, so I would state he's going to be extremely difficult to beat."