Dan Skelton Prepares for Cheltenham
Dan Skelton is training L’Eau Du Sud for the Champion Chase at Cheltenham, following a remarkable victory in the Shloer Chase where the horse won by 15 lengths. This marks a significant moment as L’Eau Du Sud has not raced in 223 days prior to this upcoming event.
Skelton expressed confidence in L’Eau Du Sud’s performance, stating, “He loves running fresh.” The horse has had only two runs this season, winning both by a combined total of 33 lengths. L’Eau Du Sud also wears the colours of the late John Hales, adding a sentimental touch to the competition.
In addition to L’Eau Du Sud, Skelton has other contenders, including Kateira, who he has identified as his each-way horse of the week for the Coral Cup. Skelton noted, “I have put up Kateira as my each-way horse of the week in all the previews and the ground has come right for her in the old Coral Cup.” Kateira will carry 11 stone, a notable reduction from her previous weight of 12 stone.
Another horse in Skelton’s stable, Bossman Jack, has shown promising form in his last two outings, while Soldier Reeves finished second in a recent race at Haydock. Meanwhile, Majborough, who won the Dublin Racing Festival by 19 lengths, is also a strong competitor.
Skelton is focused on the trainers’ championship, aiming to surpass Willie Mullins, who has previously won the Champion Chase on four occasions. Skelton remarked, “We will have to do a lot to beat Majborough, but we are very happy with our prep.” This determination highlights the competitive nature of the upcoming races at Cheltenham.
As the event approaches, observers are keen to see how L’Eau Du Sud performs after a lengthy break and whether Skelton’s strategies will pay off against formidable rivals. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final line-up for the Champion Chase, but anticipation continues to build around Skelton’s horses.
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