The New Lion Shaping Up Well For Potential Trials Day Blockbuster

Dan Skelton is enjoying a possible Cheltenham Festival Trials day face-off versus Sir Gino with The New Lion after acutely observing the very best of the action over the festive duration.


The front-runner for the fitness instructors' title has been steadfast 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 enjoying on while numerous have been stating their Cheltenham claims, Skelton has actually continued to be happy with his progress as he builds towards a Champ Hurdle dress practice session in the Unibet Hurdle at Prestbury Park on January 24.


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


"It sounds like we might clash with Sir Gino on Trials day and we 'd look forward to 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 credentials 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 some of the Festival's biggest events, Skelton added: "Grey Dawning looks fantastic along with The New Lion, so we more than happy with what we have actually got and our strategy.


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


"I believe it's a really open Gold Cup since there are numerous quality horses and I think it's ending up being a somewhat more concentrated Champion Hurdle. Sir Gino looked excellent (in the Christmas Hurdle at on Boxing Day) and very fast, so I would say he's going to be very tough to beat."