The New Lion Shaping Up Well For Potential Trials Day Blockbuster

Dan Skelton is relishing a potential Cheltenham Festival Trials day showdown against Sir Gino with The New Lion after keenly observing the best of the action over the joyful period.


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 masterpiece in March, despite falling in a dramatic Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle.


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


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


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


Set to sign up with The New Lion at Cheltenham later 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 image of some of the Festival's biggest events, Skelton included: "Grey Dawning looks in addition to The New Lion, so we're pleased with what we have actually got and our plan.


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


"I believe it's an extremely open Gold Cup since there are many quality horses and I believe it's becoming a slightly more concentrated Champion Hurdle. Sir Gino looked excellent (in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day) and extremely fast, so I would say he's going to be extremely tough to beat."