Dan Skelton Prepares for Champion Chase
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 win marks a significant return for L’Eau Du Sud, who has not raced in 223 days prior to this event.
Skelton expressed confidence in L’Eau Du Sud’s abilities, stating, “He loves running fresh.” The trainer has been focusing on this race since L’Eau Du Sud’s previous outing at Sandown, where he was beaten in the Tingle Creek. Skelton noted, “This is a race we have had in mind since Sandown when he got beat in the Tingle Creek.”
In addition to L’Eau Du Sud, Skelton is also optimistic about Kateira, whom he has named as his each-way horse of the week for the Coral Cup. Skelton remarked, “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 in this race, 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 has also been performing well, having won the Dublin Racing Festival by 19 lengths and is expected to be a strong competitor.
Skelton’s ambitions extend beyond individual races; he aims to surpass Willie Mullins in the trainers’ championship. With L’Eau Du Sud’s recent performances, including two wins this season by a combined 33 lengths, Skelton is positioning himself as a formidable contender.
As the Champion Chase approaches, observers are keen to see how L’Eau Du Sud will perform after such a long break from racing. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final lineup and conditions for the race.