SKELTON EYES BIG PRIZES AT CHELTENHAM

DAN SKELTON insists his leading lights will be fit enough to challenge for top honours at Cheltenham’s three-day meeting this weekend.

- MELISSA JONES

Shloer Chase hat-trick seeker Nube Negra and L’Eau Du Sud, a key Unibet Greatwood Handicap Hurdle player, are yet to run this season.

Alcester-based Skelton has admitted some of his horses are lacking match practice, but said the pair are prepared for their first major assignments.

“Nube Negra has always had the Shloer on his mind and L’Eau Du Sud is totally ready,” said the trainer, who has had just seven winners from his last 62 runners.