LION READY TO ROAR IN GINO CLASH

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 festive period.

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‘The front-runner for the trainers’ 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 dramatic Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle.

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

Skelton said: “The New Lion jumped on New Year's Day and jumped beautiful.

“We've jumped him three times since he fell and that’s the happiest we've been with him.