Dan Skelton has bigged up Protektorat ahead of the Cheltenham Festival and has warned those facing off against his stable star that he “will be bang there” if he can find form.
Despite his poor run in the Paddy Power Cotswold Chase at the end of January, Dan Skelton has no worries about his popular horse Protektorat regaining form and being a big contender in the Gold Cup next month.
“He was third in the Gold Cup last year and he’s a bigger, stronger, better horse now,” Skelton said. “You saw at Haydock when he’s at his absolute best how good he can be.
Dan Skelton looking proud as punch as he poses for the cameras with his Gold Cup hope Protektorat 🏆 pic.twitter.com/oSsdQffVMk
— Sporting Life Racing (@SportingLife) February 14, 2023
“If he goes into the Gold Cup like he was at Haydock, the run in the Cotswold Chase will be significantly behind him and I think he’s got a real good chance.”
With the Gold Cup just weeks away, Skelton also discussed the dangers in the race with the ever imperious Galopin Des Champs heading the early markets.
“Galopin Des Champs is the correct favourite. There’s a small question mark over three miles two furlongs at Cheltenham, which Willie [Mullins] is convinced he will answer positively.
“Galopin Des Champs aside, it’s a very open Gold Cup. Everyone’s had a bit of a go at each other and there have been different results along the line.
Cheltenham Gold Cup hope Protektorat parades for the media with jockey Harry Skelton at the @DSkeltonRacing yard pic.twitter.com/1WBNrIgGDo
— David Carr (@wikiwikiwheels) February 14, 2023
“On our Haydock form we’re right up there. That’s 1lb short of a season-leading performance on Racing Post Ratings.”
Despite the glowing words from his owner, Protektorat struggled when last seen, as Skelton’s horse came fourth behind some big names in Ahoy Senor, Sounds Russian and Noble Yeats at Cheltenham late in January
With Skelton singing the praises of one of the stars of his stable, will you be backing Protektorat at 16-1 to win the Gold Cup this year?
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