DAN SKELTON has not ruled out a return to the Fighting Fifth for Stayers’ Hurdle favourite The New Lion – who fell in the 2m1f Grade 1 last season.
The champion trainer has hinted he sees the ultimate goal this season being the Stayers’ for the JP McManus-owned former Turners winner.
But how he gets there – or perhaps the Champion Hurdle – has yet to be decided.
A bit like whether brother Harry keeps the ride or if it goes to McManus’ No1 Harry Cobden.
Either way, one thing Skelton is absolutely sure about is that The New Lion needs rain.
And that could determine where he starts his season – with a return to Newcastle still being talked about.
Skelton said: “I don’t know yet where to start as he wants plenty of rain.
“The Fighting Fifth is not completely off the agenda.
“I think we can go up in trip with him if we want to as he has stamina in his locker.
“Let’s allow him to tell us what he wants to do.”
Skelton told Sun Racing in our that he will bide his time with the Grade 1 winner this term.
Should he ultimately race over three miles then there is no rush to bottom him by making him go over the staying trip too soon.
Skelton said: “We will take our time going up in trip step by step.
“I don’t want to go over three miles first time out with him.
“He could go for something like a Relkeel Hurdle at Christmas.”
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