Dan Skelton and owner Robert Kirkland are imagining Gold Cup glory next month with Grey Dawning however before then Double Measure bids to boost their morale in the Ladbrokes Dovecote Novices' Hurdle at Kempton.
Kirkland has actually been a long-standing fan of Skelton and has actually seen him establish into the leading fitness instructor in the nation and the set commemorated Grey Dawning's success at the Cheltenham Festival together in 2024.
Double Measure might be the most recent star given how quickly he won at Huntingdon last time out and while he is among the outsiders presently for the Supreme next month, he is set to go off favourite for this Grade 2.
"This is a race I've wanted for him for some time," Skelton told Ladbrokes.
"He won last time at Huntingdon, and obviously this is a comparable track. He remains in excellent form - he needs to step up, but I feel like as he's getting older, he's getting a bit stronger and we're getting a bit more experience into him. I believe he's going the proper way, and I think he'll be a primary player."
Harry Derham's Klub De Reve was a 10-length winner on his last visit to Kempton on Boxing Day and is another popular in the market.
Owner Robert Kirkland (ideal) and fitness instructor Dan Skelton head to Kempton with Double Measure (Danny Lawson/PA)
"This has been the plan since Boxing Day, we took a seat after that and thought about whether we need to bring a penalty in a normal newbie or try to run in a great race," stated Derham.
"We decided that, as he 'd had a few runs in fairly fast succession, we 'd refresh him up and get him in truly good condition for the Dovecote.
"I believe it's quite an open race, any one of a number of horses might win the race but he goes there in great shape.
"We know he loves the track and he's been rather progressive, if he keeps advancing then it should put him right there."
Another most likely competitor is Nicky Henderson's Mustang Du Breuil, purchased by JP McManus after winning at Auteuil in October. He subsequently won on his UK debut at Doncaster.
"I was very delighted with him at Doncaster, albeit it might not have actually been the greatest race, however he's a person we like a lot and is finding out all the time," said Unibet ambassador Henderson.
"He leaps very well and the ground will be in his favour so ideally he could wind up pretty clever.
"He 'd have had 3 follow this and needs the experience if we are going to be looking at the Fred Winter."
