3 minute read

Skelton’s Festival hopes high for unbeaten juvenile.

Dan Skelton reports Allmankind firmly on course for the JCB Triumph Hurdle.

The Bill and Tim Gredley-owned gelding will be defending a perfect three-from-three record over timber when he lines up at Cheltenham this month, and Skelton remains full of hope for further success.

"He's really good. I'm very happy with him," said the Warwickshire trainer, who is puzzled by the ratings gap between ante-post favourite Solo and the next two in the market, his own big-race hope and Gary Moore's Goshen.

"To be honest, no one's got threateningly close to Allmankind, (and) no one's got threateningly close to Goshen.

"Solo was ultra impressive (when winning at Kempton) – but why Solo deserves a 9lb higher rating than the others, I'm not really sure.

"The court of public opinion clearly does not agree, as he (Solo) would be even money (on ratings)."

The bookmakers currently have it much closer than that, and Skelton added: "I think the three are very strong representatives.

"I think it's an open race, but it looks like the English hold a strong hand.

"I'm happy with our horse – he's a Grade One winner and he's won round the track."