Dan Skelton aiming rare 'Triumph type' Doctor Parnassus at Cheltenham prize

Dan Skelton believes comfortable Taunton winner Doctor Parnassus has the ideal profile for next month's Grade 1 JCB Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

The four-year-old recorded his second success over hurdles from two starts on Tuesday and was cut to 16-1 (from 25-1) for the festival.

"We wanted to run him over an extended trip to prove his stamina," said the trainer.

"He relaxed after a mile and jumped well. He was getting weight off older horses who weren't as good so we'd have been disappointed if he lost, but he couldn't have done any more."

On taking on leading Irish contenders Vauban and Pied Piper, Skelton added: "I've not run many horses in it, but I feel he's a Triumph type as he'll see the trip out well and has a bit of class. He'll also put his head down and have a go at the hill. That gives him a squeak."

'Does watching those Irish horses change anything? Not really'

Doctor Parnassus could be joined next month by Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup contender Protektorat, who won the Many Clouds Chase by 25 lengths at Aintree in December, and Nube Negra, who is on course for the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase after finishing a close second last season.

Asked whether watching the likes of Conflated and Champion Chase third Chacun Pour Soi at the weekend made for difficult viewing, the trainer said: "Does watching those Irish horses change anything? Not really. All we can do is get our horses there in the best possible form.

"I'm really happy with Protektorat and Nube Negra, and they will go straight to Cheltenham. They've got hard races coming their way, but that's what you expect in the Gold Cup and the Champion Chase.

"It's a high-quality but open Gold Cup. Every time a contender has raced in a trial, there's been a different winner – Conflated threw his hat into the ring when winning the Irish Gold Cup at the weekend.

"Nube Negra was second in the Champion Chase last year. Chacun Pour Soi has proved to be a significantly better horse in Ireland so perhaps his run in last season's race isn't true to what he can do. He's not yet faced Shishkin and Energumene, but it won't be easy."

Third Time Lucki: is set to face the Alan King-trained Edwardstone at Warwick on SaturdayCredit: Edward Whitaker

Skelton also discussed Shan Blue and West Cork, who will go straight to the Ryanair Chase and County Hurdle, as well as Langer Dan, who could run in the Imperial Cup before another tilt at the Martin Pipe.

It could be a busy weekend for the trainer, who intends to send his leading Sporting Life Arkle contender Third Time Lucki to the Virgin Bet Kingmaker Novices' Chase (2.05) on Saturday after his 30-length victory in the Lightning Novices' Chase at Doncaster last month.

He could take on the Alan King-trained Edwardstone, who finished 16 lengths clear of him when winning the Henry VIII Novices' Chase at Sandown in December when Third Time Lucki was only third.

"We can turn the tables with the ground in our favour," said Skelton. "If it went too soft then I won't run him and the advantage flicks to Edwardstone at that point. I believe having seen more of our horse, he's effective when he can use all of his speed, like at Doncaster.

"As much as the ground was a little soft for us at Sandown, it was his third quick run at the start of the season, which was part of our undoing. I was happy with what I saw in the Lightning Novices' last time. Warwick will suit and we've worked out how to ride him now."

On the decision not to go straight for the Arkle, the trainer added: "I can just envisage a scenario where the ground at Cheltenham is very soft. I wouldn't ask him to run round on ground that is too testing."

The trainer could be represented at Warwick by Molly Ollys Wishes in the Listed Virgin Bet Warwick Mares' Hurdle (1.35). Her stablemate Get A Tonic, who was third at Cheltenham last time, is also entered.

"Molly Ollys Wishes ran only 21 days ago and it looks competitive," said Skelton. "We could wait a week and go for the Rendlesham Hurdle. I'll work her today and that will give me an indication. The ground could be borderline for her as she likes it a little bit slower.

"If she doesn't run, I will run Get A Tonic, but you have to be realistic as she's a novice taking on higher-rated horses. I don't think she's a back number, though, and she could be above average over fences."

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