Trainer Dan Skelton separated Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson last season at the top of the National Hunt Trainers' Championship, finishing second by his former boss. After an excellent start to the 2021/22 campaign, the Lodge Hill trainer may be set to go one place better.
Skelton had an excellent three days at the recent November Meeting at Cheltenham. Nube Negra was successful in the Grade Two Shloer Chase, Third Time Lucki extended his unbeaten record to two over fences, while West Cork returned from a long lay-off to win the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle.
His latest big race winners indicate Skelton could be set for an exciting Cheltenham Festival. Nube Negra is now 9/1 in the odds on horse racing for the Queen Mother Champion Chase, the race he finished second in last March behind Put The Kettle On.
The Cheltenham Festival did not go the way Skelton would have hoped last March but his horses are likely to feature among the horse racing tips for the meeting this season. Unlike the Jockeys' Championship, which is decided on winners, the Trainers' Championship is determined by prize money, it is, therefore, vital that the Midlands-based trainer fares better during the biggest week of the year.
Tingle Creek A Target for Skelton
The Tingle Creek at Sandown is likely to be one of the next Grade One races that Skelton will be targeting. Nube Negra could take on one of the leading chasers in the division as both Shishkin and Chacun Pour Soi are in the early betting for that 2m race.
Skelton will also be considering his plans for the International Meeting at Cheltenham in December. He has already indicated that he plans to run one of last season's leading hurdlers My Drogo at the meeting. His novice chaser came down at the penultimate fence when travelling well on his latest outing.
Third Time Lucki is another horse who should feature at Prestbury Park again for the upcoming meeting. His novice chaser has won both of his two starts over fences and he is gaining valuable experience at the course ahead of a possible tilt at the Arkle.
Over the Christmas period, there is lots of prize money on offer in the UK and Ireland. Kempton hosts big meetings on the 26th and 27th, which feature a number of Group One races, while Leopardstown also hosts some top-class action during those days.
Consistency May Prove the Key
Although he doesn't quite have as many big-name stars in his stable compared to Nicholls and Henderson, Skelton is proving to be very consistent. He is regularly having winners on a Saturday at the top meetings which will stand him in good stead at the end of the season.
Skelton is currently second in the latest National Hunt Trainers' Championship standings on £630,225. He trails Nicholls who is the early leader with £643,418. Those top two positions could change hands several times over the next few weeks as both men are in good form at the moment.
After seeing his brother win his maiden Jockeys' Championship last season, Skelton will be hoping he two can celebrate at the end of this campaign when the honours are handed out.
