Dan Skelton: Protektorat in great shape for Gold Cup
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Ladbrokes ambassador and leading trainer Dan Skelton discusses the chances of his six runners on the final day of the Cheltenham Festival where Protektorat runs in the Gold Cup.
Bridget Andrews rides Faivoir. This race will suit him as he likes a fast-run race. He didn’t let himself down on fast ground the other day at Newbury. This is much more like it and I think he will run well.
Pembroke has a massive chance. He has got some good course form and he’s in good form so I hope he can play a role in this.
We have had this race in mind all season. He was third in the race last year and in my mind there is no doubt that he is stronger and better this year. He won the Betfair Chase very well at the start of the year and it seems everyone has forgotten that.
Protektorat is magnificent in the G1 @Betfair Chase
He stamps his class @haydockraces with a stunning win for @DSkeltonRacing & @harryskelton89. Defending champion A Plus Tard pulled-up 🏇 pic.twitter.com/dHIOmuD4yn
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) November 19, 2022
He needed the run in the Cotswolds Chase, it wasn’t a question of form. I will be happy to prove everyone wrong and I think he is as well as we can have him. We know the track suits him, the rain will have been a massive help for him, and he stays the trip.
He could pick up a bit of prize money in the race. He wouldn’t be one of the leading lights in the betting but he’s consistent and learning to stay the trip well. It would be a strong ask to think he could win but he is thriving in this grade.
Molly Ollys Wishes is more used to running in conditions races so it’ll be quite nice to get her in a handicap here. The track over two-and-a-half miles is perfect. She didn’t stay the three miles in the Cleeve Hurdle having pulled too hard so I think this is much more like it.
West To The Bridge won last week by a fair distance and he is in under a penalty. He will love soft ground and hopefully he can run really well. I know he is a 10-year-old but he has loads of experience and he’s obviously in great form. He won four races this time last year so he comes right in the spring. We will give it our best shot.
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