At a media day yesterday, Dan Skelton has highlighted Kateira in the Cup, formerly the Coral Cup, as his dark horse for the Cheltenham Festival.
Skelton bullishly suggested things were ‘coming together’ for the nine-year-old, whose price has contracted since.
The yard have developed a knack for bringing one back from a poor season, exemplified by Langer Dan recent successes.
The late Ocovango gelding had form figures of 6211 at the Cheltenham Festival. He bumped into Galopin Des Champs in the 2022 Martin Pipe, before winning the 2023 Coral Cup. His form figures read 6P90 next season, but back on the same mark of 141 he won the race again.
Langer Dan bears a striking resemblance to Kateira, who’s looked out of sorts in her last four runs. The Kayf Tara mare has been off the boil since beating Champion Hurdle winner Golden Ace at Wetherby. She was nine lengths behind Wodhooh at Ascot, before a beaten favourite at Doncaster. Kateira has carried top-weight twice in hot handicaps of late, with the handicapper relenting to a mark of 141.
Speaking to the media via the Racing Post, Skelton said: “She’s a massive, massive price in the Coral Cup.
“She had a nice run at Ascot the other day and she started her season very well. She got a bit lost but the longer days, bit of sun in the air and better ground will suit.” A notable smirk came across the face of Skelton after the comment. Similar quotes were often applied to Langer Dan.
“We’re into a handicap off 11st, rather than 12, and it just seems to be nicely coming together. This has been the plan since Christmas.” Trainers are habitual creatures, and it’s hard not to compare the two particularly given she races off 141.
Skelton “struggling to split” his favourites
Skelton is well represented in the handicaps, with Madara, Supremely West, A Pai De Nom and Be Aware all featuring prominently in their respective markets.
Madara has just had two races since 2024, but Skelton deems that as a positive. “I hope that means he’s a fresher horse and less exposed. I was very happy with his Kempton run, the track suits him so he’s got a massive chance.”
Be Aware bids to retain the Grand Annual for the yard, who won it with Unexpected Party in 2024. “Be Aware is really high-class without being an Arkle horse. He’s 66-1 for that and favourite for this, so it’s the right race to go down. Hopefully there’s a few in front that we can sit off a bit.”
It appears as if Skelton has placed a strong emphasis on the handicaps this season as he is within touching distance of a first Trainers’ Championship title.