Dan Skelton's leading two mile chaser Nube Negra will try his hand across the pond in Ireland next week at the Punchestown festival with his connections bullish about his chances.
The Dan Skelton trained gelding has been waited patiently on over the last few seasons, finishing second in the Grade One Scilly Isles Novices' Chase, before backing that up another smart placed run in the Kingmaker Novices' Chase.
Having been off the track for 10 months he returned in the Grade Two Desert Orchid and he looked a vastly improved horse to beat Altior and land the event.
BIG SHOCK YESTERDAY...
— The Winners Enclosure (@TWEnclosure) December 28, 2020
NUBE NEGRA claimed Desert Orchid Chase glory at odds of 20/1 for the Skeltons holding off Altior 😲
🤔 Has he got ANY chance in the Champ Chase?!
🎬 @RacingTV pic.twitter.com/YBr8D3O3Hj
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He was primed for a run at the Cheltenham festival in the Grade One Champion Chase and having came late off the pace he was just outdone on the line by the mare Put The Kettle On.
Coming off the back his second at the festival, he is said to be in fine form at home and although the Grade One Celebration Chase at Sandown was an option, his connections believe Punchestown will be a better fit for the gelding.
(Credit RacingTV) Dan Skelton said: “With the weather as dry as it is, we will adopt a cautious approach at Sandown.
“Not That Fuisse (Josh Gifford Novices’ Handicap Chase) will be our main one and I do think he has unfinished business to attend to.
“Nube Negra will go to Punchestown and I feel he’s exceptionally good.”