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Grey Dawning out to cement chasing credentials at Cheltenham

3 minute read

The Cheltenham & South-West Racing Club Novices’ Chase could be an exciting match-up between last-start winners Grey Dawning, Trelawne, Tritonic and Ginny’s Destiny.

GREY DAWNING. Picture: PA

Grey Dawning caught the attention of many when taking a Haydock chase ahead of Gaillard Du Mesnil and subsequent winner Apple Away in November, and the form of his second behind Stay Away Fay on seasonal reappearance was given a boost at Sandown Park last weekend.

"I'm really happy with him and there's a bit of soft ground there as well, which is great," said trainer Dan Skelton.

"He carries a penalty but he has to wherever he goes really, unless it is a Grade One.

"It's another step on the ladder for him, but I'm very happy with him.

"He can go to Warwick on the 13th [of January] for a Graded race after this and I'm very happy with him."

Ginny's Destiny took advantage of Crebilly's last-fence fall at the November meeting to win the cavani.co.uk Novices' Limited Handicap Chase and the pair line up again.

In an interview with Betfair, Paul Nicholls, trainer of Ginny's Destiny, said: "New to us this season, he relishes the current testing ground conditions and was impressive when winning on his second start over fences at this course last time.

"He made all the running that day, was two lengths ahead when his sole challenger fell at the second last and was subsequently raised 8lbs to a mark of 141. He is a decent prospect, worked well on Wednesday morning and I'm looking forward to seeing how he gets on in this stronger race."

Alan King's Tritonic overcame a lack of market support when taking a Wincanton contest on chasing debut on 23 November. The six-year-old was a Grade 2 winner over hurdles and has placed multiple times on the flat at Royal Ascot.

Grey Dawning currently heads the market at 7/4 with Crebilly second-favourite at 9/4.