The New Lion team counting down to ‘cracking’ Cheltenham feature

It could be an exciting afternoon for JP McManus at Cheltenham on Saturday – and connections of The New Lion are expecting “a cracking race” when their Festival winner lines up for a Champion Hurdle dress rehearsal against Sir Gino in the Unibet Hurdle.

Already the first and second favourites for the Festival’s opening-day showpiece, the duo are the star attractions on Trials day, with Dan Skelton’s course winner said to be in top form as he attempts to atone for his fall in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle in late November.

“Dan seems to be very pleased and we’re looking forward to Saturday, it will be a cracking race,” said McManus’ racing manager, Frank Berry.

“We’ll know a lot more about him after Saturday and you’ve got to be excited to see him out on a great day’s racing.

“It will be a great race against Sir Gino and I guess we’ll both learn a lot and see where we slot in. It’s one to look forward to and hopefully he runs really well.”

The New Lion was bought by McManus prior to winning the Turners Novices’ Hurdle at last year’s flagship meeting and would give the legendary owner a record-extending 10th Champion Hurdle if successful in the spring.

When asked if there is real hope The New Lion could become the first to carry the green and gold to glory in the race since Epatante in 2020, Berry added: “He’s got a bit to go to show he’s at that stage yet and we’ll keep dreaming and Saturday will tell us a lot more.”

McManus and Nicky Henderson may be on opposing sides in the Unibet Hurdle, but look likely to team up in the Pertemps Network Cleeve Hurdle where Long Walk hero Impose Toi will be out to add another victory to an already stellar campaign.

“I think it’s the intention to run,” added Berry.

“He lost his way a bit but is back in top form this year and has been liking the nice ground.

“It was a good performance at Ascot in the Long Walk in what looked a good race on the day. Hopefully he can keep his good run of form going.”