The new Lion Team Counting down to 'Breaking ´ Cheltenham Feature
It might be an interesting 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 gown wedding rehearsal versus Sir Gino in the Unibet Hurdle.
Already the first and second favourites for the masterpiece, the duo are the star tourist attractions on Trials day, with Dan Skelton's course winner stated to be in top kind as he attempts to compensate his fall in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle in late November.
"Dan seems to be extremely pleased and we're looking forward to Saturday, it will be a splitting race," said McManus' racing supervisor, Frank Berry.
"We'll know a lot more about him after Saturday and you've got to be thrilled to see him out on a terrific day's racing.
"It will be a fantastic race versus Sir Gino and I guess we'll both discover a lot and see where we slot in. It's one to look forward to and ideally 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 offer the famous owner a record-extending 10th Champion Hurdle if effective in the spring.
The New Lion ridden by Harry Skelton (left) wins the Turners Novices ´ Hurdle on day two of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse. Picture date: Wednesday March 12, 2025.
When asked if there is genuine hope The New Lion could become the first to carry the green and gold to glory in the race since Epatante in 2020, Berry included: "He's got a bit to go to show he's at that phase yet and we'll keep dreaming and Saturday will tell us a lot more."
McManus and Nicky Henderson might be on opposing sides in the Unibet Hurdle, but look most likely to collaborate in the Pertemps Network Cleeve Hurdle where Long Walk hero Impose Toi will be out to add another victory to an already excellent project.
"I believe it's the intent to run," included Berry.
"He lost his way a bit however is back in top type this year and has resembled the great ground.
"It was an excellent efficiency at Ascot in the Long Walk in what looked an excellent race on the day. Hopefully he can keep his excellent run of kind going."