Allmankind set to return over hurdles at Chepstow but plans fluid for My Drogo

Two-time Grade 1 winner Allmankind is set to appear over hurdles at Chepstow next week as Dan Skelton eyes a prep run before the Old Roan Chase.

The Gredley family's five-year-old recorded four wins over fences last season, including in the Henry VIII Novices' Chase, and capped off the campaign when successfully stepped up in distance at Ayr.

Skelton is targeting Aintree's Grade 2 prize on October 24 for Allmankind's first chase test out of novice company but will first take in a return to Chepstow, the scene of his nine-length Finale Juvenile Hurdle demolition in 2019.

The trainer said: "I think he'll start over hurdles at Chepstow next week before then we look at the Old Roan.

"He's difficult to get fit, he needs a run, and there's no two-mile chases. He won the Finale there but he doesn't look well handicapped on his hurdles mark."

The trainer also revealed exciting prospect My Drogo would not make his novice chasing debut until at least the end of October.

Skelton has made no secret that he envisages the six-year-old as a future Gold Cup prospect and the signs are still pleasing.

My Drogo: 'can go a long, long way in life', according to Dan SkeltonCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"He's hopefully a horse who gets all the lucky turns in life and can go a long, long way in life," the trainer said. "I don't know where we'll start yet.

"I was speaking to Richard and Lizzie [Kelvin-Hughes] the other day, but we're leaving it very open. You won't see him until at least the end of October and the plan is to do that."

Of the other leading stars from the Warwickshire stable, Champion Chase runner-up Nube Negra will be out later in the season, while Roksana is to start back in the West Yorkshire Hurdle at Wetherby on October 31.

She will be joined at Wetherby by stablemate Shan Blue, who is being aimed at the Charlie Hall Chase.

Meanwhile, Skelton has named the Paddy Power Gold Cup as an early season aim for Protektorat.

He added: "It's 50-50 where we go with him. Ultimately, he'll be in the Paddy Power, but I'd like to get a run into him beforehand, weather permitting. I'll have to see where we go, I don't know yet.

"They seem to be really good, I'd say the early ones are about ten days off being exactly where we want them to be. When you start running you know where they are. It's a very nice team, we're lucky."

Read more:

'The dream is alive' as talented My Drogo trounces Mersey rivals for Skeltons

'It's absolutely the aim' – Hughes gunning for second title after flying start

Harry Skelton: why becoming champion jockey again looks a tall order

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