'Cheltenham has got more chance of happening now' - Dan Skelton raises possibility of Stayers' Hurdle bid for Kabral Du Mathan

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The chances of rising star Kabral Du Mathan running in next month's Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle appeared to improve on Saturday, even though he missed a key engagement in Haydock's ZYN Rendlesham Hurdle.

The Dan Skelton-trained six-year-old, who was declared a non-runner in the Grade 2 due to the ground, has the option of next Sunday's Star Sports National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell, but could still head for the Stayers' Hurdle, for which he is priced at 5-1 generally.

Kabral Du Mathan was taken out of the Rendlesham early on Saturday morning at a time when the going was described as soft, heavy in places, and despite the race eventually being run on good to soft, Skelton had no regrets about the decision.

Speaking at Haydock, where he saddled a double with Aintree-bound pair Dalston Lad and Unexpected Party, the trainer said: "The ground is very different to what was advertised [earlier in the day], but on balance we're happy we didn't run and he'll either have a gallop next week and we'll consider Cheltenham, or he'll go for the National Spirit.

"I don't think he will go to Fontwell, though, because I want to avoid really heavy ground. I'm still not committed to Cheltenham, but it's got more chance of happening now than it did before."

After Kabral Du Mathan won the Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham on New Year's Day, Skelton suggested the National Spirit followed by Aintree was the preferred route for his up-and-coming hurdler.

Kabral Du Mathan, who has won five of his eight starts but has not raced over further than the Relkeel trip of 2m4½f, holds an entry for the Stayers' Hurdle, for which there are only two horses shorter than him in the betting – Teahupoo (13-8) and Honesty Policy (7-2).

"If he was seven years old he'd be going to Cheltenham," said Skelton. "I'm just cautious and conscious of emptying the tank. We know what those older horses are like at staying – when you go into their game you've got to really stay. 

"He'll have one of the faster profiles in the race, but whether that stacks up on the day is the big question. The likes of Bob Olinger and Teahupoo get three miles."

Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle (Cheltenham, March 12)
Paddy Power: 13-8 Teahupoo, 7-2 Honesty Policy, 5 Bob Olinger, Kabral Du Mathan, 6 Ma Shantou, 10 Ballyburn, Impose Toi, 16 bar.

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