Cheltenham Festival 2018 – Champion Hurdle target for Dan Skelton’s Ch’Tibello

DAN SKELTON is considering sending Ch'Tibello straight to the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

With no real challenger yet to emerge for Buveur D'Air, there looks to be plenty of prize money up for grabs and Skelton is keen to run for a share of it.

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Ch'Tibello went down narrowly to The New One when last seen and may now skip the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton.

"I just need to have a word with his owner, because the Champion Hurdle looks so open now," said Skelton.

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"We were planning the Kingwell, but we might be better going to Cheltenham with a full tank.

"Faugheen's been beaten, Melon bombed out and Defi Du Seuil was disappointing again.

"Listen, if Buveur D'Air stands up it's a case of life, taxes, death, Buveur D'Air - but after him there's not much else.

"For the last 10 years the Champion Hurdle has been so competitive, but this season that isn't the case and we don't want to leave our race behind in the mud at Wincanton."