MONSTERS SINK!

Allmankind can rock giants says Dan because..

FEARLESS Dan Skelton says Allmankind isn’t scared of fighting two terrifying Arkle monsters at once.

The trainer is convinced his brave charge won’t be frightened in the Tuesday tear-up which promises to be a Festival highlight.

Top-class duo Shishkin and Energumene are both unbeaten over fences and ready for an almighty UK v Ireland clash.

Nicky Henderson’s shot is the 10/11 favourite but the Willie Mullins raider has plenty of backers at 5/2.

However, Allmankind is also unbeaten in three chase starts just like his rivals and supporters interested in the 15/2 shot will be heartened by Skelton’s bullish attitude to hunting the top two in the market.

He said: “He’s taking on two monsters but we’ve got a very tough horse. I don’t see any chinks in his armour and you only find out if you are better or behind these horses when you actually take them on.

“Everyone wants to know the pecking order and I’m happy to chuck our hat in the ring. So long as he is in good health on the day, he’ll be a tough customer.

“I’m not saying he’ll definitely win but I’m not seeing the chinks in his armour which say to me: ‘Oh that’s why we might get beaten in an Arkle.’

“From his first run over hurdles to his first run over fences this season, he sharpened right up.

“He thrives on racing. I see a situation where he improves. I’m not in any way negative. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Tactical analysts fear a burn-up in front between Allmankind and Energumene may set the race up for Shishkin in the way Saint Calvados and Petit Mouchoir did for Footpad three years ago.

Skelton insisted: “They are not going to take each other on to make it a disadvantage.” Last year’s

Triumph flop will also niggle in the mind of his potential backers but Allmankind tuned up for the big day with a win in the Kingmaker at Warwick.

Although he was not fluent in gluepot ground, Skelton took more heart than concern from the prep.

He said: “I was happy with him at Warwick but the ground was testing and he got stuck a little at jumps.

“That was why he couldn’t get into the rhythm he sometimes does but I loved his attitude from the back of the last to get his head stuck down and get on to the line.

“What I learned is that he could get into some unusual positions at a jump and survive, which is vital because you won’t have a career over fences without meeting one or two jumps wrong.

“The better Cheltenham ground will suit him and I’ve no doubts about his durability and suitability. The rhythm will come with the ground.

“The fences come quickly over two miles and that ability to dig

TOUGH TALKING Skelton has no fear deep is really going to suit him at Cheltenham.

“After the last fence, you are going to have to really stay.

“That’s why I was really happy with the race at Warwick. It shows he’ll do that.

“It’s a long run from three out to two out in the Arkle but we can put our head down from turning in and make it a fight.”